Poona

Overview:

The land of educational institutions and corporate giants, Pune in Maharashtra was known as the ‘Punyanagari’, during the medieval days. It relishes year round agreeable and pleasant climate. It personified the political nave of the Peshwa Empire, before the British invaded it in 1817. Home to the legendary Raja Shivaji, marked by magnificent land and sea forts, the long-standing bastion of the Maratha empire has gained nick names such as Queen of the Deccan, Oxford of the East, and cultural capital of Maharashtra, Pune is a city with a future that promises to be as interesting as its history. Pune à la mode has become the centre of traditional Marathi culture, where arts and crafts, education and theatre are given pride of place. One of India's oldest universities and its numerous colleges attract both Indian and international students, which is probably why it is called the Oxford of the East. En route to becoming a cosmopolitan city, Pune is an important commercial centre and economic hub of India. In the cusp of verdant hills and beautiful lakes, Pune has a temperate climate and is among the greenest urban areas in India. Being one of the largest cities in India, with its many colleges and universities and industries Pune is emerging as a prominent location for IT and manufacturing companies to expand. Pune has the seventh largest metropolitan economy with the sixth highest per capita income in the country. From tourists asunder, large number of working professionals and students also travel to Pune from Mumbai quite often. They ordinarily hire a car from Mumbai to Pune to save themselves precious time and money. Indian highways and state highways connect Pune to other cities. Pune is connected to Mumbai, Bangalore and Kolhapur via National Highway 4 (NH 4) and is also accessible via NH 9 to Hyderabad, and NH 50 to Nashik. State highways connect it to Ahmednagar, Aurangabad, and Alandi as well. India's first six-lane high-speed expressway, t he Mumbai-Pune Expressway, was completed in 2002, and has reduced travel time between Pune and Mumbai to almost two hours. Travelling by hired cabs also ensures that they can ride at their own pace and stop for a quick meal or photo session wherever and whenever they want.

Places to Visit:

Famous for its association with the movements leading upto the Indian independence the Aga Khan Palace is one of the prima tourist attractions in Pune. The British had imprisoned Hordes of freedom fighters including Mahatma Gandhi were imprisoned, by the British, in this palace. There are marble statues of Kasturba Gandhi and Mahadeobhai Desai inside, both of whom were imprisoned here in 1942 during the Quit India Movement.

David Synagogue, in Byculla near Pune, is a specimen of Victorian architecture. It vaunts of huge Gothic-style front pillars and a grand clock-tower that overlooks the entire span of the city. Pataleshwar Cave Temple, heretofore another tourist spot in Pune, is a rock-cut shrine that dates back to the eighth century. Close to the Pataleshwar Temple, Jangali Maharaj Temple, is another religious site of reverence. Other sightseeing landmarks in Pune include Mushli Lake, Bund Garden, the Tribal Museum and the National War Museum.

The Osho International Meditation Resort has acquired international recognition with thousands of people, giving Pune an international flavour. Hordes of people from more than hundred countries, visit the Resort every year. The beauty of the Resort is in its green and tranquil surroundings, which creates a suitable and conducive environment for meditation and introspection. Osho Teerth, a beautiful garden features as an important place on the itinerary of Pune visitors. It is a major contribution to the environment of west side Pune. The resort won the 'Pune's Pride’ award.

Things to do:

Savor the cuisine of Pune which uses Pearl millet and Sorghum as the main ingredients of traditional Pune food. Other specialties include Bhakri (millet pancakes) with Pithla (a flour-based curry), Puran Poli (a dessert bread), Bhelpuri and Pav Bhaji, Mastani, a thick milkshake containing dried fruit, which are a specialty of the city; while Misal Pav, Vada Pav and Poha are common and popular street foods. Being a Metropolitan city, Pune has a wide variety of restaurants, serving cuisines from all over the world.

A testimony to its glorious past ‘Old Pune’ with its narrow winding roads offers an interesting contrast to the open, spacious new city. However, the old-world charm and its many quaint characteristics, including the omnipresent cyclists, rickshaws and a daily siesta hour is still retained by Pune. Visitors should explore the area to get a feel of Pune’s history.