Pune, commonly known as Poona, is a city in the Maharashtra state. What could be more thrilling than traveling to a location that has been immortalized in the history books? A city that holds a special place in people’s hearts because of the incredible magnificence it once possessed during the rule of the powerful Peshwas, and which is now further honored by the monuments that stand tall and represent its long-standing imperialism and ability to withstand the effects of time. From having a significant role in Indian Independence to a location with many beautiful temples and a location where nature itself joins you on your magnificent journey. What could be a smarter choice if you ever travel to India than beginning in Pune? Visit Pune to be astounded by its flawless fusion of spirituality, nature, and history. What then is stopping you? Purchase your tickets, go to Pune, and return with a soul-imprinted experience that will enrich your life. Continue reading to learn how to go to heaven and what it has in store for you.
OVERVIEW
Location: Maharashtra
Nearest Airport: Pune
How to reach: by air/road/train
Famous for: Educational Institutions and Historical Landmarks
Best time to visit: October to March
WHAT TO SEE
Shaniwar Wada,Raja Dunkar Kelkar Museum
Tribal Museum, Osho Ashram
Gandhi National Memorial/Aga Khan Palace, Shinde Chhatri
Vishrambaug Wada, Bund Garden
David Synagogue
Culture:
Pune also bears the distinction of being Maharashtra’s cultural hub. People from all ethnicities, creeds, backgrounds, and religions may be found here, evoking India’s motto of “Unity in Diversity” to a tee. Pune is located where tradition and modernity converge. The 10-day holy festival of Ganapati Visarjan, which honors Lord Ganapati, is observed with great fervor, pujas, and festive music in the backdrop. Easter and other holidays, as well as New Year’s and Eid, are observed here. Pune is primarily a Marathi-speaking city, while Hindi is also heard occasionally. One of the most well-known Indian classical music festivals in the world, the Sawai Gandharva Music Festival, is held in Pune. It has a wide variety of food that is mouthwatering. As a result of the city’s significant IT and educational institutions and the subsequent influx of students and IT professionals, it has become one of India’s most cosmopolitan cities.
Place of Interest:
Shaniwar Wada: Since building on the location began on Saturday under the Peshwas, it was given the name Shaniwar. Under Bajirao I rule, construction on this 13-story structure began in 1730 and was finished in 1732. Five entrances and nine bastions make Shaniwar Wada noteworthy. Under the Maratha Empire, it served as the focal point of Indian politics in the eighteenth century. Today, Shaniwar Wada is a popular tourist destination and a must-see location when visiting Pune.
Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum: The name is self-explanatory, Raja Dunkar Kelkar Museum was established in 1962 by Baba Dinkar Kelkar himself. It’s one of the popular sightseeing places in Pune travel. Currently, under the aegis of the Department of Archaeology, Government of Maharashtra. This museum has a collection of 20 thousand artifacts collected by Baba Kelkar himself belonging to various parts of the world. Baba Kelkar built this museum to remember his son who had died an untimely death. It took 40 years for him to collect all the artifacts. Come, visit Pune, and see what a man could collect in 40 years.
Tribal Museum: The Tribal Museum is a place not to be missed. Visit and get an idea of the tribal life of Maharashtra, its culture, artifacts, lifestyle, and beliefs. The museum would help you comprehend better the lives of communities residing in the Sahyadri and Gondhavana regions of Maharashtra.
Osho Ashram: Located in Koregaon Park in Pune, it was founded by Rajneesh Chandra Mohan Jain, who is also known as Osho Rajneesh. This Ashram is dedicated to yoga and meditation and the complete rejuvenation of every creature that puts his feet here. It’s a lush green campus and astounds beauty to soothe everyone’s eyes and is a stress buster. Travel to Pune and discover yourself here at the Ashram and get deeply immersed in the healing spirituality around you.
Shinde Chhatri: This memorial was constructed for Maratha Nobel Sri Mahadji Shinde. He served as the commander-in-chief of the Maratha army in the 18th century. Sri Shinde constructed a shrine of Lord Shiva in 1794 CE. This memorial is well renowned for its architecture and well-built fortification. The memorial has statues of saints and a decorative ceiling which is worth a watch.
Vishrambaug Wada: As the name suggests, Vishrambaug Wada was the home of Bajirao II, the last Peshwa of the 19th century. Also known as Teen Chowki Wada, it’s a three-storied building that holds memories of Bajiroa II for 11 years. Covering an area of 20 thousand square feet, the fort has exquisite wooden work and collections of artifacts from the Maratha Empire.
Nearby Attractions:
Bedsa Caves: In the Maval taluka, around 55 kilometers from Pune, are the Bedsa Caves, which were discovered during the first century BC. These heritage Buddhist caves are interesting to explore. The ceiling is supported by 25-foot-tall pillars that have numerous carvings carved on them. Steps can be used to access two caverns that are both finished and incomplete. On the pillars are also sculptured sculptures of couples riding horses. When visiting Pune, do not miss it.
Bhaja Caves: 60 km away from Pune, near Lonavala lie Bhaja Caves comprising 25 Buddhist caves belonging to the Hinayana phase of Buddhism. Created in the 3rd century BC, they are one of the oldest Chaityagrihas.
Various stupas of Buddhist monks can be found here and carvings on the walls also are an intricate part of these caves which display a woman playing tabla while others are dancing. Why skip a site which depicts the early history of percussion instruments such as tabla?
Kalra Caves: Why not visit Kalra Caves while you are in Bhaja Caves, which are only around 8 kilometers away? Between the second and the fifth centuries AD, several caves were built. One of India’s largest Buddhist rock-cut caves is this one. There are 15 caves that are well-known for their distinctive architectural designs and exquisite pillar sculptures.
Other Attractions:
Devanchi Alandi: It means God’s place, and lies 25 km away from Pune. This temple was built in the 13th century, in memory of Saint-Poet Dnyaneshwar. He also translated Bhagavad Gita into Marathi. Various other temples such as Ram Temple, Krishna Temple, and Muktai Temple are also found here. What could be more beautiful than finding oneself near to Almighty himself?
Pune Food walk tour:
How can a visit to Pune be completed without allowing your taste buds to feel the real authentic Pune? It’s a food walk where you could find all the delicacies of Pune in one place and get your drooling quenched. Taste all diverse local dishes, the famous tangy chats, and finger-licking desserts for your appetite. Be a part of the preparation of Wada pav, dabeli, bhel puri, and many exciting colorful dishes. And how could we ever forget world-famous Samosas? So come to Pune and be a part of this amazing food tour.
Duration – 2 hours
Departs – Deccan Gymkhana
Returns – Fergusson College Road, Model Colony,
Shivajinagar, Pune.
Read about our travel expeditions, new destinations, new pictures, latest trip schedules
