Destination Features

A city that has etched a mark for itself in Maharashtra after Mumbai is the fastest changing Pune. Best known for its Shrewsbury biscuits, Osho slippers and reputed educational institutes, Pune may not be a typical tourist destination but its importance as a growing IT city has made it business travellers’ frequented destination.

Pune is located in the state of Maharasthra in western India and is the 8^th largest city of India. Pune stands at the confluence of the Mula and Mutha rivers. Also known as the cultural capital of Maharashtra, Pune is on a transitional phase from an agricultural settlement in the past to one of the fastest growing cities in the state. Perhaps that is why many people find it too small a town, cramped, even rural. However, what they love is its weather, the well laid avenues and the easy and laid back ambience.

Pune is a friendly city, which has small kiosks on corners serving cold coffees and ice creams eaten on the pavements to high end theme bars. Pune is a friendly and growing big city with a small town feel. With IT companies making a base at Pune, it is the city for the young with growing job opportunities.

There are a number of good places to visit in Pune. You can head to the Osho Ashram, Koregaon Park, or visit the famous German Bakery for delicious desserts. For people who love history and architecture, there are forts and ruins on the outskirts.

Pune Facts & Travel Tips

Best time to visit Pune: Pune can be visited through out the year. Pune is best just after the monsoon in the months of September and October. Pleasant breezes rock the city, which itself is covered in a beautiful cover of green.

Location: Pune is located on the confluence of the Mula and the Murtha rivers, which meet each other beneath the appropriately named Sangam Bridge.

Climate: Pleasant throughout the year, not to hot or and not too cold. In winters evenings are wonderfully nippy, requiring a light jacket.

Altitude: 560 metres above sea level.

Local languages: Marathi, English and Hindi

STD Code: 020

Tourist Information Office Pune

Maharashtra Tourism,
Pune Central Building
Tel: 020-2612-6867/8169

Sightseeing in Pune

There are plenty of exciting places to visit in Pune. It has palaces, temples and museums. The best way to check Pune’ many beautiful places is by taking a Pune Darshan tour.

The route for Pune Darshar Tour is: Pune Station – Pataleshwar – University of Pune – Chaturshringi – Ambedkar Museum – Tilak Museum – Shaniwar Wada – Lal Mahal – Dagdu Seth Halwai Ganpati – Phule Waada – Saras Garden – Peshwa Zoo – Mahalaxmi Temple – Swami Vivekanand Museum – Snake Park – Mahadji Scindia's Chatri – National War Museum – Tribal Museum – Osho Garden Park – Aga Khan Palace – Deccan Gymkhana – Pune City Station.

Gliding Centre, Pune is great place for adventure lovers. One can go gliding to Hadapsar and enjoy great aerial views of the city, besides, of course the thrill of flying. A ride may cost you anything between Rs. 150 – 250. Go any day between Sunday and Thursday.

Some other places of tourist interest in Pune are:

Ohel David Synagogue: Situated on Moledina Road, this is popularly called Lal Deval or ‘Red Temple’. Ohel David Synagogue, Pune is built in the neo-Gothic style with red brick and stone. This is Asia’s largest synagogue outside Israel.

Aga Khan Palace: The palace was built in 1892 by Aga Khan III and the architecture is from the mid-18th century American era with touches of the Baroque.

The Osho Ashram: The ashram is in Koregaon Park and it attracts thousands of people from all over the world who come to attend the meditation programmes here. The Osho International Commune was founded by Osho Rajneesh. The commune has beautiful gardens which are open to the public in the mornings and evenings.

Pataleshwar Cave Temples: Situated on Jungli Maharaj Road in Shivaji Nagar in the heart of Pune city.  The Pataleshwar Cave Temples, Pune are 8th century Shiva temples cut out from a single, massive rock and dedicated to Lord Pataleshwar - God of the Underworld.

Kesari Wada: It is where Lokmanya Tilak, the freedom fighter started Kesari newspaper. Historical documents lie preserved here, including the first ever Indian National Flag.

Reaching Pune

Air: Pune is well connected with all major Indian cities with a good frequency of flights. The airport is located in Lohegaon, which is about 20 km from the city.

Rail: Pune is well connected by rail network with major destinations across the country such as Mumbai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Aurangabad, Bangalore, Madras, Cochin, Delhi, Gwalior, Jhansi, Calcutta, Trivandrum and Varanasi. From Mumbai, trains to Pune depart from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST or VT).

Road: Pune is connected with Mumbai with the three-lane NH 4 highway. One can drive down to Pune or take comfortable air conditioned coaches that run between Mumbai and Pune. The journey takes about 2 to 3 hours. Hiring a cab is another good option to travel to Pune from Mumbai.