Pune is a city located in the western state of Maharashtra, India. It is known as the "Oxford of the East" due to its reputation as a center for education and research. Pune is home to numerous educational institutions, including renowned universities, colleges, and research centers. It attracts students from all over India and abroad, making it a vibrant academic hub. It has a rich historical background and served as the capital of the Maratha Empire under the rule of the Peshwas. Many historical monuments and landmarks in Pune reflect its glorious past.
The city has a vibrant cultural scene with a blend of traditional Maharashtrian culture and modern influences. It hosts various cultural festivals, music concerts, and art exhibitions throughout the year. Pune has emerged as a major IT and industrial hub in India. It houses numerous multinational IT companies, automobile manufacturers, and other industries. The city's economy has experienced significant growth in recent years. Pune is known for its diverse and delicious food. From street food like vada pav and misal pav to traditional Maharashtrian delicacies and global cuisines, Pune offers a wide range of culinary experiences. Best places to visit in pune are :
SHANIWAR WADA : once the seat of the Peshwa governance in Pune is a 286-year-old mansion and is one of the finest examples of architecture in the city. It is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in Maharashtra.. This grand mansion was built by the Peshwa Bajirao I himself as the residence of the Peshwas. Although the Wada currently covers an area of 625 acres, in its heyday it covered almost the entire area of the city itself. The place never fails to amaze the visitor with its various forts and fountain, and the majestic statue of Baji Rao I that greets the visitor at the entrance of the palace. Although most of the Wada was destroyed by an unexplained fire in 1828, what remains of it is equally thrilling and majestic.
The Shaniwar Wada, although ridden with tales of treachery and deceit, is one of the last standing testimonies to the grandeur, valour, and the just rule of the Peshwas. The entire old part of the city of Pune is laid out in a chaotic yet ironically, orderly fashion all around this historical structure. It is around Shaniwar Wada that you will find the oldest markets of Pune including Laxmi Road, Tulshibaug, Ravivar Peth etc. It is said that on a full moon night the fort is haunted by the ghost of a former Peshwa king Narayanrao as he was murdered in the palace by his aunt and uncle - Anandi and Raghunathrao. However, there is not a shred of evidence to support such claims.
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AGA KHAN PALACE : Is situated in Pune and was built by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III in the year 1892. It is one of the most important landmarks in Indian history and has been instrumental in many defining moments of India's independence. It was once the site where Mahatma Gandhi, his wife Kasturba Gandhi, as well as Sarojini Naidu and Mahadev Desai were held prisoners. Aga Khan Palace is well known both for its architectural excellence as well as its historical significance. Spread over a vast land of 19 acres, the palace is now the headquarters of the Gandhi National Memorial society. Here, making khadi is still one of the prime activities. The Sultan built the palace to support the poor in the neighbouring areas who were hit by a famine.
In the memory of Kasturba Gandhi and Mahadev Desai, architect Charles Corea had their memorials built in the premises of the palace. The palace houses a museum which holds a rich collection of pictures. There are also other items like the personal belongings of Gandhi. The Palace also has the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi buried in its ground. In 2003, the monument was declared to be of national importance.
OSHO ASHRAM : located at Koregaon Park in Pune, is a place known for its serenity and surreal practices of meditation and love to achieve divinity. It is popularly known as Osho Meditation Resort and it is a unique blend of meditation and the Greek concept of resort stay. The Ashram is a tranquil place which brings you to your own centre of peace, meditation, and oneness. The ideologies of Osho also can be found here. Shrouded in mystery, awe, and mysticism; The Osho Ashram is open only for its members.
Non-members are required to buy a one-day pass to visit the premises. Started in 1974, Osho Ashram witnesses a huge number of visitors throughout the year, especially the foreigners. This exciting and intense place has quite a distinctive atmosphere. The members here can indulge in various dynamic meditation sessions and therapies throughout the day. Interested folks can choose from the Osho guesthouse or the Osho living in the program, according to their whim.
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KATRAJ SNAKE PARK : Is the most visited and loved tourist attraction in the Rajiv Gandhi Zoo that is located in Katraj, near the city of Pune in India. The Rajiv Gandhi is a famous and grand zoo that is spread over an area of 130 acres and is managed by the Pune Municipal Corporation. It is divided into three parts: the central zoo, an animal orphanage, and the most famous of all: the Katraj Snake Park. The snake park has successfully managed to acquaint thousands of visitors with the unusual and fascinating wildlife through its extensive collection of snakes, reptiles, birds and turtles.
The Katraj Snake Park is a time-tested proof that fantastic and fun-filled places necessarily need not be expensive. The snake park is home to over 22 species of snakes with ten species of reptiles, that comprises of more than 150 individuals. This marvellous collection also includes a 13-foot long king cobra. In 1986, Mr Neelam Kumar Khaire, who was the first director of the park, with assistance from the Pune Municipal Corporation, had created the Katraj Snake Park on the land that was to become the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park later on. The park since then has garnered thousands of nature enthusiasts and animal lovers.
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SINHAGAD FORT : Located in the Sahyadri Mountains, Sinhagad Fort is an ancient fortress known for its historical significance and architecture. It was once known as Kondhana and has witnessed a number of battles; one notable battle being the 1670 Battle of Sinhagad. The name, “Sinhagad”, literally means Lion’s Fort signifying its strength and brilliance. Today, the structure is a perfect landmark for trekkers as it is located at a height of over 750 metres in the Sahyadri Mountains. In fact, the fort is strategically built right in the centre of the line of Maratha forts built in the Sahyadris. Some of these citadels are the Rajgad Fort, Torna Fort and the Purandar Fort. The place is also famous among photographers and nature lovers. Sinhagad Fort and its surroundings mostly provide a good environment for a quick getaway. People living nearby often head to the attraction over the weekend. Back in the time, renowned personalities like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Mahatma Gandhi have also visited the fort for meetings and holidays.
NATIONAL DEFENCE ACADMEY : The National Defence Academy, also known as NDA is an academy for Indian armed services and is located 20 kilometres away from Pune. Members from the three defence services: The Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force train together until they are sent for their separate commissioning. The NDA campus is in Khadakwasla, South-West of Pune and the campus area is around 7000 acres. One of the reasons why the campus location was chosen was because of its proximity to the Khadakwasla lake. The academy is often called an ideal combination of perfection and heroism. Therefore, anyone who is aspiring to join the defence, this is one opportunity to witness true patriotic spirit.
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TORNA FORT : Was the first fort that was captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and that also during his teenage years. Hence, it is recognised as a significant historical monument. Like most Maratha forts, this fort is also located in the Western Ghats of India and at present, it is also identified as the fort located on the highest point in Pune district and a famous tourist attraction.
Those looking for a weekend getaway can head to Torna Fort to be in the midst of nature and explore the ruins and its scenic surroundings. Although the attraction is open for visitors in all seasons, monsoons are deemed perfect to explore the fort. Torna Fort is also known for its picturesque and thrilling surroundings. In fact, this region and the mountain slopes are quite famous among trekking enthusiasts. Most advanced level trekking expeditions are arranged from the base to the fort by adventure groups. Those who want to explore the region but are not so keen on participating in an adventure activity can go on short nature walks with friends and family.
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