About Pune
Once a quaint and sleepy town, Pune has been transformed into a happening
city over the last two decades. It is just three hour drive from the Mumbai
city, one of the country’s prestigious center for academia and future
IT industrial hub, Pune is rapidly growing as an industrial epicenter and a
place of liberal thoughts and culture. The city compare to its neighborhood
big Mumbai is slow and laid back, shopping complexes closes at 1 pm and
reopen at 4 pm. Night life of Pune has got the craze as even people from
Mumbai comes to enjoy the electrifying atmosphere of nightclubs and bars.
Pune is considered to be cultural capital of Maharashtra with a population
of 3,755,000 (2001 census, Pune city). Marathi, Hindi, English, Gujarati are
languages in use in Pune city. Pune City has a metropolitan look with major
IT and heavy industries having their offices located in Pune. However the
place has a deep cultural touch to Martha culture too. One can easily adjust
to the auto-rickshaw culture in the commutation spheres. However, nightlife
is also vibrant in this city and fast life has found its way in.
The Aga Khan’s Palace/Kasturba Gandhi Smriti Mandir - This a
historical landmark of Pune. Mahatma Gandhi along with many other freedom
fighters were imprisoned here during the 1942 Quite India Movement.
Pataleshwari Cave Temple- It is an 8th century rock-cut temple
across the river on Jangli Maharaj road. It is one of the main attraction
among tourist in Pune.
Osho Ashrams – Controversial Godman Bhagwan Rajnish set up this
ashram. Ashram attracts numerous followers, its not only good place for
religious reasons but also beautiful environ mesmerize many. However, AIDS
test is mandatory before one enter the ashram.
Raja
Dinkar Kelkar Museum – This Rajasthani-style building on Baji Rao
Peshwa Road displaying one man collection of fascinating artifacts exhibited
in 36 sections. The main attraction of the museum is the Mastani Mahal.
Snake Park- The park is located in the Pune-Satara highway and has a
large collection of reptiles and snakes. The park has almost all the
varieties of snakes, poisonous snakes are kept in a deep pit while non
poisonous snake are kept in not so deep pit. Photography is prohibited in
the park. Attached to it is a zoological park with a large number of animals
including leopards,bears and porcupines.
Splash Mountains – Located in Lohegaon, the place is just for
fun. There is a nominal entry fee. You can refreshments and other facilities
inside the park.
Not To Overlook-Excursions From Pune
Bhaja caves- Bhaja caves are situated in Aurangabad at a distance of
60 km from Pune. It is said that caves are old as 2nd century when Mauryans
used to rule India. The place is an excellent for picnic.
Bhimashankar Temple – It is situated at the distance of 128 km
from Pune city. It has a religious significance as it is believed that the
temple is a resting place of Lord Shiva.
Bhuleshwar Temple- It is located at the distance of 50 km from Pune
city, perched high on the hills. It was built in the 13th century. The
temple is dedicated to lord Shiva and initially served as a fort called
Mangalgarh.
Lonavala- The picturesque hill station is situated about 64 km from
the Pune city. Lonavala is specially popular in the monsoon when countryside
turns lush green with waterfalls and ponds. The place is famous among
tourist and many Mumbai celebrities have their cottages in the area.
Sinhagad Fort- It is very near to Pune city approximately 25 km. It
is specially popular among the families as a picnic spot. The fort is
located on the hill at the height of 700m above the surrounding landscape.
It is also a popular trekking destination for novice trekkers.
Location- Pune is located near the western margin of the Deccan
Plateau, 560 meters above the sea level.The two rivers-Mula and Mutha meet
at Pune. Pune stand between 18-degree north latitude and 73 degree east
longitude. Its nearly 100 km away and at southeast of Mumbai.
Climate- Maximum ever temperature 43 degree Celsius, minimum 2
degree Celsius. In the summers (March -July) generally the temperatures
reach 40 degree, while the minimum remains at 20 degree Celsius.In the
winters (November-January) the general temperature range is 4-8 degree
Celsius.
How To Reach?
By Air- Indian Airlines,Jet Airlines and Air Sahara connect Pune to
various cities with regular flights. Pune airport is approximately from 10
km away from downtown.
By Rail- Pune is liked to Mumbai,Nasik,Aurangabad,Chennai,Delhi,
Kolkata and other major cities including Bangalore. There are regular trains
to and fro from Mumbai. Two convenient trains are Shatabdi and Deccan
Queens.
By Road- Pune is linked with Mumbai by eight lane expressway of
international standard. There are refreshment facilities available at
Khopali and Panvel. Stopping is not permitted on the expressway and could
lead to a hefty fines.
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