Pune is situated at the junction of the Mula and Mutha Rivers, in the state of Maharashtra. In the 17th century, it gained prominence as the capital of the Bhonsle Marathas. A major centre of education and culture in the country, Pune has been referred to as the ‘Oxford and Cambridge of India’ by India’s former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. It is also the southern command of the Indian Army.
Things to do in Pune
It might be the case that you are visiting Pune for work or studies. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take in the place with all that it has to offer. You can go on a visit to Shaniwar Wada, the Pehwa heritage, which was built in 1732. As you take a stroll, indulge in Pune’s famous Tandoori Chai in the by-lanes of Kharadi. Explore the Aga Khan Palace and discover peace at the Osho Ashram. You can also go for various food walks and heritage walks that are conducted in the city.
Tourist attractions in Pune
Saying Pune is a beautiful city is an understatement. It has several tourist attractions like The Iconic German Bakery, the Pataleshwar Cave Temple, the Khadakwasla Dam, the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, Parvati Hill, the Pashan Lake, the Karla Caves, the Lohagad Fort, the Koregaon Park, and the Sinhagad Fort among others.
Places to shop in Pune
Going to a place and not shopping even a bit would put both non-shopaholics and shopaholics to shame. For clothes at cheap rates, visit Fergusson College Road and for accessories, go to the Hong Kong lane. Other famous nooks for shopping include Koregaon Park for Osho products, Laxmi Road for sarees and clothes, Clover Centre for fashionable clothes, Fashion Street for Western Attire, Tulsi Baug for jewellery, ABC, Pune for stationery and novels, Juna Bazaar for antique products, Bajirao Road for Home Decor pieces, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar for traditional sweets and the Mahatma Phule Mandai for fresh fruits and vegetables.
Best time to visit Pune
The best time to visit a place is any time you want but if you really know the ropes, you would know that Pune is absolutely fabulous in winters and monsoons. In December, Pune hosts the very popular ‘Sawai Gandharva Sangeeth Mahotsav’ that is a melange of Indian classical musicians and music lovers from all over India.
Modes of transport
In Pune, you can take the local bus, cabs, rental cars, metro, local train as per your choice. The buses are well-maintained and are available from most parts of the city. The suburban areas of Pune like Lonavla and Pimpri- Chinchwad are connected by local trains. You can take a train for a richer and more personal experience of the city.
Weather in Pune
It is said that the time between July to February brings about the most comfortable weather in Pune. The weather remains very calm and cool. Pune usually has hot semi-arid with a tropical wet and dry climate. Summer temperatures can go up to 32 degrees Celsius and in the cooler months, it can dip to 11 degrees Celsius. Pune receives about 763 mm of rainfall in a year.
Airport in Pune
Pune airport offers continuous arrival and departure of IndiGo flights at your convenience. The Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje International Airport (IATA: PNQ) has daily IndiGo flights which include both domestic flights and international flights.
