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Location : In the state of
Maharashtra lying in the western coast of India.
Major Tourist Attractions : Kelkar Museum, Shaniwar
wada, Ramani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute, Gandhi
National Memorial, Empress Botanical Gardens, Lal Deval,
Bund Garden, Osho Commune International, Shindyanchi
Chhatri and Pataleshwar Cave Temple.
Best Hangouts : Bund Garden, Osho Commune
International, Empress Botanical Gardens.
Festivals : The Pune Festival, The Shaniwarwada
Dance Festival, Ganesh Chaturti.
Nearby Tourist Destinations : Mumbai, Nasik, Nagpur,
Aurangabad.
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About Pune
Pune is a cultural city of the state of Maharashtra that
wears a rich historical legacy characterised with the
glorious period of Marathas. The city of Pune is situated
near the western coast of India, about 115 miles
south-east of Mumbai (Bombay). It is one of the many
cities situated on the Deccan plateau, which forms the
triangular portion of India. 'Punaka' is the name by which
Pune was known in the ancient times.
Pune contributed significantly to the freedom movement and
produced heroes like Lokmanya Bal Ganga Dhar Tilak, Sane
Guruji and the Chapekar brothers. Pune comprises a
cosmopolitan community and a broad range of economic and
social populace. Pune is the seat of North Indian
Classical music and it continues to be one of the eminent
centers of education in India. Being the cultural hub of
western India Pune attracts tourists throughout the year
from all around.
Major Tourist Attractions in Pune
Kelkar Museum
Here you will find the personal collection of Dinkar
Gangadhar. The museum house around 17,000 artworks. The
collection includes musical instruments, hookah pipes, oil
lamps, carved doors and windows, hair drying combs, noodle
makers, etc.
Shaniwar wada
Built in 1736, Shaniwar Wada is ruins of the palace of the
Peshwar rulers. It was burnt down in 1828, but the walls
still remain. The doors of the palace are studded with
spikes so that the enemies do not enter the place.
Ramani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute
This the perfect place for the people interested in Yoga.
The institute is off Ganesh Khind Road in Model Colony.
There are six classes a week and it costs up to US$200 for
a month. You have to look for accommodation outside the
institute.
Gandhi National Memorial
This Memorial, set in 6.5 ha of gardens, was built by Shah
Aga Khan III in 1892. It was his palace till 1956. In
1969, it was donated to India by Aga Khan IV. Kasturba
Gandhi, Mahatma's wife and Mahadeobhai Desai, Mahatma's
secretary for 35 years, died here during their stay. Their
ashes have been kept in Memorial tombs in the gardens.
Patalesvara Temple
This is a 8th century rock cut cave temple. This place is
a must visit for the tourists keeping interest in ancient
art and architecture.
Empress Botanical Gardens
These gardens have fine trees and there is also a zoo
nearby. The parks include the Saras Bagh which has a
number of food stalls outside. The other popular garden is
the Bund Gardens which is ideal for walks.
Osho Commune International
This is the famous ashram of Bhagwan Rajneesh at Koregaon
park. The ashram now known as a spiritual health club,
attracts thousands of visitors each year. The ashram has
facilities like a swimming pool, saunas, tennis and
basketball courts, beauty parlour, bookshop and a massage
centre.
Getting There
Air : Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Calcutta, Madras, Bangalore
and Ahmedabad are connected by air to Pune. Mumbai is the
nearest International Airport to Pune.
Rail : Pune is linked with Mumbai (170 km), Nasik (209
km), Aurangabad (230 km), Chennai (1,088 km), Delhi and
other major cities of India.
Road : The excellent road network connects Pune with most
of the important cities in Maharashtra and India. The
Mumbai-Pune Express Highway offers a safe and fast access
between Mumbai and Pune.
Accommodation
Accommodation are plenty in Pune. There are several world
class facilities are available here for accommodation. One
can pick up from luxury and budget categories. All the
accommodations are ideally planned for the tourist coming
from all over. |