Once famed because of the legendary Shivaji, later because of FTII and more recently because of Osho, Pune has undergone several paradigm shifts over the last century. A city of contrasts - educational institutes, historic monuments and tradition, not to forget Shrewsbury biscuits, pubs and pool parlours, Pune is a cosmopolitan city today.
Take a stroll down its tree-lined avenues, stop for a cup of aromatic coffee at one of the many garden restaurants. Or walk into a theatre to catch a riveting cultural show, rounding off the evening with superb cuisine spiced with a bit of jazz music. Life moves at its own pace and the Punekars are happy to go with the flow!
A special sight is Pune in the monsoons, where rolling thunder and sheets of rain-wash the dust off the trees and the city pulses with a unique joi de vivre.
The city hails back to the mythical age of the Ramayana and is mentioned as a township called Punakha, which was located in the dense Dandaka forest. Home to the legendary Chattrapati Shivaji, one of the greatest rulers of India, it was the monsoon capital of the British owing to its pleasant climate. The city continues to be a popular haunt for tourists and students alike. Has many colleges and institutes, hence it is colloquially known as the 'Oxford of the East'.
For over 200 years, it was the citadel of Maratha power and went on to be an important headquarter of British India. Today, Pune continues to maintain its martial tradition with more than one institute dedicated to the services. As the cultural capital of Maharashtra, it is one of the fastest growing cities in the country and boasts of a rich and varied literary and scholastic heritage.
Located in the picturesque Sahyadari hills, it is often referred to as the 'Queen of the Deccan'. The influence of big sister city Mumbai has rubbed off making Pune an enviable hub with lots more space and charm. The (in)famous Osho community is another feather in the cap of the culturally vibrant and thrilling city. The evenings are a riot of people and colours with the city jiving to the beat of music at the many quaint pubs and the crack of the cue striking the balls at the pool parlours. All in all it is a perfect blend of the old and the new with something for everyone!
Udaipur | Ahmedabad | Mumbai | Pune | Colva Beach
Kochi | Madurai | Tiruchirapalli | Mamallapuram
Chennai | Kolkata | Darjeeling | Varanasi
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