PUNE Location : 170 kilometers from Mumbai Known As : Oxford of East, Deccan Queen and Detroit of India What To See : Peshwa Vestige, Agha Khan Palace and Osho's Ashram What To Do : Para gliding and Shopping

Pune – Heartbeat of Maharashtra

Shaniwar Wada - The Fort of Peshwa

Places To Visit Getting There Mumbai Nasik

Nagpur Aurangabad Mahabalshwar

Music and Dances Festivals Pilgrimage

Pune, commonly referred to as the cultural capital of Maharashtra state was a chosen retreat for the people seeing break from their daily work schedule, an ideal gateway from Mumbai. Over the last few decades this city has metamorphosed from a quaint sleepy town to the bustling metropolis. For the center of esteemed academia in the city it is known as the 'Oxford of East', and has a large student population that made it the most happening place. For the strong presence of the automobile sector, the city is doing justice with the title of 'Detroit of India' and 'The Automobile City’. What was once considered as pensioner's paradise is now home to leading software and IT companies. The attractions of the city are its forts, food, lakes, adventure, pilgrimage and shopping. Plan a tour to Pune and it will make your holidays the most thrilling and exciting experience.

There are three distinct seasons in the city summer, monsoon and winter. The maximum summer temperature ranges between 35 degree Centigrade to 40 Centigrade during March to May. April is the hottest month of the summer season and May receives the moderate to heavy downpour bringing down the day temperature. Owing to its high altitude the nights are cooler as compare to other regions. Come to the city and enjoy the shower with the football game you will enjoy it.

Exclusive Charms of Pune

Aga Khan Palace

Cosmopolitanism taking toll on the colorful past of the city has entirely changed lifestyle of the people. The traditional head gear Puneri - pagdi was replaced by the American style base ball cap worn front - side back. Afternoon siesta is one of the sanctified things that never changed, so when ever you are heading for shopping or friends home mind it he may be napping, hence off limit from 2 to 4 pm. The places to be visited in the city are Peshwa Vestige, the 18th century magnificent Peshwa palace gutted in the fire in 1827, yet a everlasting symbol of city's past glory. Many such palaces or wadas where built by officials of the successive Peshwa rulers but unfortunately most are broken down while others are occupied by government offices. The Shinde's Chattri at vana-wadi is architectural splendor which represents the confluence of the Indian and European architecture and still safeguarded by the Scindia family.

The impressive Agha Khan Palace on Nagar Road houses the Gandhi National Memorial and is the place where the Gandhi along other leaders of Quit India Movement where arrested. At this place you can go through the pictures, letters and other memorabilia that narrate the story of the father of nation and amidst the picturesque setting there lies the Samadhi of Kasturba Gandhi where you can pay homage to her. Though it closes early the best time you can visit the palace is morning and afternoon. The other place that needs to be visited is one of the India's oldest university – Pune university. Actually the official monsoon residence of Governor of Bombay, the Mansion of the Italian – Gothic Style was transformed to university to impart the knowledge of enlightenment. Visit the university and you will desire to get enrolled in the university as a student.

Osho's Commune – A Spiritual Center

Osho's Ashram

Osho's commune located in Koregaon Park is the hot tourist spot among the spiritual travelers. Not quite the beehive of activity as it was when its presiding deity was still alive, it's still known to world as the meditation resort where the participants are offered 100 different spiritual techniques by the Osho's Commune. To the casual visitors short as well as long term courses of spiritual exercise are available here. A look at the grid of lanes that makes up the enclave of Koregaon Park, is a good way to get the glimpse of Pune.

Adventure Options

Paragliding at Pune

For the adventure lovers, Pune offers the unique experience of airborne adventure. Go for paragliding at Hadapsur and fly like a liberated bird. Capture the panoramic view of Pune with you camera and it will be a lifetime experience. If interested you can learn gliding from the Flying Safari that conducts the learner's and advanced courses throughout the year except during rains. There is also one day aviation workshop for children but only if there is a batch of ten. Try your hands on gliding and you will be a man with wings how is it!

Experience Pune

Beyond the adventure, monuments and museums the other significant features of the city are its shopping and cafe corners. The traditional Maharashtrian Sari nauvari (nine yard) cotton sari is the challenge. The approved avenue for its shopping is Laxmi Road, where you can also look for its swankier cousins, the Naryanpeth and Paithani. Kala Niketan on Jangli Maharaj Road and Poona Sari Center on MG Road stock a variety of these saris's too. For the ethnic wears of the surrounding districts you can visit Savitri shop right next to Nehru Memorial Hall on Moledina road.

For glass bangles and silver jewelery visit Commercial street's main market and leather, handcrafted Kolapuri chappals are available near Hanuman Mandiar. Fergusson College Road and Jangli Maharaj Road are crowded with shops where you can shop for almost everything on exclusive showrooms of international brands like levi's Revlon.

Punes famous strawberry biscuits and chewda, khari biscoot (salt biscuits) and mava (thicken milk cakes) are famous throughout the country. Its specialty is that they are unchallenged from the last fifty years and are offered by the two old Irani stalwarts City bakery on MG road and Kayani on East Street. The known names of the coffee centers are Barista, Hot Breads, Good Day and South Winds on FG College road. But all the visitors to Pune must check out the most famous German Bakery opposite Osho's Ashram for an array of succulent desserts, tofu burgers, and sandwiches.

How To Reach

Just 10 km away from the Pune down town is the Lohegaon Airport which connects the city with all the major cities of the country and the railway station in the heart of the city makes the journey feasible for the nearer cities with no airports. Shatabdi Express and Deccan Queen are the two convenient trains operating between Mumbai – Pune. The new world class Mumbai – Pune six lane express highway is the most appropriate for the road transport, the distance of 170 km to Mumbai can be covered in only three hours.