Pune: A Jewel in the Crown of the Deccan

Looking for an ideal getaway to relax and enjoy with your family? Look to the west of India where lies the Oxford of the East and the Jewel of the Deccan-Pune.

- R L Morris

The second-largest city in Maharashtra, Pune borders the Western Ghats and that accounts for its pleasant weather by Indian standards. One of the greenest urban spots in the country and home to numerous educational institutions both big and small, this city boasts several cultural, historical and natural attractions.

One of the Top 10 Most Developed Cities in India, Pune is home to a plethora of IT firms all the while retaining its legacy as the epicenter of Marathi culture and ethos. Well-connected with all parts of the country by rail, road and air, Pune offers a smorgasbord of accommodation options to suit the budget of travellers. The city jaunt can begin with a visit to the iconic Aga Khan Palace—an architectural marvel and a silent witness to the days of our heroic freedom struggle. Built by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III, the spiritual leader of Ismaili Muslims in 1892, the palace shot into fame when Mahatma Gandhi, Kasturba Gandhi and other luminaries of the freedom struggle were held within its walls. Today, the sprawling edifice spread over 19 acres showcases an extensive collection of Gandhi memorabilia, including his spinning wheel, sandals and so on apart from housing the tombs of Kasturba and Mahadev Desai, the secretary of the Prophet of Ahimsa.