When it comes to enjoying the urban life in a beautiful city, then perhaps there is no match to Pune - a metropolis of Maharashtra. Visiting here, you get the opportunity to meet a lot of interesting people as well as visit fascinating travel destinations. All this helps you know Pune better and brighter.
It won’t be wrong to say that Pune as a city is a nice blend of old age traditions and colonial feels. As behind all this, there is the land that gave birth to the mighty Marathas who, at one point, ruled most of India before the rise of Mughals.
Best Time to Visit Pune
So, if you want to get the vibe of the medieval Maratha empire, then a visit to Pune would be an eye-opener for you. Apart from history, Pune is also rich in nature’s ultimate bounty. Everything, from the waterfalls to lush green hills, is enough to excite you. This is another reason why lots of tourists flock to Pune. The best time to visit Pune is between the months of October and February.
History of Pune
The etymology of Pune is taken from Punaya Vishaya. This term was found on a copper plate dating back to 768 AD - the timeline when the Rashtrakutas ruled this land.
But Pune or Poona saw its most significant curve of success during the timeline of Marathas which began in the early 1600s. However, the reins of rulership constantly shifted between the Bhonsle and Adil Shahi dynasties.
By the 1700s, Pune along with its surrounding areas was granted to the newly Maratha Peshwa, Balaji Vishwanath. However, perhaps the rule of Marathas wasn’t meant to last for very long as in 1818, the so-called great Maratha rule came to its end as the Mughals, and then eventually, the Britishers took over.
Major Attractions in and Around Pune
1. Shaniwar Wada
Shaniwar Wada has now turned into one of the famous destinations to visit in Maharashtra. It covers about 625 acres of land and the historical grandeur of this place will leave you craving for more. For history lovers, this place is worth taking a bet on.
2. Aga Khan Palace
Aga khan palace is located in Pune and established by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III in 1892. The palace is famous for its magnificent architecture and the rich history of those times. Today, there is a museum inside, that offers a collection of pictures and other personal belongings of historical figures like Mahatama Gandhi.
3. Lal Mahal
This one is known as Shivaji’s childhood home and was built by his father for his lovely mother Jijabai. This is also the very place where the great Shivaji led the guerrilla attacks by the Marathas upon Shaesta Khan.
4. Pataleshwar Cave Temple
This cave temple is actually more of a cave-cut sanctuary established in the 8th century. The temple inside is devoted to Lord Shiva; it has a Shivalinga and a spherical Nandi Mandapa and one can visit through an entryway carved with stone pillars inside.
How to Reach Pune
Pune lets you enjoy the myriad urban culture in the most unique manner. To travel here, you will need to cover an approximate distance of 1,457, 148, 2,065, and 842 km from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru respectively. Check out the travel details below and know how you can reach Pune without any hassle.
By Air
You will need to deboard at Pune Airport (PNQ). It is basically a civil enclave airport managed and operated by the Airports Authority of India. It serves both domestic and international carriers via direct and connecting flight routes. Once you deboard at the airport, you can easily take a cab or some other local transportation available like an auto to reach here.
Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Pune
By Train
You will need to deboard at the Pune Junction (PUNE). The station has been fairly well connected with nearby cities and towns. After deboarding the station, take a cab, auto or some other means of public conveyance to reach your respective destination.
By Road
Pune is well connected via motorable roadways and national highways. From the nearby cities and towns, you can easily avail buses to travel here at affordable prices. Other means of transportation which you can take include cabs or otherwise you can self-drive here.
- From Lonavala - 64 km via Bengaluru-Mumbai Highway
- From Ahmednagar - 122 km via Pune Ahmednagar Highway
- From Satara - 110 km via NH48
Frequently Asked Questions about Pune
Q: In which state is Pune located?
A: Pune is a city in the Indian state of Maharashtra.
Q: What are some places to visit in Pune?
A: Some popular places to visit in Pune include the Shaniwar Wada, the Aga Khan Palace, the Pataleshwar Cave Temple, and the Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum.
Q: Are there any places to visit near Pune?
A: Yes, there are several places to visit near Pune, such as the Lonavala, Khandala, and Sinhagad Fort.
Q: How far is Lonavala from Pune?
A: The distance between Pune and Lonavala is approximately 67 km. The journey can take around 1.5-2 hours by road.
You can plan your trip and create your own route to the city with Adotrip’s technically driven circuit planner. Click here
