PUNE is a historic city with a glorious past of nearly 1000 years. The city's historical associations are with the heroic warrior king Shivaji Maharaj, the legendary Peshwas and famous freedom fighter Lokmanya Tilak. It is a significant milestone in the history of India.

Pune is surrounded by Sahayadri hills and lies in the natural settings with a pleasant climate. It's called the 'Cultural Capital of 'Maharashtra' as well as 'The Oxford of the East'. The arrival of Osho Rajneesh and his followers changed this completely. The Osho Ashram put Pune on the world map and has given this deeply traditional and staid city a unique identity.

Pune: the New Silicon Valley of East:

Pune is established as an IT corridor where all facilities required by the software units with export potential are available through coordinated efforts from various Government/Semi - government agencies. Electronic telephone exchanges with ISDN facilities and network of optical fiber cable are set up. Dedicated earth stations are available for fast communication. Pune definitely is in the guise of the upcoming Pune InfoTech Park (PIP). Nestled in the green environs of Hingewadi, overlooking those blue hillocks, the Pune Infotech Park makes the working environment very pleasant. The environment in the vicinity bears no semblance to the huge cyber city that is in the making.

A number of IT companies are located in Pune, major among them are as below:

1. M/s. Infosys Technologies Ltd.
2. M/s. Wipro Ltd.
3. Satyam Computers
4. Tata Technologies
5. Kanbay Software (I) Pvt. Ltd.
6. Magic Infotech (I) Pvt. Ltd.
7. Veritas Software (I) Pvt. Ltd.
8. Cognizant Technology Solutions (I) Ltd.
9. Geometric Software Solutions Pvt. Ltd.
10. KPIT System Ltd.
11. Patni Computers
12. Mahindra British Telecom Ltd.

Pune: an Educational center:

Pune is the center of learning, education, and research. The easy availability of software engineers is an advantage. Besides Pune's proximity to Mumbai, from where it constantly attracts young aspirants due to its economical viabilities, climatic conditions, and cultural resources is an added advantage. The Government has chosen Pune city as a prominent center for development of IT looking at the industrial growth in and around Pune city and the excellent international standard, educational facilities available in Pune.

The Pune University, established in 1948, has since then become one of the leading centers for research and teaching in the country. The Center for Development of Advanced Computing (C - DAC), one of the premier institutes in country in the IT is also located at Pune.

National Defense Academy is the only Defense Academy that imparts basic training to officers, cadets of all the three branches of the Defense Services for Commission in the Army, Navy and Air-Force. It is situated at Khadakwasla, 17 km From Pune.

Geography of Pune:

Pune city is located at 18 degrees 32 minutes North; 73 degrees 51 minutes East. It is 559 meters above the mean sea level. The normal climate of Pune ranges from 15 degrees C to 35 degrees C. The best time to visit is October-March.

Time Zone Difference:

India is 5 and 1/2 hours ahead of GMT.

Weather Trends:

Winter: Mid Nov - mid Feb. Dry, cold nights pleasantly warm days. Spring: Mid-Feb to end-March. Warm days and pleasant nights

Summer: Early-April to late-May. Hot days and warm nights

Monsoon: Early June - early October. Rains, warm and humid. Rain coat, plastic shoes, umbrellas or small boots advisable.

Post-Monsoon: Early Oct - early Nov. A little rain, but still warm.

Rainfall 68 cm (annual average)

Clothing

Light cottons in summer (March to October), Lightweight jacket or pullovers in winter (September to February). Semi-formals will be acceptable in most offices.

Restaurants

Pune offers a variety of cuisines for the gourmet. Try your favorite palate ticklers at any one of the following places:

• Kamling, Chia Ming, Chinese Room, Mainland China (Chinese).

• Chinese Room (Japanese).

• 1000 Oaks, Touche - The Place (Continental)

• Sala Thai, Silk Route (Thai)

• La Pizzeria (Italian)

• Shreyas, Abhiruchi, Durwankur, Shabree (Local flavor)

• Chitale (Maharashtran Sweets)

• McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Dominos (International Food Chains)

Watering Holes

One would never imagine Pune to have discos or pubs after listening to its history but there are a few pubs for those who cannot do without it. Most pubs have a dance floor and double up as a disco.

• Ten Downing Street (TDS), MG Road

• Pegasus, Opposite Poona Club, Camp

• Crystal Ball, MG Road, Pune

• Club Polaris, Hotel Blue Diamond, Koregaon Park

• Thousand Oaks, East Street

• Pub Carousel, Holiday Inn, Bund Garden Road

Shopping Malls

Shopping in Pune can be quite an experience! There is nothing you won't or cannot find here. Pune with its blend of Indian and Western cultures is a paradise for all shoppers catering to each and every individual. Pune hosts exclusive shopping malls like Shoppers Stop, WestSide, Pyramid, and Planet M (an exclusive music shop).