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Pune is one of the best cities in Maharashtra. It has everything that is needed to please everybody irrespective of age. It is a perfect place for a vacay with your children or with friends. It is a great blend of ideas and cultures and the city keeps evolving. The city proves to be a place of convergence of many lifestyles and cultures. Pune is also known as “Poona.”
Pune is popular as “Oxford of the East” because of the existence of many recognized educational institutions here. Moreover, this city is known as Maharashtra’s cultural capital. This city blends modernity perfectly with traditions sprinkled with the charm of colonial-era. This city is filled with energy and fun. It is not just a technological hub, it is a religious and cultural heritage city as well with many important and beautiful tourist places.
An inscription dated 937 CE was found on a copper plate of the Rashtrakuta Dynasty which has Pune’s earliest reference. It refers to this town as the Pune-Vishaya which means sacred news. The city was known as Punawadi by the thirteen century.
In the medieval period, copper plates were found that dated back to 858 CE and 868 CE. According to them, an agriculture settlement called Purnnaka in the 9th century took place at the current location of Pune. As per these plates, the Rashtrakuta dynasty ruled this area. Pune was a part of the territory that was under Devagiri’s Seuna Yadavas from the ninth century to 1327. In 1599, a jagir was given to Maloji Bhosale and Pune was a part of it. Until Pune was captured by the Mughals, Pune was governed by Ahmadnagar Sultanate. Shivaji, the grandson of Maloji Bhosale, was born at the Shivneri Fort that was near Pune. Between 1680 and 1705, the town changed hands between the Marathas and Mughals many times. In 1630, the Adi Shahi dynasty raided and destroyed the town. Then from 1636 to 1647, the town was again reconstructed by Dadoji Konddeo. He was the one to develop effective ways to handle disputes and enforce laws and orders. Aurangzeb occupied this town by 1703 by the end of the Mughal Maratha Wars and the name of this town was changed. It was then known as Muhiyabad. After two years during the Sinhagad Battle, the Sinhagad fort was recaptured by the Marathas and followed by Pune from the Mughals.
Chhatrapati Shahu appointed Baji Rao I in 1720 as the Peshwa of the Maratha Empire. In 1728, he shifted his base to Pune from Saswad, which marked the start of changing the Kasbah into a huge city. It was under his commission that the Shaniwar Wada was constructed on the Mutha river’s right bank. The Maratha Peshwas support led to great developments of Pune with more than 250 bridges and temples constructed in that period. In India, the Peshwa influence declined following the Maratha forces defeat at Panipat’s Battle. Pune was annexed in 1802 by Yashwantrao Holkar, precipitating the 2nd Anglo-Maratha War (1803-1805). The rule of Peshwa ended with Peshwa Bajirao II defeat in 1818 by the British East India Company.
The 3rd Anglo-Maratha War finally broken between the British East India Company and the Marathas in 1817. On 5th November, in the Battle of Khadki, the Peshwas were defeated and this city was captured by the British. Then it was put under the Bombay presidency administration and a big military cantonment was built by the British which is now utilized by the Army of India. Pune was called Poona during the British rule. In 1858, the establishment of Poona municipality took place. Pune was also linked with the struggles for Independence for the county. After the Independence of India, Pune saw great developments that helped transform the city into an extremely modern metropolis.
Whether you will visit Pune with your loved ones or friends or planning a holiday with kids, below are the most famous places in Pune that will enthrall you:
Camping: No matter which place you’re traveling to, camping can help you explore the real beauty of any place and it is true for Pune as well. This little city’s beauty can be felt by camping at different sights that offer a sheer delight.
Trekking: Another exciting activity in Pune can be trekking. Trekking is certainly one of the best activites to do in Pune since Pune has many treks in and around the city for those adventurous souls.
River Rafting: The city has a lot to offer when it comes to adventure activities in Pune. Tourists can enjoy river rafting which will take you through the quaint landscapes of this city and is sure to have the adrenaline rush flow through your veins.
Visiting Amusement Park: If you are traveling with kids, you should definitely visit the amusement park in Pune called the Adlabs Imagica. It is not less than a paradise for kids.
Cuisine Tour: Pune is known to have one of the finest culinary circuits and hence the food of Pune is relished by one and all.
Visit The Snake Park: Another exciting thing to do in Pune is visiting the famous Katraj Snake Park which is the breeding spot for over 160 different species of snakes.
Paragliding: Fly like a bird by opting for paragliding activity. Experience paragliding to make your trip to Pune more memorable and thrilling.
Shopping: For those shopaholics looking to go on a great shopping spree, visiting FC Road in Pune is a great option. You can get hands on a few stylish accessories and clothes, trending bags, fancy jewelry, and fashionable shoes here at throwback prices.
Picnic at the Lake: Visiting the Pashan Lake is another excellent thing to do in Pune. You can also enjoy a picnic here while engulfing yourself in tranquillity and serenity by the lake. It will be a great experience worth your time.
Visit Hadaspar Gliding Center: If you are in search of the best and coolest things to do when in Pune, head to Hadaspar Gliding Center. You will get a chance to go on an exciting flight in a 2-seater Sailplane which will offer you a birds eye view of this city.
Enjoy Water Sports: If you are looking for fun sports in Pune, challenge your endurance by trying the different water sports. Try on hands quickly at water activities like kayaking. You can also enjoy paddle boating, pontoon boating, and shikara boating.
Learn Scuba: Go for a one-day scuba training course if you are a keen learner at Absolute Scuba and a water sports lover.
Pune is located at a distance of 148 km from Mumbai and 121 km from Mahabaleshwar. Pune has its own airport located nearly 10 km from the city center. It is connected very well with all the nearby cities and states by road. The city also has its own railway station known as the Pune Railway Station.
Whether you are on a trip to Pune with your family or friends, ensure to plan in advance to make your trip a memorable one!