Pune was established as a town in 937 AD and was known as Punawadi back in the history. It is the eighth largest metropolis and the second largest in Maharashtra after Mumbai. Pune grew under the rule and monopoly of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaja, the founder of the Maratha Empire. In the modern era, the city is known as the cultural head of Maharashtra. It is well known for its educational facilities, growing industries of glass, sugar etc, cultural activities like theatre, music, literature etc. Hinduism is the major religion seen in the city. Students and other needful people migrate towards this city in numbers uncountable because of the various opportunities that it provides in the various fields. Apart from these tourists in large numbers, throng the city every year because of its rich culture, monuments, heritage and warmth. The latest growth in IT sector in India is presenting the city of Pune as IT hub in western India. Among the many, few of the places to visit in Pune are listed below.
Osho Ashram
Bhagwan Rajneesh's famous ashram is located at 17 Koregoan Park, a green and
elite suburb of Pune. This site attracts thousands of visitors. The Ashram
offers a variety of expensive courses on meditation. All that is required is
filling out of an application form (with 2 passport photographs)
and an on-the-spot HIV negative test and purchase of special
tunics.Accommodation needs to be arranged outside the ashram. Casual visitors
can view a 45 minute video presentation and take a tour (Rs. 60) at 10.00 am and
2.30 pm daily.Please book ahead. You can easily reach this place by
auto-rickshaw. The nearby Nulla Park also called Osho Teerth, is a beautifully
maintained garden, transformed from a swamp, open for public from 6 to 9 am and
7 to 10 pm.
Shaniwar Wada
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Built in 1736, Shaniwar Wada was once the palace of the
Peshwa rulers. This historic seven-storied palace was built by Bajirao Peshwa I.
During his days, it became the seat of political power and achieved tremendous
importance. To this date, Shaniwar Wada has been the city's main landmark.
Within easy reach from all parts
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of the city, Shaniwar Wada was mysteriously destroyed in a
fire in 1827. Mysterious fires continued to raze down portions of Shaniwar Wada
in the early 19th century, and the entire palace --barring its Mirror Hall was
burnt in the fire that broke out for about a fortnight.What now remains of this
once palatial Wada are only the plinths, the fortification walls with five
gateways, and nine bastions that enclosed the whole complex, elaborate
foundations of the original palace and the nagarkhana with its fine
wooden pillars and lattice work. One enters the palace through sturdy doors
designed to dissuade enemy attacks. This palace is located in the narrow winding
old part of the city. The palace is open from 8 am to 6.30 pm. This site is
covered in the Pune city tour.
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Shinde Chhatri
Architecturally amongst the best, just about a couple of kms
from the Pune racecourse is the memorial of the great Maratha nobleman Mahadji
Shinde. You can see the warrior's painted silver likeness, swathed in a
flame-colored turban and elaborate shawl. At his feet are the original prayer
vessels, used to propitiate the family deity each morning.
A sign
asks you not to open an umbrella within the Chhatri's precincts, as it would be
an insult to the warrior's memory
Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum
A must see, this quaint building houses a
fascinating collection of Indian artifacts collected by the late Shree Dinkar
Kelkar. The 36 sections of the museum are used to display a wealth of antiques,
carved palace doors, pottery, 17th century miniatures, a priceless
collection of nut crackers, lamps, musical items, hookah pipes, hair drying
combs and other such items from the Mughal and Maratha period.This collection
was donated to the government of Maharashtra by Shree Dinkar Kelkar and is only
displayed by rotation -- giving you another excuse to return to Pune. The museum
is open from 8.30 pm to 5.30 pm daily. The museum is covered in the Pune city
tour.
Pataleshwer Cave Temples
Hidden in the heart of the city in the Shivajinagar area is this 8th
century rock-cut temple. Still in use, this temple, similar to the Caves at
Ellora, has been painstakingly hewn from a single rock and includes massive
pillars, a Shiva shrine and a Nandi bull.
Tribal Museum
The Tribal Museum documents the cultures of Maharashtrian
communities, particularly those from the Sahyadri and Gondawana regions. It is
open weekdays from 10 am to 5 pm. The city tours do not halt at this site.
Gandhi National Memorial / Aga Khan Palace
The gracious buildings with salons and
suites that you see standing amidst well laid out gardens is more that just a
palace. It is a historical landmark. It was donated to India by the Aga Khan IV
in 1969. During the 1942 Quit India Movement, Mahatma Gandhi was imprisoned
here. On the grounds are the remains (samadhi) of Kasturba Gandhi,
Mahatma Gandhi's wife, who died here while in internment. The memorial is open
from 9 am to 5.45 pm. The city tour makes a stop here.
Vishrambaug Wada
This is a three-storied mansion, known for its
beautiful entrance and balcony with carved woodwork typical of the Peshwa
period. The 260 ft long and 815 ft broad Teen-Chowki Wada was built by the last
Peshwa, Bajirao II as his residence at a cost of Rs. 2 lakhs. The Wada's
eye-catching wooden facade is memorizing in its beauty, and has beautiful
columns carved in the Suru form. On October 31,1880 a surprise fire engulfed the
Wada ravaging the entire structure. Vishranbaug Wada was restored to its
somewhat original appearance by public subscriptions and municipal
contributions. For many years till 1958 it was to serve as the offices of the
Poona Corporation. Today it houses assorted offices: a strange fate for what was
once a king's abode.
Bund Garden
Bund Garden is located on the right bank of
the Mula Mutha river, only a couple of kms north-east of Pune railway station. A
stroll in the breeze and a cool evening boat ride in the back waters created by
the 'Bund' on the river attracts many fun lovers.
Saras Baug
Evenings are best for a stroll through this beautiful garden
that houses the famous Ganesh Temple on the top of a small hillock in the
center. The temple was formerly surrounded by a lake, which has been fully
reclaimed in the form of an open park, now a popular public place in Pune.
Parvati Hill
This famous landmark is located on the
southern end of the city. A climb of 108 wide stone steps rewards you with a
beautiful round view of the city and an invigorating draught of cool, fresh air.
It also takes you to the group of four temples of Shiva, Ganesh, Vishnu and
Kartikeya. The Parvati Temple used to be the private shrine of the Peshwa
rulers. Also take a look at the Parvati Museum, which houses replicas of ancient
paintings, old manuscripts,
Peshwe Udyan
A zoo maintained by the Pune Municipal Corporation.
It houses a variety of species of wild animals. The zoo offers a toy-train ride
-- a very special attraction for children, and boating facilities for the
family.
Katraj Snake Park
Started in 1986 with the help of the Pune
Municipal Corporation, the Katraj Snake Park is situated on the Pune-Satara
Highway near Bharati Vidyapeeth Campus. The straight road emanating from
Swargate takes you to the desired destination. The park today has a collection
of wonderful reptiles, birds, a baby leopard, crocodiles and others. The prize
collection is of course the six-year-old, nine feet long King
Cobra.
Pune University
Pune' s oldest education institute is the Pune
University formed in 1948. The university has many affiliated education
institutes and colleges from all parts of Maharashtra -- research institutes
such as the National Chemical Laboratories, Centre for Development of Advanced
Computing (CDAC), Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, National
Institute of Virology (NIV) are just to name few. The IUCAA, one of the
pioneering institutes for research in astronomy, is located in the lush green
environment of Pune University, and is headed by a world renown mathematician,
Dr Jayant Naralikar.
Pune University is located on 400 acres of
sprawling grounds with quiet roads and small open canteens towards the city
limits. It was once the official residence of the Governor of Mumbai during the
monsoons, the Pune University is now a stately mansion at Ganeshkhind. A large
building in the Italian Gothic style, built with local grey tap rock, it has a
square tower 40 m high and well-maintained lawns. One can spend a pleasent
evening here.
Lal Mahal (Red Palace)
Dating back to the year 1634, was constructed by Sahaji Bhonsale, Shivaji’s father. When Sahaji received territories in Pune from Bijapur Sultanat, he sent his wife, Jijabai, and his son to the city and got the palace built as their residence. In 1998, Lal Mahal came under the management of Pune Municipal Corporation. Lal Mahal has an impressive collection of Shivaji and Jijabai’s pictorial representations, of which one shows young Shivaji plowing land with a golden plough and Jijabai and Guru Dadoji Konddev looking at him. The other major attractions of the Lal Mahal of Pune include four Umbrellas on its terrace and a statue of Jijabai. There is also a beautiful garden inside the palace complex, known as Jijamata Garden. Now the garden has been converted into a children’s garden and is very popular amongst kids as well as senior citizens
Appu Ghar
Appu Ghar is a nice environment for fun and enjoyments in Pune. Appu Ghar invites you whole-heartedly. It is a theme park, with many facilities of merry making and offer many fun related activities. Appu Ghar is located at Indira Gandhi Udyan in Pune, earlier known as Bund Garden. It has grown to a major picnic spot with beautifully illuminated pathways and picturesque lawns. Prime attractions in the Garden are the attractive still lake and vast expanse of unexplored hilly terrains. If you visit Pune, do not miss the visit to Appu Ghar, especially kids like this great place.
Pune City Map
How to Get to Pune
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 Indian Airlines and Jet Airways provide regular flights to
Pune from Delhi, four flights a week to Chennai and Bangalore and two to three
flights daily from Mumbai. Pune city is 12 kms from the Pune Airport. |
 The easiest way to travel from Mumbai to Pune is by
train. Regular trains - Deccan Queen, Deccan Express, Indrayani, Pragati and
Shatabdi all ply to Pune from Mumbai everyday. Bookings are possible two weeks
in advance. Train travel is around 4-5 hours. On the way, the trains climb the
Western Ghats and afford a splendid view of this green mountainous region.
During the monsoon, one can enjoy the sight of huge waterfalls. Most of the
trains have a small halt at monkey hill - where both children and adults can
feed friendly monkeys. The trains also halt at Lonavala, Khandala and Karjat
(known for its delicious fried potato wadas). |
 Pune is easily accessible
by bus from any of the major cities of Maharashtra. From Mumbai, regular MSRTC
buses and private buses ply to Pune. The bus route also flows through the
Western Ghats. Long distance share taxis ply from Mumbai (Dadar) regularly.
There is a fixed rate of charge.
Shopping Places in Pune
Tulsi Baug
This is the noisiest market area of Pune. Filled with temporary stalls and lined
shops, you can find household items as well as cosmetic jewellery here. If you
are interested in the traditional wares of the Maharashtrians -- the pearl nose
ring and necklace and the nine yard saree -- you will easily get it here.
Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (Deccan Gymkhana)
As you leave behind the hustle and bustle of the main city of Pune and cross the
river Mutha by using Lakdi Bridge, you enter the triangular area of the Deccan
Gymkhana. From the point of view of shopping, the area is so small that you
could easily cover it with a 15 minute walk. This compact, triangular area is
full of shops with just about everything -- fruit, leather items, gifts, food,
shoes, and furniture. There is also a 'Hong- Kong' lane here -- selling
trinkets, cosmetic jewellery, cassettes and flowers. One can find many typical
sweet shops including Chitale Bandhu known for its sweet pedas,
barfis and amrakhanda as welll as spicy bhakar wadis and
saurali wadis.
Juna Bazaar
Find a treasure trove in the aptly-named Juna Bazaar or Old
Market. Antique coins are casually sold along with mundane accessories like
necklaces, screw drivers and door hinges. Many Puneites are unaware that
antiques are sold here for a pittance, but umpteen foreigners and amateur coin
collectors are familiar with this street. You can find anything here -- worn out
trousers, old silk saris and even second hand floppies. Juna Bazaar operates
every Wednesday and Sunday on a part of the Vir Santaji Ghorpade Path, near
Maldhaka Chowk.
Laxmi Road
A visit to Pune is incomplete if you have not visited Laxmi Road at least once.
Laxmi Road is the real heart of Pune -- a fact attested by the crowds and the
hustle and bustle on this road as well as on any of the countless narrow side
streets that crisscross it. This road is named after the goddess of wealth.
Starting at the Alka Talkies Square and running right through the old city, it
terminates in the Cantonment area - an overall length of 4 kms. Over 90 percent
of its length is literally lined with shops on both sides. It is mainly famous
for its garment shops, suitable for all climates and purses. Jewellery shops
take a distant second.
Laxmi Road is closed on Mondays and in the afternoons.
Mahatma Gandhi Road
Mahatma Gandhi Road (M G Road) starts where the
Moledina Road ends, in the Ambedkar Square. It leads onto East Street at
Shankarshet Road, which later becomes the Pune-Sholapur-Hyderabad highway.
Mahatma Gandhi Road, like Laxmi Road is also one way. You can only come from the
direction of Shankershet Road towards Ambedkar Square. Big stores stand
alongside temporary road stalls mostly selling garments. There are plenty of
food stalls and ice cream parlours on this road as well as in nearby areas, to
satisfy the shopper's hunger and thirst pangs. An evening is well spent here. M
G Road is closed on Sundays and in the afternoons.
Visiting Places around Pune
Panshet Dam
For water sports, you can visit Panset Dam and try your hand at
kayaking or wind surfing at the recently developed water sports complex. There
are special facilities for speed boats and water scooters. Limited accommodation
is available. It is easily accessible from Pune.
Bhatgar Dam
One of the highest river dam walls in India, built on river
Velvandi, Bhatgar Dam is 40 kms from Pune. Fun lovers often frequent the entire
area around the dam. ST buses play between Pune and Bhatgar Dam
Sinhagad
Sinhagad -- where valour is etched on every stone and the soil has turned red
seeped by the blood of martyrs! From the time when a Koli chieftain, Nag Naik
stoutly defended this fort (AD 1328) against the might of Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq
for nine months to Jaswant Singh, Aurangzeb's commander, who dragged his guns up
the fort's steep shoulders to avenge the insult to Shaista Khan, who was
rebuffed by Shivaji, this fort has been infused by tales of bravery.
Raigad
This is the very heart of Maratha country -- Raigad, the
capital of Shivaji's kingdom. Strategically perched atop a wedge-shaped block of
hill, split off from the Western Ghats and inaccessible from three sides.
Stories of incredible valour and heroic deeds are etched on every pebble at
Raigad.
Shivneri Fort
About 90km away from Pune is this fort built by Sahaji. The fort is arduous to climb as it was a deliberate effort to ensure security from enimies. Jijabai spent her period of pregnancy in this fort and gave birth to great Shivaji Maharaj in 1627. Shivaji was named after the goddess “Shivani” whose temple is also very close by. Shivaji spent his childhood learning his basic knowlede and skills in this fort only. It was through Shivaji’s early lessons and training in this fort that he realised the concept of Swaraj(self-rule). So one can attribute all the contributions of Shivaji Mahraj to his training in this fort.
Food
Traditional Food
In food, as in all else, Pune believes in tradition. All-time Maharashtrian
favourites include Puran Poli (a paratha stuffed with jaggery
and dal), Aamti (masala dal), and Alu chi Vadi
(steamed arbi leaves, fried in an unusual sweet and spicy
masala). Also popular are the wholesome Pithla Bhakri, Varan Bhat,
Matki Ki Usal and Thali Pith.
Summer Special
Mangoes, in all their range of colour, flavour and recipe!! From tangy green
through flamboyant orange to delicate pink, the summer in Pune flaunts the fruit
in a glorious splash of vibrant colour. May is the best time of year for the
famed Alphonso, but other succulent varieties are available through most of the
summer and early monsoon. And although the ultimate Maharashtrian dessert
amras is best made from the pulp of fresh mangoes, there are others
that are available throughout the year - mango barfi, amrakhand (mango
yogurt), mango poli, aam papad. the list goes on.
The Kayani Bakery
Probably one of the best-known bakeries in the country. Their range of biscuits
includes Brazil Nut and Ginger, but what they are really famous for is the
Shrewsberry variety. They bake two lots of Shrewsberry biscuits in a day, once
in the late afternoon and once at around dawn. Both lots are sold out within a
few minutes. If you're looking for further testimony to the quality of these
biscuits, the queue outside the bakery in the small hours of the morning says it
all.
Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwale
Few tourists leave Pune without a sizable parcel of bhakarwadis from
Chitale Bandhu. This shop is also popular for its fresh shrikhand,
pedhas and modaks.
Laxmi Narayan Chiwda
While the Chitales also make a great chiwda, the real specialists are
the Laxmi Narayan Chiwda people. Laxmi Narayan Chiwda is now available across
the globe, but Pune is where it comes from.
Thank you!!
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