Tourism in Pune: Things to do in Pune

Looking forward for a pulsating holiday? How about Pune? The second biggest city of Maharashtra, the home to the Maratha leader, Shivaji.

Best Time to Visit Pune

One of the busiest cities of Maharashtra state, Pune is touted as the cultural capital of the state. The state’s second largest city too, Pune is visited by both leisure as well as business travelers from all around. The city has a tropical climate with average temperature falling in the range of 20 degree C and 28 degree C. Thus, best time to visit Pune is between October to February when the weather is pleasant, making sightseeing a favorable activity. In October, 20 degree and 27 degree C is the temperature range with the number going to 12 degree C in November. The average temperature during this time is 10 degree C -15 degree C. Till March, the weather is cool with temperatures going up to 20 degree C.

Summer season stays in Pune from April to June. While in April, the temperatures soar up to 30 degree, in the other months, it go as high as 40 degree C. the monsoon time is a difficult time in Pune when the water clog the streets badly. Rains hit the city between July and September, however, the weather is pleasing.

How to Reach Pune

By Air

BY AIR -

Pune airport, is located at a distance of around 12 km from the city center, in Lohegaon. Regular flights connect Pune to important Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai and Bangalore. Private taxis and auto rickshaws are available from the airport to arrive at your desired location.

By Train

BY RAIL -

Pune is one of the prime and most important railway junctions in the Central railways zone on the Indian Railways. Regular express, mail and superfast trains connect Pune to important cities in North, South and West.

By Road

BY ROAD -

A well-maintained network of roads connect Pune to the important parts of the state as well as the country. Maharashtra state buses as well as private buses offer daily bus services within the state as well as neighboring states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Goa. Hiring a private cab is another option. Some of the nearby cities to Pune are Mumbai (170 km), Bijapur (275 km), Aurangabad (215 km), Nashik (209 km) and Ahmadnagar (115 km).

Tourist Attractions in Pune

The most important landmark of Pune is the residence of the self-proclaimed guru, Bhagwan Rajneesh, also known as Osho. The ashram in Pune still attracts thousands of devotees, sightseers, curious onlookers and lots of controversy. The Shanwarawada Palace with its pleasant gardens and huge outer walls is another must visit in Pune.

The Raja Kelkar Museum with unusual, the antique and the artistic collections draws several tourists. The major exhibits are the 17th century miniatures, of musical instruments, of antique pottery, and unusually, betel-nut cutters and brass padlocks. The other must visit museum is the Tribal Museum near the railway station.

The Gandhi National memorial, in the Aga Khan palace is also an important landmark of Pune. The 8th century rock-cut temple, the Ptaleshwar Temple on a hill a little outside town is one of the most popular temples, dedicated to goddess Parvati. There is a famous Muslim shrine, the Qamarali Darvesh that has a stone that is reputed to levitate. Twenty-five kilometers south-west of Pune, perched on a hill-top, is one of Maharashtra's many forest, Sinhagad, or the Lion Fort.

For enjoying the gorgeous greens Pune offers the Bund gardens on the banks of the river Mula-Mutha.