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Country INDIA
State Maharashtra
District Pune
INTERACTIVE MAP OF PUNE
Geographical data
Coordinates 18°34'N° N 73°58'E° E (18 degrees 32 minutes
North ; 73 degrees 51 minutes East)
Area 700 km² /138 square kilometres
Green Cover 40 per cent of area (more than any other Indian urban area)
Altitude 559 meters above mean sea level
Time zone IST (UTC+5:30) - GMT plus five-and-half hours
Population (2005) 4,485,000 Density - 6,407/km²
Pune experiences three distinct seasons: summer, monsoon and winter. Summer months extend from March to May, with maximum temperatures ranging from 35 to 39°C (95 to 102°F), the hottest months being April up to mid-May. Golden sharp sunshine with hot afternoons are soothed by cooler winds in the evenings. The city often receives locally developed pre-monsoon summer showers with thunder and lightening displays in May. Even in summer, the nights in Pune are significantly cooler compared to most other parts in this region owing to its high altitude.
Monsoon winds blow from the Arabian Sea in June, bringing with them the Indian Monsoon characterized by heavy showers. Pune receives moderate rainfall. The city receives an annual rainfall of 722 mm, mainly between June and September as the result of southwest monsoon. [1] July is the wettest month of the year. Though the rainfall is comparatively lower than in the adjoining Western Ghats, steady spells of heavy rain frequently disrupt normal life in the city. The spells of continuous rainfall may stretch to many days or even a few weeks. Pune has, on record, received rainfall for 29 consecutive days (Days when rainfall is greater than 2.5 mm). However, the weather is very pleasant in the city with temperature ranging from 20 to 28°C (68 to 82°F). The 2005 and 2006 monsoons brought unprecedented and incessant rain that last through weeks and often disrupted normal life.
As the monsoon departs , the day temperatures rise again in October with cooler nights signaling the onset of winter. Pune experiences winter from November to February. This is the best season to visit Pune. Pleasant windy days, clear skies and cool nights make it the most enjoyable time of the year. The day temperature hovers around 29°C (84°F) while night temperature is below 10°C (50°F) for most of December and January, often dropping to 5 or 6°C (42°F). On particularly cold days, wind may appear to be very chilly due to the dryness of air. Rain is very rare in this season.
Clothing Light cottons & linens in summer.
Lightweight jacket, woolens or pullovers in winter.
Raincoats, parkas, rain shoes & umbrellas for the monsoon.
Currency The Indian Rupee is the local currency.
Language Pune is a major city in the State of Maharashtra which has Marathi is the official language. Marathi and Hindi are the two main languages spoken. English is widely spoken and understood. Since Pune has embraced a cosmopolitan nature, other Indian languages are spoken. Foreigners who speak English will find it very easy to communicate as a large part of the population can speak English.
Accommodation: Pune has various accommodation options from Five Star Hotels to smaller guest-houses and service apartments. It is advisable to book your accommodation in advance as the number of visitors and business travelers into Pune has escalated.
Traveling between Mumbai & Pune. The Six –Lane Mumbai-Pune Expressway is India’s first controlled-access toll road. The MSRDC (Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation) undertook the project and completed the entire route by 2002. This expressway spans a 95 Km (49 mile) between Pune and Mumbai, cutting down the traveling time between the cities to 2 Hours. The road winds through the passes of the beautiful Sahyadri Range and is a treat for nature lovers. Two- and three- wheelers and tractors are prohibited from using the expressway. Toll is collected at Dehu Road (Pune) and Kalamboli (Mumbai).
Local Transport: Pune has a fairly good transport system. The government runs buses, as well as privately run three wheelers referred to locally as “auto-rickshaws’ ply through the city. The extended parts of Pune can be accessed by trains, buses and private taxis.
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