Pune Overview

If you are on a tour to west India, the name Pune is sure to crop up in your itinerary. Widely considered the cultural capital of the Marathis, Pune is the capital of Pune district and is the 8th largest urban conglomeration in India in terms of population. Roughly 120 kilometers east of Mumbai (the commercial nerve center of the country), the city stands at an elevation of 560 meters above sea level, as a look into the Pune map will elaborate. The location of Pune is on the eastern edge of Western Ghats, on Deccan Plateau. A Pune overview will provide you with valuable insights into the city's history, geography, sightseeing spots, architectural marvels, and most importantly the culture and lifestyle of the people.

The history of Pune is a colorful and eventful one. The earliest traces of a settlement here can be traced back to copper plates of the Rashtrakuta dynasty dating back as early as 758 AD. In the later middle ages, it was taken over by the Mughals. Pune rose to fame during the mid 17th century as the capital of Maratha warrior king Shivaji and later expanded prosperously under the Peshwa rule. In the early 19th century, the city passed to the British after the defeat of the Peshwas and was later declared the monsoon capital of Bombay Presidency. Pune played its role in the freedom struggle for the country's independence, producing some great leaders like Mahadev Govind Ranade, Gopal Krishna Gokhale and Jyotirao Phule. After independence, Pune grew in reputation as the educational hub of India with establishment of many premier institutes.

Pune weather experiences 3 distinct seasons of summer, monsoon and winter. Typical summer months from March to May might experience high temperatures of 39°C. The warmest month here is April, contrary to the Deccan Plateau, where May is hottest. In June the relieving monsoon winds from Arabian Sea bring heavy showers. A moderate rainfall in monsoon may sometimes turn to spells of continuous rain stretching to days, even weeks. The winter from November to February is the best time to visit the city, with pleasant days and cold nights.

Pune tourism is an attractive prospect for people visiting western India for the first time. There are a lot of tourist attractions in Pune ranging from historical, educational, to entertainment sites. A glimpse into Pune overview will show you the lots of colorful places here from ancient forts to expansive gardens. Sightseeing in Pune includes interesting spots like the exquisite Aga Khan's palace, the marvelous Pataleshwar Cave Temple, to the avian sanctuary of Pashan Lake, the fun filled Splash Mountain Water Park, or the captivating Museum of Arthropod. To house the numerous tourists each year varieties of accommodation in Pune have come up. These range from sprawling lavish 5-star hotels to backpack hostels, which are so popular with students. This educational hub of India also receives a host of students each year. If you intend to stay long, you can go for excursions nearby Pune to Dehu, Karla Caves or the National Defense Academy. If you are lucky enough to visit the city in the right time, you can experience the various colors and moods of the people during the festivals and events in Pune. A throbbing nightlife in Pune makes this place a haven for party-goers living each moment to the fullest. A tour of this lively city and exploring its various shades will provide you with a wonderful experience and an excellent vacation.