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.
Things to do in Pune
There are numerous things to do in Pune. Those who like to witness fine architecture can visit Shaniwar Wada which was built in 1732 by Peshwa Bajirao I. 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.
Tourist attractions in Pune
Pune has several tourist attractions like the Iconic German Bakery, Pataleshwar Cave Temple, Khadakwasla Dam, Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, Parvati Hill, Pashan Lake, Karla Caves, Lohagad Fort, Koregaon Park and Sinhagad Fort among others.
Places to shop in Pune
Pune has a number of places to shop. 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 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 Pune is in winters and monsoons. In December, Pune hosts the very popular Sawai Gandharva Sangeeth Mahotsav that is a melange of Indian classical musician and music lovers from all over India.
Modes of transport
Local buses, cabs, rental cars, metro, local trains are the common modes of transportation in Pune. The buses are well-maintained and easily 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. Besides, it has cabs like Ola and Uber and also great rental services.
Weather in Pune
It is said that the time between July and 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 international and domestic flights.