Introduction to Pune: Pune may not be a cosmopolitan city as its upstart cousin on the cost, Mumbai, but it is a pleasant getaway for all those who want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The city has a calm atmosphere, non-confronting people, and is certainly much more relaxed and peaceful than Mumbai. If you consider Maharashtra as a Marathi speaking state of India, then Pune can undoubtedly be called its capital, with its glorious past and high concentration of Marathi speaking people. The place was early home of great Maratha warrior Shivaji and became the Maratha capital in 1750. For a brief period, the city was under the control of Nizam of Hyderabad and later came under the British rule in 1817. The British tried to develop the city as the summer capital of Maharashtra and a military cantonment. Today, the city has lost much of its grandeur of Maratha period but the places around here are quite rich in heritage and natural beauty.

In the recent times the city of Pune became famous for being home to the Osho Commune International. The ashram attracts a large number of people from around the world to practice Osho’s new-age meditation techniques. Pune is also an internationally renowned educational centre, being home to many institutions of repute like Film and Television Institute of India, Armed Forces Medical College, National Defence Academy and Symbiosis Educational Society.

Sightseeing:  Most of the attractions in Pune may not have been very famous, but that should not deter the tourists from visiting them. They have their own qualities that can be experienced only after seeing them. Most of the attractions are related to the Marathas, who at one point of time controlled much of the north and western India and challenged the might of Mughal Empire as well as that of British.

Here one can have a look at the remnants of foundations and outer walls of multi-story Shaniwar Wada that was burnt down in 1827. Pataleshwar Cave Temple is a welcome respite from the general bustle and crowds at most of the other temples. Raja Denkar Kelkar Museum is one place in Pune that should never be missed as the more than 17,000 art objects exhibited here are the example of how curiosity of a single man can create wonders. There are some more interesting sites in Pune like Saras Baug, Kasturba Samadhi, and Film and Television Institute of India that one should visit.

Excursions: In the Maratha Kingdom, Pune was the centre of power and all the places around this city reflect the might and glory of Marathas. Sinhagad, a hilltop fort, is the epitome of the bravery and cleverness of Maratha warriors. Raigad Fort was the place closely associated with the life and times of Shivaji, an icon of Maratha pride. Bhimashankar is a place known as much for its religious importance as for its natural surroundings. Jejuri has one of the most important temples in Maharashtra situated on a hilltop.