Pune

Pune is the cultural capital of Maharashtra and was formerly known as Poona. The city offers lively nightlife due to the large student population and vibrant atmosphere. The city is also full of lovely restaurants, beautiful cafes and full of knowledge museums. Trekkers love Pune since numerous forts surround it and offer panoramic views.  

There are tons to be said about Pune being called "Oxford of the East." Simply put, Pune may be a natural, 100 percent university town. There are several colleges and institutes here. From science college SP to engineering COEP, to medicine BJ, to arts FC, Pune has everything. The vibrancy is tremendous; for instance, just stroll along Fergusson Road on a Saturday evening. It's full, crowded and thriving, and very lively. Go near MIT College at Durga Coffee House on Paud Road in early December or early June at about midnight. You'll see a vast crowd of scholars gulping down hot coffee in an effort to remain awake for his or her examinations. Or drive to Nal stop at 3 am for delicious Poha, Idli, Sambar, Upma, and tea. 

History of Pune

The settlement started in Kasba Peth in early 1600. Kasba is a Persian word translating into Hamlet of houses. Now called the old city, but back then, Kasba was the only city area of Pune. The city glorifies the residence of some prominent personalities of the Maratha kingdom like Shivaji Maharaj, Peshwa Bajirao, Nana Phadnavis, Mahadji Shinde, Bhau Rangari. 

Over time when the city became an unofficial power center, it lived under the terror of attack. Hence, to protect the place, Peshwa Bajirao came to the town and built Shaniwar Wada. The historical facts also tell us that Shivaji Maharaj lived in the Lal Mahal. Though what we see now is not the original structure.   

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Rashtrakut kings built a beautiful Shiva temple named Punyeshwar. Unfortunately, it got destroyed in the 13th century. A legend surrounds the temple that, after the destruction, a dargah was built on it. A few years back, a wall collapsed, leading to finding old temple artifacts under dargah.

Culture and Festival

Pune particularly highlights the essence of Marathi sophistication, civilization, and prosperity. It reemphasizes its heritage, culture, and talent in various disciplines, including education, architecture, arts, crafts, music, theatre, and literature. Pune is the fine blend of tradition & modernism, classicism & causality, and antique & latest.

The communities that inhabit Pune include Brahmin, Marathas, Gujarati, Mali, Mahars, Jains, Muslims, Marwaris, Sindhi, and Christians. The residents of the city have earned the nickname of ‘Punekaras.’ Pune people are particularly famous for their straightforwardness and roughness. The main languages spoken in Pune are Marathi, Hindi, and English. 

Pune is also well-known for cuisines like Mastani, Puran Poli, Thali Peeth, Pithla - Bhakri, Chitales's Bakarwadi, Mango barfi, Modak, Vada Pav, Karanji, Misal Pav, Laxminarayan Best Chiwda, Indian Chat, Mango Barfi, Amrakhanda, Basundi, Soonth Paak, Chakali, Surali Wadis, Kacchi Dabeli, Amti, and a number of other gourmet spreads.

Pune is the native land of the Ganesh Festival, now celebrated nationwide with unmatched zest and enthusiasm during August or September. It was here that Lokmanya Tilak introduced the conception of the ‘Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav.’ Known by very few, Ganesh Utsav was a house festival. Bhau Rangari started it by placing the Ganesh idol at home and inviting close friends and relatives. It was then Tilak came up with the idea of Ganeshotsav on a large scale.

This idea was undoubtedly thought through and originated Manache Ganpati. Tilak chose five such spots in the city, where people could gather easily. These places were Kasba Ganpati, Tambdi Jogeshwari, Guruji Talim, Tulshibaug Ganpati, and Kesariwada.  

Ganpati Festival

Along with the Ganesh festival, Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation decided to organize a month-long Pune Festival. During this month, people present classical and Marathi folk dances and music, organizes music concerts, theater, films, traditional sports, bike and car rallies, and various other events. This festival beckons several spectators from all over the world.

Another three-day-long Sawai Gandharva Festival is organized in December every year. The festival exhibits the classical form of Hindustani music, performed by some renowned artists from different parts of India. And similarly, a dance festival also attracts people, Shaniwarwada Dance Festival. It is arranged in the winter months and showcases some of the best varieties of Indian classical dance. Shaniwar Wada serves as the backdrop during the festival, which is beautifully decorated with lights. 

Pune has honored, admired, and indulged in Marathi theatre since forever. Some of the old and main theatres that serve as a stage for both professional and experimental dramas are Bala Gandharva Rangmandir, Tilak Smarak, Yashwantrao Chavan Natyagriha, Jyotsna Bhole Sabhagruha, Bharat Natya Mandir, Sudarshan Rangmanch, and many more. 

Food and Shopping places in Pune

Pune is an organized city when it comes to shopping. There are various areas famous for particular items. 

Hong Kong lane and Fergusson college road are a hotspot of shopping. They provide you with all the mobile accessories, trendy bags, footwear, and dresses. You can ask for a good discount if you buy in bulk.

Fashion street at Bhavani Peth can help you makeover your wardrobe within budget. Get clones of all your favorite brands.

Appa Balwant Chowk is book warm's nest. You get a wide range of books here, right from educational, fictional, non-fictional, etc. Other than books, the place fulfills your stationery obsession as well. 

Tulsi Baug and Laxmi road are a wonderland for women. These oldest and famous markets are popular for traditional sarees and silk sarees. Tulsi Baug houses everything right from clothes, earrings, makeup, footwear, utensils, curtains, you name it, and they have it. 

Mahatma Phule Mandai is crowded for fresh fruits and vegetables. On Sunday people from parts of town visit this place to buy vegetables and fruits for a week. 

Some other popular places include M.G. Road, Koregaon Park, and Juna Bazar.  

Best time to visit

Pune is pleasant all around the year and witnesses summer, monsoon and winter. If we talk about summers, it is typically hot; April is the warmest month compared to other parts of the Deccan Plateau. The temperature here ranges from 35 to 42 degrees celsius.   

The city does not become very hot. Even during the peak summer, one can observe the cool air. Standing under a tree can also provide respite from the heat. But, the sunlight here is harsh and can lead to sunburn and skin tan. Since the city is at a high altitude, the nights are more relaxed than most other parts.

The place receives local and heavy downpours towards the end of June, bringing the temperature down. As a result, the monsoon can sometimes be gloomy, with clouds cover for days together. 

The Winter season takes charge from October, and the day temperature can go as low as 24-28°C. At the same time, nights can go up to 5-8°C. Usually, during November, the climate is pleasant in Pune.