Pune is regarded as the cultural capital of
Maharashtra. It is bordered by
Ahmednagar District in the north-east,
Thane District in the north-west,
Solapur District in the south-east and
Satara District in the south. With an area of 15,637 sq km, Pune District has a population of about 7.2 million. The temperature varies from 10
o C to 39
o C. It receives an annual rainfall of over 70 cm. The official language is
Marathi. Bhima is the main river. Pune is the only city in the world to be surrounded by three military cantonments - Pune, Khadki and
Dehu Road. It is considered as the Oxford of India with many educational, research and social reform institutions.
Aga Khan Palace, Lal Mahal, Kelkar Museum, Vishrambag Wada, Ambedkar Museum, Tilak Museum, Tribal Museum, Phule Wada and National War Museum are the major tourist attractions. Other tourist places include Sarasbaug Garden, Empress Garden, Peshwa Udyan Zoo, Bund Garden, Osho Garden, Katraj Snake Park, Sambhaji Park, Appu Ghar, Ghorpade Udyan and Kamla Nehru Park.
