Pune - An overview!. Review on Pune

Here's a joke for you all:

Ram, Laxman and Sita were on their way to the forest. Laxman was dutifully carrying the luggage. Suddenly, he threw the luggage on the ground and complained,''Why should I carry everyone's luggage? You both carry your own luggage!'' Sita was taken aback by these unexpected words from the most devoted brother of her husband, but Ram agreed that Laxman had a valid point. So Ram and Sita picked up their own baggage and started walking. After a few hours, Laxman suddenly cried,''O Ram, why are you carrying the luggage when your ever-so-devoted brother is with you. Please let me pick up the luggage.'' So saying, he picked up Ram's and Sita's luggage and started walking. A surprised Sita exclaimed,''Whatever is happening to him!'' Ram smiled gently and said,''It's not his fault, Sita! It's the fault of the air.'' Seeing the puzzled expressions on Sita's face, Ram showed her a board they had just passed. It said:End of City. Thanks for visiting Pune.

Ok....that is a joke, and I hope that all my Pune-based friends take it with a pinch of salt. Or maybe with a bite of Chitale's Bhakarwadi.

Now for the review!

Pune, a historical view

Pune has a glorious history. It was the main forte of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, whom historians describe as one of the best administrators, at par if not better than Napoleon. The Shaniwarwada is the pride of Pune. Do make it a point to visit Sinhagad Fort, which is at a short distance from the city. Starting from Malojirao Bhosle(Shivaji Maharaj's grandfather), to Shivaji Maharaj, to the Peshwai, to the British advent...Pune has seen it all! And Pune always was a very important place as far as power was concerned.

Pune, a geographical view

Pune is located around 180 kms from Mumbai(still known as Bombay to foreigners), the capital of Maharashtra. The centrally located Pune makes it easier for the tourist to visit many other places in Maharashtra like Shirdi, Khadakwasla Dam, Sinhagad fort etc. The climate in Pune is extreme. It's very cold in winter and very hot in summer. However, the nights in Pune are cool and lovely.

Pune, a personal view

Pune is located around 180 kms from Mumbai(still known as Bombay to foreigners), the capital of Maharashtra. I have spent a considerable time in this Marathmoli city(typically Maharashtrian city). In fact, I passed my matriculation from this city. Was a student of SSPMS. So, this city is very close to my heart. The statue of Shivaji Maharaj in my school is one of the prides of Pune.

Pune, for a tourist

Pune has many lovely places to see. You can go to Parvati, which will need you to climb a lot of steps. But once you reach the top, you feel that it was worth the climb. Other interesting places include parks like Sambhaji Park and Bund Garden(which is a bit away from the city). Also check out Sarasbaug.

The lodging facilities in Pune are very good. You have a hotel suiting every budget. But for a first-time tourist, the best place to anchor is any lodge in the Deccan area, as it is centrally located.

Some other attractions

Pune is famous for many things. Especially in food. You will love the Bhakarwadi and the chirote of the Chitale's. Also do try the Puneri bhel. One more thing that you should never miss is the Amrut-tulya chahaa, which is a highly fragrant tea. Also do try the mastani.

You can also check out Ferguson College, Fountain, Pune University, Chattushringi etc. Please note the location of Hotel Vaishali, as if you are meeting anyone, chances are 9 to 1 that this hotel may be decided as the meeting point. While we are on hotels, do try hotels like Namaskar, Status, Shabari and Kalinga. Also make a special visit to Garden Court on the NDA road. You can have your food in the open air, getting a great night view of Pune city.

One more thing I love in Pune is the newspaper Sandhyanand. Buy a copy if you want a hilarious time. All the news in this daily are fake. And yes....they are outrageous. It can be anything that the journalist can cook up. It's really funny!

The Minus Points

Be very careful about the rickshaw-walas. They can con anyone they feel is out-of-town. Travel in rickshaws is very expensive here, anyway! The best bet is if you have some friend or relative here. There are high chances that he may have a two-wheeler. Two wheelers are aplenty in this city. Sometimes, it chokes up the traffic.

The people here are generally very blunt and rude. This is of course a personal opinion.

The Ganeshotsav

The real magic of this festival of Lord Ganesh can be experienced only in this city. May it be the big Ganesh idols like Dagdushet or Mandaicha Ganpati, or the smaller ones....the sheer enthusiasm and excitement that you experience is something you will always cherish.

In Conclusion

All in all, this cultural haven called Pune is a city that you should not miss. It's just fantastic!