Pune located 170 km south of Mumbai has been the cultural capital of Maharashtra, since ages. The city was one of the pivotal bases of the seventh century great Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji, who was born at the Shivneri Fort here.

Pune became the seat of the enterprising Peshwas, under whom Maratha power rose into a major political force. The Peshwas were renowned patrons of the arts and in their time, enriched the city with temples, gardens and educational institutions.

It was here that Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak introduced the principle of Swadeshi during the Freedom Movement.

Today Pune is one of the leading metros in India, with the Film and Television Institute of India and National Defence Academy based here. It is fast becoming one of the major hubs of industry and commerce in the country.

PLACES TO SEE

The Aga Khan's Palace- Kasturba Gandhi Smriti Mandir: This beautiful building with salons and suites, is a great historical landmark. It was here that Mahatma Gandhi and other leaders of the Indian National Congress were imprisoned during the 1942 Quit India Movement. Here lies the samadhi of Kasturba Gandhi, the Mahatma's wife.

Bund Gardens: Presently known as Mahatma Gandhi Udyan, these gardens are situated on the banks of Mula-Mutha River. Sir Jamshedji Jeejeebhoy constructed the bund for providing water to the poor.

National Defence Academy: Situated at Khadakvasla, 17 km from Pune, the Academy imparts basic training to the cadets of all three branches of the services, Army, Air Force and Navy.

Parvati Hill and Temples: The Parvati Temple was the erstwhile private shrine of the Peshwa rulers. Now it is a popular tourist spot, with the Parvati and Devdeveshwar temples standing atop a hill and also the Parvati Museum which houses replicas of ancient paintings, old manuscripts, weapons and coins.

Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum: This Rajasthani style building showcases a one-man collection of some of the most fascinating Indian artifacts one can ever get to see. Among 36 sections full of antiques, carved palace doors, miniatures, the 'Mastani Mahal' is particularly famous. Mastani was the mistress of 'Peshwa Bajirao', the Prime Minister of Satara. This impressive collection was donated to the Govt of Maharashtra by Shri Dinkar Kelkar and is only displayed by rotation

Shaniwarwada: Built in 1736, this was once the palace of the Peshwa rulers. After the palace was mysteriously destroyed by fire in 1827, only an old fortified walls, the majestically built 'Nagarkhana' and a lotus pool park remain.

Pataleshwar Cave Temple: Ensconced deep in the heart of the city, at Shivajinagar, is an eighth century rock-cut temple. Reminiscent of Ellora, the temple has been painstakingly hewn from a single rock and houses massive pillars, a Shiva shrine and a Nandi bull.

Saras Baug: With pleasant lawns and the famous Ganesh temple built by Madhavrao Peshwa, Saras Baug is a popular evening spot at Pune.

Shinde's Chhatri: Among the best architectural sights in Pune, this memorial of the great Maratha warrior, Mahadaji Shinde, houses his Chhattri (umbrella) and his portrait in silver.

Lal Deval (Synagogue): A red brick and trap stone building of English-Gothic style, the Lal Deval was built by the famous David Sassoon in 1867.

Pashan lake: 12 km north of NDA, this beautiful lake is a home to a variety of migratory and residential birds.

The Film and Television Institute of India (FTII): A premier institute, FTII imparts training in all major branches of film training in all major branches of film making and is known to have produced some of the finest film professionals of the country.

University Buildings: The site of the Pune University, the stately mansion at Ganeshkhind, was the official residence of the Governor of Mumbai during the monsoon season. A large building in Italian-Gothic style built with the local gray trap rock, it is surrounded by a high square tower (30 m high), a swimming pool and well kept lawns.

Yoga Institute: The 'Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute' directed by Mr. B K S Iyengar is an internationally reputed Yoga institution. Courses for short and long durations are conducted here, depending on individual requirements and the availability of time.