ABOUT PUNE
About Pune:
Sitting atop the Deccan Plateau with the Mutha River flowing alongside is the popular city Pune. This is the second largest city in Maharashtra. Also known as the “Queen of Deccan”, this hilly city has a royal history of being home to the Rahstrakuta Dynasty taken over and ruled by the mighty Chhatrapati Shivaji.Dagaduseth Halwai Ganpati temple, rock carved Pataleshwar temple, Aga khan palace where Mahatma Gandhi was kept under house arrest and the famous Shaniwar wada built during the time of Bajirao Peshwa.
1. Shaniwar Wada
Shaniwarwada, once the seat of the Peshwa governance in Pune is a 286-year-old mansion and is one of the finest examples of architecture in the city. It is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in Maharashtra. This grand mansion was built by the Peshwa Bajirao I himself as the residence of the Peshwas. Although the Wada currently covers an area of 625 acres, in its heyday it covered almost the entire area of the city itself. The place never fails to amaze the visitor with its various forts and fountain, and the majestic statue of Baji Rao I that greets the visitor at the entrance of the palace. Although most of the Wada was destroyed by an unexplained fire in 1828, what remains of it is equally thrilling and majestic.
2. Aga Khan Palace
The mighty edifice of Aga Khan Palace is situated in Pune and was built by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III in the year 1892. It is one of the most important landmarks in Indian history and has been instrumental in many defining moments of India’s independence. It was once the site where Mahatma Gandhi, his wife Kasturba Gandhi, as well as Sarojini Naidu and Mahadev Desai were held prisoners. Aga Khan Palace is well known both for its architectural excellence as well as its historical significance. Spread over a vast land of 19 acres, the palace is now the headquarters of the Gandhi National Memorial society. Here, making khadi is still one of the prime activities.
3. Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple
A divine place of worship devoted to Lord Ganapati, Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganapati temple is extremely famous for its religious festivities and is located in Pune, Maharashtra. The temple receives a considerable crowd of devotees every day who come to attend the daily pooja, abhisheka and the Arti of Lord Ganesh. The idol of Lord Ganapati is 2.2 meters high and 1 meter wide and is adorned with almost 40 kilos of gold. The temple receives offerings of gold and money from Lord Ganapati’s devotees every day which goes into the temple’s trust. The temple is open daily from 6 am to 11 pm.
4. Osho Ashram
Osho Ashram, located at Koregaon Park in Pune, is a place known for its serenity and surreal practices of meditation and love to achieve divinity. It is popularly known as Osho Meditation Resort and it is a unique blend of meditation and the Greek concept of resort stay. The Ashram is a tranquil place which brings you to your own centre of peace, meditation, and oneness. The ideologies of Osho also can be found here. Shrouded in mystery, awe, and mysticism; The Osho Ashram is open only for its members. Non-members are required to buy a one-day pass to visit the premises.
5. Lal Mahal
Lal Mahal located near Shaniwar Wada in Pune is a historic landmark of the 16th century. Subject to innumerable attacks and initial revival, the palace has significant stories to tell. It was first restored by Shivaji Maharaj’s father Shahaji Bhosle for his family to stay in the 1630s. From being a childhood home for Chhatrapati Shivaji to taking Shaistekhan head-on, this red coloured structure is an architectural marvel depicting craftsmanship and culture of that time.
6. Parvati Hill Station
Brought into existence by the great Peshwa ruler Balaji Baji Rao in the 17th century, and rising to over 2,000 feet, Parvati hill offers a sweeping view of the city of Pune. It is located in the south-east part of Pune. The hill in itself brags of beautiful views away from the hustle and bustle of the city with a pleasant climate throughout the year. It serves as a shrine for several Hindu Gods- God Shiva, Goddess Parvati, God Vishnu, Goddess Rukmini and God Vitthalla, and God Vinayakar. Parvati temple, however, is dedicated to Goddess Parvati and God Shiva.
7. Sinhgad Fort
Located in the Sahyadri Mountains, Sinhagad Fort is an ancient fortress known for its historical significance and architecture. It was once known as Kondhana and has witnessed a number of battles; one notable battle being the 1670 Battle of Sinhagad. The name, “Sinhagad”, literally means Lion’s Fort signifying its strength and brilliance. Today, the structure is a perfect landmark for trekkers as it is located at a height of over 750 metres in the Sahyadri Mountains. In fact, the fort is strategically built right in the centre of the line of Maratha forts built in the Sahyadris. Some of these citadels are the Rajgad Fort, Torna Fort and the Purandar Fort. The place is also famous among photographers and nature lovers.
8. Khadakwasla Dam
Khadakwasla Dam is a famous tourist attraction and a significant work of engineering in Pune. It is built on River Mutha which flows through the city and aids water supply to Pune and its suburban regions. The dam forms a reservoir, called Khadakwasla Lake which offers a quick and pleasant getaway too. Its proximity to Pune City and the scenic surroundings make Khadakwasla Dam a preferred picnic spot. The roadways around Khadakwasla Dam is also a favourite cycling route amongst the city cyclists. Monsoons, in particular, draw a considerable number of people to the attraction. They mostly visit to see the transformation of the landscapes and also enjoy the scenic beauty.
