Pune: The Cultural Capital of Maharashtra

• Helloनमस्कार
  [Namaskar]
• Goodbyeआबाद
  [Aabad]
• Yesहो
  [Ho]
• Noनाही
  [Nahi]
• Please/You're welcomeकृपया
  [Kripaya]
• Thank youधन्यवाद
  [Dhanyavad]
• Excuse me/Sorryक्षमा करा
  [Kshama kara]
• How are you?तुझे कसे आहेस?
  [Tujhe kase aahes?]
• Fine. And you?चांगले. आणि तुम्ही?
  [Changle. Ani tumhi?]
• Do you speak English?तुम्ही इंग्रजी बोलता का?
  [Tumhi ingraji bolta ka?]
• I don't understandमला समजलं नाही
  [Mala samjala nahi]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseकृपया मेनू पहा
  [Kripaya menu paha]
• I don't eat meatमी मांस खात नाही
  [Mi maans khat nahi]
• Cheers!चियर्स!
  [Cheers!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseकृपया मी पैसे देऊ
  [Kripaya mi paise deu]

• Help!मदत!
  [Madat!]
• Go away!जाऊ द्या!
  [Jau dya!]
• Call the Police!पोलिसांना कॉल करा!
  [Polisanna call kara!]
• Call a doctor!डॉक्टरला कॉल करा!
  [Doctorla call kara!]
• I'm lostमी हरवलेला आहे
  [Mi harvalela ahe]
• I'm illमला ताप आहे
  [Mala tap ahe]

• I'd like to buy...कृपया मला विकत घ्यायला हवं
  [Kripaya mala vikat ghyayla hav]
• I'm just lookingमी फक्त बघत आहे
  [Mi fakt baghat ahe]
• How much is it?त्याची किती किंमत आहे?
  [Tyachi kiti kimat ahe?]
• That's too expensiveहे खूप महाग आहे
  [He khup mahag ahe]
• Can you lower the price?किमत कमी करू शकता का?
  [Kimat kamee karu shakta ka?]

• What time is it?किती वाजले आहे?
  [Kiti wajle ahe?]
• It's one o'clockएक वाजले आहे
  [Ek wajle ahe]
• Half past (10)अडीस वाजल्या
  [Adis wajlya]
• Morningसकाळ
  [Sakal]
• Afternoonदुपार
  [Dupar]
• Eveningसंध्याकाळ
  [Sandhyakal]
• Yesterdayकाल
  [Kal]
• Todayआज
  [Aj]
• Tomorrowउद्या
  [Udya]
• 1एक
  [Ek]
• 2दोन
  [Don]
• 3तीन
  [Teen]
• 4चार
  [Char]
• 5पाच
  [Pach]
• 6सहा
  [Saha]
• 7सात
  [Sat]
• 8आठ
  [Ath]
• 9नऊ
  [Nau]
• 10दहा
  [Daha]

• Where's a/the...?कुठे आहे...?
  [Kuthe ahe...?]
• What's the address?पत्ता काय आहे?
  [Patta kay ahe?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?मला दाखवू शकता का (नकाशावर)?
  [Mala dakhavu shakta ka (nakashavar)?]
• When's the next (bus)?पुढच्या (बस) कधी आहे?
  [Pudhchya (bas) kadhi ahe?]
• A ticket (to ....)तिकिट (....ला)
  [Ticket (....la)]

Pune's history can be traced back to the 8th century, when it was under the rule of the Rashtrakuta Dynasty. The city later came under the control of the Yadava Dynasty in the 9th century. It was during this period that the region began to develop as a significant agricultural hub, benefiting from its rich, fertile soil.

The Pataleshwar Cave Temple, carved out in the 8th century, is one of Pune's oldest heritage sites. This rock-cut temple dedicated to Lord Shiva offers a glimpse into the city's ancient architectural ingenuity and religious significance.

In the 17th century, Pune rose to prominence under the Maratha Empire, especially during the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The city served as a base for the Maratha Empire and saw the construction of several forts and palaces, most notably the Shaniwar Wada, which became the seat of the Peshwas.

From the early 18th to early 19th century, Pune was the political center of the Peshwas, the prime ministers of the Maratha Empire. This era saw the city flourish in terms of culture, architecture, and administration. The Peshwas built several notable structures, including temples, wada (mansions), and public buildings.

Pune came under British control in 1817 after the Third Anglo-Maratha War. The British established Pune as a military cantonment and administrative center. This period saw the construction of educational institutions like the Deccan College and the College of Engineering, which played a crucial role in shaping modern Pune.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Pune became a focal point for social reform movements in India. Figures like Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, Savitribai Phule, and Lokmanya Tilak emerged from Pune, advocating for education, women's rights, and national independence. The city became synonymous with progressive thought and political activism.

After India's independence in 1947, Pune transformed into an educational and industrial hub. The establishment of institutions like the University of Pune (now Savitribai Phule Pune University) and the development of the Hinjewadi IT Park cemented Pune's reputation as the 'Oxford of the East' and a leading center for information technology.

Pune is renowned for its vibrant cultural scene, with numerous festivals celebrated throughout the year. The Pune International Film Festival, Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Festival, and the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations are some of the highlights that showcase the city's rich cultural heritage and artistic spirit.

Pune is accessible by air, rail, and road. Pune International Airport (PNQ) offers domestic and limited international flights. Major international connections are routed through Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, which is about 150 kilometers away. Pune is well-connected by rail, with Pune Junction being a major railway hub. Regular trains run from Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and other major cities. For road travel, the Mumbai-Pune Expressway provides a smooth drive between the two cities. Interstate buses and private taxis are also viable options.

Pune offers various modes of transportation, including auto-rickshaws, buses, and app-based cab services like Uber and Ola. Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) operates the city's bus services. Auto-rickshaws are metered, but it's advisable to agree on a fare before starting your journey. For longer distances, renting a car can be convenient. Bicycles and motorbikes are also popular for navigating the city's narrower lanes.

The official currency in Pune is the Indian Rupee (INR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller establishments and street vendors. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city, and currency exchange services are available at the airport and various locations in the city.

Pune is generally considered safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid isolated areas at night and be cautious with your belongings in crowded places. Areas like Shaniwar Peth and some parts of Koregaon Park have higher instances of petty crimes like pickpocketing. Always use registered cabs and avoid sharing personal information with strangers.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Pune has several well-equipped hospitals such as Ruby Hall Clinic and Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital. Pharmacies are widely available for minor health issues. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For police assistance, you can visit the nearest police station or find police personnel in tourist areas.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do show respect for local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes before entering temples. Public Transport: Do be respectful and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a 'Namaste' or a handshake. Avoid hugging or kissing, especially in formal settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local food and accept hospitality graciously. Don't refuse food or drink offered as it may be considered impolite.

To experience Pune like a local, explore the bustling markets such as Tulsi Baug and Laxmi Road for shopping. Visit the numerous cafes and restaurants in Koregaon Park to enjoy the city's vibrant food scene. Engage with locals at cultural spots like Shaniwar Wada and Aga Khan Palace. Don’t miss the opportunity to attend local festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi, which is celebrated with great enthusiasm. Consider taking a day trip to the nearby hill stations such as Lonavala and Khandala for a refreshing experience.