City Guide: Pune

     Shivaji, a founder of Maratha Empire would be pleased with the Pune of today.

     From his early years city-native, Shivaji nurtured the idea to put Pune on the track to prosperity. It took the city 500 years to develop from a small place called "Punvadi" to a gateway to ''New India''.

     You can discover all changes that Pune has undergone in recent years on your trip to the city. Be it a room in cheap hotel in Pune to luxury offers all available at Booked.net. You can check them out with maps, photos and secure forms.

     Over the time Pune hasn't abandoned its vital role for the independence struggle in India. Since the British captured the area of Marathas, the city became a stronghold of local rights with such famous politicians as Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Vinayak Damodar Savarkar on the defence of Pune’s culture.  

     Today architecture is the best reminder of old Pune. Attractions include;

- Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum holds a collection of Indian arts and crafts

- Tribal Museum preserves interesting artifacts from the Sahyadri and Gondhwa areas

- Shaniwar Wada suffered from fire in 1827, but initially was built by the successors of Shivaji, the Peshwas in 1736

- Vishram Bagh Wada, the ruins of the palace right in the heart of the old city

- Aga Khan Palace, historically significant palace with Italian arches, salons, suites and lawns

     The biggest part of these landmarks have suffered from the age of modernization that have brought to Pune both business and the usual problems of big city. The city with the sixth largest economy in the area mainly capitalizes on IT processing and manufacturing that led to urban by-products like pollution, dust and traffic jams in the city.

     At the same time growing technology industries led to extra job opportunities for young people. This means Pune is a youth-oriented destination. Despite the burden of industrialization, Pune is still a perfect hang out for newcomers to the city. It is well known for its street dining with delicious Shrewsbury biscuits and pavement kiosks selling hot coffee and ice cream. Besides these you may sample more sophisticated dishes in local restaurants and afterwards, night owls can keep the action going in the stylish pubs and discos.

     Even though Pune is away from typical tourist destination, it has a heart worth discovering on your stay there with Booked.net.