Pune

Pune is the second most important and well developed city in Maharashtra. The city has managed to retain its cultural ties with the past. The numerous museums in the city have a lot to tell about its great past. The temples, gardens, entertainment parks and forts make it a great place to visit. Some attractions in the city which must not be missed are listed below:

Raj Dinakar Kelkar Museum displays varieties of artifacts which shows the vastness and diversity of culture of the country and people. The Museum houses many passionate items collected by Dr. D. G. Kelkar.

The Tribal Museum in Pune showcases the features of tribal life and culture in the state of Maharashtra. It displays the artifacts, musical instruments, handicrafts and weapons used by Marai tribes, Bahiram tribes, Wagdheo tribes and Danteswari tribes of Sahyadri ranges and Gondwana regions.

Mahatma Phule Museum:
In this museum you can find brassware items, stone carvings, oil paintings and marble statues. It also displays many other textile and jewelry items, artifacts, arms and armory, and items related to geology, forestry, agriculture, natural history and industry.

National War Museum:
This museum is a patriotic site where visitors can pay homage to the great sacrifice of India’s War fighters.

Shaniwar Wada Palace:
The mammoth Shaniwar Wada Palace is a real specimen of Maratha culture and the architectural design. The 21 feet tall massive door of the palace known as Delhi Darwaza is one of major attractions of the palace.

St. Mary’s Church:
This is an elegant structure built during 1825. The architecture bears a blend of British and Indian styles. The church still uses organs that are 130 years old.

Saras Baug (Garden):
This sprawling garden is located in the scenic background of Parvati Hills. The elegant fountains and lush green lawns of the garden make it the best evening relaxation spot. Inside the garden you can also find a beautiful temple.

The Aga Khan Palace:
The Aga khan Palace is related with Indian Independence movement. Mahatma Gandhi and his wife were imprisoned here during the indepemce movement.

Parvati Hill Temples:
Parvati hill is a picturesque and sacred mount located in Pune. There is a temple atop. The temple enshrines the idols of Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha, Lord Vishu, Devateshwar and Lord Karthikeya. Close by is the Parvati Museum which houses old manuscripts, rare coins and weapons.

Other important attractions in Pune include the Mulshi Lake, Pashan Lake, Chatushrungi Mata Temple, Pataleshwar Cave Temple and Bund garden. The Katraj Snake Park is a nice place to see some rare reptiles. The Ashram of Bhagwan Rajnesh where meditation and yoga programs are conducted is a good and enlightening place to visit.

The Appu Ghar and Panshet Water Park are great places for modern entertainment. Once you are in the city you can also partake in paragliding and horse riding.