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Fondly known as ‘the Oxford of the East’, Pune travel offers the visitor an enchanting mix of history, culture, cuisine and attitude. People from around the world flock here to study at the University or seek a life of spiritual bliss at the Osho Commune. Today we find Pune as a bustling, cosmopolitan city dotted with tree-lined avenues, gardens, stately buildings and commercial areas. It is also one of the few cities that still retains much of its small-town charm by day, and exudes a big-city vibrancy after dusk

City Travel Attractions
Panchaleshwar Temple
The rock-cut Panchaleshwar Temple is a small 8th century temple built in a similar style to the much grander rock temples of Ellora.

According to local lore, the temple was excavated in one night. There's a fine equestrian statue of Shivaji close by.
Timings : Sunrise to Sunset.

Katraj Snake Park
The snake park came into being in the year 1986, with the help of Pune Municipal Corporation. It is situated on the Pune-Satara Highway near Bharati Vidyapeeth Campus.
The Snake Park's most prized specimen is a six-year-old, King Cobra that's nine feet long!
Timings : 10 am to 5 pm.

Shinde's Chhatri
This beautiful architectural creation is located just a few km from the Pune racecourse. This monument was built in the memory of the great Maratha nobleman Mahadji Shinde.
It is an imposing edifice, which exudes an air of serenity and austerity, coupled with architectural beauty.
Timings : 10 am to 5 pm.

Pataleshwara Temple
Just across the river on Jangli Maharaj Road is the wonderful rock-cut Pataleshwara Temple. This small, partially completed, 8th century temple is similar in style to the much grander rock temple at Elephanta and is actively used by the locals.

In front of the excavation is a circular Nandi mandapam. Adjacent is the Jangli Maharaj temple, dedicated to a Hindu ascetic who died here in 1818.

Fairs & Festivals
Ganesh Chaturthi - an eleven-day festival, dedicated to the Elephant God is celebrated with great fervour here.

Restaurants in Pune
Pune, the seat of the Peshwas has retained its traditional cuisine and a special Pune meal would consist of Puran Poli (a sweet paratha with pulses/dal) Amti (masala dal), Pithla Bhakri (a masala chickpea gravy with a stiff 'roti'), Varan Bhat (dal and ri