Pune Travel Guide

Pune Overview

Formally known as Poona during the British era, this city of Maharashtra is the second largest city in the state. Some other different appellation by Pune is known by are ‘Queen of Deccan’ ‘Oxford of the East’ and last but not the least ‘Cultural Capital of Maharashtra’. The lively cultural activities like dance, music, literature, theater, arts, sports and much more precisely make Pune the culture capital of Maharashtra. The city is lies on the Deccan platea near Mula and Mutha rivers. Once been known as the center of power of Maratha Empire, Pune is abode at the height of 560 meters above sea level.

In the recent yeas Pune has emerged as one of the major tourist destinations in recent years and is encircled by some of the other well-known weekend destinations like Khandala and Lonavala. Travellers who visit Pune can also travel to honeymooners’ paradise Goa, which is not far from this city. This Pune Travel Guide will help you in understating the city more so that your vacations will spent in joy and comfort.

History of Pune

Ranked as the 9th largest metropolis City of India, Pune is a perfect place with the blend of traditions and contemporary. The History of this Charming city is very rich. The history of this place is as early as 8th century when archeologists found the copper plats of 858 AD and 868 AD. According to this discovery it is believed that the early name of this city was Punnaka and was ruled by Rashtrakootas. During that time Punnaka was primarily based on the agriculture settlement and often mentioned as Punya Vishaya which means a holy city or holy region.

Later in 17th century, the city became the centre of power of Maratha Rulers. And emerged a one of the pivotal bases of Chhatrapati Shivaji, The great ruler of Maratha. Pune was also the seat of power of the Peshwas. Under the Maratha Rule, Peshwa became a major political force. Renowned for their patrons of arts, Peshwas built temples; garden and educational institutions which gave this city a new look and flourished with new days. During British era in 1817, Pune got into the hands of the British as was called as Monsoon Capital of Bombay Presidency. Pune was often called as ‘Bungalow Architecture’ during British Era.

Each and every story of Pune has its own significance and it own importance. Each ruler and every dynasty gave their contribution in the development of this city and that is why Pune is emerging as one of the most popular tourist destination with each passing year.

Culture - Traditions - Festivals and Cuisine of Pune

Culturally diversify this city portrays an essence of its historical background. The Queen of Deccan is popularly known as the epitome of Marathi culture and its ethos. The music, art, dance, theater etc. are the spirit of the cultural heritage of Pune. Many famous personalities who hailed from this place are Saint Tukaram and Jayant Narikar the famous scientist, both taken birth on this land. This place is the home for many freedom fighters like Gopal Krishna Gokhle, Agarkar and Bal Gangadhar Tilak.

People from all over India are welcomed in this city. Even many multinational softwares company and other professional institutions are set up here which make this city a multi-ethnic place. Chaturshringi Goddess is the reigning deity of Pune. Osho, a spiritual reside and spread his teachings from pune from 1970 to 1980s. A mostly local of the city speaks Marathi language and follows Marathi culture and traditions, as the city is portraying in the shadow of the Maharasthtrian culture.

All the festivals are celebrated here with zeal and enthusiasm. Ganesh Chaturthi is the perfect example where Hindu, Muslim, Sikh and other religions come together and celebrate the festival whole heartedly. Other festivals which are prominent in the city are Holi, Diwali, Shiv jayanti and Gudi Padwa.

Cuisine in Pune

Pune is well-known for its scrumptious and versatile cuisines. The Cultural capital of Pune serves a perfect amalgamation of ethnic and roots painted with modern stance. Traditional food of Pune includes Garlic, green chilies and coconut to make dishes spicy. Jowar and Bajra are included as the primary dishes of Pune. Sweet dishes include Chewda, Pedas and Bhakerrwadi. If you like seafood, then you will love the special Maharashtrian coastal cuisine here.

Pune Map

Best Places to Visit Pune

Here are some places that you can visit during your Pune Tour which will suffice your journey.

Sivneri Fort:

This fort was the birth place of Chhattrapati Shivaji, the Great Maratha Ruler. It is located near Junnar town in the Pune district. When Shivaji was about to born his father moved in this fort. There are 7 doors in the fort and sheer lock cliffs on 3 sides to protect the Shivneri. It is open for all days for travellers.

Aga Khan Palace:

One of the majestic monuments of the country was built by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan 3 in 1892. The palace has its own importance in Modern history and this palace was used as a jail for Mahatma Gandhi, his wife Kasturba Gandhi his secretary Mahadev Desai and India’s one of the greatest poetess Sarojini Naidu for following Quit India Movement in 1942.

Dagdusheth Halwai Ganapati Temple:

It is an ancient temple that is visited by thousands of devotees all year around from all over India. The temple gets its name from Shri Dagdusheth Halwai who installed here with his wife Laxmibai after they lost their only son to plague epidemic.

Some Other Popular Tourist Places in Pune Are -

1. Shanivar Wada

2. Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum

3. Saras Baug

4. Parvat Hill

5. Bund ganesh and

6. Vishrambaug Wada

Pune Weather

Best Time to Visit Pune

Being one of the bustling cities of Maharashtra, the city is dwelling in a tropical wet and dry climate with average temperatures ranging between 20 to 28 degrees. The best time to visit Pune is in between the months of October to February when the climate is pleasant with cool and humid atmosphere.

How to Reach Pune

Pune is one of the developing metropolises in the Indian State of Maharastra. The city has a well knitted roads, railways and airways that connects the city to not only within the city but also with rest of the country.

By Roadways:

The city is easily accessible by roads from all the states like Goa, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. Pune from Goa is approximately at a distance of 430 km. You can also travel to some other vocational spots like Khandala, Mahabaleswar and Lonavala.

By Railways:

The busiest railway station that connects with all major cities in India is Pune Railway Station. You can catch your train to Pune from Mumbai, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

By Airways:

Chhattrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai is the nearest international airport that connects to Pune to major international cities such as London, New York, Paris, Sydney and etc.