Top Tourist Places to Visit in Pune

The fast-growing, industrial city of “Pune” is situated on the Deccan plateau, at the confluence of the Mutha and Mula rivers, and is bounded by the Sahyadri mountains in the West. The place’s proximity to the state capital Mumbai and the pleasant weather conditions made it a perfect monsoon capital for the British before independence. Back then the place was known as Poona and has been an important administrative centre and military cantonment. Even today, the Indian Army’s Southern Command is based here. Pune in the recent times has seen immense growth housing many corporate offices and MNCs and also has been a centre for many upcoming and prominent educational institutions. We have compiled a list of places to visit in Pune but first have a glance at the history first.

Pune was also the childhood home of the Maratha leader, Shivaji. From 1750 until 1817, it was the capital of the Maratha Confederacy and was ruled by the Peshwas.

A city like Pune which has so much of history and rich cultural tag attached to it has so much to offer for the travellers, though it not being an out and out travel destination.

List of places to visit in Pune

1. The Shaniwar Wada Palace:

The remains of the Shaniwar Wada Palace are situated in the old part of the Pune city. Shaniwar Wada Palace is the one of the famous places to visit in Pune. Built in the year 1736, the palace was razed in a fire in 1828. The outer remains of the palace are intact and the main entrance of the palace with large spikes, designed to deter the enemy’s forces and elephants still stands strong and tall in all its glory.

The palace has made news in recent times by being featured in Bollywood movies. The palace has 5 main entrances or “darwazas” to enter and is a seven storied structure.

2. Vishrambaug Wada:

The luxurious residential palace of Peshwa Bajirao II, the last Peshwa of the Maratha Confederacy, after the Shaniwar Wada Palace was destroyed in fire, the structure is famous for its fine entrance and the balcony with carved woodwork.

The 20,000 sqft. Wada presently houses a museum commemorating the victories and deeds of the Peshwas.

3. Osho International Commune:

For many visitors coming to Pune, the place is synonymous with the Osho International Commune of Bhagwan Rajneesh or Osho.

The ashram is situated at Koregaon Park inside the city. It is also considered one of the amazing places to visit in Pune. Even after his demise in 1990, the ashram continues to attract a lot of visitors, from abroad and within the country, alike. Pay a visit to the place just for spending some time in the well maintained premises and lawns inside the Koregaon Park.

4. The Tribal Museum:

On display are a collection of beautiful everyday objects such as pots, lamps, pens, ink stands and other utilitarian items.

The interesting piece of Maharashtrian Chitrakathi scroll paintings showcasing the state’s tribal cultures and folk theatre performances, especially from the Sahyadri and Gondwana regions of the state.

Suggested Read – Pune-tastic places for a good meal! 5 Best Eateries in Pune

5. The Aga Khan Palace:

The famous palace across the Mula river, was where Mahatma Gandhi was imprisoned for two years during the British rule; today, it is the Gandhi National Memorial.

Gandhiji’s wife, Kasturba Gandhi passed away here and her ashes have been interred in a memorial in the gardens of the Aga Khan Palace.

6. The National Defence Academy:

The training school for the army, navy and air force cadets of the Indian Army at Khadakvasla is also situated in Pune. Want a fresh dose of patriotism into your bloodstream? you know which place to pay a visit to now!

There are spectacular forts like Rajgad and Sinhgad associated with the Maratha ruler Shivaji and his General, Tanaji Malasure which offer glorifying and spectacular panaromic views of the city from the top of the forts.

In the list of places to visit in Pune the fire garrison structure consecrated in 1825, the famous rock-cut Pataleshwar temple dating back to the 8th century and the Parvati Devi temple perched on the hilltop also included.

The city of Pune has many famous gardens to its credit like the Empress Botanical Gardens and the Bund Gardens.

Pune being a centre of the rich Maratha Culture has upheld the past glory and valour of the people who have been martyred and have fought for their beliefs and is evident in the city even to this day, amidst all the economic and industrial growth taking place in great leaps and bounds.

So, these were the places to visit in Pune, the next time you are in Maharashtra, don’t miss an opportunity to pay a visit to the great city of Pune.

Happy sojourns!!

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26 April, 2016
Sachin