Pune is a cultural city of the state of Maharashtra that wears a
rich historical heritage identified with the glorious rule of Marathas. Pune
contributed significantly to the freedom movement and produced heroes like
Lokmanya Bal Ganga Dhar Tilak, Sane Guruji and the Chapekar brothers. Being
the cultural hub of western India Puna attracts tourists throughout the
year. Today, Pune is home to several esteemed educational institutions too
and suitably is also known as the Oxford of the East.
A busy, bustling town, Pune has its own charm - the National Defence
Academy, Shaniwar Wada, Bund Gardens, the Snake Park, the Raja Kelkar Museum
and the Kasturba Gandhi Samadhi Mandir-(Agakhan Palace) contributing
generously to this charm. The city celebrates the Ganesh Festival on a grand
scale. With Pune as your base, you can make an exciting journey into history
by visiting any of the historic forts of Shivaji-Pratapgad, Raigad, Shivneri
and Sinhagad. It is also a convenient take off point for the Ashtavinayaka
pilgrimage tours.
Pune Attractions
» Agakhan Palace : One of the must visit tourist
attractions in Pune is the Agakhan Palace. The claim to fame of the Agakhan
Palace is the fact that the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi along with
his wife Karturba Gandhi and Mahadeobhai Desai were imprisoned here in the
year 1942, while participating in the "Quit India Movement". The
other attractions here are the marble memorials of Kasturba Gandhi and
Mahadeobahi Desai who had breathed their last here.
» Shaniwar Wada : Built in 1736 by Balaji Rao (the
grandfather of the last Peshwa), Shaniwar Wada Palace is one must visit
place in Pune. Today, only the huge outer wall of the Palace remains as the
rest of it was burnt down in 1827. During its glorious days, the palace used
to be the multi-storey home of mighty Peshwas. The main entrance to this
place is through iron-spiked Delhi Gate. The nearby street was used to
punish people by getting them crushed by elephants.
» Pataleshwar Cave Temple : A welcome break
from the bustling life of Pune, Pataleshwar Cave Temple is quite elegant and
emits spirituality. Adding to the serenity and beauty of the spot is the
circular stone gazebo (Nandi mapandapam) standing by the entrance of this
small underground temple, which is worth visiting.
» Raja Denkar Kelkar Museum : Built by the
passionate efforts of Dr. D.G.Kelkar, the museum has a massive collection of
unique and distinct exhibits. The collection is all-embracing and
exceptional. The Raja Denkar Kelkar museum exhibits the diversity of India's
culture in a subtle and delightful way.
» Saras Baug :
Saras Baug is a popular place in Pune, you can visit the sprawling green
lawns and the famous Ganesh Temple constructed by Madhavrao Peshwa.
» Kasturba Samadhi :
Kasturba
Samadhi is located near the Aga Khan Palace, now Gandhi National Museum.
Kasturba was the wife of Mahatma Gandhi. She died at Aga Khan Palace, which
was used to imprison Gandhi by the British. The samadhi contains the ashes
of Kasturba.
» Film and Television Institute of India : Situated
in the Law College Street, Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) of
Pune is one of the most prominent film schools in Asia. The institute has
trained a good number of famed actors, directors, and technicians for the
Hindi Film Industry.
» Synagogue : Built in 1867 by Sir David Sasoon, the
Synagogue is also known as Lal Dewal. It has an attractive red building with
coloured windows and a 90-ft tower to the north of the entrance. The tomb of
Sir David Sassoon is located in the centre of the cemetery. This site is a
must visit in Pune.
Getting there
» By Air : Pune airport is 12 kms from the city.
» By Rail : Mumbai - Pune on Central Railway. 192
kms. Madras-Pune on South Central Railway, 1088 kms.
» By Road : Mumbai-Pune, 170 kms.
Nashik-Pune, 209 kms, Aurangabad-Pune, 230 ksm. State Transport buses ply
from Mumbai, Nagur, Aurangabad, Solapur and other places to Pune.
