Pune is one of the key cities of Maharashtra. Ensconced between the rivers the Mula and the Mutha, Pune is a top draw for not just the working professionals but also tourists and students. The city houses some of the foremost educational institutes; hence, it earned the moniker, Oxford and Cambridge of India from the then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. It was once the seat of administration of the dauntless Bonsle Marathas. Today, it is host to the southern headquarters of the Indian Army.
Things to do in Pune
It is difficult not to be enthralled by the magnificence of Pune. Sample an episode of its history as you tour the Shaniwar Wada Fort, which was established by Peshwa Baji Rao I and played a crucial part in the history of the Anglo Maratha wars. The one thing you must do as soon as you are in Pune is, try out Pune’s much-loved tandoori tea in Kharadi. Don’t forget to sign up for food walks and heritage walks and you may also like to visit the Osho Ashram and the Aga Khan Palace.
Tourist attractions in Pune
Plan out an itinerary because there are so many places to visit in Pune such as the Khadakwasla Dam, the famous German Bakery, the Pataleshwar Cave Temple, the Pashan Lake, Parvati Hill, the Lohagad Fort, the Karla Caves, the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, the Sinhagad Fort and the Koregaon Park among many others.
Places to shop in Pune
Whether you are just shopping for souvenirs or are a shopaholic, Pune won’t disappoint you. Head to the Fergusson College Road and Hong Kong Lane for clothes, accessories and jewellery. Make time to browse around Laxmi Road for clothes, Clover Centre for branded clothes, Fashion Street for western clothes, Koregaon Park for Osho merchandise, Juna Bazaar for artefacts and antiques, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar for delectable sweets, Tulsi Baug for jewellery, Bajirao Road for interior decoration and Mahatma Phule Mandai for fruits and vegetables.
Best time to visit Pune
Summers in Pune are hot and muggy and it’s best to avoid visiting Pune during this season. Postpone your trip until the winter sets in because this is when Pune’s weather is simply perfect. Besides, you will get the chance to attend the Sawai Gandharva Sangeeth Mahotsav which is hosted in Pune every winter.
Modes of transport in Pune
There are a myriad ways to go about in Pune from buses, trains, taxis and auto-rickshaws to rented cars and metro. If you want to venture into Pane’s suburban areas, you can avail trains that connect them to the main city. Finally, there are app-based cabs, just a tap on your phone away.
Weather in Pune
Summers in Pune may be quite hot but not unbearably so. The temperature averages around 32 degrees Celsius. Winters are cool with and the temperature drops to 11 degrees Celsius. Monsoons arrive in the middle of June.
Airport in Pune
The Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje International Airport (IATA: PNQ) serves Chennai and IndiGo operates both domestic and international flights from this airport.