Situated on the Deccan Plateau just 170 kms. From Mumbai is the city of Pune, the cultural capital of Maharasthra. Historically, Pune has always been important place right from the ancient Hindu period to the British regime. In fact, Pune reached its pinnacle of glory during the 17th and 18th centuries when it became the bastion of the powerful Maratha Empire and the legendary city of the Peshwas. Beginning with the reign of Shivaji, the greatest Maratha warrior, rill the Battle of Koregaon in 1818, Pune was the centre of power and the citadel of an extensive Maratha kingdom, images of which are vividly existent even today, all over Pune. With many historic forts, majestic palaces, museums and temples, it is truly a heritage city of India.

Something which Pune is synonymous with, is a range of magnificent forts associated with Shivaji and various Peshwa rulers. ‘Shivneri’ is the one where the great Shivaji was born. Sinhagad is the “Fort of the Lion’ situated at a height of 1290 mtrs., named after Tanaji, the brave Maratha warrior. The twin forts of Lohagad & Visapur, separated by a 1-km ridge are excellent sites for trekking. Purandhar and Torna are two other impressive forts around Pune.

The most spectacular festival of Pune is the annual ‘Ganesh Utsav’. Started by Bal Gangadhar Tilak as a social and religious function in 1882, the festival of Ganapati-the auspicious elephant-headed God-which takes place in the month of August-September has assumed enormous proportions over the years and today nowhere elase is this festival celebrated with more splendour and fanfare.
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OSHO INTERNATIONAL COMMUNE

Bhagwan Rajneesh’s famous ashram, located near Nala Park (Koregaon Park), is a spiritual health centre flocked by Indians as well as foreginers.

YOGA INSTITUTE

The Yoga Institute is the right place where one can relax and meditate. The institute is headed by the world-renowned yoga exponent B.K.S. Iyengar, Long-term and short-term yoga courses are available in the institute.