About Pune

Pune- earlier known as Poona- is the second largest city in the State of Maharashtra and the eighth largest city in India. Pune city is the administrative capital of Pune District.

Situated in the Deccan plateau, Pune city is surrounded by ranges of the Sahyadri Mountains. The rich flora and fauna and the salubrious weather make the city a popular travel destination. Pune city is also known as the 'cultural capital of Maharashtra' and the 'Oxford of the East', because of its rich cultural and educational background. The city houses historical monuments and museums and is surrounded by picturesque hill stations like Khandala, Lonavla, Mahabaleshwar and Matheran.

Pune airport is located in the Lohagaon area, about 10 km away from the heart of the city,. Taxi charge from the airport to the city is approximately Rs.350 – Rs.400. Regular, direct flights are available from Pune to many cities in India. The cities Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore and Mumbai are all air-connected to Pune. International travelers can get connecting flights from Mumbai International Airport.

Once known as the Pensioners' Paradise, Pune city is now home to many software and automobile companies. It embodies a synthesis of the old and the new, of the conventional and the contemporary. It has appealing old wadas (grand residencies of the Maratha royals), and modern state-of-the-art shopping centers. A briefing about Pune would be incomplete if there is no mention about the Osho Commune International. A man of many mysteries, Osho's teachings and meditation techniques had tremendous influence on his disciples. 

The city is renowned for its excellent educational institutions (more than hundred educational institutions of various faculties and nine universities) and it prefers to be known as a center of excellence in the field of education, art and craft. Institutions like the Armed Forces Medical College, Film and Television Institute of India, Symbiosis International University and the National Defence Academy have got international acclamation in their respective fields. The old-world culture that was Pune, is encapsulated in tourist destinations such as the Mahatma Phule Museum, Shaniwar wada, Aga Khan Palace and Sinhagad Fort. It is one of those rare cities that has a unique mix of a rich historical background and a modern industrial metropolis. As you leave its boundaries, Pune is sure to leave a lasting impression on your mind.