Pune- a city you’ll fall in love with!
Oxford of the East, Queen of Deccan, Pensioner’s Paradise and India’s Motor City are just a few names describing Pune.
Initially known as Punawadi, Pune city is the seventh largest metropolis in India and the second largest in the state of Maharashtra.
Pune has a very pleasant climate all year round. Temperature during daytime maybe a little high in summers, but the evenings and nights are always breezy and cool. But monsoons beat all. The entire city is covered in green during rains and there is a magical feel in the air. Pune is also referred to as Deccan Odyssey.
Also known as the cultural capital of Maharashtra, Pune has magnificent history including Rashtrakut Era, Maratha Empire and Peshwa Realm. Lal Mahal, Sinhagad fort, Shaniwarwada, Agakhan Palace and Karla caves are a few historical places that take us to the glorious past of Pune.
Marathi is the official and most widely spoken language as Pune was the bastion of Maratha Empire. The Pataleshwar temple is believed to be one of the oldest temples in the city. Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple is visited by thousands of pilgrims every year.
Pune has been associated with several significant spiritual teachers like Osho and Meher Baba. The Osho International Meditation Resort is one of world’s largest spiritual centres, located in Koregaon Park area.
The educational institutions of the city are compared with Oxford of London, therefore, being called Oxford of the East.
Soon to be called the second silicon Valley of India, the Hinjewadi IT Park of Pune has become the base of major IT companies.
The Independent has cited Pune as India’s Motor City for the major automotive plants of India like Tata Motors, Mahindra and Mahindra, Mercedes Benz, Force Motors and Kinetic Motors being in Pune. General Motors, Land Rover, Jaguar, Renault, Volkswagen and Fiat have plants around the city.
Pune is also known for it’s industrial sector, Kirloskar Group being one of the oldest and Military and Air Force academy. The military academy is in Camp, which provides training in military till graduation.
Apart from the historical, religious, IT and industrial sector, Pune has some famous eateries and shopping destinations. German Bakery, Prem’s and High Spirits Cafe are some of the famous eateries. As for shopping, it has posh areas like Koregaon Park, Kalyani Nagar and MG Road for the rich and elite class, FC Road and JM Road for middle class and the Peth areas for Marathi centric shoppers. Areas like Viman Nagar have also developed in the last few years and have three of the best malls of Pune.
Though Pune is not a big city, it is known for and is for all kinds of people, whether it be students or the working class. It is also called Pensioner’s Paradise for it’s peaceful and quiet environment.