If you are looking for the best places to visit in Pune then this article is very beneficial for you. As a traveler, what pleases us most is a visit to a city that offers tourists some of the country’s striking historical and architectural wonders. Pune also known as the cultural center of Maharashtra provides you with all this.
The city is rich in history and culture and offers many fascinating travel experiences. Pune also known as the “Queen of the Deccan”, is a lush green metropolitan city which is famous for its weather, educational institutions and many nearby tourist destinations. Therefore having all these qualities, Pune has become a center of attraction for those wishing to visit this city. Pune is also known as the “Oxford of the East”, mainly due to the presence of highly reputed academic institutions. Although famous for being a modern and fashionable city, Pune is still based on its ethnic and cultural values. As a result, Pune is also known as the cultural capital of Maharashtra. Such an attractive nature of Pune makes it one of the best cities to visit in India.
Mula and Mutha, located at the confluence of Pune, is known for its spiritual and cultural heritage. Its geographical location makes it more desirable for travel from around the world.
Best places to visit in Pune
1. Shreemant dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple
There are very few ancient temples in India and Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati temple is one of them. This temple is also one of the famous tourist places in Pune which attract a lot of people travelling to this city. Devotees from the different part of the country visit this holy place on different occasions. This temple is also well known for its charitable activities.
The 10-day Ganesh utsav is likewise celebrated at this temple in a very good manner, which is joined by various VIPs and government officials. This spot will most likely give a strict touch to your days off.
History:
Dagadusheth Halwai was Lingayat monger and Sweet maker (Halwai in Marathi). He originally came from Karnataka and settled in Pune. once he gained fame as a Halwai, that became his last name. His original Halwai look still exists below the name Kaka Halwai close to Datta Mandir in Pune.
Mr. Dagdusheth Halwai was a sure-fire sweet vendor and a chic businessperson. In late 1800s, he lost his son during a plague epidemic. This caused Dagdusheth and his mate to travel into deep depression. To heal themselves, their Guru, Shri Madhavnath Maharaj counseled building a Ganesh temple. This was completed in 1893.
Lokmanya Tilak, the Indian leader and a recent of Dagdusheth, was a detailed friend of him. Tilak saw his dedication and conjointly the development of the temple and it absolutely was here that the concept of celebrating public Ganesh pageant affected him. It verified to be associate degree epoch creating event in Indian history.
Address
Budhvar Peth, Pune, Maharashtra 411016
Opening – Closing Timings
06:00 AM to 08:00 PM
2. Shaniwar wada
Shaniwarwada, once the seat of the Peshwa governance in Pune is a 286-year-old mansion and is one of the finest examples of architecture in the city. It is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in Maharashtra. This grand mansion was built by the Peshwa Bajirao I himself as the residence of the Peshwas. Although the Wada currently covers an area of 625 acres, in its heyday it covered almost the entire area of the city itself. The place never fails to amaze the visitor with its various forts and fountain, and the majestic statue of BajiRao I that greets the visitor at the entrance of the palace. Although most of the Wada was destroyed by an unexplained fire in 1828, what remains of it is equally thrilling and majestic.
History
The Shaniwar-Wada, in spite of the fact that ridden with stories of bad form and duplicity, is one of the last standing declarations to the greatness, valor, and the simply guideline of the Peshwas. The whole old piece of the city of Pune is spread out in a riotous yet amusingly, precise style all around this recorded structure. It is around ShaniwarWada that you will locate the most seasoned markets of Pune including Laxmi Road, Tulshibaug, Ravivar Peth and so forth.
It is said that on a full moon night the fortress is spooky by the phantom of a previous Peshwa king Narayanrao as he was killed in the castle by his auntie and uncle – Anandi and Raghunathrao. However, there is not a shred of evidence to support such claims. So, you can get a glimpse of history and some drama as well! This was after all the site of the famed romance between Peshwa Bajirao and Mastani Sahiba. In fact, one of the gates has also been named after her!
Address:
Shaniwar wada place Pune, Maharashtra 411016
Opening & Closing Timings
06:00 AM to 08:00 PM
3.Chaturshringi Temple:
One of the most well known temple in Pune, Chaturshringi Mountain is situated on the highest point of a slope directly on the Senapati Bapat Road. It is said to have been worked during the rule of the Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Raje Bhosle. The directing god of the temple is Goddess Chaturshringi, otherwise called Goddess Ambareshwari. To arrive at the primary sanctum of the temple, vacationers should climb around 100 stairs yet the perspective on the slope that one gets from the top merits every one of the efforts.
History
According to the legends, the temple was worked by Durlabhsheth Pitambardas Mahajan, a fervent devotee of Goddess Chaturshringi. One night, the goddess showed up in the fantasy of the Pitambardas Mahajan and demonstrated him to go to a mountain. He also imagined that at the mountain, where the principle icon of the temple is burrowed. Following day, he pursued the fantasy where, and luckily found a statue. A couple of days after the fact, he assembled a temple at a similar spot where the statue was found.
Address
Senapati Bapat Road, Chaturshrungi, Pashan, Pune, Maharashtra 411016
Getting There
The buses and cabs are available only till the parking area. From the parking area, tourists will have to climb approximately 100 stairs so as to reach the main temple.
Opening – Closing Timings
06:00 AM to 09:00 PM
4.Pu -La Deshpande Garden
In the midst of the hustle-clamor of the city life stands the quiet Pu La Deshpande Garden. inspired by the famous 300-year-old Okayama Korakuen Garden of Japan, Pu La Deshpande Garden is created by Ikeda royal family in the 12 open hectares. The garden is named after Purushottam Laxman Deshpande, a Marathi writer who is additionally a Padma Bhushan awardee. Lovely yet prestigious – Pu La Deshpande Garden is spread more than 10 hectares with tiled sections flanked by the delicious grasses thronged with transitory feathered creatures. Strolling on the yard is carefully not permitted as it destroyed the grass. With an assortment of beautiful flowers and different plants and water bodies, the garden exhibits nature at its best.
Getting There
The park is situated on the Sinhagad Road; three kilometres away from the Saras Baug. One can take an auto from anyplace in the city to arrive at the Pu La Deshpande Garden.
Things to do
In the park, one can go for bird watching as there’s continuous movement of the migratory birds. Nature lovers can appreciate here a long walk around the worked sections.
Address
Sinhgad Rd, Pune Okayama Friendship Garden, Dattawadi, Pune, Maharashtra 411030, Pune, Maharashtra
Opening & Clocing Timing
6:00 AM – 10:30 AM & 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Open all days
5. Saras Baug
Deemed because the favourite place for many of the Pune individuals, Sarasbaug is a vital landmark that options a temple, and lake amidst manicured gardens. Its longstanding popularity is all because of the Ganesha temple in the park – Talyatla Ganpati. Even the park becomes the center of attraction for many migratory birds.Earlier, once the park was in creating method, Sarus crane was quite outstanding, which maybe the explanation why it’s known as Sarasbaug.
History
The Talyatla Ganpati in the Saras Baug was constructed in 1750 by Sawai Madhavrao Peshwa and Mahadji Shinde of the Maratha confederacy.In 1995, a little repository, displaying over a couple of hundred idols of Lord Ganesh, was superimposed to the temple premises.
Earlier, the temple was used by the Marathas to plan strategies against the Nizam and the British Empire in the 18th & 19th century as it was situated away from the Parvati Temple. Peshwa commander and associated used to visit the Saras Baug by boat to discuss the issue and plans.
Address
Saras Baug Road, Municipal Colony, Pune 411030
Getting There
Pune incorporates a developed a extremely economical conveyance system. So reaching Saras Baug from anywhere in the city is not a problem as buses, and three wheelers are easily available.
Opening & Closing Timing
6:00 AM – 9:00 PM Open all days
6. Sinhagad Ford
Situated about 25KM away from the city of Pune, this hill fortress is 2000 years of age according to the information available at this fortress. Sinhagad which means ‘the fort of Lion’ has witnessed a number of battles including the battle of Sinhagad in the year 1671.
Sinhagad is arranged on the highest point of the precipice from where you can also observe the extraordinary perspective on the excellent Sahyadri.History says that earlier known as Kondhana, the fort was under the region of Mohammad bin Tughlaq before Shivaji rebelled against Adilshahi and took the charge of this fort in 1647. This superb history made it another fascination for the travellers.
History
Sinhagad Fort is believed to be a 2000-year-old structure that was ab initio referred to as Kondhana (named once sage Kaundinya). The presence of the Kaundinyeshwar Temple and a few carvings on the caves denote this chance. Till the early 14th century, the fort was ruled by Nag Naik who was a Koli King. But, in 1328, it was captured by Muhammad bin Tughlaq. Later on, when Pune was handed over to Shahaji Bhosale managed the fort. Shahaji served as a commander for patriarch Adil Shah I throughout the time.
Shivaji, Shahaji’s son, initiated Swarajya round the same time and refused to serve Adil Shah. In an effort to realize management of Kondhana, in 1647, he convinced associate Adilshahi Sardar, Siddi Amber, that he would manage and safeguard the fort optimally. however instead, he took over the fort. Adil Shah imprisoned Siddi Amber and Shivaji’s father, Shahaji Bhosale. He later traded Shahaji raje release in return of the fort in 1649. However, Shivaji captured it again in 1656 with the help of Bapuji Mudgal Deshpande, his General.
The Mughals also attacked the fort between 1662 and 1665 in order to acquire it. In 1665, the accord of Purandar was signed between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Jai Singh I and therefore the fort were bimanual over to Jai Singh. But, once again, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj conquered it immediately after and managed it till 1689. After Sambhaji Bhosale’s passing, the Mughals took over. However, in 1693, the Marathas won it again and in 1703, it was conquered by Aurangzeb. 1706 onward, till 1818, it had been once more underneath the Marathas and so taken by the British.
Address
Thoptewadi, Pune, Maharashtra
Opening & Closing Timing
Sunset to sunrise; Temple Timings -05:00 AM to 08:00 PM
7. Pravati hill
Pune regions Parvati Hill may be a distinguished hill lock with a decent range of historical vestiges associated temples at an altitude of 2100 feet. Devdeveshwar temple (Shiva and Parvati), Kartikeya Temples, Vishnu Temple, Vitthal Temple, and Rama Temple are some of the famous temples that can be seen on the hilltop. It is said that all these temples were built during by the Peshwas. View of the Pune city from the top of the hill is mesmerizing.
Along with the temples, the Hill is thought for Hindu deity depository that exhibits some ancient manuscripts and paintings. The depository incorporates a assortment of Peshwa rulers portraits. Here one can see the deathbed or Samadhi Sthan of Shrimant Nanasaheb Peshwa.
Getting There
To reach the bottom of the parvati hill, one will take a bus, motor vehicle or postpaid taxis from anyplace within the town. But to visit the top of the hill, there are no motorable roads; tourists will have to trek, and even climb some steps.
Things to do
Don’t miss the iconic view of sunset and sunrise from the hill.
Address
Parvati, swarget Pune, Maharashtra.
Opening & Closing Time
Sunset to sunrise; Temple Timings -05:00 AM to 08:00 PM
8. Aga Khan Palace
One of the best historical creation of the nation, The Aga Khan Palace is one of the top spots to visit in Pune. It was established in the year 1892 by Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III. The primary reason for its establishment was to help the needy people in the nearby places of the palace during the famine.
In 1942, Mahatma Gandhi, his wife Kasturba Gandhi, and his secretary Mahadev Desai along with the Sarojini Naidu was imprisoned at Aga Khan Palace following the Quit India movement.
History
It was Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III, the 48th Imam or spiritual head of the Khoja Ismaili religion and the All-India Muslim League’s (AIML) first president, who built this grand palace in the year 1892. He commissioned the construction of the palace to provide employment to the villagers in the famine-struck areas surrounding Pune. It took 5 years for the palace to be constructed and around 1,000 workers were employed in its construction. A total of twelve hundred thousand rupees were spent to create this grand palace.
The palace played a significant role in India’s struggle for freedom. Soon after Mahatma Gandhi launched the Quit India Movement on 8th August 1942, he was arrested by the British officials and brought to this palace in Pune on 10th August to be kept imprisoned. He was accompanied by Kasturba Gandhi, his personal secretary Mahadevbhai Desai, Sarojini Naidu, Pyarelal Nayar, and Dr. Sushila Nayar. Gandhiji and his colleagues were kept in this palace for almost two years before they were released on 6th May 1944. During this period, Mahadev Desai and Kasturba Gandhi breathed their last within the palace premises.
In 1969, Prince Karim El Hussenim Aga Khan IV gave the palace to the Gandhi Smarak Samiti to show his respect towards Mahatma Gandhi. The National Model School was housed in this palace until 1970. In 1974, Indira Gandhi, who was the Prime Minister of India at that time, visited the palace and granted a yearly sum of 2 lakh rupees for its preservation and maintenance. However, over the years, the palace visaged a lot of neglect because of the inappropriate distribution of funds. In 2003, it was declared as a monument of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Address
Kalyani nagar, pune
Opening & Closing Timing
09:00 AM to 05:30 PM
9. OSHO Ashram
There are many things for which Pune is globally renowned but it’s the OSHO Ashram that is synonymous with the city’s image. A intoxicating mixture of spiritualism, and ancient, and fashionable plan of relaxation, the brains behind this distinctive organization was the late guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh or OSHO. Even after his demise in 1990, his well-appointed ashram continues to attract devotees from America and Europe. Located at the Koregaon Park of the North Pune, the Ashram offers several meditation programs that bring infinite intelligence, and joy.
Mainly a center of meditation, thus the biggest facility here is a soundproof auditorium, where different kinds of meditation keep on happening using various techniques. For all those, UN agency are trying forward to a keep within the Ashram will book their occupy the OSHO International Meditation Resort. With plush interiors, reflective the meditation qualities of the Gautama Buddha, the resort has tastily adorned guest homes with louvered AC rooms with hooked up bogs. The spiritual retreat also has a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, Gym, Large indoor saunas, Tennis Courts, and Table Tennis table. Evening parties are quite prominent in the resort.
In the advanced, also there’s Osho Samadhi wherever the guru’s ashes are kept; area is additionally open for meditation. The commune’s ‘Multiversity’ runs a embarrassment of courses in meditation and different arcane techniques.
A beautiful 12-acres park that has been created out of a publicly-owned former waste – OSHO Teerth Park is that the most celebrated attraction in OSHO Ashram. A well- manicured garden, here one can see streams flanked by the barren patches.
Getting There
Pune has an airport and railway station that is connected to every part of the city. From Pune airport or railway station, one can take a pre-paid taxi or rickshaw (which you book and pay for at the cabin outside the airport on arrival) to reach the Osho Ashram.
After entering the Asham, walk on the tiled pathway flanked by ferns. Before checking-in the Ashram, tourists can ought to fill out Associate in Nursing form, submit 2 passport-sized pictures, pass Associate in Nursing on-the-scene HIV check and get special tunics.
Address
KOREGAOAN PARK , PUNE
Opening & Closing Timings
06:00 AM to 09:00 AM & 07:00 PM to 10:00 PM
10. Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park
Commonly known as the Katraj Park, Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park is prominent zoo cum snake park in Pune. Spread over 130 acres, it is divided into three parts – an animal orphanage, a snake park, and a zoo; also there’s a lake. In the snake park, one will see over twenty two species of snakes and ten alternative species of reptiles comprising over one hundred fifty people, together with a hamadryad. In this section of the park, one can visit the library too that tells about all the vital information related to snakes. So on have interaction a lot of business, the park keeps on organizing festivals and snake awareness programs. The zoo in the complex features animals like leopard, sloth bears, sambars, barking deer, black bucks, monkeys, and elephants.
History
Till 1986, there have been solely 2 parks in Pune – Peshwe Park, and Katraj Snake Park. In 1997, a notice was issued by the government to make a modern park as per the guidelines of Central Zoo Authority of India. In 1999, a replacement zoological garden opened in Katraj by the name of Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park & life analysis Centre. Initially, it had been completely a craniate park with a little population of sambars, noticed cervid, and monkeys. In 2005, all of the animals from Peshwe Park were enclosed within the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park & life analysis Centre. The park additionally incorporates a rescue center for cut and unparented animals. it’s run AN animal adoption theme since October 2010.
Getting There
Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park is no off the most town on the Pune Satara main road close to the Bhartiya Vidyapeeth University. To reach here, one can take a bus or auto from anywhere in the city.
Address
Pune – Satara Road, close to Bharati Vidyapeeth, Katraj, Pune, geographic region 411046
Opening & Closing Timings
06:00 AM to 09:00 AM & 07:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Some Others Destinations around Pune –
1. Khandoba Temple, Jejuri
2. Mini Balaji Temple, Ketkavla.
3. Mastani lake, Dive Ghat.
4. Baneshwar Temple, Baneshwar.
5. Ranjheshwar Temple, Ranjhe – Built by: Punyaslok Ahilyabai Holkar
