PUNE CITY GUIDE
Pune
is famous for the fantastic education opportunities it offers. It boasts of one
of the most prestigious universities in the country. Pune alone has nearly 150
management institutes. Pune is more quiet, clean and posh than Mumbai.
The main part of Pune is the cantonment area. It is the home of Armed
Force Medical College, College of Military Engineering and Artificial Limb
Centre. It is also the city where people tired of the Mumbai crowd come and
settle. It is a very modern city with its share of pubs, cafes, discotheques
and restaurants.
It
is also a major industrial centre. But for foreign tourists the main attraction is the Osho
commune, the ashram of Bhagwan Rajneesh.
Kelkar Museum : This museum is the personal collection of Dinkar Gangadhar. There are around 17,000 artworks. The collection includes musical instruments, hookah pipes, oil lamps, carved doors and windows, hair drying combs, noodle makers, etc.
Shaniwar wada : This is ruins of the palace of the Peshwar rulers. It was burnt down in 1828, but the walls remain. This palace was built in 1736. The doors of the palace are studded with spikes so that the enemies do not enter the place.
Ramani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute :
This place is for those who seriously want to get into yoga. The institute is
off Ganesh Khind Road in Model Colony. There are six classes a week and it costs
up to US$200 for a month. You have to look for accommodation outside the institute.
Gandhi National Memorial : This Memorial, set in 6.5 hectares of gardens,
was built by Shah Aga Khan III in 1892. It was his palace till 1956. In 1969,
it was donated to India by Aga Khan IV. Kasturba Gandhi, Mahatma's wife and
Mahadeobhai Desai, Mahatma's secretary for 35 years, died here during their
stay. Their ashes have been kept in Memorial tombs in the gardens. A photographic
exhibition of Gandhi's long life and his personal belongings like his footwear
and glasses have been kept here.
Patalesvara Temple : This is a 8th century rock cut cave temple.
Empress Botanical Gardens : These gardens have fine trees and there is also
a zoo nearby. The parks include the Saras Bagh which has a number of food stalls
outside. The other popular garden is the Bund Gardens which is ideal for walks.
Osho Commune International : This is the famous ashram of Bhagwan Rajneesh
at Koregaon park. It has continued to grow even after Rajneesh's death in 1990.
The ashram now calls itself a spiritual health club. It is also a reason for
the visit of foreign tourists to Pune. It attracts thousands of visitors each
year. The ashram has facilities like a swimming pool, saunas, tennis and basketball
courts, beauty parlour, bookshop and a massage centre. Another attraction is
the 5 acre excellent Zen garden, which is open to
the public.
One of the special events that take place in Pune is Ganesh Chaturti and
the Pune festival.
Ganesh Chaturti goes on for 10 days. The community comes together for this occasion.
Images of Ganesha made of plaster and clay are displayed in `Mandals' (huge
stalls made for this purpose). On the 11th day the statue is immersed into the
river. It is during this time that the Pune festival is also held. The festival
features musical concerts, classical dance, bullock cart races, wrestling etc.
The opening ceremony is very grand with the best of dancers and musicians from
all over the country coming to perform here.