Pune is the eighth largest city in the India state of Maharashtra. The city derives it name from Punya Nagari, which means 'the city of virtuous deeds.' The city, which began as an agricultural settlement in the 8th century, was ruled by the Rashtrakutas. The Mughal rule took charge of the city in the 11th century. It became the residence of Marathi King Shivaji in the 17th century and in the 18th century, prime minister of Chhatrapati Shahu, Peshwe Baji Rao I built palace in Pune and made it his home. In 1817 a war broke out between the Marathas and the British who later realized the importance of the city. The city was then made the Monsoon Capital of the Mumbai Presidency. In 1858, Pune Municipality was established. Now it is the second largest in the state of Maharashtra and has also become the capital of Pune District.
Tourist Attractions: The city is historically important and has many historical monuments that attract the tourists.
Transportation: Pune is a hub of transportation where rail, road and air transport serves the city.Pune Airport is the main airport and the gateway to the city. The two main railway stations Pune Junction and Shivajinagar Station link the city with other parts of the country. The Mumbai-Pune Expressway reduces the distance between Mumbai and Pune. Pune municipal Transport Corporation has a number of buses that are convenient for the pubic to travel. Auto rickshaws and taxis are the other common means of transport in the city.
Hotels: The city has abundant hotels that favor the taste buds of the food-lovers of Pune as well as the outsiders.
Sweet is the main favorite, milk products, fried snacks are the main delicacies of the people. People gather in their favorite hangouts in the evenings to have various tasty vadas, which they are fond of. The main hotels in the city that are opted by the tourists are The Corinthians-Nyati Hotels & Resorts, Le Meridien, Sun n Sand Pune, Taj Blue Diamond, Gordon House, Central Park Studios Hotel, The Central Park Hotel, Sagar Plaza, Hotel Kinara, Grand Hotel and Hotel Sunderban.
Places of Attraction: Shaniwar Wada-architectural building, Panshet Dam -a park, Jain Temple, Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum and Pune Darwaja are the interesting sights in the city. The various festivals such as Ganapati (Ganesha) Festival and Sawaai Gandharva Music Festival are celebrated in the city with much fervor.
| COUNTRY |
India |
| LOCATION |
Located near the western margin of Deccan Plateau, the city lies at the confluence of Mula and Mutha Rivers.
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| GEOGRAPHIC COORDINATES |
Latitude 18º32' N, Longitude 72º 51' E
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| AREA |
700 sq. km. |
| POPULATION |
5,050,000 (2008) |
