Pune, also commonly known as the ‘Oxford of the east’, is a city, which has a perfect amalgamation of past and the present.

Being a part of Maharashtra known as the cultural capital of the state, the city has lots to offer including spectacular places, heritage structures, colleges, universities, and above all the real beauty of nature.

If you are interested in history or spirituality, love nature, or even if you are a common man wanting to visit a place with all sorts of uniqueness, Pune would fulfill all your desires.

Shaniwar Wada 

The historical palace of Shaniwar Wada is one of the finest examples of the glory of Maratha Empire located in the Pune city.

Designed in 1732 by Bajirao I, the Peshwa of the Maratha Empire, Shaniwar Wada was once the headquarters of the Peshwas until 1818.

The fort that stands today lies in ruins to an extent due to a fire that razed most of it in 1828, but its past glory can still be sensed.

The huge doors, thick walls, the remnants of the fountains and gardens give an idea about the architectural wonders created by Marathas.

It also uses historical stories and legends, thereby making the fort rather mysterious.

Suggested reading:- Shaniwar Wada timings and images.

Address:-  Shaniwar Peth, Pune, Maharashtra 411030.

Aga Khan Palace 

Apart from being an architectural brilliance, the Aga Khan Palace has a freedom struggle of historic importance in India.

Constructed during the early 1890 s by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III, this palace was used as shelter to famine victims later on, at the same time, it was also be transformed into a prison to confine Mahatma Gandhi including his wife Kasturba Gandhi and many other freedom fighters during the Quit India Movement in the year 1942.

The palace has been converted into a museum which contains articles of use to Gandhi, letters and photographs.

Aga Khan Palace is an excellent place for history and architectural lovers since it features beautiful Italian arches, spacious green lawns, and exists in a calm environment.

You can also delve into Aga Khan Palace all you need to know.

Address:- Samrat Ashok Rd, Kalyani Nagar, Pune, Maharashtra 411006.

Sinhagad Fort 

 Sinhagad Fort can be found 35 kms from Pune to southwest of the city. It is a historic fort perched atop a cliff that gives a magnificent view of the surrounding terrain.

Many battles have been fought in the fort with the most notable being the Battle of Sinhagad in 1670 which was a duel between the Marathas led by Tanaji Malusare and the Mughals.

Due to the steep slopes of the fort and the rough path to reach the place, many tourists and history lovers visit the fort.

When one gets to the top, you are treated to breathtaking views, history, and almost a time-travel.

Address:- Sinhagad Ghat Road, Thoptewadi, Maharashtra 411025.

Website:- Maharashtra Tourism.

Osho Ashram 

Sited in the quiet residential area of Koregaon Park, the Osho Ashram is a religious pilgrimage center for people from all over the world.

Located originally in Poona, India the ashram was started by the spiritual guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh now known as Osho, where people gather to learn about spirituality and meditate.

The beautiful environment surrounded by greenery, the calmness of the compound, and various techniques of meditation makes the place a perfect place of self-actualization.

The ashram also has Osho Teerth Park developed with the facilities to refresh urbanites, an Osho Zen Garden.

Address:- 17, 1st Ln, Koregaon Park, Pune, Maharashtra 411001.

Website:- Osho Meditation.

Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple 

The Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple is one of the major religious centers of the city & every year thousands of people come to pay their respects.

Private temple, it was constructed by a sweet maker Dagdusheth Halwai in the end of the nineteenth century and is devoted to Lord Ganesha.

A Big statue of Ganesha is installed here and the decoration with gold and jewels is remarkable.

During the Ganesh Chaturthi festival the temple gets decorated and various types of music, dancing and procession takes place in the temple.

Considering all these facts, the robust spirit of the temple as well as its religious importance cannot leave any tourist or traveler, who is in the city for exploration, unnoticed.

Address:- Ganpati Bhavan, 250, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Rd, Mehunpura, Budhwar Peth, Pune, Maharashtra 411002.

Website:- Dagdusheth Temple. 

Sarasbaug Ganpati Temple 

 There is another well-known temple in the city – Sarasbaug Ganpati Temple found in the garden.

It is a temple of Lord Ganesha constructed in the 18th century by the Peshwa ruler, Shrimant Balaji Baji Rao.

The area where the temple is located is calm and meditative with a lovely lake and lots of greenery and trees which gives the devotee as well as the visitors a quiet and pious vibe.

Especially during Ganesh Chaturthi people throng the temple in large numbers, thousands of them, as they seek the blessings of Lord Ganpati.

Address:- Survey No 2170, Saras Baug, Pune – 411009 (Near Swargate, Opposite Nehru Stadium, Sadashiv Peth)

Pataleshwar Cave Temple 

It is an example of rock-cut architecture built during the early medieval period and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

It is an old temple of the 8th century A.D built by carving a single rock, basalt in this case, that perfectly demonstrated the advancement in engineering that the early society possessed.

There are sacred worship rooms, and sub-temples; also there is a statue of the sacred Nandi bull.

Pataleshwar Cave Temple as such is quite a pretty and a religious place where one can meditate and takes some time out of the noisy Mumbai.

Due to the revelations of history and architecture, the temple attracts history lovers and devotees.

Read about the history of Pataleshwar temple.

Address:- Jangali Maharaj Rd, Revenue Colony, Pune, Maharashtra 411005.

Pune University (Savitribai Phule Pune University)

The Savitribai Phule University was set up in 1949 and currently constitutes as one of the principal universities in India.

It was founded in 1917 and the university occupies the area of 411 acres; it is truly one of the most attractive campuses in the city with many architectural and landscape marvels.

The crowning of the main building and Gothic-style architecture makes it easily noticeable from other structures within the city.

The campus also has the Jayakar library which is one of the eminent libraries of the country having a collection of rare books and manuscripts.

The university located in Pune has the peaceful atmosphere and historical background in the field of education making it special in the cultural area.

Address:- Ganeshkhind Rd, Ganeshkhind, Pune, Maharashtra 411007.

Website:- Uni Pune.

Parvati Hill 

Parvati hill is one among the beautiful locations of the city and makes a scenic viewing point of the city.

The hill has the Parvati temple for the goddess Parvati and other temples devoted for other gods and goddesses of Hindus.

The temples are a fine piece of Maratha architecture and were constructed during the regime of the Peshwas.

It takes 108 large steps to reach the top of the temple, these are places of worship and meditation.

The architectural marvel nestled in the hill also has a museum showcasing articles from the Peshwa’s rule.

Address:- Parvati, Pune – 411009 (Near Saras Baug).

Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum 

Those who would want to expand their knowledge on cultural heritage of the city then should consider paying a visit to the Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum.

Located in Kumar Motor Trend, Mulund, the museum initiated by Dr.

Dinkar G.Kelkar in memory of his son has over 20,000 artifacts.

These include; sculptures, music instruments, ornaments, textile and any other objects from different parts of India.

Even the professed art lover who has a great interest in viewing art from different parts of the world including Asia can learn quite a few things about India’s traditions and workmanship from the museum’s collection.

Other areas and creations include the Mastani Mahal, which depicts a recreated look of a palace that once belonged to Mastani, the Bajirao’s mistress.

Address:- No. 1377/78, Kamal Kunj, Bajirao Rd, Natu Baag, Shukrawar Peth, Pune, Maharashtra 411002.

Website:- Pune Tourism. 

Shinde Chhatri 

Shinde Chhatri is a memorial built for warrior and a great leader of marathas, Mahadji Shinde, who played a significant role in reestablishing the might of Marathas in North India in 18th century.

The memorial was constructed in the year 1794 and consists of Rajasthani and Indo Saracenic architecture in use.

Due to the sophisticated carving work, stained glass windows and serene atmosphere Shinde Chhatri is quite important for those who study the history of architecture of the city.

Read in detail who Mahadji Shinde was.

Address:- Wanawadi Rd, Cantonment, Pune, Maharashtra 411001.

Pashan Lake 

For example, Pashan Lake which is a small but beautiful expanse of water nestled within the city.

Sangeenkola was built as a water reservoir to cater the nearby areas, but now it is turned into a perfect place for bird watching and for organizing picnics.

The lake is riveted by the green vegetation hence making it calm in this area.

The recommended time for bird watching is in the morning and late in the evening when you can see all types of birds of the migratory and resident types.

The water of Pashan Lake appears very still and the environment is ideal to engage in leisurely activities.

Address:- Pashan, Pune, Maharashtra 411021.

Website:- Pune Tourism.

National War Memorial 

The National War Memorial is situated in South India, which comes under the administrative control of Southern Command.

 The National War Memorial in Pune is of Southern Command which is dedicated to the soldiers of Indian Armed Forces who sacrificed their lives for the country.

The memorial was founded in 1998 and includes a museum with actual weapons and uniforms of the Indian Army as well as other relics of the wars that the country was engaged in.

The memorial also comprises a symbol of a soldier over 25-feet tall and the wall with the list of the martyrs.

The calm and the feeling of patriotism which this memorial gives – it all makes this place rather sad, but beautiful.

Address:- Prince of Wales Dr, Ghorpuri Lines, Dobarwadi, Ghorpadi, Pune, Maharashtra 411001.

Website:- Southern Command.

Khadakwasla Dam 

Khadakwasla Dam being just 20 kilometers away from Pune is a favorite spot to visit during the weekends.

The location of the dam is on Mutha River and therefore, the surrounding area is ideal for picnickings and other entertaining activities.

Sinhagad Fort and Peacock Bay are also close by and make the place even more appealing.

The best time to see the beauty of the dam is during the monsoon season because the hills surrounding the dam turn green and the reservoir occupies the maximum amount of water.

Website:- Pune Gov.

Mulshi Lake and Dam 

Another attraction that is a must visit place near the city is Mulshi Lake and Dam, which is very famous for its natural beauty.

This dam site is on the Mula River and the lake is flanked by the lovely Sahyadri mountain ranges.

It is a central hub for the lovers of nature and the adventurous activities which include trekking, camping as well as bird watching.

The climate around the lake is cool, fine and quite suitable for any quiet and escapade because the lake sports a calm environment with the background encompassed by hills.

If you are wondering what to do in Mulshi, here is a detailed read.

Address:- Pune District, Maharashtra; India

Pune Okayama Friendship Garden (Pu La Deshpande Garden)

Pu La Deshpande Garden or as more formally known as Okayama Friendship Garden.

 The Okayama Friendship Garden or, as it is also called, Pu La Deshpande Garden is a picturesque Japanese style garden in Pune.

The garden is approximately 41 hectares: it is one of the manifestations of the friendly relations between India and Japan and is built according to the project of the Korakuen Garden in Okayama, Japan.

The garden has some well trimmed green lawns and also has water fountains, streams, small bridges and different varieties of plants making it very peaceful and beautiful.

Address:- Pune Okayama Friendship Garden, Dattawadi, Pune, Maharashtra 411030.

Chaturshringi Temple 

Located on the top of the hill on Senapati Bapat Road, the Chaturshringi Temple is a religious spot for Hindus, which is devoted to Goddess Chaturshringi or Goddess Amareshwari.

There are temples for Lord Ganesha and the Navagraha which are regarded as nine planetary deities.

It is noteworthy that in order to get to the main temple, one has to go up roughly 100 steps, which presents a spiritual experience as well as views of the city.

The temple more or less remains active throughout the year; however, during Navratri, the temple becomes a center of attraction for the people of Pune.

Because of this serene environment and religious importance it is a notable landmark in the city.

Address:- 971, Senapati Bapat Rd, Sheti Mahamandal, Shivaji Co operative Housing Society, Ramoshivadi, Gokhalenagar, Pune, Maharashtra 411016.

Website:- Chaturshringi Temple.

FAQ