Pune, India
Region: Maharashtra
Geographic Coordinates: 18.520300, 73.856700
Temperature Range: 10.0°C to 40.0°C (50°F to 104°F)
Climate: Seasonal patterns, with hot and dry summers from March to June, followed by monsoon rains from July to September, and cool and dry winters from November to February.
Population: 8231000
Language: Marathi
Pune, Also known as Poona, Is a city located in the western Indian state of Maharashtra. It is the second-largest city in the state and has a rich history dating back to the 8th century AD. The city was once the capital of the Maratha Empire and played an important role in India’s struggle for independence from British rule. Pune is known for its pleasant climate, Lush greenery, And picturesque landscapes. The city is situated at an altitude of 560 meters above sea level and is surrounded by hills on three sides.
It experiences a tropical wet and dry climate with average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C throughout the year. One of Pune’s most iconic landmarks is Shaniwar Wada, A historical fortification that dates back to the 18th century. The fort was built by Bajirao I during his time as one of India’s greatest warriors and leaders. Today it serves as a popular tourist attraction where visitors can witness beautiful architecture and learn about Pune’s rich history.
Another must-visit destination in Pune is Aga Khan Palace which was built during British rule but has significant importance in India’s struggle for independence movement as Mahatma Gandhi along with other freedom fighters were imprisoned here during Quit India Movement (1942). This palace stands tall with its beautiful architecture amidst lush green gardens making it one of Pune’s most visited places. The Osho International Meditation Resort located near Koregaon Park attracts people from around the world who come here to meditate or attend their meditation courses or workshops which are held throughout year-round attracting tourists worldwide.
Apart from these famous landmarks there are several other attractions such as Sinhagad Fort – A historic fortification situated atop Sahyadri range that offers stunning views; Parvati Hill Temple – A temple dedicated to Lord Shiva atop Parvati Hill which offers panoramic views of Pune; Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park – A massive zoo with over 160 species of animals and birds; and many more. Pune is also known for its culinary delights, Especially the street food.
The city is famous for its vada pav, Misal pav, Bhel puri, And many other delicious snacks that can be found in almost every corner of the city. Additionally, Pune has a vibrant nightlife scene with several bars and pubs offering an array of drinks to suit everyone’s taste. Pune is a beautiful city that offers something for everyone. From its rich history to stunning landscapes, Delicious food to vibrant nightlife – there’s never a dull moment in this bustling metropolis.
It’s no wonder why Pune has become one of India’s most popular tourist destinations attracting visitors from all over the world!
- Pune is recognized as the IT Hub of India, with more than 200 IT companies and software development firms.
- Major automotive manufacturers like Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, Bajaj Auto, and Mercedes-Benz are based in Pune.
- Pune has a vast number of educational institutions that include universities, colleges, schools, and research centers.
- The city has a significant presence in the pharmaceutical sector with companies like Serum Institute of India Ltd., Lupin Limited, Emcure Pharmaceuticals Limited among others.
- Pune has a robust engineering industry that includes sectors such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and civil engineering.
- Due to its rich cultural heritage and scenic beauty attracting tourists from across the world making it an important hub for hospitality industry.
- The rapid growth in population creates demand for housing units which makes real estate one of the major industries in Pune.
- Several banks including Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Bank Of Maharashtra , HDFC Bank etc are located in the city making it one of the financial hubs in Maharashtra.
- Shivaji Maharaj was born in Shivneri Fort near Pune and spent a significant part of his life in Pune.
- Peshwa Baji Rao I established Pune as the capital of the Maratha Empire during his reign as the first Peshwa.
- The Battle of Khadki, also known as the Battle of Kirkee, was fought between the British East India Company and Maratha Empire in 1817 near Pune.
- During India’s struggle for independence, many prominent leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel, and Bal Gangadhar Tilak visited or stayed in Pune.
- Aga Khan Palace served as a prison for Mahatma Gandhi, his wife Kasturba Gandhi, and other freedom fighters during India’s fight for independence.
- Deccan Education Society played an important role in promoting education during British rule in India by establishing institutions like Fergusson College and Brihan Maharashtra College of Commerce (BMCC) in Pune.
- The city has a rich history associated with Indian cinema industry with notable actors like Ashok Kumar, Raj Kapoor, Shashi Kapoor having roots from here.
- Osho International Meditation Resort is a spiritual center founded by Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh (Osho) attracting visitors from all over the world to learn meditation techniques to attain inner peace.
- Today’s modern-day Pune is known as an IT hub with companies like Infosys and Wipro having their offices here along with many startups flourishing every day contributing to its growth story.
- Aga Khan Palace
- Shaniwar Wada
- Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum
- National War Memorial Southern Command
- Darshan Museum
- Pune Tribal Museum
- Joshi’s Museum of Miniature Railways
- Mahatma Phule Museum
- Osho International Meditation Resort
- Pataleshwar Cave Temple
- Pune FC was a professional football club established in 2007 and based in Pune. The team played in the I-League and had a successful history, winning multiple trophies.
- Puneri Paltan is a professional Kabaddi team representing Pune in the Pro Kabaddi League. Since its inception, the team has made it to the playoffs several times.
- Maharashtra United is a table tennis team from Pune that competes in the Ultimate Table Tennis league.
- DSK Shivajians FC was another football club based in Pune that played in the I-League before dissolving due to financial issues.
- Poona Club Cricket Team is one of Pune’s oldest cricket teams founded back in 1886 and has produced many notable cricketers over time.
- Deccan Gymkhana Football Club is a local football club founded by members of Deccan Gymkhana, one of Pune’s oldest sports clubs established way back in 1906.
- PYC Hindu Gymkhana Cricket Team is an important cricketing institution from Pune with over 100 years of history, producing notable cricketers such as Rahul Dravid and Ajit Wadekar among others.
- Balewadi Sports Complex is an infrastructure built for promoting sports activities within city limits, hosting various national and international level tournaments across different sport categories like badminton, tennis , swimming etc.
- Ganesh Chaturthi is a significant festival in Pune that is celebrated with immense devotion and enthusiasm, typically occurring in August or September.
- The Pune International Film Festival brings together film enthusiasts from all over the world to showcase their work and celebrate cinema.
- The Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Mahotsav is a music festival that celebrates Indian classical music, featuring some of the best musicians from around the country.
- The Pune Festival is a month-long cultural extravaganza showcasing various art forms, including dance, music, theater, and literature.
- Lavani Mahotsav celebrates the traditional folk dance form of Lavani that originated in Maharashtra through performances by renowned artists.
- The Osho International Meditation Resort Festival hosted annually includes meditation sessions, workshops on spirituality and personal growth topics, live music performances, and more.
- Diwali celebrations in Pune involve lighting diyas (lamps), bursting crackers etc., like elsewhere in India with great fervor.
- Pune Biennale provides a platform for contemporary artists to showcase their works through exhibitions held across multiple venues throughout the city.
- Holi is celebrated as the festival of colors marking spring’s arrival between February end to March beginning.
- Durga Puja celebrated by Bengalis living here where they come together to worship Goddess Durga & indulge in feasting & festivities.
- Misal Pav is a spicy Maharashtrian dish made with sprouted lentils, onions, tomatoes, and spices. Popular restaurants serving Misal Pav include Bedekar Misal and Katakirr Misal.
- Vada Pav is a popular street food in Mumbai that is also commonly found in Pune. It consists of a deep-fried potato patty sandwiched between two slices of bread and served with chutney. Popular places to try Vada Pav include Joshi Wadewale and Shivneri Vada Pav.
- Thali is a traditional Indian meal consisting of a variety of dishes served on a platter. Popular thali restaurants in Pune include Shabree, Durvankur, and Sukanta.
- Mastani is a thick milkshake-like drink made with ice cream and fruit syrup or pulp. The most famous place to try Mastani is Sujata Mastani in Sadashiv Peth.
- Bhel Puri is another popular street food that originated in Mumbai but can be found all over India including Pune. It is made with puffed rice, sev (thin noodles), vegetables like onions and tomatoes, chutneys, and spices.
- Maharashtrian seafood dishes like Kolhapuri fish curry are also popular in Pune’s coastal areas like Kharadi Fish Market or Konkan Swad restaurant.
- Pune has several rooftop bars such as Paasha at the JW Marriott Hotel which offers great views along with cocktails & appetizers.
- Cafes such as The Flour Works offer an array of breakfast items including eggs benedict & pancakes along with coffee & tea options.
- Burgers from Burger Barn Cafe are quite popular among the younger crowd.
- Koregaon Park area has several upscale restaurants such as Malaka Spice serving pan-Asian cuisine.
- Saras Baug is a popular park for families that offers various activities, such as boating, horse riding, and a children’s play area.
- Empress Garden is a botanical garden that houses exotic plants and flowers along with walking trails and picnic areas.
- Peshwe Park is located in the city center and features a jogging track, playgrounds for kids, an amphitheater for cultural events, and musical concerts.
- Katraj Snake Park is dedicated to the conservation of snakes and other reptiles where visitors can observe over 160 species of snakes.
- Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park has over 300 species of animals from around the world including tigers, leopards, elephants, reptiles, birds etc.
- Shaniwar Wada Fort was once home to Peshwa rulers which now offers guided tours showcasing its rich history.
- Pune Okayama Friendship Garden is a serene Japanese themed garden with beautiful landscapes, waterfalls, bridges etc.
- Taljai Hills is located in the southern part of Pune which serves as an ideal trekking spot.
- Katraj Lake located at Katraj offering boating facilities.
- Chaturshringi Temple situated on top of hill offering panoramic views along with religious significance.
