Mumbai’s neighbour and a city of many monikers – Pune is much smaller but a more loveable city. A city that was ranked No. 1 in the – Ease of Living category in India has always stood its ground next to it’s more popular cousin Mumbai.
Pune has been the epicentre of the Maratha Empire – the seat of the Peshwa! Often referred to as the Oxford of the East, an IT hub, Manufacturing and Industrial zone, headquarters of the Southern Command of the Indian Army and a smart city – Pune is shedding it’s pensioner’s paradise tag and has turned into a Metro city. A city that has embraced modernity and yet wears its heritage as a badge of honour.
Punekars have been Infamous for their afternoon siestas and laid back lifestyle. While you might still find that in the old Pune city and Peth areas. Today, it has an influx of cosmopolitan residents thanks to the education and career opportunities that the city presents. And Pune has welcomed the new, with open arms and weaved them into the traditional fabric of love and warmth Pune has been known for.
Nestled in the rain shadow of the Sahaydris, surrounded by many tekdis (small hills) that trekking enthusiasts inhabit religiously every weekend, built around the confluence of two rivers (the Mula and Mutha) – Pune is blessed with great weather for most part of the year except perhaps the summer months of April and May. These two months are kind to you if you don’t step out in the noon sun, draw your drapes and enjoy ice-golas in the comfort of your home. The rains here are as romantic as they can get! Lush greenery all around, beautiful fog but never the harsh rains that Mumbai witnesses, the rainy season in Pune have made many fall in love with the city and make it their home. Winters here ensure you have your fashionable woolens and light jackets out. Just right to enjoy the weather but not uncomfortably freeze you.
The city boasts of many heritage structures that give it not just cultural significance but continues to inspire many to pay homage to their deep cultural and historical roots. The city where Maratha warrior-king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was brought up and trained continues to be an important seat of learning and academia. Many educational institutions and the University of Pune, enjoy excellent global repute.
The city refuses to be in the shadow of its past laurels and luminaries like Mahatma Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule, Maharishi Karve, Pandita Ramabai and Tarabai Shinde and other leaders, warriors and reformers. Over the years, the city has been home to many cultural icons, academicians, intellectuals, spiritualists, artists, sportspersons, business magnates, and modern-day celebrities, too, all of whom continue to leave their indelible mark on this unique urban landscape.
Like a bird spreading its wings to larger landscapes, Pune’s suburbs present exciting new opportunities and stories that make this city’s stories even richer. This is a city where the old and new are not in a tussle – rather it’s a city where Heritage and Modernity make magic together.
Pune Metro 