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Poona Travel Guide, India

Poona is the old name of Pune and it happens to be the second largest amongst all the cities in the state of Maharashtra. Poona has grown quickly from just another city to a happening city and the reason behind this drastic change is its proximity with the capital of Maharashtra, Mumbai. Poona is around 160 km from Mumbai and this makes it easy for people visiting Mumbai to visit Poona. This city is the 8th on a national level when it comes to the most populous cities of India.

The name of Poona was derived from the Sanskrit word Punya Nagari which in English means the City of Virtue. The oldest proof of this name is a copper plate which was dated as late as 937. On this copper plate this town was referred to as Punak Vishaya or Punya-Vishaya. The official spelling of the city is Pune but still the city is sometimes referred to as Poona which was the named used during the British control over India.

The Mutha and Mula rivers intersect right in the center of Poona while the Indrayani River and the Pavana River (which are tributaries which originate from River Bhima) pass through the outskirts of the North West region of Poona. The city is located next to the Sahyadri mountain range and this separates the city from the Arabian Sea. Poona is famous for the number of hills which are located in and around the city. This is one of the most important reasons why Poona is a famous tourist hot spot in India.

Like the rest of the country, Poona also experiences three different kinds of climates. These climates are Monsoon, Summer, and Winter of course. Summer hits the atmosphere of Poona between the months of March and May. Maximum temperature can touch the heights of 38 degree Celsius. April is said to be the hottest month in the climate of Poona. The city is situated on a higher altitude and hence the nights of Poona are cold enough even while the days are very hot. Highest temperature recorded ever in the history of Poona was 43.3 degree Celsius.

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