Pune, located on the Deccan plateau in Maharashtra, is a bustling city and the administrative hub of Pune district. Known for its rich cultural heritage and rapid modernization, Pune is one of India’s largest IT hubs and a significant center for automobile and manufacturing industries. Historically, Pune has been a major cultural center with many notable figures, such as Dnyaneshwar, Shivaji, Tukaram, and Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, contributing to its legacy. The city also played a crucial role in India’s fight for independence, with leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Vinayak Damodar Savarkar spearheading the resistance against British rule.
Pune is home to several historical attractions. The 8th-century Pataleshwar cave temple, the 18th-century Shaniwarwada fort, and the 19th-century Aga Khan Palace are must-visit landmarks. The city also boasts the Shinde Chhatri memorial dedicated to Maratha general Mahadaji Shinde. While many traditional residential buildings called Wadas have been replaced by modern structures, some like the Vishrambaug Wada are being preserved and renovated. Pune’s British-era bungalow architecture and early 20th-century Garden City layout add to its unique charm. The city also features significant architectural works, including educational and developmental centers, contributing to its diverse urban landscape.
Pune offers a rich blend of historical and spiritual sites, including the impressive Shaniwar Wada mansion and the historically significant Aga Khan Palace. Visitors can find peace at the serene Osho Ashram, explore fascinating wildlife at Katraj Snake Park, and trek to the ancient Sinhagad Fort. For a spiritual experience, the revered Ganpati Temple is a must-visit, attracting numerous devotees daily.
Shaniwar Wada, a 286-year-old mansion in Pune, was once the seat of Peshwa governance and is a prime example of the city’s architecture. Built by Peshwa Bajirao I, it was originally a massive complex covering almost the entire city. Today, it spans 625 acres and is one of Maharashtra’s most popular tourist destinations. Visitors are greeted by a majestic statue of Bajirao I at the entrance. Although much of the Wada was destroyed in a fire in 1828, the remaining structures, forts, and fountains continue to impress.
Aga Khan Palace in Pune, built by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III in 1892, is a significant landmark in Indian history. It played a crucial role during India’s independence movement, serving as a prison for Mahatma Gandhi, Kasturba Gandhi, Sarojini Naidu, and Mahadev Desai. The palace, known for its architectural grandeur, covers 19 acres and now houses the Gandhi National Memorial Society. It continues to be a place of historical importance, with khadi making still being a prime activity.
Located in Koregaon Park, Pune, the Osho Ashram is a serene place dedicated to meditation and achieving inner peace. Known as the Osho Meditation Resort, it combines meditation practices with a resort-style stay, inspired by Greek concepts. The ashram is shrouded in mystery and mysticism, embodying the ideologies of Osho. While open to members, non-members can visit by purchasing a one-day pass to experience its tranquil atmosphere.
The Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple in Pune is a revered place of worship dedicated to Lord Ganapati. Known for its religious festivities, the temple attracts numerous devotees daily for pooja, abhisheka, and Arti. The idol of Lord Ganapati is 2.2 meters high, 1 meter wide, and adorned with nearly 40 kilos of gold. The temple receives significant offerings, which are managed by the temple’s trust. It is open daily from 6 am to 11 pm, welcoming worshippers and tourists alike.
Pune offers a range of hotels from relaxed to upscale settings, all conveniently located. Lemon Tree Hotel and Novotel Pune Nagar Road are both near the city center and close to Pune International Airport, with easy access to Aga Khan Palace and Empress Botanical Garden. The Central Park Hotel provides affordable comfort near Pune Junction and the Darshan Museum, while The Orchid Hotel stands out with its spacious gardens and proximity to major sports complexes. Whether you’re in Pune for business or leisure, these hotels provide excellent amenities and locations.
Set in the city center 2 km from Pune International Airport, this relaxed hotel is 2 km from the Aga Khan Palace and 8 km from the Empress Botanical Garden.
₹3,584
4 Star Hotel
Set in a modern building in the city centre, this down-to-earth hotel is an 8-minute walk from both Pune Junction train station.
₹3,380
4 Star Hotel
Set in a striking modern building on 2.5 hectares of landscaped gardens, this upscale hotel next to the Shree Chhatrapati Shivaji Sports Complex is also 18 km from Pune’s city centre.
₹5,140
5 Star Hotel
Set in the city center 2 km from Pune International Airport, this relaxed hotel is 2 km from the Aga Khan Palace.
₹6,476
5 Star Hotel
Set along a tree-lined street, this upscale hotel is a 4-minute walk from Pune Junction train station.
₹3,920
3 Star Hotel
This bright hotel is 9 minutes’ walk from Pune Junction, 3 km from the 18th-century Shaniwar Wada fort.
₹1,572
3 Star Hotel
Central area with Pune Junction train station & multimedia exhibits on Sadhu Vaswani at the Darshan.
₹1,348
3 Star Hotel
Set 3 km from Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, this straightforward hotel is 2 km from Ganapati Temple.
₹1,351
3 Star Hotel
Food was very tasty Service was very homely and makes you feel at home.
₹200–600
Good service n ambience, food quality & tasty
₹200–400
Latitude is an unpretentious hotel restaurant at Blue Diamond offering global buffet & a la carte dishes, plus Sunday brunch.
₹2000
Great place great location Fresh food served Nice service
₹200–400
Pune is accessible by air, road, and rail, making it easy to reach from anywhere in the country. The city’s airport, located 15 km from the city center, now serves both domestic and international flights, with taxis and local buses available for onward travel. Pune Junction railway station connects the city with all major Indian destinations, including Mumbai, via fast trains like the Deccan Queen and Shatabdi Express. By road, Pune is well-connected to cities like Mumbai, Ahmadnagar, Aurangabad, and Bijapur, with the Mumbai-Pune Expressway providing a quick and scenic route for drivers.
Pune Junction railway station connects the city with all the prime Indian destinations. There are several mail/express trains.
Pune is well connected through domestic airlines with the entire country. The airport located at Lohgaon has recently acquired status of an international airport.
Pune enjoys excellent connectivity with neighbouring cities and towns by well-maintained network of roads.
The local bus network in Pune is well-maintained. The city and its suburbs are connected via buses provided by Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML). Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation and private organizations also run a number of buses. The buses are available frequently from most of the areas of the city.
Starting at Only 6.30₹/KM
If you are willing to spend a little more, you can opt for private cabs and taxis in Pune, which are easily available. App-based cab services such as Ola Cabs and Uber are also very popular in the city. Comparatively, auto rickshaws serve as a more economical mode of transport.
Starting at only 9₹/KM
Auto-rickshaws are three-wheeled taxis that are a popular mode of transportation in Pune. Auto-rickshaws are relatively affordable and are available in all parts of the city. Fares are typically negotiated with the driver.
Auto-rikshaw is starting From 23.Rs
There are many rental services in Pune, which provide both chauffeur-driven and self-driven options. Local services as well as nationally popular services such as Savaari, Clear Car Rental, Zoomcar. You can also opt for two-wheelers. Some of the popular agencies are Snapbikes, Translines Luxury Car & Bike Rentals, Sai Motors and many more.
Starting at only ₹1499.
Pune is mesmerizing during the Monsoons and Winters, making July to February the best time to visit this expansive city in Maharashtra. The weather remains cool and pleasantly calm, perfect for exploring. December is particularly festive as the city hosts a renowned Indian classical music festival, drawing music lovers from across the country. It’s a great time to experience the cultural vibrancy of Pune while enjoying its serene climate.
On the other hand, the monsoon season, from June to September, also offers an ideal time to visit Pune. The city transforms with lush greenery and the weather is delightfully pleasant, making sightseeing a joy. The natural beauty of Pune during these months enhances the overall experience, providing a refreshing escape from the routine hustle. However, it is advisable to avoid the torrid summer months as the heat can disrupt travel plans.
The Distance of Pune to Delhi is (1,393.3 km) via NE 4.
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The Distance of Pune To Bangalore is (872.0 km) via NH50.
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The Distance of Pune to Chennai is (1,198.6 km) via NH 65 and NH16.
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When planning a trip to Pune, it’s essential to book your accommodations and travel tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons. This ensures you have a place to stay and can avoid the hassle of last-minute bookings. Pune is a city with a rich cultural heritage, so it’s important to respect its traditions and avoid any actions that might damage historical monuments or disturb the local community. Engaging in unethical behavior can lead to serious consequences, as the city takes its cultural preservation seriously.
Health and safety should be your top priorities while exploring Pune. Always choose reputable places to eat and avoid consuming unhygienic or uncooked food, as this can lead to stomach issues that might ruin your trip. Although there are no strict dress codes, it’s advisable to wear modest clothing to respect local customs. Staying hydrated and protecting yourself from the sun, especially if you’re visiting during warmer months, is also crucial.
When sightseeing, try to stay in groups rather than venturing out alone, as it enhances your safety. Many tourist spots in Pune require an entry ticket, so always purchase one to avoid any trouble with authorities. Exploring the city’s historical and cultural sites can be more enjoyable and stress-free when you follow these simple tips, ensuring a memorable and pleasant experience in Pune.
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