Shivaji, and later the Peshwas, carried on their activities from Pune, so did Lokmanya Tilak! Today, a busy, bustling town, Pune has its own charm-the National Defence Academy, Shaniwar Wada, Bund Gardens, the Snake Park, the Raja Kelkar Museum and the Kasturba Gandhi Samadhi Mandir-(Agakhan Palace) contributing generously to this charm. The city celebrates the Ganesh Festival on a grand scale.

With Pune as your base, you can make an exciting journey into history by visiting any of the historic forts of Shivaji-Pratapgad, Raigad, Shivneri and Sinhagad.

It is also a convenient base for the Ashtavinayaka tours. Besides, you can witness the Shaniwarwada sound and light show which discovers the glory of Maratha history in 50 Minutes unfolding the tales of bravery and conquests of Maratha statesmen. (Except Wednesday) Daily two shows after sunset.

Getting there :

By Air : Pune airport is 12 kms from the city.

By Rail : Mumbai - Pune on Central Railway. 192 kms. Madras-Pune on South Central Railway, 1088 kms.

By Road : Mumbai-Pune, 170 kms. Nashik-Pune, 209 kms, Aurangabad-Pune, 230 ksm.

State Transport buses ply from Mumbai, Nagur, Aurangabad, Solapur and other places to Pune.