Pune Tourist Attractions, Maharashtra

Though Pune is not a typical tourist destination, it still houses numerous rare specimen of history and several other attractive places.Hugely popular with the corporate travellers, this friendly city has plenty to offer to those who love art, literature and culture.


Aga Khan Palace
Built in 1892 by Aga Khan III, the architecture of the palace is an imitation of the mid-18th century American era having touches of the Baroque. Apart from its architectuaral beauty, this place is historically important.During "Quit India Movement" in 1942, the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi, his wife Karturba Gandhi and Mahadeobhai Desai were imprisoned here.It was here only Kasturba and Mahadeobahi, took their last breath. Marble memorials of the departed soul surrounded with well spread out lawns make the memorial a beautiful site.

Appu Ghar
Immensely popular with the kids , it is located at Indira Gandhi Udyan.It offers several amusement activities.This lovely theme park with its well-manicured lawns and illuminated pathways is a popular picnic spot.

Bund Garden
Now known as as the Mahatma Gandhi Udyan,it is located on the right bank of the Mula Mutha river.
A beautiful gift of Sir Jamshedji Jeejeebhoy, it was mainly constructed for providing water to the poor during summer. Today it is a popular with the featness freak as it offers several well-designed jogging track and boating facilities.The garden is away from the noisy environment of the city,surrounded by beautiful flowers,it offers great relaxation.

Chatushrungi Mata Temple
Located on a hillock off Senapati Bapat Road , this temple is dedicated to the Goddess which attracts thousand of devotees during Navaratri festival.

David Synagogue
Constructed by David Sassoon in 1861 in Byculla near to Pune,it is a fine replica of Victorian architectural style, efficiently managed by Sit Jacob Sassoon Charity trust .The frontal pillars reflect Gothic style.

Dehu
It was the birth place of the poet saint Tukaram located at the shore of the Indravati River. Dehu Temple, built by the youngest son of Tukaram, is believed to be built in the 18th century.Lord Pandurang is the main deity here.The place Tukaram attained Moksha is situated nearby.There is a rock on which Tukaram observed 13 day fast in standing and a garden dedicated to his wife situated nearby Dehu.

A temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa is a prime religious attraction in Dehu.

Katraj Snake Park
Established in 1986, it is replete with a collection of reptiles, birds and turtles.With the opening of a zoo,this park is a delight for the animal lovers .It houses the rare species of Brown Palm Civet.A zoo and a garden located nearby are also worth visiting.

Mahatma Phule Museum
Established in 1875, presently known as Mahatma Phule Vastu Sangrahalaya ,it is located in the heart of the city . The museum houses marble statues, brassware items, stone carvings and oil paintings. It also displays several acts, textile and jewelery items, handicrafts and items related to geology, agriculture, forestry, natural history and industry.It has a well-maintained library .

Mulshi Lake and Dam
A perfect picnic spot surrounded by scenic beauty.The Lake is formed in the catchments area of Mulshi dam.The place is full of dense forests offering the spectacular view of several wild animals,colored birds and trees.It has ancient forts like Koraigadh and Dhangad.

National War Museum
Built in memory of the great sacrifice made by the India's war fighters by express citizen’s forum, an organization of Pune citizens.

Osho Ashram
Founded by Osho Rajneesh , the Osho International Commune situated in Koregaon park spans over 32 acres of beautiful campus. Thousands of foreigners come to take part in the meditation courses organized by the Ashram. An international mediatation resort for yoga and meditation, it organizes regular training programs on spiritual uplift .Its serene ambience is ideally suited for self introspection.

Panshet Water Park
Located in the beautiful natural setting,this water park is lying between Varasgaon Dam and Panshet Dam .It is an ideal spot that offers plenty of opportunities for water sports like kayaking, swimming, water scooters, excellent rides on speed boats and wind surfing. Adventure lovers will have a great time here.

Parvati Hill Temples
Built during 17th century, this temple is located on the Parvati hill .Originally ,only the Peshwa rulers used to pray in this temple.It has the idols of Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha, Lord Vishu, Devateshwar and Lord Karthikeya. An ideal place for trekking. Nearby attractions include Parvati Museum that houses old manuscripts, rare coins and weapons.

Pashan Lake
An artificial lake located in the outskirts of the city,this lake is the natural abode of many migratory birds .During the rainy season, the lake becomes colourful and vibrant with rare species of birds.It also offers a relaxing atmosphere.

Pataleshwar Caves
Carved out of a single hard stone,it is located in the middle of Jangli Maharaj Road.The main deity of the temple is Pataleshwar.The construction style resembles the Elephanta caves.At the entrance of the cave temple,there is another temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and a Nandi Mandapam.

Raj Dinakar Kelkar Museum
Established in 1962 by Baba Dinkar Kelkar in memory of his son and donated to the Maharashtra government in 1975 ,this museum houses 20,000 different articles personally collected by Baba Kelkar from every nook and corner of the world.

Saras Garden
Sitting like a flat oyster ,it is located at one end of the city. Sarasbaug surrouned by lush greenary offers ideal jogging and walking tracks and it is also the meeting point of several puneites.
The garden houses a famous temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha built in 1774 by Madhav Rao Peshwa.There is a Ganesh Murthi museum having large number of Ganesh statues.

Shaniwar Wada
Built by Bajiroa 1st in 1736,the Shaniwar Wada was once the palace of the great Peshwa rulers.The historic palace of the Peshwa (Prime Ministers) rulers became the seat of political power during the reign of Bajirao. To this date, the palace has become the symbol of the city and its culture The wada (Fort) was destroyed in a major fire in 1827, the cause of which remains a mystery till date.

Shinde's Chhatri
Situated at a place called Wanowri,this building is constructed as a memorial of the Maratha noble character Shri Mahadju Shinde.The most distinct feature of the building apart from its slendid architecture is that the building has been constructed following the rules of Vaasthu Hara.

St. Mary's Church
An ancient church built by British people in 1825,its structure is a delightful blend of British and Indian architectural styles.The church still uses pipe organs of about 130 years old and the mortal remains of Sir Robert Grant,
the reputed writer of religious lyrics is placed under the floors of the church.

Tribal Museum
Managed and maintained by Tribal Research and training Institute,museum showcases the social and cultural life of various tribes namelyMarai ,tribes, Bahiram tribes, Wagdheo tribes and Danteswari tribes.

Tulsi Baug
A a well known shopping area and extremely popular with the women, it is famous for Maharashtrian wares and cookery items, cosmetics, jewelry and all types of household item . One area of the market is exclusively meant forfresh vegetables, fruits and other items.

Vishram Bagh Waada
This three storey great old palace at present in ruins was constructed by Peshwa during the 18th century .The carved woodwork of the balcony made of pure Saag wood surrounding the entrance of this building reflects the great Maratha architectural taste of the rulers.

The Film and Television Institute of India
Situated in the Law College Street of Pune , it is a seat of learning for the actors and technicians. This institute has produced many top-notched famed actors, directors , technicians in the Indian Film Industry.

Sinhagad Fort
Perched on a steep hill,Sinhagad or the Lion Fort is situated around 25 kilometers southwest of Pune hill. In 1670 Tanaji Malusre, a general of Shivaji climbed the steep hill in dark with his men and defeated the forces of Bijapur.