Pune city is one of the oldest and most developed cities of India. It is also famous as prime cultural and educational hub of Maharashtra and is also a booming area for Information Technology (IT) industry. It is also the second biggest city of Maharashtra and is popularly known as cultural capital. Situated at an altitude of 560m, it lies on western side of Deccan plateau. Western Ghats or the Sahyadri mountain ranges are located very near to the city. The city falls between 18 degree 32' North latitude and 73 Degree 51' East longitude.
Pune has a distinct history as the city is more than 1600 years old. The city has a pleasant climate with average temperature ranging between 35 to 42 degree Celsius. Winter, summer and monsoon are the three distinct seasons of the city. It receives average rainfall and climate is generally dry. Winter season (November to February) is the most recommended period for tourism.
Being a city of Maharashtra, marathi is the most spoken language in Pune and majority of people belong to Maratha and Brahmin community. The city is well connected to other areas of Maharashtra as well as India. Around three national highways (NH) and one expressway pass through Pune. Expressway is a dedicated route connecting the city to Mumbai. NH50 is a national highway connecting Pune to Nashik while NH9 connects Pune to Vijaywada (a city in the state of Andhra Pradesh). NH4 is a major national highway between Mumbai and Chennai (a city in the state of Tamil Nadu) and passes through Pune. The highway also connects the city to Bangalore and passes through prime cities of Maharashtra like Kolhapur and Satara.
Pune is a major tourist destination blessed with some of the finest forts, museums, caves and temples. Aga Khan Palace, Shaniwar Wada, Sinhagad, and Lal Mahal are some of the famous monuments in the city. Parvati temple located on a hill-top, Saras Baug Ganpati temple, Kasba Ganpati, Chatushrungi temple, and Dagdusheth Halvai are popular temples of Pune. Khadakwasla, Varasgaon, and Panshet are the three major dams in Pune supplying water to whole city. They are also famous as prime tourist destinations. National Defense Academy (NDA), the prime military academy of India for recruiting and training young military officers, is located at Khadakwasla.
Cuisine of Pune has its own distinct identity. Puran poli, pithla bhakri, thalipith, matki usal, vada-pav, amti, and varan-bhat are famous dishes of the city. Being a cosmopolitan city, various other dishes are also easily available here. Leading Pizza and Burger chains worldwide have their outlets in prime areas of Pune.
Traveling in Pune is not an issue as various state and non-state transport options are available for tourists. Hiring a vehicle on rent is the most recommended option. PMPML (Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited), bus service offered by Pune Municipal Corporation, also has a good reach to major areas of the city but is generally over-crowded.
Pune do not have an international airport but, a few national and international flight carriers operate through a military airport located at Lohegaon. There are three major bus depots in city with one each at Swargate, Pune Station, and Shivajinagar Station.
The city is also a big hub for entertainment industry. Bal Gandharva natyagriha and Yashwantrao Chavan natyagriha are famous theaters in the city. Pune is also a perfect area for shopping-lovers as the city is blessed with several malls and authorized outlets from world-renowned brands. Night life in Pune is quite lively and enjoyable.
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