Laxmi
Road, the bustling nerve-centre of Pune, is in the heart of the city and is the
most favored destination for shopaholics. It extends from City Post Chowk to
Alka Talkies Chowk, approx. for 5 kilometers. Anything and everything from
electronic items, clothes, footwear, household items, etc. can be bought here.
The famous Tulshi Baug area is just off Laxmi Road, near Ganapati Chowk/Guruji
Talim Ganapati Mandal Chowk. This is another tourist attraction. The renowned
jewelry shops of P.N.Gadgil, Ranka Jewelers, etc. add dazzle to Laxmi Road.
The
heritage buildings- the Commonwealth Building which houses the L.I.C. of
India's Laxmi Road Branch Office, 952 Branch, the City Post Office and the Public
Library are important landmarks. There is an ancient temple, the Belbaug Vishnu
Temple which is a tranquil haven amidst the chaotic traffic. Several doctors'
clinics, eateries and banks dot the road.
Unfortunately, there are no washrooms for the public on this entire
stretch, except at the Tulshi Baug and Bhanuvilas Chowk areas. The road is congested as it is heavily
encroached upon; by the road-side vendors who do brisk business. The heavy
traffic is a bane for young and old alike! Parking problems plague the area.
The first day
of the famed Ganeshotsav celebrations in Pune begin with a procession of the
five Manache Ganapati (Most Revered 5 Ganapatis) through this thoroughfare. The
immersion procession too passes through this busy road. The all-night pageantry
and lights and sounds of this area assail our senses, then.
Diwali time
is the best to stroll in this area. The twinkling lights and dazzling
window-displays are breath-taking. Thus Goddess Laxmi, the Goddess of wealth,
seems to have truly made her home here, as all the businesses, big or small,
thrive here! A visit to Pune is incomplete without a visit here.
Review published on website: www.tripadvisor.com on 07072015
The copyright of this review is with Mrs. Priya Ramesh Swaminathan.
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