History
The first
mention of Pune can be traced back to 937 A.D., thanks to an inscription on a
copper plate. Much later, it came under the control of the Maratha Empire in
the early 17th Century. It served as their capital from 1714 until 1817. Known
as "Queen of the Deccan", the city is now regarded as the cultural
capital of Maharashtrians.
Overview
Pune is the
second largest city in terms of area after Mumbai in the Maharashtra state. It
is referred to as the "Oxford of the East" due to its large number of
educational institutions. The best time to visit Pune is in January and
February when there is little to no rainfall, and the average maximum
temperature does not go beyond 32 degrees Celsius. If not now, then you can
consider the final quarter of the year for your travel goals.
Places to Visit
Aga Khan Museum: The Aga Khan Palace
is simply magnificent. It covers a space of 19 acres, which includes some wide
lawns and beautiful architecture in the built-up area. The palace served as a
prison for Mahatma Gandhi and his wife, Kasturba. It was officially declared as
a monument of national importance in 2003.
Tribal Museum: If you want to
educate yourself about India's tribal communities, their culture and their way
of life, then this is the place to be. The museum displays a range of photos
and artefacts that offer insights into the lives of the tribals of Maharashtra.
It's open for visits from Monday to Saturday.
Pataleshwar Cave Temple: This cave temple is
well-known for being carved out of a single rock. The temple has been made in
honour of the God of the underworld, Pataleshwar, and features some exquisite
architecture. You can also view the Shiva Linga in the main shrine of the
temple.
Sinhagad Fort: This historical fort
lies on a hill that is nearly 1.3 kms high. Earlier known as 'Kondhana', the
fort was renamed after Shivaji's trusted general, Tanaji Malusare, after his
death. The massive fort has multiple entrances, and the full-day trek to visit
this place will be worth the effort.
Travel Options
By Air: Since Pune is one of
India's major cities, finding flights to directly get here is super easy.
Following are some major routes:
· Bengaluru to Pune
(735 kms) — 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes
· Jaipur to Pune (940
kms to 955 kms) — 1 hour 45 minutes for non-stop flights, and 4 hours 45
minutes to 6 hours for flights with 1 stop
· Delhi to Pune (1173
kms to 1182 kms) — 2 hours to 2 hours 25 minutes
By Rail: Several rail routes
ply to Pune. Travelling from Mumbai to Pune will take you over 3 hours, while
the journey from Surat to Pune will take 7 hours to 8 hours. Meanwhile, Goa to
Pune by train will take you 10 hours 30 minutes to 12 hours 45 minutes for 662
kms.
By Road: Many private buses
and taxis are available for your trip to Pune. Travelling for 148 kms between
Mumbai and Pune will take you around 3 hours. Ahmedabad to Pune will take
around 12.5 to 13 hrs for 656 kms while going from Hyderabad to Pune will
require at least 11 hours for the 650 kms — 660 kms journey.
To travel
within Pune, you can avail of auto-rickshaws, taxis, and buses.
Accommodations
Lemon Tree Premier, City Center, Pune:
If you've spent enough time on your search for the right hotel, then you're in
the right place. We recommend the Lemon Tree Premier, City Center,
Pune. The hotel is just a 5-minute drive from the Pune Railway
Station and sightseeing spots like Aga Khan Palace, Lal Mahal, Tribal Museum,
and the Pataleshwar Cave Temple. With 201 well-furnished and spacious rooms and
suites, you have a range of options to meet your accommodation needs.
If you're
looking for restaurants in Camp Pune, then consider the
award-winning Republic of Noodles, which offers a variety of
sumptuous curries, fries, and noodle preparations. The vibrant Citrus Cafe
offers many local and international dishes, and you can relax later at the
Slounge Bar or dance to some peppy music.
If you are
planning to host a grand wedding, then consider the Tangerine Grand conference
room. The 376 sq. mtr. hall can accommodate up to 300 people for a reception.
Additionally, there are other rooms available to host your business meetings or
more private gatherings.
Keys Select by Lemon Tree Hotels, Pimpri, Pune:
If you are looking for hotels in Pimpri, Chinchwad, then look no further
than the Keys Select by Lemon Tree Hotels. It's just 22 kms or a 30-minute
drive from the Pune International Airport and 16 kms from the Pune Railway
Station. The 101 rooms come with a range of amenities like high-speed WiFi, an
LED TV, a full-sized working desk, an electronic safe, and much more. There's
also a room available for differently-abled guests to meet their special needs.
If you're
considering restaurants in Pimpri, Chinchwad, do consider the
Keys Cafe. Their multi-cuisine options cater to your whole family's needs, and
with all-day dining, you can grab a bite any time you check-in. The Unlock Bar
is a great place to unwind, and in case you'd prefer to stay inside your cosy
room, then you can opt for in-room dining.
Similar to
the Lemon Tree Premier Hotel, you can use the three Chamber Hall conference
rooms for any private meetings or grand affairs. These rooms have high-speed
WiFi, adequate sound systems, and whiteboards for business meetings. Apart from
these amenities, you can also avail of travel assistance, currency exchange,
on-site parking, laundry services, and more.
Lemon Tree Hotel, Hinjawadi, Pune: Last
but not least is the Lemon Tree Premier, Hinjawadi, Pune. While considering hotels in Hinjawadi Phase 1,
this should be on the top of your list. This Lemon Tree Hotel has 124
well-appointed rooms and suites to ensure a comfortable stay. For restaurants in
Hinjawadi for dinner, you can pick the Slounge Bar, which offers a variety of
drinks, great music, and a range of fabulous Indian and international dishes.
The Citrus Cafe is also highly recommended.
For
recreation purposes, you can use the well-equipped fitness center or take some
laps in the swimming pool. Two small conference rooms can be used for friendly
gatherings or a private birthday party. Additionally, with local sightseeing
options close to the hotel, your next vacation plans will be sorted.
Lemon Tree Hotel in
Pune: Lemon Tree Hotel in Pune, located in the vibrant Viman Nagar area, offers
a contemporary stay with easy access to the city’s business and shopping
districts. Situated close to the Pune International Airport, the hotel is an
ideal choice for both business and leisure travellers. The hotel features
modern, well-appointed rooms equipped with all necessary amenities to ensure a
comfortable stay. Guests can enjoy a delightful range of food options at the
in-house café, serving a variety of local and international cuisines in a
relaxed setting. For those seeking nearby attractions, the hotel is
conveniently close to Phoenix Market City, a major shopping and entertainment
destination, as well as the Aga Khan Palace, known for its historical significance.