Area Size : 1109.69 Sq. Km.Population : 3.44 Millions.
Popular Languages : Hindi, Marathi and English
Pune,formerly called Poona, also known as Punya-Nagari, is the eighth largest metropolis in India, the second largest in the state of Maharashtra after Mumbai, and the largest city in the Western Ghats. Once the center of power of the Maratha Empire, it is situated 560 metres above sea level on the Deccan plateau at the confluence of the Mula and Mutha rivers,Pune is the administrative capital of Pune district.
Pune is known to have existed as a town since 937 AD.Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire, lived in Pune as a young boy, and later oversaw significant growth and development of the town during his reign. In 1730, Pune became an important political center as the seat of the Peshwa, the prime minister of the Chhatrapati of Satara. After the town was annexed to British India in 1817, it served as a cantonment town and as the "monsoon capital" of the Bombay Presidency until the independence of India.
Today, Pune is known for its educational facilities and relative prosperity. Pune is the cultural capital of Maharashtra, and the notional seat of the Marathi language.Pune has well-established manufacturing, glass, sugar, and forging industries since the 1950-60s. It has a growing industrial hinterland, with many information technology and automotive companies setting up factories in Pune district. The city is known for various cultural activities like classical music, spirituality, theater, sports, and literature. These activities and job opportunities attract migrants and students from all over India and abroad, which makes for a city of many communities and cultures.
Pune, now called the Oxford of the East was once a haven for the Britishers. The reason being its conducive and pleasant climate. Pune is considered a mini hillstation and has a tolerable climate throughout the year as compared to its neighbour, Mumbai!
The summers can get a little harsh and in daytime temperatures can soar upto 40°C at times, with evenings bringing in relief! Main Street, (i.e M.G.Road) is packed with hoards of people having ice creams and milkshakes to shake off the heat!The festivals of 'Holi' and 'Rangpanchmi' is not something one must miss, with umpteen 'Holi' bashes with the crowd going berserk, splashing coloured water on each other to the beats of music! The innumerable swimming pools all over the city can bring in relief from the heat too!
Pune airport is located about 10 km away from the heart of the city, in the Lohagaon area. Taxi charge from airport to city is only Rs 200. Regular, direct flights are available from Pune to many cities in India. The cities Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore and Mumbai are all air connected to Pune. International travelers can get connecting flight from Mumbai International Airport.
Pune By Train
Pune is an important railway junction in Indian railway. Good rail networks connect Pune with all other rail junctions in India.
Pune By Bus
Pune is well connected with many of the major cities in Maharashtra by state owned bus services. Private luxury deluxe buses are operated from Pune to many cities in India, including Goa, Mumbai and Hyderabad. Regular frequent bus services are connecting Pune with Mumbai, nearly a distance of 200 km.
