Pune district General information

Pune District is situated in Maharashtra state of India. Pune city is the district headquarters. In the last census on 2001, the total population of the district was 7,232,555. Urban population comprises 58.08% of the total population. The current population of Pune urban agglomerate is over 4 million.
Pune is well known as the 'Queen of Deccan' due to its scenic beauty and rich natural resources. Besides, it is famous for its religious and historical places. Pune city is known on the world map beacuase of its educational, research and development institutions. The district also has an importance as an important military base. Pune is the most industrialized district in western Maharashtra and a famous IT hub in the country.

Division

Administratively the district is divided into 14 talukas & 13 Panchayat Samitis. These are Junnar, Ambegaon, Khed, Maval, Mulshi, Velhe, Bhor, Haveli, Purandar, Pune City, Indapur, Daund, Baramati and Shirur. Pune city is the administrative headquarters of the district. There are around 1,866 villages in the district.

There are 18 Vidhan Sabha constituencies in this district. These are Junnar, Ambegaon, Khed-Alandi, Maval, Mulshi, Haveli, Bopodi, Shivajinagar, Parvati (SC), Kasba Peth, Bhvani Peth, Pune Cantonment, Shirur, Daund, Indapur, Baramati, Purandhar and Bhor. The 4 Lok Sabha constituencies of the district are Pune,Baramati,Shirur and Maval(Which is shared by Raigad district).

Demography

As of the census of 2001, there were 7,232,555 people and 1,517,041 households. The population density was 462 people per /km².

In the district the population was spread out with 6,85,022 under the age of 4; 1,491,352 from 5 to 15; 4,466,901 from 15 to 59 and 5,89,280 60 years of age or older. For every 1000 males age 6 and older, there were 919 females.

Geographical Location

Pune district is located between 17 degrees 54' and 10degrees24' north latitude and 73 degrees19' and 75 degrees 10' east longitude. The district has geographical area of 15.642 sq.km. Pune district is bound by Ahmadnagar district on north-east, Solapur district on the south-east, Satara district on south, Raigad district on the west and Thane district on the northe-west. It is the second largest district in the state and covers 5.10 % of the total geographical area of the state.The landscape of Pune district is distributed triangularly in western Maharashtra at the foothills of the Sahyadri Mountains and is divided into three parts: "Ghatmatha", "Maval" and "Desh".

Pune district forms a part of the tropical monsoon land and therefore shows a significant seasonal variation in temperature as well as rainfall conditions. Climate of the western region of Pune is cool whereas the eastern part is hot and dry.

Rainfall

Owing to the geographical conditions within the district, the rainfall is unevenly distributed. The Western part of the district adjacent to the West coast is hilly area having forest cover, due to which the rainfall intensity is more in this area as compared to the eastern parts. Most of this rain is brought by the southwest monsoon winds during the summer and about 87% of rainfalls during the monsoon months.The monsoon arrives in the month of June, with the maximum intensity of rainfall during the month of July and August.

Talukas falling in the highest rainfall intensity zone are Velha, Mulshi and Maval. Talukas falling in the moderate rainfall intensity zone are Bhor, Ambegaon, Junnar, Khed, haveli, Pune city and Purandar. Talukas with lowest rainfall intensity, the dry and semi-arid zone are Shirur, Daund, Indapur and Baramati.

Temperature Conditions

April and May are the hottest months in the district. Maximum temperature during these months often rises above 36 degrees C. The western region of Pune district i.e. talukas Junnar, Ambegaon, Khed, Maval, Mulshi and Velha are cool whereas the eastern part i.e. talukas Shirur, Daund, Baramati and Indapur are hot and dry. December and january are the coolest months, when average temperature falls as low as 11 degrees C.

Humidity Conditions

Humidity is low during the summer months due to increased evaporation losses from the atmosphere. The diurnal variations in humidity during this period are high, water vapor gets condensed due to falling nighttime temperatures and the daytime temperatures are high.

Natural Hazards

Natural hazards threaten sustainable economic development worldwide. Natural hazards like earthquakes, floods, tropical storms, droughts and other calamities may result in loss of life and property worth millions of rupees. Disasters destroy decades of human efforts and investments, thereby placing new demands on society for reconstruction and rehabilitation.

Earthquakes and floods have affected Pune district in the past. The details of the areas which are susceptible to natural hazards have to be avoided for siting of industries.

Culture

une exemplifies an indigenous Marathi culture and ethos, in which education, arts and crafts, and theatres are given due prominence. It is the birthplace of the poet-saint Tukaram (in Dehu) and Jnaneshvara (in Alandi), the author of the well-known commentary on the "Bhagavad Gita".

    It is the home of great freedom fighters like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Agarkar and Gopal Krishna Gokhale. Jayant Narlikar, the famous contemporary scientist, is from Pune. Pune is the seat of North Indian Classical music. Annually, in the month of December, it hosts a three nightlong cultural program of vocal and instrumental classical music, called "Savai-Gandharva".Pune has been an example for the blending of the culture and heritage with modernisation and its side effects. With the Pune festival, Osho Commune International

Pune is the 'veritable heartland' of cultural Maharashtra - while you may not be looking to absorb culturereligion color through every pore, some of it certainly rubs off on you. Pune is the cultural capital of the Maratha people, which is also known as the "Queen of the Deccan." The city of Pune first gained its importance as the capital of the Marathas in the 17th century

Cuisine

  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 rice), Matki Ki Usal (masala sprouts), Thali pith (a spicy chickpea based pancake) and Alu chi Vadi (steamed and fried, sweet n' spicy leaves).
                      Bhakar Vadi (spicy crusty savoury) and Missal Pav (spicy mixture of onions, chilly and small savoury items, with bread) are some of the most delectable snacks. For those with a sweet tooth, Pune offers its Shrikhand (a burnt milk delicacy) and the seasonal Amras Puri (thick mango juice with fried 'puris') complete the traditional Maharashtrian feast

Access

The district is well connected with the state capital and surrounding district headquarters through road and rail linkagaes. The road network consists of Express Highways, National Highways, State Highways and Major District Roads. The rail network consists of both broadgauge(Electrified and Non Electrified) double track as well as single track lines. The district headquarter has connectivity through airways for transport and trade to major airports within the country and to select international destinations. In spite of availability of perennial river stretches, there is no significant utilization of waterways in the district.

River

Major rivers of the district are: Pushpavati, Krushnavati, Kukadi, Meena, Ghod, Bhima, Bhama, Andhra, Indryani, Pavna, Mula, Mutha, Ambi, Mose, Shivganga, Kanandi, Gunjavni, Velvandi, Neera, Karha etc

Major dams :

Pimpalgaon (Pushpavati), Manikdoh,Yedgaon (Kukadi), Meena (Meena), Dimbe (Ghod), Chas-Kaman and Ujani (Bhima), Andhra (Andhra), Valvhan (Indrayani), Pavna (Pavna), Mulshi (Mula), Temghar, Khadakwasla (Mutha), Varasgaon (Ambi), Panshet (Mose), Chapet (Kanandi), Bhatgar (Velvandi), Devghar, Veer (Neera)

Lonavla region (Wadgaon-Maval Taluka) can be called as lake district of Maharashtra due to numerous lakes in this area viz, Bhushi, The Lonavla lake, INS Shivaji, Pavna, Valvhan, Tungarli, Andhra, Shirawta lake

However the Sahyadris and its branches offer lot of opportunity for damming the streams leading to large number of lakes in Pune district.

Economy

Pune is 'The Detroit of India', It is an industrial center as well as agriculture based economy.

It is an important IT Hub Of India.

Tourist Place

Sinhagad : Sinhagad, ealier known as 'Kondhana' is the most prominent and popular fort in Pune. It is located at village Donaje, taluka-Haveli. It is 25 km away from Pune on a hill 1290 m high. Tanaji Malusare-Chh. Shivaji's trsusted and brave general,fought a battle here all alone with the Mughal army. on hearing news of his death, Chh. Shivaji said. "We won the fort but lost the lion" ("Gad Ala Pan Sinha Gela"), and so after his death Chh. Shivaji renamed this "Kondhana" fort as "Sinhagad".

Agakhan Palace : Gandhi National Memorial Society's Agakhan Palace is the Italian arches and lawns. This place has been used as a prison by Britishers for Mahatma Gandhi, Kasturba Gandhi and Mahadeobhai Desai during the 'Quit India Movement'. Marble memorials were put later on in the memory of Kasturba and Mahadeobhai. as both of them breathed their last in this place.

Shaniwarwada : Shaniwar Wada a 13 storey palace of Peshwas was built by Bajirao-I, in the year 1736.It was head quarter of the Peshwas and it symbolizes Pune's culture.The structure was built giving security the highest priority. The main entrance is known as 'Delhi Darwaja' & others have names like Ganesh, Mastani, Jambhal, Khidki. The statue of Bajirao-i on horse in front of Shniwarwada. In side one can see Ganesh Mahal, Rang Mahal, Aarsa Mahal, Hasti_Dant Mahal, Diwan Khana and fountain. A light and music show is conducted every day showing history of Peshwas. The palace was the seat of Peshwa power and later was destroyed by a fire in 1828. All that remails are the walls that fortified this palace, with sturdy doors, studded with spikers for added protection

Vishram Baug Wada : This is a three storey palace built by Bajirao Peshwa 300 years back, famous for its entrance which is surrounded by a balcony. The carved woodwork of the balcony is the example of fine work of Peshwa Art. The wood used is pure processed saag. It is 78 feet wide and 66 meters long. After Peshwas this place was used as a jail. Now the place is changed into a museum.

Parvati : This is one of the famous landmarks of Pune. Though the hill is in the Southern half of the city; it is visible from almost every part of the city.There are 08 steps that lead to the temple dedicated to Parvati and davadeshwar. There are also temples dedicated to Vishnu, Ganesh and Kartikeya. Climbing to the top of the hill can be rewarding as one can enjoy an excellent panoramic view of Pune.

Rajgad Fort : It is about 85 kms from Pune at village Gunjawane, Tal. Velhe. This fort has great historical relevance, as it was Shivaji's favourite fort and first mountain capital. Rajgadh has treacherous approaches, zigzag narrow paths and deceptive double walled armour of its ramparts. The massive pali gate, nedhe or elephant's eye still exists. The view from the top offers a magnificent view of the Sahyadri ranges.

Torna Fort : This fort is located at Velhe, 65v kms away from Pune. This is the first fort conqurred by Chh.Shivaji Maharaj.

Purandhar and Vajragadh Fort : Both these forts are located in Tal. Purandar and they are attached to each other. This fort was a capital of Chh. Shinaji Maharaj for some years. Chh. Sambhaji Maharaj, son of Chh. Shivaji Maharaj was born in 1665 on this fort. It is also the first capital of Peshwas. Now the fort is under the charge of National Cadet Corps.

Tomb of Sambhaji Maharaj : The tomb of Dharmaveer Sambhaji Maharaj is located at Vadu-Budruk on the Pune_Nagar Highway:3-4 km away from Koregaon on the bank of river Bhima.

Katraj Snake Park : As the name suggests, this place has a collection of snakes., reptiles, birds and turtles. It has 160 species of snakes. Mr. Neelam Kumar Khaire set it up in the year 1986. It was later incorporated in the Rajeev Gandhi Udyan in 1999. Latest addition is a zoo to this park. This place is 8 kms from Pune situated on the Pune-Satara road near Bharati Vidyapeeth.

Sambhaji Park : This beautiful garden is in Pune city near Deccan Gymkhana next to 'Balgandharva Rang Mandir' on Jangli Maharaj road. Main attraction here is the fish aquarium and a small fort. Various types of trees, flowers, lush green lawn and fountains add to the beauty of garden.

Appughar Indira Gandhi Udyan : The place Appughar is 2kms away from Nigdi and 22 kms away from Pune city. It is same as the Appughar at Delhi. Lots of games, fun and frolic await the tourists. It also has the waterpark in it. While the number of games enchant the kids, the beautiful cool lake, temple of 'Durgamata' and vast explorable hills attract people of all generations.

Sarasbaug & Peshwa Park : This park is in the Punecity near Swargate. Grden is full of lush green lawn. it also has a jogging track. There is a small hillock in the garden surrounded by the lake. There is a Ganesh temple on this hillock. The place is famous as 'Talyatala Ganapati'. Peshwa park is next to Saras baug. Previously, it was famous for its zoo. Boat rides are available here.There is mini train called "Phulrani" which atracts the kids most.

Bhatgar Dam : 40 kms away from Pune city , this is a beautiful scenic place. The dam is built on the river Velvandi. It is one of the highest river wall dam in india. Beautiful gardens with water sports have been developed in the surrounding areas, which are worth watching.

Mulshi : The place is near to Pune towards the west. One of the attractive picnic spot developed in recent time. The small village Mulshi in Mulshi taluka has all the natural beauties, which attracts the visitors. A lake named 'Valanewadi' which is just 5 kms away from Mulshi. The village falls in the Sahyadri ranges, has deep forest with marvelous forts nearby viz. Dhangad and korigadh. besides, the place is also famous for its mountains and plateau named "Lavmai'. The hills named Hattihant, Pagota are amazing to see which reach to a height of almost 1000m. Above all, Mulshi is mainly famous for its dam which generates power.

Kasba Ganpati : It is the Gram Daivat of Pune. Kasba peth is near Lal Mahal and the kasba Ganpati is the Ganpati of fiest Honor in Pune. So it has the first previlage in Ganesh Utsav Procession. Jijabai, the mother of Chh. Shivaji Maharaj had put up the statue of Ganesh. On her behalf, Dadoji Kondadev had put on a tent in front of this statue. Now it is a famous temple in Pune.

Bhimashankar : This is the place where river Bhima originates. It is 125 kms away from Pune city, near tahsil Khed. It is one of the 5 Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra. Nana Phadanavis has built the temple of Lord Mahadev here. Mear Bhimashankar are the hills of Manmad.There are carvings of Bhooting, Amba-Ambika and Bhimashankar on these hills. The beauty of Bhimashankar is enhanced in monsoon and winter. Bhimashankar is reserved forest area and a wild life sanctuary where a variety of animals, birds, plants and flowers can be seen.

Baneshwar : 30 kms to the south of Pune is a beautiful place called Baneshwar. It has an old temple of Lord Shiva, which was built by Bajirao Peshwa-I. It has spectacular idols of Lord Vishnu, Goddess Laxmi and Lord Mahadev and five Shivlings. As the temple is in deep woods and it seems like a 'jungle', hence its is called as "Baneshwar". A beautiful garden, a small waterfall, a stream of water all these make Baneshwar a nice picnic spot.

Chaturshrungi Temple : It is the small hillock dedicated to Godess "Durga". The presiding deity is Goddess Ambreshwari. An annual Navaratri fair is held here in he month of "Ashwin'. The temple is built in Chh. Shivaji era.

Jejuri : A well known place, 40 kms away from Pune, Jejuri is famous for the ancient temple of Lord Khandoba, as known as Khandobachi Jejuri. A "Yatra" is held in the months of Chitra, Margashirsha, Puash and Magh (months of Hindu calender). While on the way to the temple, one gets a view of the Dive Ghat. Deep Mala is popular over here. To reach the temple, one has to climb 200 steps.Jejuri also has historical importnace as Shivaji and Shahaji had discussed the strategy against the Mughals here. Various weapons of those times can be seen here.

Ashtavinayak : Lord Ganesh is the protector of his devotees. Eight effigies found among the nature, sculptured by nature have been housed in temples created ages ago at the places where the effigies were first identified.These are "Swayumbhu" effigies. Out of these Ashtavinayakas, five temples viz. Morgaon (Moreshwar),Theur (Chintamani), Ranjangaon (Mahaganapati), Ozar (Vighnahar), Lenyadri (Girijatmak) are in Pune district.

Dehu : Situated on the bank of river Indrayani, this is the birth place of Saint Tukaram Maharaj. Pilgrims come here in large numbers. It is 34 kms away from Pune city.

Alandi : Alandi is 25 kms away from Pune. Popularly known as "Devachi Alandi" (God's Place) has Samadhi and a temple of the saint poet Dnyaneshwar. The temple was built in 1570. Saint Dnyaneshwar wrote the Marathi translation of the 'Bhagvat Geeta' called 'Dnyaneshwari'. The othet famous places in Alandi are Vitthal-Rakhumai temple, Ram temple, Krishna temple and Muktai temple. Saint Dnyaneshwar spent most of his life-span in Alandi. The Palkhi, which is in the month of Ashadh, carried by the pilgrims from Alandi to Pandharpur covers almost 150 kms of distance.The famous wall on which Saint Dnyaneshwar flew to meet Chandev is also present here.

Narayanpur : Towards the south of Pune, the village Narayanpur is famous for saint Changdev and Lord Datta temple. Pilgrims visiting here worship the old "Audumbar' tree and visit the Narayaneshwar temple. The sculptures in the temple are of Yadav era.