Pune

Pune city, the former capital of the Maratha kingdom, is one of the most beautiful and fast growing cities of India. Pune is fast emerging as an important Information technology hub of India. Pune has produced various poets, writers and singers and is called the cultural capital of Maharashtra state. Pune is an important commercial and tourist center of Maharashtra. It is also home to many reputed educational institutes.

The main tourist attractions of Pune are the Old Central market, the Osho Ashram, the tribal museum, the Aga Khan Palace and the Shaniwarwada Palace. The old central market consists of a large octagonal central tower with Gothic features and arms radiating from it. The Central market is a reminder of the colonial period. Another interesting place to look out for is the Raja Kelkar Museum, which houses an interesting collection of artifacts and antiques belonging to the 17th, 18th and the 19th century. The David Synagogue is an important heritage site and one of the finest synagogues in India. A Jewish merchant, Sir David Sassoon, built it in the year1867.

The Osho Ashram, also called the Rajneesh Ashram is an important tourist attraction, particularly for the foreign tourists. The Osho Ashram is spread over an area of 24-acres and offers numerous meditation programmes and spiritual courses. Another important and interesting place to explore in Pune is the tribal museum. The tribal museum at Pune has an impressive collection of rare and precious articles related to the tribal life of local tribesmen and Maharashtra. The museum showcases the domestic life, agriculture, weapons and arts of the tribal people.

The Aga Khan Palace is a historical monument where many freedom fighters were imprisoned during the Quit India movement of 1942. Another tourist attraction of Pune is the Shaniwarwada Palace. It is known for its light and sound show. The Peshwas built the Shaniwarwada Palace in 1732. The light and sound show at the Shaniwarwada Palace takes you back to the days of the mighty Maratha Empire. In addition to the above-mentioned places and attractions, there are many other places to visit in Pune. Pune is also an important commercial center and industrial hub. The Pune city is famous for its educational institutions as well.