Located in the Sahyadri mountain range, near the Western Coast, Pune was the bastion of the all powerful Maratha Empire under the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Today, Pune is an important commercial, industrial and educational centre.

Pune is also called Queen of the Deccan, Oxford of the East, and cultural capital of Maharashtra, Pune is a city with a future that promises to be as interesting as its history.

Long-standing bastion of the Maratha empire and home to the legendary Raja Shivaji, the Pune district is marked by magnificent land and sea forts, testimony to its glorious past.

After Shivaji, the early 18th century saw the emergence of the Peshwas, a Maratha family that grew from being ministers at the court into a major political power over the next few decades. However, after the battle of Panipat in 1761, the Maratha empire began to decline and in 1818, Pune was taken over by the British East India Company.

Today, Pune is the centre of traditional Marathi culture, in which education, arts and crafts, and theatre are given pride of place. It has one of India's oldest universities and its numerous colleges attract both Indian and international students, which is probably why it is called the Oxford of the East.

Pune is slowly becoming a cosmopolitan city and is now an important commercial centre. The narrow winding roads of the old Pune offer an interesting contrast to the open, spacious new city. However, Pune retains the old-world charm and its many quaint characteristics, including the omnipresent cyclists, rickshaws and a daily siesta hour that is taken very seriously indeed.

Surrounded by verdant hills and beautiful lakes, Pune has a temperate climate and is among the greenest urban areas in the country.

Map Of Pune (Click to Enlarge)

Places you can see in Pune

Osho Ashram
Bhagwan Rajneesh’s famous ashram is located at 17 Koregoan Park, a green and elite suburb of Pune. This site attracts thousands of visitors. The Ashram offers a variety of expensive courses on meditation. All that is required is filling out of an application form (with 2 passport photographs) and an on-the-spot HIV negative test and purchase of special tunics. 
Accommodation needs to be arranged outside the ashram. Casual visitors can view a 45 minute video presentation and take a tour (Rs. 60) at 10.00 am and 2.30 pm daily. Please book ahead. You can easily reach this place by auto-rickshaw. The nearby Nulla Park also called Osho Teerth, is a beautifully maintained garden, transformed from a swamp, open for public from 6 to 9 am and 7 to 10 pm. Visitors are required to contact the welcome centre near the entrance to the Ashram, from where they are taken in batches on a tour of the ashram.
 
Shaniwar Wada
 Built in 1736, Shaniwar Wada was once the palace of the Peshwa rulers. This historic seven-storied palace was built by Bajirao Peshwa I. During his days, it became the seat of political power and achieved tremendous importance. To this date, Shaniwar Wada has been the city's main landmark. Within easy reach from all parts of the city, Shaniwar Wada was mysteriously destroyed in a fire in 1827. This 18th century palace was built as the chief residence of the Peshwas.
Mysterious fires continued to raze down portions of Shaniwar Wada in the early 19th century, and the entire palace -- barring its Mirror Hall was burnt in the fire that broke out for about a fortnight. What now remains of this once palatial Wada are only the plinths, the fortification walls with five gateways, and nine bastions that enclosed the whole complex, elaborate foundations of the original palace and the nagarkhana with its fine wooden pillars and lattice work. One enters the palace through sturdy doors designed to dissuade enemy attacks. This palace is located in the narrow winding old part of the city. The palace is open from 8 am to 6.30 pm. This site is covered in the Pune city tour.
 
Shinde Chhatri
Architecturally amongst the best, just about a couple of kms from the Pune racecourse is the memorial of the great Maratha nobleman Mahadji Shinde. You can see the warrior’s painted silver likeness, swathed in a flame-colored turban and elaborate shawl. At his feet are the original prayer vessels, used to propitiate the family deity each morning. The building built in the memory of Mahadji Scindia who was great Maratha noble man. It is about 4 km away from Pune camp and 2k ms away from the race course in a place called Wanowri. The carving and beauty of the temple is worth a look.
A sign asks you not to open an umbrella within the Chhatri’s precincts, as it would be an insult to the warrior’s memory.
 
Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum
A must see, this quaint building houses a fascinating collection of Indian artifacts collected by the late Shree Dinkar Kelkar. The 36 sections of the museum are used to display a wealth of antiques, carved palace doors, pottery, 17th century miniatures, a priceless collection of nut crackers, lamps, musical items, hookah pipes, hair drying combs and other such items from the Mughal and Maratha period.This collection was donated to the government of Maharashtra by Shree Dinkar Kelkar and is only displayed by rotation -- giving you another excuse to return to Pune. The museum is open from 8.30 pm to 5.30 pm daily. The museum is covered in the Pune city tour.

Pataleshwer Cave Temples
Hidden in the heart of the city in the Shivajinagar area is this 8th century rock-cut temple. Still in use, this temple, similar to the Caves at Ellora, has been painstakingly hewn from a single rock and includes massive pillars, a Shiva shrine and a Nandi bull. Pataleshwar Caves on Jungli Maharaj Road are 8th century cave temples dedicated to Lord Pataleshwar, God of the Underworld. Believed to have been cut out from a single rock, the place has massive pillars, which are the grandeur of the temple caves. The shrine out there is dedicated to Shiva and the Nandi.

Tribal Museum
The Tribal Museum documents the cultures of Maharashtrian communities, particularly those from the Sahyadri and Gondawana regions. It is open weekdays from 10 am to 5 pm. The city tours do not halt at this site.
 
Gandhi National Memorial / Aga Khan Palace
The gracious buildings with salons and suites that you see standing amidst well laid out gardens is more that just a palace. It is a historical landmark. It was donated to India by the Aga Khan IV in 1969. During the 1942 Quit India Movement, Mahatma Gandhi was imprisoned here. On the grounds are the remains (samadhi) of Kasturba Gandhi, Mahatma Gandhi’s wife, who died here while in internment. The memorial is open from 9 am to 5.45 pm. The city tour makes a stop here. On Nagar Road, this Palace is also known as Kasturba Gandhi Memorial or Kasturba Samadhi. This palace was built in 1892 by Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah Agakhan III and was donated to India in 1969 by Aga Khan IV. Timings :0900 hrs to 1730 hrs (Except on national holidays) Entry Fee: Rs. 5/-.

Vishrambaug Wada
This is a three-storied mansion, known for its beautiful entrance and balcony with carved woodwork typical of the Peshwa period. The 260 ft long and 815 ft broad Teen-Chowki Wada was built by the last Peshwa, Bajirao II as his residence at a cost of Rs. 2 lakhs. The Wada's eye-catching wooden facade is memorizing in its beauty, and has beautiful columns carved in the Suru form. On October 31,1880 a surprise fire engulfed the Wada ravaging the entire structure. Vishranbaug Wada was restored to its somewhat original appearance by public subscriptions and municipal contributions. For many years till 1958 it was to serve as the offices of the Poona Corporation. Today it houses assorted offices: a strange fate for what was once a king's abode. A three-storied mansion with its famous entrance is another of Pune's attractions, which symbolises and tells tales of Pune's rich culture and heritage. Now serving as a post office, this place has carved woodwork in its balcony and is located on Bajirao Road. And yes, the best person to ask for any sort of information on this is the best historian in the city, Baba Saheb Purandare.
 
Bund Garden
Bund Garden is located on the right bank of the Mula Mutha river, only a couple of kms north-east of Pune railway station. A stroll in the breeze and a cool evening boat ride in the back waters created by the 'Bund' on the river attracts many fun lovers. 
These gardens located on the banks of the Mula-Mutha Rivers are a treat during winters with a number of migratory birds. Boat rides are also available in the river's backwaters. The Bund Gardens are located at a distance of 2 km from the Pune Railway Station. Some years back a jogging track was added to the gardens increasing its popularity.

Saras Baug
Evenings are best for a stroll through this beautiful garden that houses the famous Ganesh Temple on the top of a small hillock in the center. The temple was formerly surrounded by a lake, which has been fully reclaimed in the form of an open park, now a popular public place in Pune. A sunken garden as the first impression states it to be, Sarasbaug was built by Nanasaheb Peshwa, surrounding the Parvati Hill. Now with a Ganapati Temple as the center, the garden now with lush green lawns at one time was a garbage dumping ground for the British.

Parvati Hill
This famous landmark is located on the southern end of the city. A climb of 108 wide stone steps rewards you with a beautiful round view of the city and an invigorating draught of cool, fresh air. It also takes you to the group of four temples of Shiva, Ganesh, Vishnu and Kartikeya. The Parvati Temple used to be the private shrine of the Peshwa rulers. Also take a look at the Parvati Museum, which houses replicas of ancient paintings, old manuscripts, This hill, located in Southern Pune is visible from many parts of Pune. The temple atop after a climb, is dedicated to Parvati, Vishnu, Ganesh, Kartikeya and Devadeshwar. The climb comprising of a hundred odd steps to the top does turn to be very rewarding with a beautiful panoramic view of the Pune City. 

Peshwe Udyan
A zoo maintained by the Pune Municipal Corporation. It houses a variety of species of wild animals. The zoo offers a toy-train ride -- a very special attraction for children, and boating facilities for the family.

Katraj Snake Park
Started in 1986 with the help of the Pune Municipal Corporation, the Katraj Snake Park is situated on the Pune-Satara Highway near Bharati Vidyapeeth Campus. The straight road emanating from Swargate takes you to the desired destination. The park today has a collection of wonderful reptiles, birds, a baby leopard, crocodiles and others. The prize collection is of course the six-year-old, nine feet long King Cobra. Located in Katraj, this snake park, one of the only ones in the country is well known for its work towards animals besides its snakes and reptiles. Recently it added a zoo to it as well. It has held many snake festivals and snake awareness programs to let people know this dreaded creepy creature better. Timings: 1000 to 1330 hrs and 1500 to 1730 hrs -- Closed on Wednesdays.

Pune University
Pune' s oldest education institute is the Pune University formed in 1948. The university has many affiliated education institutes and colleges from all parts of Maharashtra -- research institutes such as the National Chemical Laboratories, Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC), Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, National Institute of Virology (NIV)  are just to name few. The IUCAA, one of the pioneering institutes for research in astronomy, is located in the lush green environment of Pune University, and is headed by a world renown mathematician, Dr Jayant Naralikar.
Pune University is located on 400 acres of sprawling grounds with quiet roads and small open canteens towards the city limits. It was once the official residence of the Governor of Mumbai during the monsoons, the Pune University is now a stately mansion at Ganeshkhind. A large building in the Italian Gothic style, built with local grey tap rock, it has a square tower 40 m high and well-maintained lawns. One can spend a pleasent evening here.
 
Chaturshringi Temple
The Chaturshringi Temple is a small hillock dedicated to Goddess " Durga " The Presiding deity is Goddess " Ambreshwari " An annual Navaratri Fair is held here in the month of " Ashwin " This temple is built in Shivaji era.

Empress Gardens
The botanical garden has fine tropical trees & a small zoo.
 
Film and Television Institute of India
The only Film and Television Institute in India, FTII is located on Law College Road. Famous for their film appreciation course, which has people coming in from all over, this one is where all the budding dramatic talent of the country comes from which includes Smita Patil, Shabana Azmi and the likes.

Parvati Hills and Temple
This hill, located in Southern Pune is visible from many parts of Pune. The temple atop after a climb, is dedicated to Parvati, Vishnu, Ganesh, Kartikeya and Devadeshwar. The climb comprising of a hundred odd steps to the top does turn to be very rewarding with a beautiful panoramic view of the Pune City. 

Pashan Lake
This lake is situated 12 Kms off the road to N.D.A. It is an Orinthologists delight, as it is the favourite haunt of a number of migratory and residential birds. For birdwatching head towards this little lake.

Saras Baug

 A sunken garden as the first impression states it to be, Sarasbaug was built by Nanasaheb Peshwa, surrounding the Parvati Hill. Now with a Ganapati Temple as the center, the garden now with lush green lawns at one time was a garbage dumping ground for the British.
 
Shaniwar Wada
This 18th century palace was built as the chief residence of the Peshwas.
 
Shinde’s Chhatri
The building built in the memory of Mahadji Scindia who was great Maratha noble man. It is about 4 km away from Pune camp and 2k ms away from the race course in a place called Wanowri. The carving and beauty of the temple is worth a look.

Panshet Dam
For water sports, you can visit Panset Dam and try your hand at kayaking or wind surfing at the recently developed water sports complex. There are special facilities for speed boats and water scooters. Limited accommodation is available. It is easily accessible from Pune.

Bhatgar Dam
One of the highest river dam walls in India, built on river Velvandi, Bhatgar Dam is 40 kms from Pune. Fun lovers often frequent the entire area around the dam. ST buses play between Pune and Bhatgar Dam 

Pimpri Chinchwad 
As you leave Pune, and start going towards Mumbai, by the perpetually busy Mumbai-Pune national highway or by a train on the Central Railway, around 20 minutes later you will notice an increasing number of industrial establishments present on both sides of the road. This is a sure sign that you are now entering the area of the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation.
Various places of historical importance as well as natural beauty in the area are being developed in a pre-planned manner. Durga Devi Park and Indira Gandhi Park can be pointed out as a step in the right direction. A godess spring temple adds to the scenic beauty of the area. The inside of the temple is hexagonal in shape and there is a variety of beautiful pictures on the walls. In order to see the Devi or goddess, one has to crawl through a small cave. There is an almost-live spring in the cave, which automatically washes your feet clean before you reach the Devi. No leather articles are allowed inside the temple. There is a provision for ample clean and cool water. Evenings are usually crowded. At night due to the effect of lights, the temple looks like a 'divine beauty'! Tuesday is said to be the special day of worship of the goddess.

Sinhagad
where valour is etched on every stone and the soil has turned red seeped by the blood of martyrs! From the time when a Koli chieftain, Nag Naik stoutly defended this fort (AD 1328) against the might of   Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq for nine months to Jaswant Singh, Aurangzeb's commander, who dragged his guns up the fort's steep shoulders to avenge the insult to Shaista Khan, who was rebuffed by Shivaji, this fort has been infused by tales of bravery. 

Raigad
This is the very heart of Maratha country -- Raigad, the capital of Shivaji's kingdom. Strategically perched atop a wedge-shaped block of hill, split off from the Western Ghats and inaccessible from three sides. Stories of incredible valour and heroic deeds are etched on every pebble at Raigad.
 
Ahmednagar (118 Km)
Ahmednagar, founded by Ahmed Nizam Shah is now the district headquarters. Places of interest are Ahmednagar Fort, Chand Bibi Mahal, Farah Bagh, Old monuments of the Nizamshahi period.
 
Essentials

Reaching Pune

Air: Pune is connected by air with Mumbai.

Rail: Pune is a railhead on the Central Railway, connected with major cities.

Road: Pune is connected by motorable roads with Aurangabad 226 Km, Bangalore 835 Km, Kolhapur 237 Km, Nashik 202 Km, Belgaum 341 Km, Lonavala 64 Km, Panaji 482 Km, Bhopal 814 Km, Mahabaleshwar 120 Km, Ratnagiri 399 Km, Chiplun 244 Km, Mumbai 170 Km, Shirdi 195 Km, Ganapatipule 385 Km, Nagpur 730 Km, Sholapur 242 Km, Karwar 537 Km, Nanded 476 Km.

Taxi: Regular Taxis ply between Mumbai (Dadar T T) and Pune on seat basis.

Hotels in Pune
There are plenty budget to three star hotels in Pune

Climate in Pune: Summer Max: 40 Deg.C. Min: 26 Deg.C. Winter Max: 29 Deg.C. Min: 19 Deg.C.

Best Time to Visit Pune: Throughout the year.

Tourist Information Center
M.T.D.C ‘I’ Block, Central Bldg., Sassoon Hospital Rd, Pune.
Tel: 26126867, 26128169
M.T.D.C Counter, Pune Rly. Station, Tel : 26125342 
M.T.D.C Counter, Pune Airport, Tel: 26689428

Languages: English, Marathi and Hindi

STD Code of Pune: 020 (9520 from Mumbai)