Top Tourist Attractions in Pune
Pune is a large metropolis in Maharashtra, a western Indian state. It was originally the seat of the Maratha Empire’s Peshwas (prime ministers), who ruled from 1674 until 1818. It’s famous for the magnificent Aga Khan Palace, which was erected in 1892 and is now a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi’s ashes, which are kept in the grounds. The Hindu god Shiva is honoured in the Pataleshwar Cave Temple, which dates from the eighth century. Pune is commonly recognised as India’s second largest “IT powerhouse” and top “automobile and industrial hub.” With a diverse spectrum of educational institutions, it is renowned as the Oxford of the East.
Best Places to Visit in Pune
- Kasba Ganapti
- Chaturshringi Temple
- Parvati
- Bhimashankar
- Jejuri
- Ashtavinayak
- Dehu
- Alandi
- Nira Narsinhpur
- Lal Mahal
- Sarasbaug-Peshve Park
- Khadakwasala Dam
- Shivneri Fort
- Shanivarwada
- Aagakhan Palace
- Sinhagad
- Lonavala-Khandala
Kasba Ganapti
It is Pune’s Gram Daivat. Kasba Peth is located near Lal Mahal, and Kasba Ganpati is the Ganpati of Honor in Pune. As a result, it enjoys first priority in the Ganesh Utsav Procession. Jijabai, Chh. Shivaji Maharaj’s mother, had erected the Ganesh statue. Dadoji Kondadev had erected a tent in front of the monument in her honour. It is now a well-known temple in Pune.
Chaturshringi Temple
The Chaturshringi Temple, also known as the Chaturshrungi Temple, is a Hindu temple in Pune, Maharashtra, India. The temple is situated on the Senapati Bapat Road, on the slope of a hill. It is believed to have been constructed during the time of Maratha monarch Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Trustees of the Chaturshringi Devasthan (Temple) take over the temple.
Parvati
This is one of Pune’s most well-known sights. Despite its location in the city’s southern hemisphere, the hill is visible from practically every region of the city. The temple dedicated to Parvati and Devadeshwar is reached through 108 stairs. There are temples devoted to Vishnu, Ganesh, and Kartikeya as well. Climbing to the top of the hill may be worthwhile since it provides a panoramic view of Pune. Parvati’s attractions are a set of exquisite Ganesh and Kartikeya temples from the 17th century (under the reign of Nana Saheb Peshwa). The Parvati Museum displays images of Peshwa Dynasty warriors, as well as antique texts, weaponry, and coins. According to legend, the main idol was sculpted out of gold by Karnataka artisans. It was later taken in 1932 and replaced by silver idols covered with gold.
Bhimashankar
Bhimashankar Temple is a respected religious monument near Pune that is said to be home to one of India’s 12 most holy Jyotirlinghas. According to Shiv Mahapuran, Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma once had a passionate disagreement about the excellence of the universe’s creation. Lord Shiva separated the three realms into pillars of light and named them jyotirlinga to put them to the test. Both of them began their journey downstairs and upwards in search of the end of this light. Lord Vishnu admitted defeat since he couldn’t locate the end, but Brahma lied and claimed to be the first to find the finish. The one in Bhimshankar Temple is considered to be one of the most auspicious jyotirlinga shrines. The temple itself is a remarkable example of 13th-century architectural magnificence. The premises also includes Sabhamandap and Shikhara, both of which were built by Nana Phadnavis in the 18th century.
Jejuri
Jejuri, 40 kilometres from Pune, is well-known for its ancient temple of Lord Khandoba, known as Khandobachi Jejuri. In the months of Chitra, Margashirsha, Puash, and Magh, a “Yatra” is held (months of Hindu calender). On the route to the temple, one may see Dive Ghat. Deep Mala is well-liked in this country. To get to the temple, one must climb 200 stairs. Jejuri is also historically significant since Shivaji and Shahaji discussed tactics against the Mughals here. Various weaponry from the era can be shown here.
Ashtavinayak
Lord Ganesh protects all who worship him. Eight effigies discovered in nature and sculpted by nature have been placed in temples built aeons ago in the locations where the effigies were originally identified. These are effigies of “Swayumbhu.” Six of these Ashtavinayakas are located in Pune district: Morgaon (Moreshwar), Theur (Chintamani), Ranjangaon (Mahaganapati), Ozar (Vighnahar), Lenyadri (Girijatmak), and Siddhatek (Siddhivinayak).
Dehu
This is the birthplace of Saint Tukaram Maharaj, located on the banks of the Indrayani River. A great number of pilgrims visit here. It is 34 kilometres from Pune.
Alandi
Pune is 25 kilometres distant from Alandi. It is popularly known as “Devachi Alandi” (God’s Place) and has Samadhi and a shrine dedicated to the saint poet Dnyaneshwar. The temple was constructed around 1570. Saint Dnyaneshwar composed the ‘Dnyaneshwari’ Marathi version of the ‘Bhagvat Geeta.’ Other notable landmarks in Alandi include the Vitthal-Rakhumai temple, Ram temple, Krishna temple, and Muktai temple. Saint Dnyaneshwar spent the majority of his life in Alandi. The Palkhi, which falls in the month of Ashadh, is carried by pilgrims from Alandi to Pandharpur, a distance of over 150 kilometres. The legendary wall from which Saint Dnyaneshwar flew to meet Chandev may also be found here.
Nira Narsinhpur
Nira Narsinhpur is in the Pune district’s Indapur taluka. It is well-known for the ancient temple of Lord Narsinha. Many people come to this sacred site to worship Lord Narasinha. Many people think that Lord Narsinha is a watchful God who grants wishes. Nearly 400 years ago, the Lord Narsinha temple was established. The structure, as well as the carving work on the stone and wood, is just majestic and stunning. Throughout the year, the environment is pleasant. The confluence of the rivers Nira and Bhima is also quite lovely. The tiny temples in and around the main temple, as well as the entire community, are also appealing.
Lal Mahal
The Lal Mahal (Red Palace) of Pune is one of the city’s most well-known landmarks. Shivaji’s father, Shahaji Bhosale, built the Lal Mahal for his wife Jijabai and son in 1630 AD. Shivaji lived for several years here before capturing his first fort. The original Lal Mahal was destroyed, and the current Lal Mahal is a restoration of the original, located in the heart of Pune. Historically, the Lal Mahal is notable for an engagement between Shivaji and Shaista Khan, in which Shivaji sliced off the latter’s fingers while attempting to escape through the Lal Mahal’s window.
Sarasbaug-Peshve Park
These parks are located in Pune, near Swargate. The turf in the gardens is lush and green. There is also a jogging track. In the garden, there is a little mound encircled by a lake. On this hill, there is a Ganesh temple. The location is known as ‘Talyatala Ganapati.’ Sarasbaug is just adjacent to Peshve Park. It was formerly known for its zoo. There are boat trips accessible here. The youngsters are mainly drawn to the “Phulrani” miniature train.
Khadakwasala Dam
Khadakwasla is a dam on the Mutha River located 20 kilometres from Pune. This dam is one of Pune’s primary water sources. The well-known National Defence Academy and Central Water & Power Research Station are located near the dam (CWPRS). Sinhagad Fort and the twin dams of Panshet and Varasgaon, which mostly produce water for agricultural, are just a few kilometres up the road.
Shivneri Fort
Shivneri Fort is a 17th-century military structure in the Pune region of Maharashtra, India, near Junnar. It is the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the Maratha Empire’s founder. Inside the fort, there are sculptures of Jijabai and young Shivaji. The fort’s central feature is a water pond known as ‘Badami Talav.’ Jijabai and a young Shivaji are monuments to the south of ‘Badami Talav.’ There are two water springs in the fort called Ganges and Yamuna, which have water all year.
Shanivarwada
Wada, Shaniwar In 1736, Bajirao-I constructed a 13-story Peshwas palace. It was the Peshwas’ headquarters and represents Pune’s culture. The construction was created with security as the first concern. The main entrance is called ‘Delhi Darwaja,’ while the others are named Ganesh, Mastani, Jambhal, and Khidki. In front of Shniwarwada, there is a statue of Bajirao-i on horseback.
On the inside, there are Ganesh Mahal, Rang Mahal, Aarsa Mahal, Hasti Dant Mahal, Diwan Khana, and a fountain. Every day, a light and music display depicting the history of the Peshwas is performed. The palace served as the centre of Peshwa rule before being destroyed by fire in 1828. All that remains are the walls that protected this palace, as well as the robust doors set with spikers for extra security.
Aagakhan Palace
The Italian arches and grounds are the Agakhan Palace of the Gandhi National Memorial Society. During the ‘Quit India Movement,’ Britishers utilised this location as a jail for Mahatma Gandhi, Kasturba Gandhi, and Mahadeobhai Desai. Later, marble memorials were erected in honour of Kasturba and Mahadeobhai, who both died at this location.
Sinhagad
Sinhagad, formerly known as ‘Kondhana,’ is Pune’s most notable and popular fort. It is situated in the hamlet of Donaje, taluka-Haveli. It is located 25 kilometres from Pune on a 1290-meter-high hill. Tanaji Malusare, Chh. Shivaji’s trusted and fearless commander, fought a fight here against the Mughal army on his own. Chh.Shivaji expressed his shock upon learning of his demise. “We got the fort but lost the lion” (“Gad Ala Pan Sinha Gela”), hence Chh. Shivaji dubbed this “Kondhana” fort “Sinhagad” after his death.
Lonavala-Khandala
Lonavla and Khandala are twin hill stations 622 metres (2,041 feet) above sea level in the Sahyadri hills, which separate the Deccan Plateau and the Konkan coast. The hill stations cover an area of around 38 square kilometres (15 sq mi). During the monsoon season, tourism is at its height.
The name Lonavla is derived from the Sanskrit lonavli, which relates to the several caverns near Lonavla such as Karla Caves, Bhaja Caves, and Bedsa. A journey to Lonavla and Khandala can be coupled with trips to the Karla, Bhaja, and Bedsa caves, as well as the two fortifications of Lohagad and Visapur.
Best Time to Visit in Pune
The months of October through February are good for visiting Pune.
How to Reach Pune
By Road
Pune is well-connected to its neighbouring cities and towns thanks to a well-maintained road network. A number of state and highway buses connect Mumbai (140 km), Ahmadnagar (121 km), Aurangabad (215 km), and Bijapur (275 km) to Pune. Those coming from Mumbai should use the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, which covers a distance of roughly 150 kilometres in only 2 to 3 hours.
By Train
The Pune Junction railway station connects the city to all of India’s major cities. The city is connected to different Indian locations in the south, north, and west by a number of mail/express trains and superfast trains.
Deccan Queen and Shatabdi Express are two popular trains that run between Mumbai and Pune and take around three and a half hours to reach Pune.
By Air
Pune is well connected to the rest of the nation via domestic carriers. The airport at Lohgaon has received international status and is now utilised to transport both domestic and foreign passengers. Lohegaon Airport, also known as Pune Airport, is a 15-kilometer drive from the city centre of Pune. To get to their destination, visitors can take a cab or a local bus from outside the airport.