Pune is known as ‘Oxford of East’
because of its numerous colleges and institutions from Engineering, Medical,
Arts, Science and Commerce. There are students from all over the world coming
down to Pune to join these colleges and institutions. Pune is the second
largest state in Maharashtra and name was derived from Sanskrit word ‘Punya’
which means’ Virtue’.
Pune is a cosmopolitan city,
where people speak Marathi, Hindi and English as well. It is known for various
cultural events / activities like sports, drama, music and literature.
City Attractions:
Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum
This is one man collection of Dr
Kelkar dedicated to his son Raja who died an untimely tragic death.
It includes 21,000 priceless
artifacts which mirror the everyday life of India.
Shaniwar Wada
Built as residence of Peshwas in
the year 1732 AD. The fort was destroyed by fire in the year 1828 and only
survives is the structure for tourist attraction.
Once a seven storied structure
only remains now with fortification walls with five gateways and nine bastions
that enclose the entire palace.
Aga Khan Palace
The Aga Khan Palace located in
Pune was built in the year 1892 by Sultan Muhammad Shah, Aga Khan III. The main
aim for building Aga Khan Palace was to provide help and shelter to poor people
residing nearby areas of Pune.
Aga Khan Palace was built with
lavish decorated guest rooms and suites which can give you a glimpse of royal
heritage buildings of the past.
Palace holds a significance as it
was prison for Mahatma Gandhi, his wife Kasturba Gandhi and his secretary
Mahadev Bhai Desai from 1942 till 1944. Both Kusturba Gandhi and Mahadev Bhai
Desai died at Aga Khan Palace during their imprisonment and have their
memorials located at the same place.
Saras Baug
Is a park where once occupied by
a small lake. The park is occupied by joggers, early morning and evening
walkers.
Saras Park is famous and popular
as a picnic spot and only 1 km far from Swargate. It also has Ganpati temple
located inside known as ‘Talyatla Ganpati’.
Katraj Snake Park
Only one in the country which is
known for its work towards snakes and reptiles.
Snake Park is famous for its rare
species of Brown Palm Civet.
A zoo and garden located nearby
is also worth visiting.
Sinhadag Fort
The Lion’s Forth is located in
south of Pune city and located above 800 meters on a hill.
Currently very famous for
trekking from the base till the top.
The natural view of the city can
be seen from this fort
The fort is also a part of
National Defense Academy. Cadets from academy are usually sent for runs and
trekking.
Khadakwasala dam
The main source of water supply
to Pune is from Khadakwasala Dam. This dam was built in 1879 as a masonry
gravity dam and later rebuilt in 1961.
Is famous as an evening hang out
spot as it is far from busy city lives, noise and pollution
The home of Flora and Fauna which
attract a lot of visitors and bird lovers.
Osho Ashram
A mediation resort where visitors
can learn the art of living live, relax and enjoy company of visitor of all
ages from around the world.
Helps you in learning techniques
specially designed for over charged mind and stress impacted bodies.
Beautiful paradise where you can
stay and relax at a affordable price.
Also visit beautiful garden
located near the ashram at a walk able distance.
Pune Tribal Cultural Museum
Pune Tribal Cultural Museum is
located near to Don Bosco School which at a distance of 15 minutes from Pune
Railway station. Pune Tribal Museum showcases the tribal lifestyle of
Maharashtrian Tribal communities.
This museum is well maintained
and contains well documented photographs, artifacts, handicrafts, ornaments and
daily used articles of tribal communities. Museum displays the different cultures
of the tribal communities of Sahyadri and Godwana regions.
Things to do:
Shopping – Lot of places to shop
like M.G.Road, Laxmi Road, Tulshi Baug, Fashion Street, DP Road, Hong Kong
Lane, Koregaon Park and FC Road.
Paragliding – Located at Kamshet
which is an hour drive from Pune, you can learn paragliding with Nirvana
Paragliding School from Oct – June.
Bird Watching – Tourist can do
bird watching and boating if they make it on the right time in parks of Pune.
Water Park – In Panshet, a nearby
dam from Pune, you can enjoy water sport activities.
Restaurants – Pune is famous for
its eating joints. Lot of options and places to eat. It offers a choice
of cuisines including Italian, French, Thai, Mexican, Japanese, Spanish and
Arabic.
Places nearby to visit:
Beaches – Diveagar, Ali Baug,
Hill Stations –Lonavala,
Panchgani, Mahabaleshwar and Matheran are nearby places to Pune and can be
visited when you are in and around Pune.
Famous for:
Nightclubs, Eating joints,
Shopping, Educational colleges and Institutes.
Suggestions:
Most affordable and convenient
way would be by hiring car or motorbike to check out places within the city.
