About Pune

Pune is the second largest city of Maharashtra, India. Formerly known as Poona during the British Rule, Pune is also famous by different names: Queen of Deccan, Oxford of the East and the Cultural Capital of Maharashtra. It is situated 560 meters above the sea level on the Deccan Plateau and nestled in the Sahayadri Hills, near the West-Coast of India.

Pune has evolved as the cultural capital of Maharashtra due to the profusion of cultural activities like music, dance, literature, theatre, arts, sports and much more. Ranked as the ninth largest metropolis city of India, Pune is one of those rare twin image cities where the tradition meets the contemporary.


Punekars or Puneites, as the residents of Pune are called, have still managed to preserve the rich Maharashtrian culture in spite of the rapid development of industries, socio-entertainment hubs and educational institutions. And this is what makes Pune a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic urban location.

Over the years, Pune has emerged as a favourite destination for auto companies, information technology and education. Many prominent industrial houses and institutions from all over the world have set up their bases in Pune making it a commercial hub. An infinite rise in the number of commercial complexes, multiplexes, shopping malls, hotels and pubs have equally contributed to the modern look and feel of the city.

A Brief History of Pune

The history of Pune can be traced as early as 8th century when copper plates of 858 A.D. and 868 A.D were found, indicating that the city was earlier known as Punnaka and ruled by Rashtrakootas during the same period. It was primarily an agricultural settlement and was also referred as Punya Vishaya, meaning a holy region.

Later, during 17th century, Pune became one of the pivotal bases of Chhatrapati Shivaji, the great Maratha ruler. It was also the seat of power of the Peshwas. The Peshwas became a major political force in Pune under the Maratha power. The Peshwas were renowned patrons of arts. Under their reign temples, gardens and educational institutions flourished in the city.

Pune became a part of British India in 1817 and was referred as the Monsoon Capital of the Bombay Presidency. Thence, the city is also known for its British Raj "bungalow architecture”.

Geography of Pune

Pune is located 560 m above sea level on the Deccan Plateau. It lies between 18° to 32° North and 73° to 75° East. 14 talukas, 13 Panchayat Samitis and  1,866 villages come in Pune. The average rainfall in Pune is 650 to 700 mm.

Bhima River is the major river of Pune; other rivers in Pune are: Karha, Pavana, Kukadi, Meena and Shivganga.

Climate of Pune

Pune lies in the tropical region due to which there is a significant seasonal variation in the temperature. The eastern region of Pune is hot and dry whereas the western region is cool. The western region includes: Junnar, Ambegaon, Khed, Velha, Mulshi and Maval while the eastern region includes: Shirur, Daund, Indapur and Baramati.

There are three seasons in Pune: summer, monsoon and winter. April and May being the hottest months sees the rise in temperature to 36 degree C or more. The average temperature in December and January, the coolest months, could be 11 degree C or below.

The monsoon begins from June and lasts till October. Water clogging is common in Pune during monsoon, so beware while planning a trip during this season.

Pune is also a prime tourist destination of Maharashtra for the people from all around the country and the world. The city boasts of some major tourist attractions like historical monuments, museums, temples and hill stations. Pune is also most visited during several regional and international cultural events.

Pune Tourism

Once ruled by the Marathas, Pune is also a home to various forts like Rajgad Fort, Pratapgad Fort, Lohagad and Visapur Forts. There are several hill stations around Pune. Lonavala, Khandala, Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani are some of them. Jejur Temple, Pataleshwar cave temple and Chaturshringi Temple and Japanese Garden are other prominent tourist spots for the Pune visitors. Tourist places in Pune includes everything from historical monuments to religious places and more. Pune tourism guide section gives you insight of some of the popular tourist destinations in this part of Maharashtra.

• Gandhi National Memorial popularly known as Aga Khan Palace
• Tribal Museum
• Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum
• Shaniwar Wada
• Osho Ashram
• Vishrambaug Wada
• Bund Garden
• Lonavla and Khandala
• Panchgani
• Mahabaleshwar
• Matheran
• Malshej Ghat

Shopping in Pune

Pune, a flourishing shopper's paradise, serves to the needs of the visitors. Pune offers innumerous options for the shopaholics. Tulsi Baug, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar or Deccan Gymkhana, Juna Bazaar, Laxmi Road, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Fashion Street, the Hong Kong Market Lane and J. M. Road are some of the markets which are a hit among the visitors as well as the locals.

Pune Festivals

Pune has emerged as much loved place for the tourists from all over the globe to enjoy in various festivals organized here round the calendar year. Fun, excitement, fervor and colours – that is what festivals in Pune stand for. Since Pune is a cosmopolitan city, all types of traditional and modern festivals are celebrated with equal euphoria.

Festivals like Makar Sakranti, Basant Panchmi, Holi, Gudi Padwa, Nag Panchami, Pola, Raksha Bandhan/Narali Pournima, Gokul Ashtami/Krishna Janmashtmi, Ganesh Chaturthi/Ganpati Mahotsav, Dussehra, Diwali, and Chaturshringi Fair are celebrated with great zeal and fervour.

Food in Pune

Pune the cultural capital of Maharashtra is the vibrant and exotic city with a mixed blend of cultural traits and modernization. This city is a paradise for tourists, especially food enthusiasts. Find the best Street food in Pune made from fresh ingredients containing authentic flavors. Misal Pav, Vada Pav, Pav Bhaji, Bhakarwadis, Sabudana Vada, Shegao Kachori are some of the most famous street food dishes that you can enjoy while traveling to Pune.

Whether you are a vegetarian or a non vegetarian, a street foodie or an urban diner, local food lover or a continental connoisseur, Pune has something to offer to everyone. You can try out a host of specialized Indian dishes like Maharashtrian, Udipi and Kolhapuri as well as international gourmet meals like Italian, Japanese, Mediterranean and many more as per your individual tastes and preferences. Your visit to Pune is definitely incomplete without savouring famous native food items like Vada Pav, Shrewsbury Biscuits and Maharashtrian Thali.

How to Reach Pune

Pune is well connected with Mumbai. If you are starting from Mumbai, Pune can be reached by road in less than four hours. Some of the best trains that run between Mumbai and Pune are: Deccan Queen, Deccan Express, Indrayani, Pragati Super Fast Express and Shatabdi.

Pune airport is located in Lohgaon and is only 10-12 km from the city. The Pune airport has recently acquired the status of an international airport. Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore are well connected to Pune through air.

Quick Facts about Pune

Government in Pune
Mayor–Council

Area
Metropolis - 450.69 km2 (174.01 sq mi)
Elevation - 560 m (1,840 ft)
Population as per the 2011 Census
Metropolis - 5,049,968
Rank - 8th
Density - 11,000/km2 (29,000/sq mi)
Metro - 5,049,968
Metro rank - 8th
Demonym
Punekar (in Marathi) or Puneite (in English)
Time zone - IST
Postal Index Number - 411 0xx
Pune STD Code - 020
Official language - Marathi