ABOUT PUNE:

• Picturesque Pune, the ‘Queen of the Deccan’ nestles in the scenic Sahayadri ranges, on the edge of the Deccan plains.
• This ‘Cultural Capital of Maharashtra’ was once the glorious capital of the Maratha Empire and the centre of the Maratha awakening.
• It booms with all corollaries of modernisation and also retains the rich cultural heritage.
• According to the Pune Gazetteer, the word Pune is derived from ‘Punya’ or a holy place, as the city stands on the sacred a confluence (sangama) of two rivers.
• Pune became the base of Chhatrapati Shivaji, the great Maratha emperor, whose exploits against the Bijapur army and Mughal king Aurangzeb are legendary.
• The Maratha emperors were followed by the Peshwas.
• In 1818, the British captured the city after the battle of Koregaon.
• The city also played an important role in the freedom struggle and was the nerve centre of national politics during the lifetime of Lokmanya Tilak.
• Pune is also known as the ‘Oxford of India’ for its world renowned educational and research institutions.

 

MODE OF COMMUNICATION:

• Airport: Pune Airport (PNQ), Pune, 12 kms away from Pune city centre.
• Rail: Pune Railway Station, Pune, 2.5 kms away from Pune city centre.
• Road: Well connected by road.

 

SIGHTSEEING AT A GLANCE:

FORT & MONUMENTS	Aga Khan Palace - Kasturba Gandhi Memorial Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute Shanwarwada Palace Shindyanchi Chhatri Vishrambaug Wada Ahmadnagar Pratapgad Purandar Raigad Shivneri Sinhagad (Lion Fort)
HOLY CENTRE	Khunya Murlidhar Temple Parvati Hill & Temple Alandi Bhimashanker Jejuri Shree Kshetra Mahuli Tuljapur Wai The Asht Vinayaka Darshan Yatra
SCENIC SITES	Parvati Hill & Temple Lonavala Khandala Mahabaleshwar Panchgani Raigad
PARK & GARDENS	Bund Gardens or Mahatama Gandhi Udyan Peshwe Udyan (Zoo)
MUSEUM & AUDITORIUM	Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute Mahatma Phule Museum Parvati Hill & Temple Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum Tilak Smarak (Mandir) Tribal Museum
LAKE	Bhatghar Dam
HISTORIC SITES	Kesari Wada Satara
CAVES	Pataleshwara Caves Karla
FAIRS & FESTIVALS	Diwali Janmashtami Navaratri Dashahara Holi Rakshabandhan Christmas Id

For more information visit https://pune.gov.in/

 

ATTRACTIONS OF PUNE

 

Aga Khan Palace - Kasturba Gandhi Memorial:

• It was built in 1908, by Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan III, the spiritual head of the Ismailia Khoj community.
• Mahatama Gandhi, his wife Kasturba Gandhi and his private secretary Mahadeobhai Desai were imprisoned here during the Quit India Movement in 1942.
• Mahadeobhai Desai died on 15^th August 1942 and Kasturba Gandhi died on 22^nd February 1944.
• Their bodies were cremated here and later two marble Samadhi’s were built in their memory.
• Khadi or cotton handloom garments and textiles can be purchase from here.

 

Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute:

• It is housed in a beautiful oriental style building.
• It has over 20,000 manuscripts from the collection of Bolhar, Kielhorn and Bhandarkar.

 

Bund Gardens or Mahatama Gandhi Udyan:

• The well laid out gardens on the right bank of the Mula-Mutha Rivers is a popular evening spot.
• It has boating facilities and has a well-designed jogging track.

 

Kesari Wada:

• Famous Kesari newspaper was started here by Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, who advocated ‘Self Rule’.
• The Ganapati festival was started in the courtyard of the Wada by Tilak.

 

Khunya Murlidhar Temple:

• This temple of Lord Krishna (Murlidhar) at Sadashiv Peth was built in 1797, by Sadashiv Raghunath or Dada Gadre, a famous merchant.

 

Mahatma Phule Museum:

• This unique museum at Ghole Road, Shivaji Nagar was established in 1890.
• It showcases industrial, agricultural and handicraft articles.
• There are also specimens of the body structures of different animal species.

 

Parvati Hill & Temple:

• Parvati hill located in the south-east corner of Pune has the historic temple of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva (Devadevesvara).
• It can be reached through a flight of 108 steeply rising steps.
• The Parvati museum here displays portraits of Peshwas, old manuscripts, weapons and coins.
• The hill affords a panoramic view of the Pune city.

 

Pataleshwara Caves:

• 8^th century rock-cut cave temples at Sivajinagar on the Jungli Maharaj Road.
• It is dedicated to Lord Pataleshwara (Shiva), the God of the nether world.
• Exquisitely carved caves have a shrine of Shiva in the centre, with a huge lingam and the Nandi bull in front under a circular canopy.
• There is a small museum near the caves.
• A grain of rice exhibited here is engraved with about 5,000 characters and finds place in the Guinness Book of World Records.

 

Peshwe Udyan (Zoo):

• It located near Saras Baug and has a rich variety of wild animals.
• Other attractions are a toy-train ride, an elephant ride and boating.

 

Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum:

• It lies at Shukarwar Peth on the Bajirao Road and is one of the major attractions of Pune.
• The museum is housed in a quaint Rajasthani-style building with façade of red stone and its galleries bear the stamp of the Maratha period.
• It exhibits historical and everyday artefacts collected over a period of 60 years by Shri Dinkar Ganghadhar Kelkar from all over the country.

 

Shanwarwada Palace:

• This bastion of Peshwa power is an icon of Pune and its rich culture.
• It was built in 1736 and became the seat of political power under Bajirao-I.
• Within the massive walls of the wada (fort) is the magnificent palace of Peshwas, which was destroyed by a major fire in 1827.
• There are well laid out gardens with impressive fountains.
• A fine statue of Bajirao Peshwa-I in front of the wada is quite impressive.
• A light and sound show is held here in the evening at 1915 hrs.to 2010 hrs.in Marathi and 2015 hrs. to 2110 hrs.in English.

 

Shindyanchi Chhatri:

• The imposing structure at Wanawadi was built in the memory of great Maratha nobleman Mahadji Shinde, the commander of the Maratha army from 1760-80 under the Peshwas.

 

Tilak Smarak (Mandir):

• It commemorates Bal Gangadhar Tilak, the great freedom fighter and social reformer.
• A small museum on the ground floor is dedicated to Tilak.

 

Tribal Museum:

• This unique museum near the Don Bosco Bridge provides an interesting insight into the life of tribal communities of Maharashtra.

 

Vishrambaug Wada:

• The three-storied mansion of the Peshwas in the heart of the city is an icon of Pune’s rich culture and heritage.
• Kirti Mandir museum here showcases the glorious history of Pune.

 

ATTRACTIONS AROUND PUNE

 

Ahmadnagar:

• 120 kms away from Pune city.
• It was founded by Ahmed Nizam Shah and has a 400 years old fort, which witnessed many battles.
• Later on, freedom-fighters were imprisoned here.
• Other attractions are Chandbibi Mahal or Salabatjang’s Tomb and Farah Bagh.

 

Alandi:

• Pilgrim centre on the banks of river Indrayani, 21 kms away from Pune city.
• It is famous for the sacred Samadhi of the Saint Dnyaneshwar, who wrote Dnyaneshwari, a Marathi commentary on the Bhagawad Gita.
• Two fairs are held here annually – one on Ashadhi Ekadashi and the other on Kartik Ekadashi.
• Other attraction is the temple of Vithoba – Rakhumai.

 

Bhatghar Dam:

• 40 kms away from Pune city.
• The dam on the river Velvandi is one of the highest dams in India.
• It is also a good holiday resort and picnic spot.

 

Bhimashanker:

• 95 kms away from Pune city.
• Beautiful Shiva temple here was built by Nana Phadnis, an eminent statesman.
• It enshrines one of the 5 jyotirlingas of Maharashtra.
• A large fair is held on Shivratri.
• The town is also noted for its scenic beauty and bracing climate.
• Other places worth visiting are – Bombay Point, Gupta Bhimashanker(the originating point of Bhima River), Hanuman tank and Nagphani point etc.

 

Jejuri:

• 50 kms away from Pune city.
• Pilgrim centre is famous for the temple of Lord Khandoba, the family deity of many Maharashtrians.
• A large fair is held here during the month of Magashirsha.

 

Karla:

• 66 kms away from Pune city.
• Famous Buddhist rock cut cave shrines in the Western Ghats have a large collection of Chaitya halls adorned with intricate carvings.
• The caves were excavated between 2^nd century B.C. and 7^th century A.D. and are considered to be as beautiful as the world famous Ajanta-Ellora.
• A 45 metres long Chaitya hall here is considered to be the most perfect of its kind.
• An inscription at the entrance attributes its excavation to Bhutapal of Vaijayanti.
• The caves with Viharas were excavated from the Buddhist monks, who used to gather here during the monsoons.
• While at Karla, the Bhaja and Bedsa caves are worth a detour.
• The Bhaja Caves set in a lush valley are as old as the Karla caves and its Cave No. 12, a large Chaitya hall resembles to the one at Karla.
• Another cave has a magnificent stilted vault.
• The last cave is a treasure house of rich carvings.
• To the south of the main cave is an amazing group of 14 Stupas.
• The Bedsa Caves are another set of excellent rock cut caves.
• One of them has a fine Chaitya hall with ribbed roof, supported by 26 octagonal pillars.
• 18^th century Lohagad and Visapur forts are located just 6 kms from Karla.
• Another attraction nearby are the hill resorts of Lonavala (10 kms) and Khandala (14 kms) from Karla.

 

Lonavala:

• Beautiful hill resort on the Mumbai – Pune road lies 66 kms from Pune and 104 kms from Mumbai.
• Must visit sites are – the Lonavala Lake, Bushi Dam, Tiger’s Leap, Barometer Hill, Valvan dam, Tungarli Lake etc.
• Lonavala is also famous for its chikki, a local sweet.

 

Khandala:

• The charming hill resort 5 kms from Lonavala.
• Famous points here are – Rajmachi Point and the Duke’s Nose, named after the Duke of Wellington, for its uncanny resemblance to his nose.
• The Kune Point, located midway between Khandala and Lonavala affords picturesque views of the surroundings.
• It is a convenient base for visiting Karla, Bhaja and Bedsa caves.

 

Mahabaleshwar:

• 120 kms away from Pune city.
• The ‘Queen of the Ghats’ is one of the best known and the highest hill resort of Western India.
• It was developed by Sir Johan Malcolm in 1828.
• Beautiful hill station teems with orchids, lilies and luscious strawberries and has three silvery falls and Lingmala Falls.
• Excellent view point, Babington Point, Kate Point, Elphinstone Point, Bombay Point and Arthur’s Seat provide great views of the Krishna and Koyna valleys.
• The old village of Mahabaleshwar is held sacred by the Hindus and is known for the Panchganga temple, said to contain five streams including the River Krishna.

 

Panchgani:

• 98 kms away from Pune city.
• Small and attractive hill resort is situated along a ridge atop the Parasni Ghat.
• Picturesque resort overlooks the scenic Krishna valley and is endowed with rich floral wealth.
• There are also a number of excellent educational institutions.

 

Pratapgad:

• 137 kms away from Pune city.
• An impressive fort here was built by Shivaji, to command the route from the Deccan.
• Afzal Buruz tower in the fort marks the spot where the Mughal general Afzal Khanwas killed by Shivaji.
• There is a famous Bhavani temple in the fort.
• An equestrian statue of Shivaji has been erected in the fort.

 

Purandar:

• 38 kms away from Pune city.
• Purandar was the capital of Marathas for a brief period and has a magnificent fort of Chhatrapati Shivaji, set atop a hill.
• It is also the location of National Cadet Corps (NCC) Academy.

 

Raigad:

• 126 kms away from Pune city.
• Hilltop fortress here was almost impregnable capital of Shivaji for over 15 years.
• Shivaji was crowned and also died here.
• Within the fort is the Samadhi of Shivaji and the remains of his palace.
• There is also a large lake amidst scenic surroundings.

 

Satara:

• 106 kms away from Pune city.
• This capital of the Marathas witnessed the most glorious chapter of Maratha history during 1707 to 1749, under Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj.
• The palace, fort and museums here display the relics of the golden era.

 

Shree Kshetra Mahuli:

• 112 kms away from Pune city.
• Pilgrim centre is near the confluence of the river Krishna and river Venna is known for the temples of Yavateshwar, Mangalai Devi and other Hindu deities.

 

Shivneri:

• 93 kms away from Pune city.
• Chhatrapati Shivaji was born here at the seven-tiered fort atop a hillock.
• On the sides of the hill are about 50 Buddhist caves.

 

Sinhagad (Lion Fort):

• 24 kms away from Pune city.
• It was one of the most impregnable forts of Western India.
• Shivaji captured it in 1670, but lost his ablest commander Tanaji Malusare over here.
• The fort is built at the edge of a sheer precipice, which was scaled by Shivaji’s men with the help of iguanas and ropes.

 

Tuljapur:

• 280 kms away from Pune city.
• Famous pilgrim centre is associated with goddess Bhavani (Durga), the family deity of Chhatrapati Shivaji and the Marathas.

 

Wai:

• 74 kms away from Pune city.
• One of the most important pilgrim and cultural centres of Maharashtra is set on the banks of river Krishna and is famous for the Maha Ganpati temple.
• There are many other old temples on the banks of Krishna.
• The famous Sanskrit Pradnya Path Shala and the headquarters for Vishvakosh Publication are located here.
• Some attractions around Wai are the Buddhist caves of Lonara (7 kms) a dam across the Krishna River at Dhom dam (9 kms).

 

The Asht Vinayaka Darshan Yatra:

• The Asht Vinayaka sites are as follows (all distance approx. from Pune).
• Shree Chintamani Shrine, Theur (25 kms).
• Shree Moreshwar, Morgaon (65 kms).
• Shree Siddhivinayak, Siddhatek (99 kms).
• Shree Mahaganpati, Ranjangaon (53 kms).
• Shree Vighneshwar, Ojhar (75 kms).
• Shree Girijatmak, Lenyadri (90 kms).
• Shree Varadavinayak, Madh (75 kms).
• Shree Ballaleshwar, Pali (80 kms).
• These sacred eight places around Pune are known for swayambhu or naturally – formed idols of Lord Ganesha.
• Special buses ply between Pune and Ashta Vinayaka Shrines.