Tourist places to visit in Pune
Shaniwar Wada, Aga Khan Palace, Sinhagad Fort, Osho Ashram, Lal Mahal, Empress Garden, Okayama Friendship Garden, Pataleshwar Cave Temple, Vetal Tekdi, Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park and many more.
You can find a long list that follows and varies as per the choice of the person looking and the one who is recommending. But there is one thing we can agree on, and that is how Pune is the perfect place to spend your time and enjoy it all. Surrounded by many mesmerizing attractions, the city of Pune is no less attractive to many coming from outside, sometimes from even as close Mumbai to enjoy their weekends.
Amongst the most famous of tourist places in Pune, there are some, that just stand out clearly from the rest. Be it the Shaniwar Wada Palace that has seen some of the most intense and prosperous times in the history of the area, or be it the heights of the Parvati and Vetal hills in the region, offering mesmerizing views of the areas around. So the next time you are in Pune for whichever reasons, these are the places you should definitely be hitting.
Here are some of the best tourist places to visit in Pune:
1.Shaniwar Wada Palace: A prominent historical landmark in Pune is Shaniwarwada which is considered as one of the best pune tourist places. It is a majestic fortification which was built in 1732 and during that time it was the seat of the Peshwas of the Maratha Empire and they ruled over there until 1818. After they lost control to the British East India Company, they could not use it longer. But when they were in the reign, Shaniwarwada was the centre of Indian politics in the 18th century and is one of the famous places to visit in pune with friends.
But in 1828, the fort was destroyed by a huge fire and later the remnants were transformed to become a tourist site. Shaniwarwada was a seven-storied capital building of the Peshwas and they wanted the building to be made of stone alone. However, after the completion of the ground floor, the people of Satara insisted that stone monument can be sanctioned and built only by the Shahu King, not the Peshwas.
With respect to it, the Peshwas were asked to continue the construction of the building by using only bricks. But when the British attacked, only the base floor survived while all the other floors were completely destroyed. Earlier, the fort used to accommodate around thousand people. The major buildings inside the fort are Thora Rayancha Diwankhana or the court reception hall of the eldest royal member, Naachacha Diwankhana which is the dance hall, Juna Arsa Mahal that is the Old Mirror Hall and so on. Since all the buildings were destroyed in the fire, only descriptions of the remaining areas are available currently.
The doorways were made of teak arches with ornamental teardrop teak pillars shaped like Suru trunks. Ceilings were beautified by numerous chandeliers and the floors were filled with polished marble adorned with rich Persian rugs. The walls displayed paintings depicting the Hindu epics. The top floor of the building enacted as the residence of the Peshwa and it was called Meghadambari. Among many Pune places to visit, this palace has it's own value and is a must visit location.
Entry Timings: It is open on all days of the week from 08:00 am to 06:30 pm and there is a Light and Sound Show every day and the tickets for the show can be booked every day from 06:30 pm to 08:30 pm.
Location: Shaniwar Peth, Pune, Maharashtra 411030.
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2. Aga Khan Palace: Yet another amazing landmark and one of the famous places to visit in Pune with friends is the Aga Khan Palace which was built by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III in 1892. In the history of India, this palace placed itself on a prominent space as one of the biggest landmarks in India. As an act of charity, the palace existed and the Sultan who built it wanted to help the poor in the region.
The mighty monument is an important part of Pune tourism and is also considered to be a sparkling jewel in Indian history which had a close connection with the Indian freedom movement since it served as a prison for Mahatma Gandhi and his wife, his secretary, and Sarojini Naidu. Kasturba Gandhi and Mahadev Desai, the secretary died in this palace.
Archaeological Survey of India declared the palace as a monument of national importance in the year 2003. Aga Khan, the brilliant mind behind the birth of this majestic monument donated the palace to the Indian people as a mark of respect to Gandhi and his philosophy in 1969 and currently, the palace holds itself the vast collection of memories and it is a memorial on Gandhi where his ashes were kept. In the later years, the prominence of the palace started diminishing and the authorities neglected the importance of the monument and thus was becoming unattended as well.
The palace is exactly situated about 2 kilometers away from Bund Garden in Yerwada on Pune Nagar Road. The palace presents Utalian arches and a huge lawn at the front and it houses five falls. The total area in which the palace is situated in 19 acres including the lawn and other spaces.
Aga Khan Palace is one of the important places in Pune to visit which is an important archive as well that showcases the number of photos and portraits of the life of Mahatma Gandhi and other important figures of the Indian freedom struggle. It acts as the headquarters of the Gandhi National Memorial Society.
Entry Timings: You can visit the palace on all days from 09:00 am to 05:30 pm.
Location: Pune Nagar Road, Kalyani Nagar, Pune, Maharashtra 411014.
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3. Osho Ashram: Osho Ashram is one of the famous tourist places in Pune located in the Koregaon Park. The founder of the ashram was Rajneesh Chandra Mohan Jain who is famous among the people as Osho Rajneesh. The ashram has got another title as Osho Commune International of Pune and it is spread across 32 acres of land. Those who are eagerly waiting to escape into the laps of peace and tranquillity will fall in love with this ashram which is existing on a land of pure serenity and greenery and it offers the much-awaited break from the hustle and bustle of the city pollution and crowd. Currently, the ashram is perhaps the most visited tourist destination after it achieved fame among the tourists coming to Pune as well.
One of the most peaceful visiting places in Pune with calm surroundings that is the major factor contributing to the exciting crowd pulling the ashram holds. Space is undoubtedly dedicated to yoga and meditation that promise the visitors a rejuvenating experience, letting the body and soul preserve the natural features of being peaceful and calm. The ashram offers a lot of training programmes of different kinds based on the visitor’s choice.
The programmes are on spiritual living and stress-free lifestyle and they are conducted at regular intervals. The important ones are Osho Nadabrahma, Osho Kundalini meditation, normal meditation, Osho Nataraj, Osho dynamic meditation and so on. The ashram is promised to keep on the legacy portrayed by the great guru Osho and it teaches his concepts and ideologies to the visitors. Osho Multiversity is another part of the ashram that provides extensive methods for personal development.
There you will get knowledge of healing arts, creative arts, martial arts, esoteric sciences, Sufism and much more. Also, on every month, there will be meditation camps are conducted on second Friday that has a duration of three days. Spiritual Disneyland is the name the ashram possesses since hundreds of people come here to rediscover themselves as along with the meditation, it offers a range of multiple facilities like massages, beauty therapies, sauna, swimming pool, tennis etc. Counted as Pune best places, gardens in the Ashram are open to the public every day during morning and evening hours.
Entry Timings: The ashram is open on all days from 06:00 am to 10:30 pm.
Location: 17, Koregaon Park Road, Vasani Nagar, Koregaon Park, Pune, Maharashtra 411001.
4. Lal Mahal: Lal Mahal is one of the famous tourist places in Pune which has another name as Red Palace. It is a beautiful monument established in 1630 AD by Shivaji Maharaj’s father Shahaji Bhosale for his wife and son. Shivaji Maharaj lived here for a long time until the time he captured his first fort.
The original one had undergone several destructions and the current one is a reconstructed structure, located at the heart of the city. Shivaji’s wedding with Maharani Saibai took place in this palace.
The original monument was constructed with the aim of rejuvenating the city of Pune when Dadoji Kondev entered the city with Shivaji Maharaj. The history recorded at various places proves the fact that Lal Mahal was used for organising feasts for the Brahmins during the thread ceremony of Sadoba, the son of Chimajiappa.
The original location where the monument was first established is still unknown, perhaps it was known to be located very close to the location of Shaniwarwada. The newly constructed Lal Mahal does not have many features the old one possessed and it is not built in the same fashion as well.
Pune Municipal Corporation was the one who rebuilt the current Lal Mahal and the construction was begun in 1984 and ended in 1988. The Lal Mahal became an important part of the history after an encounter between Shivaji and Shaista Khan when the former cut off the latter’s fingers and he tried to escape from the window of the Lal Mahal. The current palace displays a collection of large sized oil paintings based on the important events happened in the life of Shivaji. There is the Jijamata Garden now recognised as a recreational park for kids.
Entry Timings: It is open on all days from 09:00 am to 01:00 pm and then from 04:00 pm to 08:00 pm.
Location: Lal Mahal, Ganesh Rd, Durvankur Society, Kasba Peth, Pune, Maharashtra 411002.
5. Empress Garden: A famous garden and one of the surreal places to see in Pune, this place is the Empress Garden managed by the Agri-Horticultural Society of Western India. Since 1880, the Empress Garden was under this society and it has been maintained well with the aim to nurture and protect the rare flora of the region. Sprawling across an area of 39 acres, the garden encompasses many varieties of trees, plants and flowers. Also, there will be flower shows and other similar programmes organised by the Agri-Horticultural Society in order to create an awareness among the people regarding the conservation and preservation of the rare species of flora and it is one of the best places to visit in Pune for kids.
The landscaped garden is a piece of beauty that amuses the visitors well and it displays lush green lawns, different types of flora and fauna collection, a play area attracting kids as well as a snack shack. There is a stream of water flowing throughout the garden which adds more beauty to the garden than we can imagine. The history of the garden says that the ownership of the garden was passed onto the hands of the Government in 1838 and later in 1845, it was further changed and came into the hands of Sir Charles Napier. Then on, the garden bore another name as the Garden of Dr Don. Afterwards, the garden was named as Empress Garden in honour of Queen Victoria when she won the title, Empress of India.
During the colonial period under the British, it was one fo the famous places in Pune for British as many of the British soldiers used to come and visit the garden for recreational purposes. Thus it started known as the Soldier’s Garden. The garden was well protected and still, it amuses the visitors with its non-decayed charm and spell. To penetrate into the much-awaited peace and tranquillity and thus evaporate the boredom of the mundane life, people arrive at the garden on a large scale.
Entry Timings: The garden is open on all days from 09:30 am to 06:30 pm.
Location: Near Race Course, Kavade Mala, Ghorpadi, Pune, Maharashtra 411001, India.
6. Pataleshwar Cave Temple: An atypical rock cut cave temple in Pune is the Pataleshwar Cave Temple which is an ancient temple that dates back to the 8th century during the Rashtrakuta period. This temple is one of the famous places to visit in Pune with family. The temple is also known as Panchaleshvara or Bamburde temple. Originally, the temple’s location was outside the town and when the city limits were expanded, the temple is situated now on the downtown Jangli Maharaj Road. It has been declared as a protected monument by the government and it is one of the best sightseeing in Pune.
The temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and it is made of basalt rock which has a cube-shaped sanctum 3-4 meters on each side. It holds a linga which represents the god and there are two smaller cells on each side.
A circular Nandimandapa is placed in front of the cave but its umbrella shaped canopy held by massive square pillars is the main component that makes the temple’s beauty heightened. The Nandimandapa is yet another feature of the temple. The cave is situated at a lower level than the present level of the road.
The main structure of the cave is rectangular in shape with a pillared porch. Along with the main sanctum, there are other three sanctums as well. To circumambulate, there is a path provided inside the temple and the unfinished part of the cave temple can be seen while you rotate it.
However, the inside walls of the temple possess grandly some inscriptions and drawings depicting the stories from Indian mythology, especially revolving around Lord Shiva. The cave complex is turned out to be a garden and also, you can see some architectural members which were parts of other old temples nearby. The incomplete Temple is the main tourist attraction as well but the locals come here to celebrate the Shiva Linga Pooja that would be done with ghee and yoghurt.
Entry Timings: 08:00 am to 05:30 pm.
Location: Jangali Maharaj Road, Revenue Colony, Shivajinagar, Pune, Maharashtra 411005.
7. Vetal Tekdi: A prominent hill in the city limits of Pune is Vetal Hill which is the highest point at an elevation of 2600 feet and one of the unforgettable places to see in Pune. Vetala temple is also located on the top of the hill and that is how the hill got its name as Vetal Hill. Adventure seekers come here in plenty to escape from the hustles and bustles of the city and it is a great morning trek location and it is one of the best places to visit in Pune.
Near the temple, there is an observation desk set up by the Indian Forest Department. Vetal Tekdi is the Marathi name and from the hilltop, one can watch the Pune city as a whole on a clear day. The hill is a part of Bhamburda Van Vihar on the western side of Pune Municipal Corporation and an important part of Pune Tourism.
Vetal Tekdi has two spurs named Fergusson College Hill and Chatturshrungi Hill. There is one access road that takes people up the hill from the south. Also, a public parking lot is located along the road but the access to it is restricted to between 08:30 am and 05:30 pm. The area has been undergoing some anthropogenic activities for last some years- plantation of many exotic species, urban development, deforestation etc are a few of the activities that make the hill important.
Currently, Vetal Hill is an area protected by the India Forestry Department and the State Forest Department and Pune Municipal Corporation have done a lot of afforestation programmes on a large scale and thus now the hill accommodates different species of flora and fauna. If you plan to trek to the hill, you will be exploring Pune best places here. However, carry drinking water and snacks on the trek. There are three ways or direction to reach the hill; from Kothrud, Pashan, Chaturshringi.
Entry Timings: There is no particular timing to visit the hill but it is advised to trek up the hill before dawn to enjoy the beautiful sunrise and the unbeatable serenity.
Location: Pashan, Pune 411038, Maharashtra.
8. Shinde Chhatri: Shinde Chhatri is a memorial dedicated to the 18th-century military leader Mahadji Shinde and it is one of the main attraction and a well-known Pune places to visit . Mahadji Shinde served as the commander in chief of the Maratha army under the rule of Peshwas from 1760 to 1780.
The majestic representative of the Maratha rule houses a hall that marks the spot of Mahadji Shinde’s cremation on 12th February 1794. During 1794, the memorial had only one temple dedicated to Lord Shiva built by Mahadji Shinde himself and in 1965 only, a Samadhi was constructed outside the sanctum of the Shiva temple. Madhavrao Scindia was responsible for the construction of the complex along with the memorial.
The architecture of the building is the main attraction as it resembles the architectural styles used in Rajasthan along with a touch of the Anglo style which is also a reason that it is counted in best Pune tourist places. It shows a picturesque blending of two different cultures.The beauty of the building is heightened due to the presence of fine, alluring carvings. The carvings and the idols of the saints of the Shiva temple are made of yellow stone and the floor of the sanctum sanctorum is constructed using black stone.
The hall inside the structure is decorated beautifully with paintings and photographs of members of Shinde family. But it began to accommodate bad conditions as years passed but currently, its glory being recovered by painting the walls and restoring the old beauty to it. The historical identity and the architectural brilliance played on the walls of the building make it a famous Pune visiting place.
Entry Timings: The building remains open on all days of the week from 06:00 am to 09:00 pm.
Location: Wanowrie, Pune 411001, India.
9. Mulshi Lake and Dam: In the recent years, Mulshi Lake and Dam have been reformed to be one of the major tourist places in Pune and those who love to capture the pleasant pictures of nature at its best flood toward this lake and dam built on the famous Mula River. It is located in the Mulshi Taluka administrative division of the Pune district.
The water from the dam is taken to use for irrigation and producing electricity at the Bhira hydroelectric power plant. The power plant is operated by Tata Power. The station is operating six 25 MW Perton turbines and one 150 MW Pumped Storage Unit. An inimitable weekend gateway from Pune to the precious nature filled by the Sahyadri ranges, Koraigadh and Dhangad Fort and other major attractions is the dam and lake.
The lake and dam can be witnessed from a nearby village that is Valanewadi, located about 6 kilometres away from Mulshi. It is also a perfect spot for birding, nature walk, photography and trekking near Pune because of the pristine nature’s influence on the location so well. During monsoon, the lake and dam will be overflowing and the gushing water produces some soothing voices enough to let any perplexed mind to be relaxed. Hence people come to enjoy the beauty of the lake and dam during the heavy rainy season.
Entry Timings: It is open from 09:00 am to 06:00 pm.
Location: Mulshi Taluk, Pune, Maharashtra 412108, India.
10. Panshet Waterpark: Ranked as one of the best places to visit in Pune is Panshet Water Park located amidst the Sahyadri Mountains. Those who love water sports and adventure under water, this Pune water park is the best choice to have maximum fun and thrilling moments with your family or even alone. The most popular attraction in the city is nestled amid the beautiful locale lying in between two famous dams, Varasgaon and Panshet. Other tourist attractions located near to the water park are Raigad Fort, Khadakwaska Dam and Singad Fort.
It is a perfect weekend getaway near Pune located 45 kilometres south-west of Pune and at an elevation of 910 meters above sea level. Adventure lovers arrive here to partake in different water sports like kayaking, water scooter rides, speed boating, swimming, surfing etc. The tourism department has done a tremendous job to make this attraction widely accepted and well acclaimed among the public. So much excitement and happiness are hidden in each ride in the park and kids as well as adults can enjoy them to the fullest for sure. Also, at the park, you can purchase food available at the food court.
The park is well cleaned and maintained with all facilities like bathroom and toilets. Life jackets will be provided before you get to indulge in any water sport. But inside the park, you are not allowed to use camera or videography.
Entry Timings: The park will be open on all days including public holidays from 10:00 am to 06:00 pm.
Location: Panshet Water Park, Near Khadakwasla Dam, Pune, Maharashtra 411024, India.
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