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Places to visit

Pune offers a wide variety of 'tourist spots' to the traveller.

Kasturba Gandhi Smriti Mandir (The Aga Khan’s Palace) - The gracious building with salons and suites standing amidst well laid out gardens is more than just a palace. It’s a historical landmark. During the 1942 Quit India Movement, Mahatma Gandhi and other leaders of the Indian National Congress were imprisoned here. On the grounds of the site, is the ‘samadhi’ of Kasturba Gandhi, the Mahatma’s wife who died here while in internment.

Bund Gardens:You’ll find these gardens, now known as the Mahatma Gandhi Udyan, on the right bank of the Mula Mutha river, just 2 kms north-east of the railway station. The bund was constructed by Sir Jamshedji Jeejeebhoy for providing water to the poor during the summer.

Bund Gardens

National Defence Academy: Situated at Khadakvasla, 17 kms from Pune, the Academy imparts basic training to officer cadets of all the three branches of the Defence Services for commission in the army, navy and air-force.

Pataleshwar Cave Temple: Hidden in the heart of the city, at Pataleshwar cave temples Shivajinagar, is the 8th century rock-out temple. Reminiscent of Ellora, the temple has been painstakingly hewn from a single rock and includes massive pillars, a Shiva shrine and a Nandi bull. Over a thousand years old, the temple is frequented even to this day.

Parvati Hill and Temples: Stand atop this hillock for a panoramic view of Pune and also visit its 4 famous temples. A steep flight up 108 steps will take you to ‘Nagarkhana’ drum house, the imposing temple of Parvati and Devdeveshwar. The Parvati temple used to be the private shrine of the Peshwa rulers. On a quiet day, it can be yours. Also take a look at the Parvati museum which houses replicas of ancient paintings, old manuscripts, weapons and coins.

Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum: Housed in a quaint Rajasthani styled building is the museum which holds a one-man collection of the most fascinating Indian artifacts you’ve seen. The 36 sections of the museum displays a wealth of antiques, carved palace doors, pottery, 17th century miniatures, a priceless collection of nutcrackers, lamps, musical instruments etc., of the Mughal and Maratha periods.

A masterpiece among the exhibits is the ‘Mastani Mahal’,brought and created as it was from its original place. Mastani was the mistress of ‘Peshwa Bajirao’, the Prime Minister of Satara. This collection was donated to the Govt of Maharashtra by Shri Dinkar Kelkar and is only displayed by rotation - here’s another excuse for returning to Pune again.

Shaniwarwada:Built in 1736, Shaniwarwada was once the palace of the Peshwa rulers. It was mysteriously destroyed by fire in 1827. All that remains is the old fortified wall, a park marked by 18th century lotus pools and elaborate foundations of the original palace; and the Nagarkhana with its fine wooden pillars and lattice work. Looking at Shaniwarwada one can well imagine the grandeur that was.

Also of interest in Vishrambag Wada. A three-storeyed mansion, 78 metres broad and 66 metres long, facing east, it is remarkable for its beautiful entrance, surrounded by a balcony.

Saras Baug:Evenings are best for a stroll through the pleasant lawns of Saras Baug with its lit fountains. The famous Ganapati temple built by Madhav Rao Peshwa is another attraction.

Shinde's Chhatri Shinde’s Chhatri: Among the architectural sights you shouldn’t miss is the memorial to the Great Mahadji Shinde. You can see the warrior’s painted likeness in silver, swathed in a flame coloured turban and an elaborately worked shawl. At his feet are his original puja vessels, used to propitiate his family deity each morning. A painted sign requests you not to open an umbrella within the Chhatri’s precincts as it would be insulting to the great warrier’s memory.

University Buildings: The site of the Pune University, the stately mansion at Ganeshkhind, was the official residence of the Governor of Mumbai during the monsoon season. A large building in Italian-Gothic style built with the local grey trap rock, it is surrounded by a high square tower (30 metres high), a swimming pool and well kept lawns.

University Buildings Lal Deval (Synagogue): If you walk down Moledina road, you’ll come across a red brick and trap stone building in Anglo-Gothic style, almost resembling a church. It is Pune’s finest synagogue, built by the famous David Sassoon, in 1867.

The Film and Television Institute of India: If you’ve got stars in your eyes, the FTII is a must. A premier institute, FTII imparts training in all branches of the film industry and is known for having produced some of the finest professionals in the country, most of whom have won accolades abroad.

Pashan Lake:If you have time for birdwatching, head towards this little lake, 12 kms off the road to the National Defence Academy. The beautiful Pashan is home to a variety of migratory and residential birds. Plans are afoot to declare this as a bird sanctuary to protect its rare species of water birds.

Yoga Institute: Here is a place to relax if your holiday gets too hectic. The ‘Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute’ directed by Mr B K S Iyengar is an internationally reputed Yoga institution. Courses for short and long durations are conducted here, depending on your requirements and the availability of time.

The City Of Pune