Owing to the presence of a large number of reputed colleges and institutions, Pune is often called as the Oxford of the East. With prestigious institutions like the National Defence Academy and Armed Forces Medical College churning national prides and the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), the Symbiosis Educational Society and the University of Pune, producing brilliant talents to lead the country in different spheres, there’s no doubt that Pune holds the top spot in every aspiring student’s list.
Pune’s strategic location and proximity to other major tourist destinations in the western part of the country, added with a wonderful weather throughout the year, makes it one of the favourite destinations to visit. The city is well connected to different parts of the country through air, rail and road and thus, there’s no difficulty in reaching. There are some really lavish hotels in Pune for the big pocketed tourists and equally alluring budgeted options as well. The fringes of the city which starts merging into the Sahyadri Range, also has some beautiful cottages and resorts.
Pune is a charming blend of the traditional and contemporary, and a lot of places and things for the tourists to see and to. Pune is like a history student’s dream come true – there are several historical monuments to explore. The Aga Khan Palace, is known for its Italian architecture, lovely gardens and spacious suites. It is also the place where Kasturba Gandhi spent the last years of her life. There’s Shaniwar Wada, the iconic monument and the temples at Saras Baug and Parvati Hills which perfectly reflects the glory of Maratha empire.
The religious places like the Lal Deval, Parsi agiary, Jewish synagogue and the several churches dotted in the city, are fine examples representing Pune’s cosmopolitan culture. Pune is also home to the internationally renowned Osho International Meditation Ashram and Iyengar Yoga Institute, which attracts global visitors all year long.
Pune’s natural surroundings are also famous among adventure enthusiasts, who throng the city to try their hands at activities like camping, paragliding, rappelling, mountain climbing, trekking and other adrenaline pumping thrills. The skydiving and flying club, located at few hours from the city is a perfect way to soar high like a bird. Festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi is hugely popular among the city crowd and you can witness and become a part of huge processions. Pune is also famous for its musical gigs and concerts, like NH7 Weekender, which are organised throughout the year.
Foodies can enjoy typical Maharashtrian street delicacies like vada pav, puran poli, misal pav and pav bhajjis and even some sophisticated continental dishes at some swanky restaurants. Pune is also popular among party animals with its array of nightclubs and pubs, which are both safe and promises lots of fun.
Pune’s proximity to nearby getaways like Lonavala, Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani offers a respite from the hectic city life. If you’re living somewhere else, you can take a cab for Pune to Mumbai and enjoy the natural wonders of the Western Ghats. Pune’s temperature fluctuates from moderate to little chilly, so it’s better to carry some sweatshirts. Do a little round up before exploring this amazing city and don’t forget to enjoy to the fullest.