Pune which is the second largest city in Maharashtra stands at the confluence of the Mula and Mutha rivers. Pune city also called as Queen of the Deccan is a city with great historical significance. The city was which the centre of power for the Maratha Empire boasts of a glorious past which is still visible in the magnificent monuments in and around the city. Pune which is considered as the cultural capital of Maharashtra is an important centre of education, crafts, theatre, culture and art. The city is home to one of the India's oldest universities and several other top class educational institutions. So the city is also referred to as “Oxford of the East".
Pune dotted with forts, museums and temples is also a major tourist destination in the state. Though the city is emerging as an important commercial centre it has retained much of its old world charm.
The Aga Khan’s Palace
The Aga Khan’s Palace is a place of great historical significance. This is the place where Mahatma Gandhi and Kasturba Gandhi, were kept under house arrest during the Quit India movement in 1942. A memorial was erected here in the memory of Kasturba Gandhi and Shri Mahadeobhai Desai who died in this palace.
Bund Garden
Also known as the Mahatma Gandhi Udhayan this garden was constructed by Sir Jamshedji Jeejeebhoy. This beautiful garden located on the banks of the rivers of Mula and Mutha has many varieties of plants and is known for its beauty. Boating and rowing facilities are also available over here.
Osho Ashram
Osho Ashram at Pune which was founded by Bhagwan Rajneesh himself attracts thousands of tourists who are followers of Bhagwan Rajneesh preaching from around the world. The ashram situated in a 32 acre beautiful campus is in Koregaon Park area of Pune and offers a number of Meditation courses.
Shaniwar Wada
Shaniwar Wada is an imposing palace which was seat of the Peshwa rulers of the Maratha Empire. The place situated in the heart of the city was destroyed in a big fire in 1827.All that is left is the mammoth outer stonewalls, lotus pool, bastions and gates of this once magnificent building.
Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum
Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum is located at the Bajirao Road in the Pune city. This museum has great collection of the most fascinating Indian articrafts which signify the cultural diversity of this great nation. ‘Mastani Mahal’ is a major attraction here. Other attractions here include 17th century paintings, 2,000 year old pottery, traditional Indian lamps and carved doors of temples and palaces.
Parvati Hill Temple
Parvati hill temple is a 17th century temple which has the idols of Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha, Lord Vishu, Devateshwar and Lord Karthikeya. This was once the private shrine of the Peshwas. The Parvati museum here has the portraits of Peshwas, ancient manuscripts and coins.
Shinde Chhatri
This is a building located in Wanowrie. This structure was constructed as the memorial to the great warrior Mahadji Shinde who was the commander-in-chief of the Maratha army, between the years 1760 to 1780.
Sinhagad Fort
Sinhgad fort is 25 Kms. from Pune. This is an impenetrable fortress which literally means "Fortress of the Lion" built at a height of 1,290 m. Tanaji Malusare one of Shivaji’s generals scaled the walls of the fort with the help of an iguana or monitor lizard. He died here during the battle, to win the fort for Shivaji. Tanaji's Samadhi can be seen at the fort.
Saras Bagh
This park constructed by Nanasaheb Peshwa is considered as one of the favourite tourist places in Pune. The main attraction in this imposing garden is the temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha.
Places to visits around Pune
Bhatgar Dam
Bhatgar Dam is 40 km from Pune. The dam built on the river Velvandi is the highest river dam wall in India.
Lavasa
Lavasa is 62 kms from Pune and it is India’s first planned hill station known for its salubrious weather and scenic beauty. The place surrounded by seven hills offers a number of recreational activities like bowling, water sports etc.
Lonavala
Lonavala is around 70 kms from Pune. This picturesque hill station has many attractions like the Lonavala Lake, Bhushi dam, Tungarli dam, Tiger’s leap, Karla and Bhaja Caves etc. Lonavala is also known for its famous Chikki and also the chocolate fudge. Khandala is 5 kilometres away from Lonavala. Khandala is another exotic locale and a major hill station in the state. The place which is blessed with great natural beauty is a popular weekend getaway.
Matheran
Matheran is situated at a distance of 120 kms from Pune. Matheran is a charming hill station located 803 meters above sea level. This unpolluted hill station placed in the lap of the Sahyadri Mountains is an ideal weekend getaway from the busy city life.
Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar town situated 1372 ft. above sea level is another famous weekend getaway destination which is just 120 km away from Pune. Mahabaleshwar was the summer capital of Bombay province during British raj and is a typical colonial town. The major attraction here is Venna Lake and Mahabaleshwar temple. Mahabaleshwar is also famous for its juicy strawberries. Wilson's Point, Arthur's Seat, Sunset Point and the Lover's Point, Bombay Point, Elphinstone Point, Babington Point, Kate's Point are some of the lookout points in this beautiful town.
Panchgani
Panchgani is just 20 kms from Mahabaleshwar. Panchgani is surrounded by the five hills from which it gets its name. This is another beautiful hill station which also has many lookout points.
Katraj Snake Park
Katraj Snake Park is situated at a distance of approximately 8 km from the Pune city. This Park, established in 1986 houses wide variety of reptile species. The park has many snakes, birds, turtles etc. The park houses a rare species of Brown Palm Civet and this is a major draw here. A library inside the premises of the Katraj Snake Park has many books which provide useful information about the different snake species.
Shivneri Fort
Shivneri Fort is situated at a distance of approximately 90 km from the Pune. Shivneri Fort was built by Sahaji, the father of Shivaji. This place was the birth place of the great Maratha king – Shivaji. He spent most of his childhoods days here and received basic education and training in this fort. The fort with seven massive gates is a major tourist attraction.
Malshej Ghat
Malshej is a mountain range situated amidst the Sahyadri Hills. It is 130 km away from Pune. The place attracts several tourists and is known for its cascading waterfalls, green pastures and cool climate. It is a preferred destination for trekking enthusiasts. The hill station is surrounded by dense forests cover which is home to variety of flora and fauna. The mountain range also has a variety of bird species like quails, rails, crakes, flamingos, cuckoos etc.
Karla Caves
Karla Caves are approximately 40 km from the heart of Pune. The cave is a complex of Buddhist rock-cut grottos known as chaityas which were carved somewhere around the 2nd century BC. The main attraction here is the Chaitya Hall or the prayer hall. The hall is adorned with number of pillars and the roof of the hall has been constructed out of teakwood which consists of several intricate carvings. Many stone sculptures are seen on the walls of the caves. The stone stupa situated inside the Karla Caves is another attraction here.
Mulshi Lake
Mulshi Lake is about a 45kms from Pune. It is one of the most picturesque destinations around Pune. The Lake is formed in the catchment area of Mulshi dam and is situated amidst dense forests of the Sahyadri hills. Ancient forts like Koraigadh and Dhangad are also situated nearby.
Jejuri Temple
Jejuri town is 47 km away from Pune. The temple located on a hilltop is dedicated to Lord Khandoba, a local deity in Maharashtra. Khandoba is held in great reverence by the Dhangars, one of the oldest tribes in India. The view from the top of the hill is amazing and one can get a panoramic view of the Saswad and Dive Ghat.
How to reach Pune
Pune’s airport at Lohegaon is 12 km from the city centre. Pune is an important railway junction in Central railways zone of Indian railway. The city is well connected by good rail network to all major destinations in the country. Pune has a good network of roads. Regular Maharashtra state roadways buses and private buses operate between Pune and several places in the state.
Accommodation
Plenty of accommodation options are available in the city ranging from five star hotels to budget hotels that cater to the different budgets of the tourists.