5 Best Places to Visit in Pune

Pune is one of the famous tourist destinations of India which is dotted with historical sites and tourist attractions. Every year, many tourists from all over the world travel to Pune to see its tourist attractions. There are plenty of attractions in Pune to keep you occupied for a long time.

Pune is a big city with a large working population younger than most other cities in the world. However, the life in the budding IT hub is like any other cyber city, and that’s hectic, and mundane. To break these shackles, the millennials need some diversion to cut the clutter in their minds, and what better than adventure sports?

A healthy dose of adrenaline is just what you need to get re-energized and pumped up. Thankfully, being close to the mountains, there are some awesome places to enjoy thrilling adventure activities, and if that’s what you looking for, following are your best options.

With unending coastline, forts, enlightening pilgrim sites, and mesmerizing hill stations along with World Heritage Sites and wildlife sanctuaries; one cannot get enough of this state! Head to FC road. You'll find the crowd over here is fast moving and mostly young. This sums up that the majority of the crowd in Pune is young and enthusiastic. Hang around the road, look at street shops if you want to buy something.

This street is actually a place where you shouldn't visit if your partner is fond of street shopping. You can have breakfast, lunch or quick snacks on this road. Visit the famous Goodluck cafe on FC road which is the oldest cafe on this road, if you want to have quick tea sips. And yes, the place is famous for the Bun Maska and bakery products.

Exploring Pune is like knowing the city more in depth, this can be done by knowing the history and culture of the city. There are a lot of temples and holy places in the city. One can visit the famous Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple in Peth. Apart from it, one can visit the Chaturshrungi Mandir which is very close to FC Road. If you wish to visit a Gurudwara, visit The Hollywood Gurudwara in the Camp area.

Are you and your partner looking for hill stations near Pune and a place where you can get into some action by enjoying some adventure activities. Khadakwasla is a dam situated 20 km from the city of Pune. In the surroundings of Pune you can visit the Sinhagad, Torna, Purandar and Shivneri.

Best Places to Visit in Pune

Some of the major places to visit in Pune are mentioned below.

1. Sinhagad Fort

Sinhagad Fort is a historic fort located in the Sahyadri mountain range, near the city of Pune in Maharashtra, India. The fort has great historical significance, as it has been the site of many important battles, including the Battle of Sinhagad in 1670. The fort was originally known as Kondhana Fort and was built by the Bahmani Sultanate in the 14th century.

It was later captured by the Maratha Empire under the leadership of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1647. Shivaji Maharaj renamed the Fort Sinhagad, which means "Lion's Fort" in Marathi.

The fort is situated at an altitude of 1,350 meters above sea level and offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding hills and valleys. The fort complex includes several structures, including gates, bastions, temples, and a memorial of Tanaji Malusare, a brave Maratha warrior who died in the Battle of Sinhagad.

Sinhagad Fort is a popular tourist destination and is visited by thousands of people every year. The fort is also a popular trekking spot and is a favorite among adventure enthusiasts.

2. Shri Chatushrungi Devi Temple

Chaturshringi Mandir is a Hindu temple located in the city of Pune, Maharashtra, India. The temple is dedicated to the Goddess Chaturshringi, also known as Goddess Ambareshwari. The temple is situated on a hill that has four peaks, which is why it is called Chaturshringi, which means "four peaks" in Marathi.

The Mandir complex includes several smaller temples dedicated to various deities, as well as a Dharamshala (guesthouse) and a garden. The main temple has three levels, with the sanctum sanctorum located on the topmost level. The Mandir is believed to have been built during the reign of the Maratha Empire in the 18th century.

The temple is visited by thousands of devotees every year, especially during the Navratri festival when the temple is decorated and illuminated. The temple also hosts a fair during Navratri, which attracts a large number of visitors. The Mandir is considered to be one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Pune and is a must-visit for those interested in Hindu spirituality and culture.

3. Aga Khan Palace

The Aga Khan Palace is a historical landmark located in the city of Pune, Maharashtra, India. The palace was built in 1,892 by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III, who was the 48th Imam of the Nizari Ismaili community. The palace is spread over 19 acres of land and is known for its magnificent architecture and lush green surroundings.

The palace is closely associated with India's freedom struggle, as it served as a prison for several prominent freedom fighters, including Mahatma Gandhi, who was imprisoned here with his wife Kasturba Gandhi, his secretary Mahadev Desai, and Sarojini Naidu. The palace also served as a refugee camp during World War II.

The Aga Khan Palace is a popular tourist attraction and is managed by the Archaeological Survey of India. The palace has been converted into a museum that houses several exhibits and photographs related to India's freedom struggle, including the personal belongings of Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba Gandhi. The palace also has a memorial dedicated to Kasturba Gandhi, who died while in captivity at the palace.

The palace is a must-visit for those interested in Indian history and culture and is known for its serene and peaceful surroundings, making it an ideal spot for a picnic or a leisurely walk.

4. Shaniwar Wada

Shaniwar Wada is a historical fortification in the city of Pune, Maharashtra, India. It was built in 1,732 by the Peshwa Baji Rao I, who was the prime minister of the Maratha Empire. The fort was originally intended to serve as the Peshwa's residence and was designed to be a grand and impressive structure.

The fort was built using stone and brick, and it had five gates and nine bastions. The main gate, called the Delhi Darwaza, was the largest and most impressive. The fort also had a large courtyard, a fountain, and several buildings within its walls.

Shaniwar Wada is closely associated with the history of the Maratha Empire and is known for the several important events that took place within its walls. The fort was the site of several battles, and it also played a significant role in the political and cultural life of the Maratha Empire. The fort was witness to the rise and fall of the Maratha Empire and the struggle for power among the various factions of the Maratha leadership.

Shaniwar Wada is a popular tourist attraction and is managed by the Archaeological Survey of India. The fort is open to visitors and is a popular spot for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and those interested in Indian culture and heritage. The fort is illuminated at night, making it a popular spot for evening walks and picnics.

5. Pune-Okayama Friendship Garden

The Pune-Okayama Friendship Garden does not exist. However, there is a Japanese garden in Pune called the Pu La Deshpande Garden, also known as the Pune-Okayama Friendship Garden. It is named after the famous Marathi writer and humorist, Pu La Deshpande, and was inaugurated in 1999 as a symbol of the friendship and cultural exchange between the cities of Pune and Okayama.

The garden is spread over an area of 10 acres and features several traditional elements of Japanese gardens, including a tea house, a koi pond, a rock garden, and several varieties of Japanese plants and trees. The garden also has a Zen garden, a bamboo grove, and a waterfall. The garden is known for its serene and peaceful atmosphere and is a popular spot for visitors to relax and unwind.

The Pu La Deshpande Garden is a must-visit for those interested in Japanese culture and gardens. The garden is a beautiful tribute to the friendship between Pune and Okayama and is a symbol of the strong cultural ties between the two cities.

The above account includes some of the must-visit places in Pune. Apart from these, there are many other places to visit in Pune. This account will help you to get familiar with the major tourist attractions in Pune.

Kalyan Panja