Pune city, the former capital of the Maratha kingdom,
is one of the most beautiful and fast growing cities of India. Pune is
fast emerging as an important Information technology hub of India. Pune
has produced various poets, writers and singers and is called the
cultural capital of Maharashtra state. Pune is an important commercial
and tourist center of Maharashtra. It is also home to many reputed
educational institutes.
The main tourist attractions of Pune are the Old Central market, the
Osho Ashram, the tribal museum, the Aga Khan Palace and the Shaniwarwada
Palace. The old central market consists of a large octagonal central
tower with Gothic features and arms radiating from it. The Central
market is a reminder of the colonial period. Another interesting place
to look out for is the Raja Kelkar Museum, which houses an interesting
collection of artifacts and antiques belonging to the 17th, 18th and the
19th century. The David Synagogue is an important heritage site and one
of the finest synagogues in India. A Jewish merchant, Sir David Sassoon,
built it in the year1867.
The Osho Ashram, also called the Rajneesh Ashram is an important
tourist attraction, particularly for the foreign tourists. The Osho
Ashram is spread over an area of 24-acres and offers numerous meditation
programmes and spiritual courses. Another important and interesting
place to explore in Pune is the tribal museum. The tribal museum at Pune
has an impressive collection of rare and precious articles related to
the tribal life of local tribesmen and Maharashtra. The museum showcases
the domestic life, agriculture, weapons and arts of the tribal people.
The Aga Khan Palace is a historical monument where many freedom
fighters were imprisoned during the Quit India movement of 1942. Another
tourist attraction of Pune is the Shaniwarwada Palace. It is known for
its light and sound show. The Peshwas built the Shaniwarwada Palace in
1732. The light and sound show at the Shaniwarwada Palace takes you back
to the days of the mighty Maratha Empire. In addition to the
above-mentioned places and attractions, there are many other places to
visit in Pune. Pune is also an important commercial center and
industrial hub. The Pune city is famous for its educational institutions
as well.


