Pune is also known as the cultural capital of Maharshtra. Formerly it was called Punavadi or Poona. While it has always been a corporate stopover, Pune has its mix of potpourri and culture that makes for an interesting sight seeing. It offers a mix of the modern intertwined with the old with the old Lal Deval standing beside a brand new petrol pump and Vishram Baug Wada now transformed into a modern post office.
Marathi is the official language of Maharashtra. Marathi and Hindi are the two main languages that are spoken in Pune. English is also widely spoken and understood. The largely cosmopolitan population also speaks Gujarati, and other Indian languages. Pune offers much to tourists and travelers, for those interested in history and architecture, Shaniwar Wada, Aga Khan Palace and the Parvati temple are a must visit. Today the top attraction of the city is the Osho Commune International. The arrival of Osho Rajneesh has put Pune on the world map and has given this deeply traditional and sober city a strange new flavour. Pune also has a very good transport system. There are trains, auto-rickshaws, buses and also private taxis for sightseeing. It has several hotels of different price range from 5 stars to moderate motels.
Pune is home to many educational institutes also, which includes PICT, BVP, Symbiosis, DYPatil, VIT, MIT etc. The large student body due to these colleges is one of the reason for the growing economy of the city especially the retail and real estate sectors. Other than this the service sector boasts of its Consultancies, Travel and Tourism, Educational Institutes, Hotel Industry and Insurance.
