Pune

Pune also called as Poona is an important city in Maharashtra,located at 170 kms. south of Mumbai. It has been the cultural capital of Maharashtra,since ages. Pune became the seat of the enterprising Peshwas,under whom Maratha power rose into a major political force. The Peshwas were renowned patrons of the arts and in their time,enriched the city with temples,gardens and educational institutions. The city was one of the pivotal bases of the 17th century great Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji,who was born at the Shivneri Fort here.

Located in the Sahayadri Hills,near the west coast of India,Pune is a fascinating city with a healthy climate all year round. Pune is one of the biggest industrial towns of Maharashtra. Pune also is famous for the Film and Television Institute of India and National Defence Academy that are based here. Pune is also famous for education and OSHO Communes in the Rajnesh Ashram located here. Pune boasts of various art galleries and museums that offer collection of ancient artifacts. October to May is the best time to visit this place.

A great historical landmark The Aga Khan's Palace (Kasturba Gandhi Smriti Mandir) is a beautiful building with salons and suites. It was here that Mahatma Gandhi and other leaders of the Indian National Congress were imprisoned during the 1942 Quit India Movement. The samadhi of Kasturba Gandhi the wife of Mahatma Gandhi also lies here. An exhibition here details highlights of Gandhi's life and career. The palace grounds has spacious lawns.

The Osho Commune International is situated at 17 Koregaon Park,the Commune was founded by Osho Rajneesh,one of India's most popular self proclaimed gurus. This Commune attracts thousands of visitors each year who wish to take part in the meditation courses organized by the Ashram. Osho died in 1990 and his samadhi is situated in the Ashram.

The commune offers facilities that include a swimming pool,sauna,massage and beauty parlour,tennis and basketball courts. The commune has beautiful gardens open to the public in the mornings and evenings.

The Parvati Temple was the erstwhile private shrine of the Peshwa rulers. A steep flight of 108 narrow steps lead to this hill top temple built by Balaji Baji Rao Peshwe. 'Nagaarkhana' drum house is the imposing temple of Parvati and Devdeveshwar. Now it is a popular tourist spot,with the Parvati and Devdeveshwar temples standing on the top of the hill. The Parvati Museum nearby houses replicas of ancient paintings,old manuscripts,weapons and coins.

This museum is of Rajasthani-style and showcases a one-man collection of some of the most fascinating Indian artifacts one can ever get to see. Among 36 sections full of antiques,carved palace doors,miniatures,the 'Mastani Mahal' is particularly famous. Mastani was the mistress of 'Peshwa Bajirao',the Prime Minister of Satara. This impressive collection was donated to the Govt of Maharashtra by Shri Dinkar Kelkar.

Shaniwarwada was once the palace of the Peshwa rulers. It was built in the year 1736. The palace was mysteriously destroyed by fire in the year 1827,now only left are an old fortified wall,the majestically built 'Nagarkhana' and a lotus pool park.

Pataleshwar Cave Temple is situated deep in the heart of the city,at Shivajinagar. It is a 8th century rock-cut temple and a reminiscent of Ellora caves situated at Aurangabad. The temple has been painstakingly hewn from a single rock and houses massive pillars,a Shiva shrine and a Nandi bull.

Saras Baug is a popular evening spot at Pune with pleasant lawns and the famous Ganesh temple built by Madhavrao Peshwa. Shinde's Chhatri,the memorial of the great Maratha warrior Mahadaji Shinde,is among the best architectural sights in Pune. It houses his Chhattri (umbrella) and his portrait in silver. Lal Deval (Synagogue) is a red brick and trap stone building of English-Gothic style,the Lal Deval was built by the famous David Sassoon in 1867. Bund Gardens also known as Mahatma Gandhi Udyan,are situated on the banks of Mula-Mutha River.

National Defence Academy is situated at Khadakvasla,17 kms. from Pune,the Academy imparts basic training to the cadets of all three branches of the services,Army,Air Force and Navy. Pashan lake is located at 12 kms. north of NDA. This beautiful lake is a home to a variety of migratory and residential birds.

The Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) imparts training in all major branches of film training in all major branches of film making and is known to have produced some of the finest film professionals of the country.

Yet another place worth visiting is the mansion at Ganeshkhind,in the Poona University site was the official residence of the Governor of Mumbai during the monsoon season. A large building in Italian-Gothic style built with the local grey trap rock,it is surrounded by a high square tower (30 metres high),a swimming pool and well kept lawns.

The world famous Yoga Institute called 'Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute' directed by Mr B K S Iyengar is an internationally reputed institution. Courses for short and long durations are conducted here,depending on individual requirements and the availability of time.

About 50-60 kms. away from Pune,there are Karla and Bhaja Caves these rock-cut Buddhist caves date back to 1st and 2nd century B.C. They consist of several Viharas (dwelling caves) and Chaityas (chapels) of the Buddhist monks.

Sinhagad stands for "Fortress of the Lion",stands 25 km from Pune. Its history proves many legends of bravery. It is an ideal place for picnics and outings and a heaven for trekkers and rock climbers. The most impregnable fort in Western India once upon a time,it changed hands many times from Mohammed Tughlak in 1340 A.D.,to the fearless King of the Marathas,Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj,to the British in 1918 A.D.

It is said that about 300 years ago one of Shivaji's valiant generals,Tanaji Malusare scaled this sheer precipice with ropes and giant lizards. He was killed in the battle and a memorial exists. The scenic valley has a beauty of its own specially in the rainy season.

About 52 kms. away from Pune on the top of an impressive hill,the majestic forts of Lohagad and Visapur are located. They were built in the 18th century and are 1 km. apart These forts are ideal for trekking. Shivneri is a magnificent fort where Shivaji was born. One of the interesting features of this fort is a mosque with two minarets which are joined by a graceful arch. It is located at about 94.5 kms. away from Pune.

Dehu was the birthplace of the greatest Marathi Saint of the 17th century. It is situated on the banks of the river Indrayani. Another pilgrim centre,22 kms. away from Pune is Alandi,where the 'Samadhi' of the famous saint-poet Dnyaneshwar is situated. Bhimashankar is the elaborately carved Shiva temple,one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of the country. A fair is held here annually during Mahashivratri. It is located at 122 kms. from Pune. Jejuri is known for the famous temple of 'Khandoba' and an annual fair held here is attended by Hindus in large numbers.

Also a water Sport Complex called Panshet was recently developed by MTDC,offers sheer fun and enjoyment to the visitor. Speed boats,water scooters,kayaking windsurfing etc. The resort is packed with various thrilling water-sports.