Pune, known as the cultural capital of Maharashtra, is the second-largest city in the state. The city is popular for its large student population, vibrant atmosphere and a lively nightlife. There are also various museums and restaurants. However, the city is well-renowned for its hill forts that offer a scenic bird’s-eye view. The city is known as the Oxford of the East due to its innumerable colleges and institutes for engineering, science, arts and medicine. A huge chunk of students from outside the country also makes up Pune’s student population.
Things to do in Pune
Due to the vibrant nature of the city, there are a lot of things you can explore in Pune. A simple stroll along Fergusson Road on Saturdays can expose you to a scenario which may be crowded, thriving or extremely lively. You can also head to Durga Coffee House near MIT College for a snack. If you plan to visit the coffee house in early June or December, you can witness a huge crowd of students gulping down hot coffee to stay awake in order to study for their exams.
Tourist attractions in Pune
While staying in Pune, you can visit the ‘Shaniwar Wada’ which was once a stately mansion that was built for the Peshwas. Today, many tourists from all over the world visit this place to peek into the monument’s glorious past. You can also visit other historical places such as Aga Khan Palace, Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple, Lal Mahal, Vishrambaug Wada and Sinhagad Fort. Destinations like Osho Ashram, Katraj Snake Park, NDA and Joshi Museum of Miniature Railways are also revered by visitors.
Places to shop in Pune
Pune has many shopping destinations such as Hong Kong Lane, Laxmi Road, Koregaon Park, Fashion Street, Clover Centre, ABC, Tulsi Baug, Bajirao Road, Juna Bazaar, Mahatma Phule Mandai and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar.
Best time to visit
Pune has serene and soothing weather in winters and monsoons; therefore, anytime from July to February is the best time to visit since it remains calm and pleasurably cool.
Modes of transport
While in Pune, you can travel by public transport such as bus services, auto-rickshaws, public taxis, or suburban rail services. You can also book a car on hire basis if you want to spend the whole day sightseeing comfortably at your own time.
Weather in Pune
The weather in Pune is very pleasant and comfortable. However, the city experiences moderately hot summers with maximum temperatures spanning from 35 degrees to 42 degrees Celsius. During the monsoon season, the city receives an annual rainfall of 550mm with heavy thundershowers during May. In winters, the temperatures can drop as low as 24 to 28 degrees Celsius with night-time temperature being 5 to 8 degrees Celsius.
Airport in Pune
Pune Airport (IATA: PNQ) is situated 10 km from Pune Central. The airport operates both international and domestic flights on a daily basis. To know more about domestic flight bookings with IndiGo from this airport, visit its official website.