Pune
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Most people, when they think of Pune, think Osho. Though the Osho Ashram is a major tourist attraction here in Pune, it is not at all what Pune is all about. Far from it. Pune is all about history, culture, and most of all the love and compassion that is so abundant in all its people. Pune's nearness to Mumbai (its about a 3-3.5 hrs drive away; some even make it in 2.5 hrs), the commercial hub of India has affected its current culture in a big way. Today's Pune shows all signs of a booming metropolis with large IT offices, busy malls, and crowded market places. Though one blessing, its much smaller size, keeps the regular big city frustrations at bay like waiting in traffic and taking forever to reach where you want to reach in 5 mins.
Geography and Demography
The city of Pune is located about 170 KMs south-east of Mumbai. Its easily accessible by bus, trains, or cabs. Though one of the most comfortable and reasonably priced mode of travel is the state-run A/C Volvo bus that leaves from near the Dadar station in Mumbai and costs 200 rs.
Pune is located at an altitude of 559 meters at the foothills of the Shahyadri mountains. Due to the cover of hills all around, Pune experiences a very agreeable climate all year round. In the summers the temperatures range between 22C and 41C, and in the winters, between 8C and 25C. The rains (Jun - Sep) are just awesome. Everything turns thick green and looks all washed and fresh, with humidity levels much less as compared to Mumbai.
The city of Pune lies between 18 degrees 32 minutes North; 73 degrees 51 minutes East. It has an altitude of 559 metres above mean sea level and has a very pleasant climate. The Temperatures range from 15 degrees C to 35 degrees C. The best time to visit is October-March. The Winter Period is between Mid Nov to mid Feb charecterised by Dry, cold nights, pleasantly warm days. The Spring falls in between Mid-Feb to end-March having Warm days and pleasant nights.
The population of this green, beautiful and peace-loving city, including Hindus, Zoroastrians, Sikhs, Muslims, Christians, Chinese; is around 2.5 million. The present growth and popularity can be attributed to good climate, less pollution, excellent educational facilities and a good standard of living.
Another popular feature of Pune is its love of food. There are a zillion good eating joints here where you can find all that you need to satisfy your palate.
'History'
Down the centuries, Pune has been ruled by several dynasties. The earliest evidence found (copper plates of 758 A. D. and of 768 A. D.) reveals that the Rashtrakootas ruled this region then. At that time, Pune was referred to as Punaka Vishaya and Punya Vishaya. Copper plates of 960 A. D. and 963 A. D. refer to it as Punaka Wadi and Punaka Desha. Here Vishaya means region. Later on, the city has been mentioned as Kasabe Pune.
The term Pune comes from then word Punya - holy. In Hindu tradition, a confluence (sangama) of two rivers is sacred. Hence, this city, where there is a confluence of two rivers, is Punyanagari. After the Rashtrakootas, Pune was ruled by the Yadava dynasty. After the fall of this dynasty, it came under Muslim dominance till the middle of the seventeenth century.
With the emergence of Chhatrapati Shivaji, who founded the Maratha empire, Pune became known to the Delhi Sultanate. Shivaji, spent his early childhood in Pune at Lal Mahal, a palace built by his father Shahaji, where Shivaji's mother Jijabai lived for a decade. Dadaji Konddev, Shivaji's mentor, developed Pune city. He constructed a temple of Ganesha called Kasba Ganapati. This is the grama devata where invitations for all religious functions are first offered be it for a marriage, upanayana ceremony or any other functions. It was in this Lal Mahal that Shivaji attacked the Moghuls and defeated Shahistekhan, the uncle of Aurangazeb
[['Attractions']]
Aga Khan Palace The Aga Khan Palace is a national monument. It holds great significance in the Indian freedom movement as Mahatma Gandhi, his wife Kasturba, and secretary Mahadevbhai Desai were held captive here in 1942, following the Quit India Movement. The palace is home to the Mahatma's ashes and the samadhis of Kasturba Gandhi and Mahadevbhai. The movie 'Gandhi' was also shot there. Apart from huge arches and spacious lawns, you can visit the Picture Gallery showcasing pictures from the freedom movement, and a museum exhibiting some of Mahatmas's personal effects. an unlikely place for a prison but the Britishers interned Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba Gandhi here. The architecture of the palace wil take you down memory lane, reminding you of the illustrations from fairy tale houses. Address: Aghakhan Palace, Nagar road, beyond Fitzgerald Bridge Phone: +91 20 26880250 Timings: 9 am to 6 pm (Lunch break: 12.30 pm to 1:30 pm)
Lal Deval (Synagogue) Lal Deval is conspicuously placed on Moledina Road. The red-brick-and-stone structure built in the English Gothic style, resembles a church. It is Pune's finest synagogue, built by philanthropist David Sassoon in 1867.
Bund Garden Bund Garden lies on the right bank of the Mula Mutha river. Constructed by Sir Jamshedji Jeejeebhoy primarily for providing water to the poor during summer, it has become a popular unwinding spot for citizens with an added attraction of boating facilities and has recently added a well-designed jogging track. Bund Garden is now known as the Mahatma Gandhi Udyan.
The Osho Ashram The Osho International Meditation Resort is located in the peaceful residential area, Koregaon Park. It attracts thousands of soul-searchers from around the globe wishing to take part in the meditation courses organized by the Ashram. Its a beautifully architected, lush resort, providing one woth the perfect setting to unite body and soul. The Commune was founded by Osho Rajneesh who died in 1990. His samadhi is situated in the Ashram. The commune has beautiful gardens open to the public in the mornings and evenings. Address: Osho International Meditation Resort, 17 Koregaon Park 411001. Website: http://www.osho.com Timings: Please check the website, or call and enquire
Shindyanchi Chhatri Amongst the architectural prides of Pune, the memorial to the great warrior Mahadji Shinde, the commander-in-chief of the Maratha army, between the years 1760 to 1780 under the mighty Peshwas. The temple adorned with Rajasthani architecture is an imposing edifice situated at Wanowrie.
Pataleshwar Cave Temples Pataleshwar Cave Temples lies in the heart of the city, at Shivaji Nagar . This 8th century rock-cut temple, hewn from a massive single rock, has huge pillars, a Shiva shrine and a Nandi bull.
Shaniwar Wada The historic palace of the Peshwa (Prime Ministers) rulers, became the seat of political power during Bajirao-I’s reign and became so conspicuous that to this date the palace has become the symbol of the city and its culture. Built in 1736, the Shaniwar Wada was once the palace of the great Peshwa rulers. The wada (Fort) was destroyed by a major fire in 1827, the cause of the fire till today remains a mystery.
Parvati Hill and Temples The 'Nagarkhana' drum house, the imposing temple of Parvati and Devdeveshwar are the main structures on the hill. The Parvati museum houses protraits of heroes of the Peshwa dynasty, besides old manuscripts, weapons and coins. A group of beautiful temples of Ganapati and Kartikeya make Parvati add to Parvati's attractions. According to the records, the main idol was carved out of gold by craftsmen from Karnataka. After this was stolen in 1932, it was replaced by silver idols plated with gold. The 108 step climb to the 17th century temple located on top, the hill is also the favourite haunt of fitness fans.
Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum is housed in a quaint Rajasthani-style building. It holds a one-man collection of the most fascinating Indian artifacts. Thirty-six sections of this museum are used to display a plethora of antiques, carved palace doors, pottery, a priceless collection of lamps and musical instruments of the Mughal and Maratha periods. A masterpiece is the 'Mastani Mahal' brought and erected as it was from its original place!
Bal Gandharv Mandir The home of Marathi Theatre, both commercial and experimental. Throughout the year there are different cultural happenings like exhibitions, theatre, orchestra - instrumental and vocal,...
Tilak Smarak Mandir Tilak Smarak Mandir on Tilak Road is a building commemorating the great freedom fighter and social reformer Lokmanya Tilak. On the ground floor is a small museum describing Tilak's public life and a theatre on the upper floors.
Saras Baug Sitting like a flat oyster towards one end of the city, the sunken Sarasbaug is a place where hundreds of Puneites throng every evening, for their share of fresh air among green surroundings. Adjoining Sarasbaug, across a small narrow road is another garden. This however, is not merely a park but a zoo as well - Peshwe Park.
The Film and Television Institute of India The Film and Television Institute of India is situated on Law College Road. It imparts training in all branches of the film and television industry and is known for having produced some of the finest show-business professionals in the country.
The Katraj Snake Park The Katraj Snake Park has a collection of reptiles, birds and turtles. Naturalists would delight in the Park's exhibits and activities. The park has also recently added a zoo.
Chaturshrungi Temple Chaturshrungi Temple is situated on a hillock off Senapati Bapat Road. This temple of the goddess attracts droves of devotees during the nine-day Navaratri festival in October.
Sinhagad Fort One of the great forts of Maharashtra is based in Pune. This is the place where brave soldiers fought for the fort. Tanaji, one of the trusted soldier of Shivaji Maharaj sacrificed his son's wedding to win the fort. He was well supported by his uncle Shelar Mama and his brave Marathas. The fort was named Sinhgad from Kondana, after this brave Maratha who fought till death like a true lion.
Links of Importance in Pune
Cybercruise of Mumbai Pune Highway A snapshot of the future travel along Mumbai Pune road University of Pune The citadel of learning Education in Pune Many links related to Education in Pune Important telephone numbers in Pune http://www.punecity.com/ A Pune portal http://pune.gov.in/ Pune Zilla Website http://punesearch.googlepages.com/ Search Engine Specialized for Pune
