Pune

Pune is one of those cities that somehow manages to feel both ancient and excitingly modern at the same time. Tucked into the hills of Maharashtra in western India, it buzzes with the energy of hundreds of thousands of students who come here to study, making it one of the country’s great centres of learning and new ideas. Walk through its streets and you will find lively cafes, busy markets, and young people from every corner of India.

But Pune’s story stretches back centuries. This was the heartland of the great Maratha empire, and the legendary warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj once called this region home. The mighty Shaniwar Wada palace still stands in the heart of the city, its towering gates a reminder of the rulers who once commanded vast armies. Nearby hilltops are crowned with dramatic forts that have watched over the land for hundreds of years.

Pune also holds a deep connection to India’s freedom movement, carrying its history with real pride while charging boldly into the future.

Pune Puzzle Set

City illustration + map puzzle, shipped to your door.

Available in 110, 252, 520 and 1,014 pcs

From $44.99

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Quick fact

Pune is one of India's most important educational cities, home to over 800 educational institutions including some of the country's most prestigious universities.

Fun fact

Pune was the base of the great Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and many of the surrounding hills are still dotted with his impressive forts!

Landmarks

Shaniwar Wada

This grand fortified palace was once the seat of the mighty Maratha Peshwa rulers, and its enormous gates are so tall that an elephant could walk through them easily.

Aga Khan Palace

This elegant palace has a very special place in Indian history because Mahatma Gandhi and his wife were kept here during the freedom struggle — today it serves as a memorial to him.

Dagdusheth Halwai Ganapati Temple

This beloved temple is home to a beautifully decorated golden statue of Lord Ganesha, and during the Ganesh festival it becomes one of the most visited places in all of India.

Osho International Meditation Resort

This serene campus is visited by people from over 100 countries every year, all coming to learn meditation and enjoy the peaceful gardens.

Sinhagad Fort

Perched dramatically on a hilltop outside the city, this ancient fort was the site of a legendary night battle where a brave warrior climbed the sheer cliff using a monitor lizard to help him!