Attractions and Things To Do

Pune's economy is driven by manufacturing and now information technology.  Pune's business map includes:

• Rajiv Gandhi IT Park at Hinjawadi, Magarpatta Cybercity, MIDC Software Technology Park at Talawade, the Marisoft IT Park at Kalyani Nagar, the International Convention Center (ICC), Weikfield IT Park and many others.

• Pune's rapidly growing software industry, includes pominent companies such as Fiserv, TietoEnator, Amdocs, Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, Tech Mahindra, Cognos, Atos Origin, Oracle Corporation, Sasken, Krawler Networks, Cybage, CrediPoint, Tata Elxsi, Fluent, Xansa, Deere & Company, Patni, Satyam, Cybage, Persistent Systems, BladeLogic, Dimakh Consultants, Capgemini, Accenture, BMC Software, NVIDIA, HSBC GLT India, TIBCO, IBM, Dell, Red Hat, Siemens AG, EDS, Amdocs, i-flex Solutions, Symantec, SunGard Data Systems, Zensar Technologies, Syntel, Fujitsu, T-Systems. The business process outsourcing companies have also seen significant growth here, with companies like Convergys, Infosys BPO, EXL, Next, vCustomer and Mphasis setting up operations here.

• Hinjawadi, which is an IT hub, includes Infosys, Wipro, Wipro BPO, Tata Technologies, Cognizant, Geometric Software, Siemens (UGS), KPIT Cummins and for manufacturing companies like Tata Johnson Controls, Tata Autocomp, Knorr Bremse, Kimberley Clarke, etc.

• Pune has a strong representation of the automotive industry, from two-wheelers and autorickshaws (Bajaj Auto, Kinetic Motor Company) to cars (Tata Motors, Daimler-Chrysler) to tempos and trucks (Force Motors). Automotive components (TATA Autocomp Systems Limited TACO, Visteon, Continental Corporation, ITW) are also manufactured here. Other automotive companies including General Motors, Volkswagen, and Fiat have set up greenfield facilities near Pune.

• Engineering goods manufactured in Pune include forges (Bharat Forge) and engines (Cummins). Other major manufacturers include Alfa Laval, Thyssen Krupp and Black & Veatch.

• Pune also houses, electronic goods manufacturers such as Whirlpool  and LG Group. Food giants like Frito Lay and Coca Cola have food processing plants.
Restaurants and Shopping in Pune

While it's easy to find a great meal right inside our hotel, there are many good eateries in the city as well. Here are a few to whet your appetite.

Restaurant:   Mainland China
Cuisine:   East Asian
Phone:     020 66207777

Restaurant:   Kobe Sizzlers
Cuisine:   Sizzlers, Pizza, Burger
Phone:     020 25887576, 25887577

Restaurant:   Polka Dots
Cuisine:   Continental
Phone:    020 65212241

Lounge Bar:   Area Fifty One
Phone:     020 27290181/27290182

Lounge Bar:   Kiva Lounge
Phone:     020 25538339

Malls:  Ozone, Aundh
Big Bazaar, Chinchwad
    Maginet, Chinchwad
Shoppers Stop, Wakdewadi
Pune Central, Shivajinagar
Pyramid, S.B. Road

Pune as a Destination.

Pune, another fast grown industrial town with pleasant climate year around is also an institutional centre of Maharashtra, 170 kms from Bombay. Besides, Maharashtra's Ghat areas near the Konkan coastal houses several small hill stations. The closes to Bombay is Matheran, Mahabaleshwar and Lonavla. Karla and Bhaja Caves are 12 km from Lonavla. Dating back to the 8th century, Pataleshwar Caves is a religious shrine that features statues of Nandi, Ram, Lakshman, and Ganesh. There is also a museum with a most unusual exhibit-a grain of rice engraved with 5000 characters. You can look it up in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Local Attractions. Parks, musems and temples and a whole host of other attractions are within a short distance of our hotel in Pune:

• Katraj Snake Park -- 24 kms
• Osho International Meditation Resort -- 25 kms
• Shaniwarwada -- 18 kms
• Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum -- 22 kms
• Konark Park -- 20 kms
• Agakhan Palace -- 26 kms
• Parvati Hill & Temples -- 17 kms
• Pataleshwar Caves -- 15 kms
• Tribal Museum -- 27 kms
• Bund Garden -- 23 kms

Nearby Cities

• Koregaon - 25 kms
• Khadki - 17 kms
• Pimpri - 12 kms

Attractions and Things To Do. Located in West India, Pune is a city that has no shortage of captivating attractions and things to do. Discover a spectacular bird sanctuary, a meditation resort and the remains of an 18th century palace. There's much more to Pune's diverse neighborhood and we've listed several outstanding options below.

Konark Park. Located on the outskirts of Pune, Konark Park is a must-see bird sanctuary and research center. Comprised of a private collection of birds, Konark Park features such unique species as Goffin's Cockatoo, Green Winged Macaw and Yellow Golden Pheasant. For more information, visit www.virtualpune.com/html/localguide/attractions/html/konark-park.shtml.[ Top ]

Osho International Meditation Resort. Relaxation is just around the corner at Osho International Meditation Resort. Situated in the residential section of Pune Koregaon Park, this 40-acre oasis is the place to come to commune with nature or immerse yourself in the Olympic-sized swimming pool. For more information, visit www.virtualpune.com/html/localguide/attractions/html/osho_international_resort.shtml.[ Top ]

Shaniwarwada. Built in 1732, Shaniwarwada was originally built as the residence of the Peshwas. A fire gutted the former seven-story mansion. All that remains of this former palace are the fortification walls with five gateways and nine bastions that enclosed the structure. For more information, visit www.virtualpune.com/html/localguide/attractions/html/shaniwar_wada.shtml. [ Top ]

Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum. Padmashree Dr. D.G. Kelkar created this museum in honor of his son Raja who died tragically at an early age. Enjoy this unique collection of more than 20,000 priceless artifacts, which reflect everyday life in India. For more information, visit www.rajakelkarmuseum.com/index.asp. [ Top ]

Agakhan Palace. Surrounded by an extensive garden, Agahkan Palace was built in 1892 by Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah Agakhan III.
A national monument of India's freedom movement, the palace was where Mahatma Gandhi stayed during the Quit India Movement. Not surprisingly, the major motion picture "Gandhi" was filmed here. For more information, visit www.virtualpune.com/html/localguide/attractions/html/aga_khan_palace.shtml.
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Parvati Hill & Temples. One of Pune's most scenic settings, Parvati is located 2,100 feet above sea level and offers incredible views of the city. Many people make climbing Parvati's 103 steps their daily exercise routine. Parvati Hill features several temples, which are Pune's oldest heritage structures. For more information, visit www.virtualpune.com/html/localguide/ attractions/html/parvati_hills.shtml. [ Top ]

Pataleshwar Caves. Dating back to the 8th century, Pataleshwar Caves is a religious shrine that features statues of Nandi, Ram, Lakshman, and Ganesh. There is also a museum with a most unusual exhibit-a grain of rice engraved with 5000 characters. You can look it up in the Guinness Book of World Records. For more information, visit www.virtualpune.com/html/localguide/ attractions/html/pataleshwar_caves.shtml. [ Top ]

Tribal Museum. Learn all about the life of the Maharashtrian Tribal Communities at the Tribal Museum near the Don Bosco Bridge. Photographs and artifacts abound and you're bound to find the life and customs of this very unique people fascinating.
For more information, visit www.virtualpune.com/html/localguide/ attractions/html/tribal_museum.shtml. [ Top ]

BundGarden. Located next to the Mula-Mutha River, Bund Garden also goes by the name "Mahatma Gandhi Udyan." The family-friendly garden features horse rides and magicians to keep the kids from getting bored. For more information, visit www.punediary.com/html/gardens.html. [ Top ]

Katraj Snake Park. Snakes and other reptiles, such as crocodiles, abound at Katraj Snake Park. A library displays photos and information for those who are interested in learning more about snakes. There is also a zoo, which is very popular with families with small children. For more information, visit www.virtualpune.com/html/localguide/attractions/html/katraj_snake_park.shtml. [ Top ]