Pune is one of India’s most instrumental cities. It is host to the southern headquarters of the Indian Army.
This city is tucked away between the rivers the Mula and the Mutha. Owing to its unique landscape, it draws thousands of tourists. It is also the ultimate destination for both working professionals and students. Pune is home to some of the most prestigious educational institutes and has a vibrant multi-ethnic student population. It also goes by the name ‘Oxford and Cambridge of India’ bestowed upon it by India’s erstwhile Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
Things to do in Pune
So whether you are in Pune to study or work or you came here for your vacation, you are sure to have a packed schedule if you want to breathe in the essence of the city. Visit the Shaniwar Wada Fort and feel like you have been transported through time into a distant past. This fort was established by Peshwa Baji Rao I and was involved in the Anglo Maratha wars.
Once you are in Pune, you simply must try out the iconic Tandoori tea in Kharadi. You might also be interested in the food walks and heritage walks that are regularly scheduled in this city. You should also visit the Osho Ashram and the Aga Khan Palace.
Tourist attractions in Pune
Pune is an enthralling place when it comes to tourism, and thanks to its history and gorgeous landscape. Some exciting tourist attractions in Pune include – 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, the Koregaon Park among many others.
Places to shop in Pune
In tune with Pune’s status as a rising smart metro city, there are many well-stocked shopping zones in the city. The top favourites among tourists are— Juna Bazaar for artefacts, Laxmi road for clothes, Koregaon Park for Osho merchandise, Mahatma Phule Mandai for fruits and vegetables, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar for delectable sweets, Fashion Street for western clothes, Tulsi Baug for jewellery, Clover Centre for branded outfits, Bajirao Road for interior decoration.
Fergusson College Road and Hong Kong lane are famous for clothes, accessories and jewellery.
Best time to visit Pune
Schedule your Pune trip when winter sets in because the winter months in this city are pleasant. If possible avoid going to the city in the summer because this season is hot and supremely uncomfortable. Besides, if you visit Pune in winter, you will get the opportunity to attend the Sawai Gandharva Sangeeth Mahotsav, which is organised in Pune every year.
Modes of transport in Pune
Like all major cities, commuting to different parts of Pune is easy breezy. Take your pick from buses, trains, taxis, auto-rickshaws, rented cars and metro— they all ply along major routes. If you can also easily reach Pane’s suburban areas that are connected to the main city by trains. And of course, there are app cabs that you can make use of.
Weather in Pune
Summers in Pune may be quite hot when the temperature hovers around 32 degrees Celsius. Monsoon arrives soon after in mid-June. Winters are pleasant with the temperature averaging around 11 degrees Celsius.
Airport in Pune
The Chhatrapati Sambhaji Raje International Airport (IATA: PNQ) is one of the busiest in the country and IndiGo operates both domestic and international flights from this airport.