Pune, the state’s second-biggest city and artistic hub comes in the most popular tourist attractions in Maharashtra. The city, with its rich past and current improvements, never fails to keep its visitants thrilled.
Nature has indeed been kind to Poona, as evident to the naked eyes vividly by the beautiful vistas here. Pune is famed with the title as the “Oxford of the East” because of its prestigious academic institutions.
With so many locations in it’s arsenal to look out for in and around the city, every guest will undoubtedly enjoy exploring the amazing delights of Pune Tourism..
The city boasts a plethora of intriguing attractions to keep you interested. It is the variety places to Visit around Pune in Monsoon that bags all the spotlight. The monsoons in Pune are one of the most gorgeous seasons, bringing out most of the city’s natural splendor.
During the monsoon season in Pune, the gorges and ghats provide breathtaking views of tall hills, sceneries, and captivating traveling routes. For those who want to escape into the world of entertainment Pune is the spot & for those who just want to sit back and relax, Pune is the spot.
With that said, let’s have a look at the Top 10 spots for tourists and locals to feel that Puneri Vibe.
AGA KHAN PALACE
The magnificent Aga Khan Palace is located in Pune and was erected in 1892 by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III. It is among the most historic monuments in Modern India and has played a role in several pivotal periods in India’s freedom. It was where Mahatma Gandhi, his wife Kasturba Gandhi, Sarojini Naidu, and Mahadev Desai were prisoned during the British period.
The Aga Khan Palace is well-known for both its artistic quality and bewitching tale. The palace, which sits on 19 acres of land, is currently the seat of the Gandhi National Memorial Association. The Sultan erected the castle to help the needy in surrounding villages who were suffering from hunger. Architect Charles Corea had shrines to Kasturba Gandhi and Mahadev Desai created in their honor.
The palace has a gallery with loads of paintings, rare and beautiful. There exist other objects, which include Mahatma Gandhi’s personal possessions kept carefully under strict supervision. The Mahal’s foundation have imbedded in them, the ashes of MK Gandhi to honor his priceless contribution and memoir.
Timing: 9 A.M – 5:30 P.M
Entry Fee: INR 5 for Indians; INR 2 for Children; INR 100 for Foreigners
Location: Nagar Road, Samrat Ashok Rd, Pune, Maharashtra 411006
SHANIWAR WADA
Shaniwarwada, the former heart of Peshwa government in Pune, is a 286-year-old house that is one of the city’s best specimens of grandeur. One of Maharashtra’s most top tourist attractions. This grand house was erected by Peshwa Bajirao I personally. The Wada now occupies 625 acres, but in its heyday, it embodied nearly the whole province of the city. The location never ceases to dazzle guests with its multiple forts and fountains, and imposing statue of Baji Rao I that welcomes tourists at the palace’s gate. Even though the Wada was destroyed by an inexplicable fire in 1828, what stands is still spectacular and beautiful.
_20170831190942.jpg?w=708&ssl=1)
The Shaniwar Wada, despite being riddled with fables of betrayal and deception, is one of the few surviving testaments to the Peshwas’ grandeur, heroism, and righteous reign. All around this ancient erection, the entire old Pune is set out in a riotous even though it is peculiarly ordered form. The fort is supposed to be plagued by the spirit of Peshwa king Narayanrao, who was slain in the palace by his uncle and aunt, Anandi and Raghunathrao, on a full moon night. However, there is no evidence backing up such statements.
This area is a tank full of pure dopamine for individuals who enjoy mingling with the paranormal. After all, it was the location of the famous romance between Peshwa Bajirao and Mastani Sahiba. One of the gateways is named after her.
Timing: 9:30 A.M – 5 P.M (Sunday Closed)
Entry Fee: INR 5 for Indians | INR 125 for Foreigners
Location: NH60, Shaniwar Peth, Pune, Maharashtra 411030
SINHAGAD FORT
Sinhagad Fort, nestled in the Sahyadri Hills, recognized for its historic importance and construction. It has seen several wars, the most important of which is the 1670 Battle of Sinhagad. The name “Sinhagad” literally translates to “Lion’s Fort,” indicating the fortress’s power and brilliance. The building, which is located at a height of nearly 750 meters in the Sahyadri Mountains, has now become haven for the hikers with that adrenaline rush.
In reality, the fort is advantageously located in the middle of a line of Maratha forts constructed in the Sahyadris. The Rajgad Fort, Torna Fort, and Purandar Fort sit within the citadels. Over the weekend, residents in frequent the attraction. During that period, Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Mahatma Gandhi frequented the fort for meetings and vacations.
The mountain has the perfect terrain and built catered for the National Defence Academy students to practice. In full war armor, they climb up the hill to the fort. Given the historical and cultural importance of the site, there are limitations on partying, cooking/consuming non-vegetarian cuisine, drinking, and so on. Nonetheless, it is requested to all to not indulge in things mentioned in the former statement. Instead take in the magnificence of the structure of the fort and the scenic surroundings, one is sure to have a superb day.
Timing: 5 A.M – 6 P.M
Entry Fee: INR 5 – INR 20
Location: Sinhagad Ghat Rd, Thoptewadi, Maharashtra 411025
SHIVNERI FORT
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire, was born in Shivneri Fort. It was constructed in the 1500s and served as a strategic stronghold. The location is also well-known for becoming the training ground for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Shivneri Fort is a popular picnic destination for residents due to the proximity to Pune and location atop a hill with Junnar at its base.
Every year, a large number of people come to see its majesty. In addition, there are a few more glimpses in the vicinity suchlike may be visited in addition to the fort in a single day. Having said that, many history buffs are attracted to the site because of its historical relevance.
Fraze, an visited Shivneri Fort in the late 17th century, said that the fort was so efficiently kept that it had enough provisions to support thousands of households for 6 to 7 years.
Timing: 5 A.M – 6 P.M
Entry Fee: INR 5 – INR 20
Location: Sinhagad Ghat Rd, Thoptewadi, Maharashtra 411025
SHREEMANT DAGDUSHETH HALWAI GANPATI MANDIR
Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganapati temple, a holy site of devotion dedicated to Lord Ganapati, is immensely renowned for its religious celebrations and is situated in Pune, Maharashtra. Every day, a large number of devotees visit the temple to participate in the daily pooja, abhisheka, and Arti of Lord Ganesh.
Lord Ganapati’s idol is 2.2 meters high and 1 meter broad, and it is decked with about 40 kg of gold. Shri Dagdusheth Halwai and his wife, Lakshmibai, founded the temple more than 125 years ago. Even now, the temple honors Lord Ganesh with the greatest dedication and grandness, and it is frequented by Maharashtra politicians and celebrities.
The Dagdusheth Halwai Ganapati temple charity not only worships Lord Ganpati as if that is not enough is a backbone for the mankind in numberless manner. Countless women convene for the sake of the Atharvashirsha recital, which occurs on the fourth day of Ganeshotsav.
Timing: 6 A.M – 11 P.M
Entry Fee: NA
Location: 250, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Rd, Mehunpura, Budhwar Peth, Pune, Maharashtra 411002
PARVATI HILL
Parvati hill, which rises to almost 2,000 feet and was built by the renowned Peshwa emperor Balaji Baji Rao in the early 1600s, provides a panoramic view of Pune. The hill alone boasts of wonderful views away from the chaos and bustle of city life.
It is a temple devoted to Hindu Gods, including God Shiva, Goddess Parvati, God Vishnu, Goddess Rukmini, and God Vitthalla & God Vinayakar. The Parvati temple, on the other hand, is devoted to Goddess Parvati and God Shiva. The hill is reached by ascending 103 stone steps that were constructed by Balaji Rao to assist elephants to soar and descent the slope.
It takes little more than 10 minutes for everyone to reach the peak. A black stone, the Parvati temple, sits atop Parvati hill, surrounded by four other temples, the Peshwa Museum, and the Parvati water reservoir. A large number of locals visit the Parvati temple daily.
Timing: 5 A.M – 8 P.M
Entry Fee: NA
Location: Parvati Paytha, Pune, Maharashtra, 411009, India
RAJGAD FORT
For many years, castles have spoken of our nation’s magnificence. Rajgad fort is located near Pune and is flanked by the forts of Torna, Sinhgad, and Purandar. It is a representation of the Maratha army’s wins and conflicts, and it stands to honor the exploits of the great Indian monarch, Chhatrapati Shivaji. The fort was erected during the reign of the Marathas.
Only when Chhatrapati Shivaji relocated his capital to Rajgad did he repair and rename this fort. It is roughly 60 kilometers southwest of Pune. The Rajgad Fort is a must-see for everyone who appreciates history. It’s a famous trekking location, sometimes coupled with Torna Fort.
Timing: 24/7 open
Entry Fee: NA
Location: Balekilla Rd, Pune, Maharashtra 412213
BLADES OF GLORY
Sachin Tendulkar originally inaugurated the Blades of Glory Cricket Museum in 2012. It sits on the third story of a housing complex and has approximately 12,000 cricket gear. Rohan Pate, a former Under-19 cricketer, owns, curates, and funds the museum. It has been sub divided four tiny rooms and one bigger room that houses banners and cricket gear from the Indian Cricket Team.
The bigger chamber includes sundry arrays of gear and displays India’s World Cup victories. There is a chamber devoted to Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli, each with a full narrative of their cricketing achievements, including statistics, accolades, uniforms, and gear, among other things. There are also keepsakes from international cricketers such as Chris Gayle and Sanath Jayasuriya.
Rare relics from former legendary cricketers’ hats, damaged shoes from historic balling events, and so on have their throne here. Cricket players from all around the world have paid personal visits to the museum. During their tour, these players autographed photos and posters. Upon entering the museum, guests are shown a movie that depicts the museum’s history in great detail.
Timing: 10 A.M – 7 P.M
Entry Fee: INR 100 for Everyone | INR 50 for School Trips
Location: Govind Gaurav Apartments., Swanand Society Lane 1, Sahakar Nagar 2, Swanand Society, Tulshibagwale Colony, Parvati Paytha, Pune, Maharashtra 411009
KATRAJ JAIN TEMPLE
Peace and serenity are the two most powerful powers in Katraj Jain Temple, a significant site of worship. The temple is situated on a hillside between the Pune-Satara highway in the district of Pune, Maharashtra. Once you’ve reached the temple, there’s no preventing the gentle breeze from sweeping through your head.
The temple is noted for its aesthetics, tranquillity, and relevance to Jainism and early Jainism literature. The temple was erected in the twentieth century; thus, it is not very ancient. Aagam Mandir the name it was given due to the engraved aagams.
The main shrine houses Mahavir‘s idol, which is crafted of Panchadhatus, a five-metal alloy of spiritual importance. The temple’s exterior is where all 48 Aagams are engraved. There are several idols all over the temple area, one of which is an idol of Bhagwan Paraswanath constructed of a commensurate metal mixture.
Timing: 6 A.M – 9 P.M
Entry Fee: NA
Location: Late Manilala Fakirchand Marg, Sai Colony, Vadgaon Budruk, Pune, Maharashtra 411046
MULSHI DAM
Mulshi Dam, located around 35 kilometers from Pune’s coastline, is an ideal family vacation retreat. Despite being a year-round tourist destination, the beautiful grandeur of Mulshi Dam is most impressive during the monsoon season. The location is fairly serene and has soothing, cooling ambience. Its inherent peacefulness and calm environs make this one of the highest short-trip locations from Pune.
Mulshi, a clean and beautiful utopia, is an eco-friendly resort where trekking, photography, and bird-watching are popular activities. Aside from this, camping is a popular. Renting a lakeside house to enjoy the view of the natural splendor and having a campfire at night is quite popular among locals. To sit back and relax, having chitchat with your company.
You may also do mountain climbing or rowing on the lake. Other activities available here include cricket, fishing, crab collecting, and a bullock cart trip. The spectacular vistas of the majestic Sahyadri hills that encircle Mulshi Dam glues your eyes onto the view. The zone around is home to many native plants and wildlife. Aside from its picturesque appeal, the dam’s functions as a hub for energy generation and irrigation reserves.
Timing: 9 A.M – 6 P.M
Entry Fee: NA
Location: Mulshi Taluk, Pune, Maharashtra, 412108, India
edited and proofread by nikita sharma
