Pune Information
 

Location : In the state of Maharashtra lying in the western coast of India.
Major Tourist Attractions : Kelkar Museum, Shaniwar wada, Ramani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute, Gandhi National Memorial, Empress Botanical Gardens, Lal Deval, Bund Garden, Osho Commune International, Shindyanchi Chhatri and Pataleshwar Cave Temple.
Best Hangouts : Bund Garden, Osho Commune International, Empress Botanical Gardens.
Festivals : The Pune Festival, The Shaniwarwada Dance Festival, Ganesh Chaturti.
Nearby Tourist Destinations : Mumbai, Nasik, Nagpur, Aurangabad.

About Pune
Pune is a cultural city of the state of Maharashtra that wears a rich historical legacy characterised with the glorious period of Marathas. The city of Pune is situated near the western coast of India, about 115 miles south-east of Mumbai (Bombay). It is one of the many cities situated on the Deccan plateau, which forms the triangular portion of India. 'Punaka' is the name by which Pune was known in the ancient times.

Pune contributed significantly to the freedom movement and produced heroes like Lokmanya Bal Ganga Dhar Tilak, Sane Guruji and the Chapekar brothers. Pune comprises a cosmopolitan community and a broad range of economic and social populace. Pune is the seat of North Indian Classical music and it continues to be one of the eminent centers of education in India. Being the cultural hub of western India Pune attracts tourists throughout the year from all around.

Major Tourist Attractions in Pune
Kelkar Museum
Here you will find the personal collection of Dinkar Gangadhar. The museum house around 17,000 artworks. The collection includes musical instruments, hookah pipes, oil lamps, carved doors and windows, hair drying combs, noodle makers, etc.

Shaniwar wada
Built in 1736, Shaniwar Wada is ruins of the palace of the Peshwar rulers. It was burnt down in 1828, but the walls still remain. The doors of the palace are studded with spikes so that the enemies do not enter the place.

Ramani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute
This the perfect place for the people interested in Yoga. The institute is off Ganesh Khind Road in Model Colony. There are six classes a week and it costs up to US$200 for a month. You have to look for accommodation outside the institute.

Gandhi National Memorial
This Memorial, set in 6.5 ha of gardens, was built by Shah Aga Khan III in 1892. It was his palace till 1956. In 1969, it was donated to India by Aga Khan IV. Kasturba Gandhi, Mahatma's wife and Mahadeobhai Desai, Mahatma's secretary for 35 years, died here during their stay. Their ashes have been kept in Memorial tombs in the gardens.

Patalesvara Temple
This is a 8th century rock cut cave temple. This place is a must visit for the tourists keeping interest in ancient art and architecture.

Empress Botanical Gardens
These gardens have fine trees and there is also a zoo nearby. The parks include the Saras Bagh which has a number of food stalls outside. The other popular garden is the Bund Gardens which is ideal for walks.

Osho Commune International
This is the famous ashram of Bhagwan Rajneesh at Koregaon park. The ashram now known as a spiritual health club, attracts thousands of visitors each year. The ashram has facilities like a swimming pool, saunas, tennis and basketball courts, beauty parlour, bookshop and a massage centre.

Getting There
Air : Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Calcutta, Madras, Bangalore and Ahmedabad are connected by air to Pune. Mumbai is the nearest International Airport to Pune.
Rail : Pune is linked with Mumbai (170 km), Nasik (209 km), Aurangabad (230 km), Chennai (1,088 km), Delhi and other major cities of India.
Road : The excellent road network connects Pune with most of the important cities in Maharashtra and India. The Mumbai-Pune Express Highway offers a safe and fast access between Mumbai and Pune.

Accommodation
Accommodation are plenty in Pune. There are several world class facilities are available here for accommodation. One can pick up from luxury and budget categories. All the accommodations are ideally planned for the tourist coming from all over.