Closely associated with the great warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji, Pune was the capital of the powerful Martha empire. Today, as the cultural capital of Maharashtra, it is one of the fastest growing cities in the country and boasts of a rich and varied literary and scholastic heritage.

Pune, on the one hand clings zealously to its historic lineage, and on the other is booming with all the flashy corollaries of modernisation. Vital army and air force bases are located here as is the National Defence Academy at Khadakvasla, one of the most reputed defence services institutions in the world. Pune is distinctly divided into the spacious cantonment housing the armed forces, and the crowded old city. Kasturba Gandhi Smriti Mandir the gracious building with saloons and suittes stands amidst well-laid out gardens and its more than just a palace. Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum Hosts a collection of paintings, musical instruments, suits of armour, handicrafts and other objects d' art that make it one of the first places to be visited in Pune. Bund gardens now known as the Mahatma Gandhi Udyan, are situated on the right bank of the Mula Mutha river lie close to the railway station. Pataleshwar Cave Temples. Hidden in the heart of the city, at Shivajinagar, is this 8th century rock-cut temple. Parvathi Hill and Temples are the private shrines of the Peshwa rulers.

Vishrambagh Wada A three-storeyed mansion, 78 mts. Saras Baug A vast landscaped gardens with a 'mela like atmospere. The Film & Television Insitute of India a Permier Institute of its kind in the country. Pashan Lake is a bird watchers paradise, 12 km off the road to the National Defence Academy. Yoga Institute is a place to relax.