Key Takeaways:
- Pune beautifully blends rich Maratha history with scenic landscapes, making it a captivating destination for history lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.
- Iconic sites like Sinhagad Fort, Shaniwar Wada, and Aga Khan Palace offer deep insights into India’s cultural and freedom struggle heritage.
- With easy access via affordable flights and a pleasant climate, Pune invites travelers to explore its hidden gems and vibrant local culture year-round.
Have you ever wondered where history rests beneath the shade of hills? Where culture flows as freely as rivers? Come to Pune, where the calm Sahyadri hills hug the spot where two rivers meet. This city breathes Maratha legends, softly sharing tales from its rich past. Sitting 560 meters high, Pune basks in gentle weather through every season. Affordable flights from Indian Eagle make traveling here easy. These five key attractions give you a glimpse into what makes Pune special.
Sinhagad Fort:
Sinhagad, formerly Kondhana, stands near Pune. It witnessed Maratha bravery. The 1670 battle led by Tanaji Malusare is just part of its story. Hidden marvels emerge: ancient rainwater systems that defied the siege, and Yashwanti, the fearless monitor lizard, who scaled the fort’s treacherous cliffs alongside warriors. Inside, memorials to Rajaram I and temples dedicated to fierce deities Kali and Hanuman stand as guardians of history.
Shaniwar Wada:
You’ve probably heard of Shaniwar Wada. It’s this old fort in Pune built by Peshwa Bajirao I back in 1732. They wanted to make it a huge seven-story stone palace, but royal rules meant they only got as far as the stone base. The rest was built with bricks. It was the heart of the Maratha Empire’s politics for decades. The fort is famous for its huge walls and teak gates, and the spooky story of Peshwa Narayanrao’s assassination in 1773. Still roaming around, his ghost is said to be. Much of the structure was wiped out by a fire in 1828, yet the stone walls remain.
Also Read: Pune Travel Guide
Parvati Hill:
When you climb, you find calm inside yourself. You climb because the challenge is waiting, rising up ahead. And you climb for those rare moments when you’re high above the city, and everything feels calm and still. At 2,100 feet, Parvati Hill offers all three. The 103 steps are not only a path but a ritual. Temples greet visitors at the summit. They were built by the Peshwas and sit among trees. To Shiva, Ganesh, Vishnu, and Rukmini, four shrines belong. Nearby, old weapons, coins, and portraits are displayed in a small museum. Before you, the city. Around you, the air, still and full of stories.
Aga Khan Palace:
Who was Aga Khan Palace named after? Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III. It is one of India’s key historical landmarks. Originally erected with the noble intent of aiding the impoverished during times of famine in nearby regions, Aga Khan Palace has since borne witness to myriad historical roles. It acted as a refuge for the underprivileged, a prison for freedom fighters including Mahatma Gandhi, Kasturba, and Mahadev Desai, and now serves as the headquarters of the Gandhi Memorial Society as well as a famous tourist destination in Pune. This is the place where the ashes of Gandhiji are kept.
Spanning 19 acres, the Aga Khan Palace stands majestically with its Italian arches and perfectly maintained green lawns. Inside, five halls preserve portraits of India’s freedom fighters and display personal belongings of Gandhiji. Visitors can also explore a Khadi and handloom textile shop. A beautiful harmony of history and architecture, this palace ranks among Pune’s most important landmarks to explore.
Pune-Okayama Friendship Garden or Pu La Deshpande Udyan:
Nestled in Okayama, Kōraku-en Garden is a stunning traditional garden that has stood for over 300 years. If you haven’t visited it yet or wish to revisit, you can fulfil this wish second-hand while you are in Pune. Yes! The Pu La Deshpande Udyan on Sinhagad Road is inspired by the Japanese culture and ideology of gardening and is the largest Japanese garden in Asia, situated outside of Japan.
Spreading across 10 acres, this tourist attraction in Pune is the perfect spot to find peace. Although walking on the lawn is not permitted owing to maintenance reasons, the walking paths take you through the diverse landscape of the garden comprising artificial ponds, waterfalls, hills, forest, well-cared green lawns, and plants. The waters of a natural canal flow through the garden. You can watch the colorful fish residing in the waters from a bridge dramatically built in the center of the garden. This garden is named in honor of the famous Marathi writer and humorist, Pu La Deshpande and its other name ‘Pune-Okayama Friendship Garden’ illustrates the friendly ties between India and Japan.
Also Read: Outdoor Activities in Pune
Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum:
You push open the museum door and step into another time. There’s the gentle curve of an old sitar, polished to a soft shine. A towering wooden door stands beside it, every groove telling tales of forgotten artisans. And then, the jewel of the place: a majestic recreation of a royal chamber that makes you forget you’re in the middle of modern Pune. It’s packed with over 20,000 items collected by one man in memory of his son. There’s art, history, culture, and basically everything cool about India in one spot. Even if you’re not a “museum person,” this one’s worth checking out. Trust me, you’ll come out amazed (and probably with lots of photos too).
Want to visit Pune’s historic gems? Indian Eagle offers cheap flights. Sinhagad Fort, Shaniwar Wada, and Aga Khan Palace are closer than you think.
FAQs
What is the best time to visit Pune?
Pune enjoys gentle weather year-round due to its elevation (560 meters). However, the most pleasant time to visit is from October to February when the climate is cool and comfortable.
What are the top historical places to visit in Pune?
Key historical attractions include Sinhagad Fort, Shaniwar Wada, Aga Khan Palace, Parvati Hill, and Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum.
Is Sinhagad Fort suitable for a day trip?
Yes! Sinhagad Fort is located near Pune and makes for an excellent day trip. It offers beautiful trekking routes, historical sites, and scenic views.
Is the Pune-Okayama Friendship Garden kid-friendly?
Yes! The garden is a peaceful, safe environment with walking paths and beautiful water features. However, walking on the lawns is prohibited to maintain the garden’s upkeep.
Can I visit Aga Khan Palace to learn about India’s freedom struggle?
Absolutely. Aga Khan Palace holds great historical significance, as it was once a prison for Mahatma Gandhi and other freedom fighters. It houses portraits, personal items, and Gandhi’s ashes.
| Disclaimer: Indian Eagle claims no credit for the images featured on its blog site. All the visual content is copyrighted to its respective owners only. We mention the source name of the image whenever possible and found. However, if we miss acknowledging the owner’s source, please contact us. In case, owners don’t want us to use their images, we will remove them promptly. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist, and photographer. |
