Pune Maharashtra second largest city lies close to the Western Ghat mountains on the edge of the Deccan plains as they stretch away to the east. Pune was the capital of the Marathas’ sovereign state in the 16th century. It is pleasant for its cool, dry climate. In a decade Pune has metamorphosed from a sleepy town of old bungalows flower filled gardens, and stone houses into a bustling business center with malls, multiplexes, superb nightlife and food chains - almost in every corner of the city has small or big restaurants.

Pune was chosen by the British in 1820 as an alternative headquarters for the Bombay Presidency. Their military cantonment in the northwest of the town is still used by the Indian army, and a number of British buildings such as the Council Hall and Deccan College survive. Since colonial days, Pune continued to develop as a major industrial city and a center for higher education. For outlanders, it is notorious for Osho Ashram who scandalous philosophy of life lure thousands of followers from Europe and America.

Sights And Activities

Shaniwarwada Palace
In the center of the oldest part of the town, the imposing high walls of the Shaniwarwada Palace speaks erstwhile Peshwa’s tale in a silent manner. Entrance of the palace is through the Delhi Gate on the north side, one of the five set into the perimeter wall, whose huge teak doors come complete with nasty elephant proof spikes.

Aga Khan Palace And Gandhi Memorial
On Nagar Rd, imposing Aga Khan palace stands out from bustling crowd. It was the place where Mahatma Gandhi, his wife Kasturba and other key figures of the freedom movement were interned. The palace is now converted to Gandhi museum with captioned photos and simple rooms unchanged since they were occupied by the freedom fighters. A small khadi shop sells handloom cloth and products made by village cooperatives.

Osho Commune International
The headquarter of “ spiritual Disneyland for disaffected First world yuppies”, is a twenty acres dreamy resort of cafes, swimming pool, sauna and clinics with a shop selling Osho’s enormous list of books, videos and cassettes. This eco-friendly center follows a strict door policy: visitors who wish to spend longer than the daily hour long guided tours must produce two passport photos and an HIV negative certificate.

Adventure Options
There’s paragliding and powered paragliding at Hadaspur where learner and advance courses are conducted throughout the year.