Pune is a sprawling city in the western Indian state of Maharashtra. It was once the base of the Peshwas (prime ministers) of the Maratha Empire, which lasted from 1674 to 1818. It's known for the grand Aga Khan Palace, built in 1892 and now a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, whose ashes are preserved in the garden. The 8th-century Pataleshwar Cave Temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.
1. Shanivaar Wada
About
A prominent historical landmark in Pune is Shaniwarwada. It is a majestic fortification as well built in 1732 and during that time it was the seat of the Peshwas of the Maratha Empire and they ruled over there until 1818. After they lost control to the British East India Company, they could not use it longer. But when they were in the reign, Shaniwarwada was the centre of Indian politics in the 18th century. But in 1828, the fort was destroyed by a huge fire and later the remnants were transformed to become a tourist site. Shaniwarwada was a seven storied capital building of the Peshwas and they wanted the building to be made of stone alone. However, after the completion of the ground floor, the people of Satara insisted that stone monument can be sanctioned and built only by the Shahu King, not the Peshwas. With respect to it, the Peshwas were asked to continue the construction of the building by using only bricks. But when the British attacked, only the base floor survived while all the other floors were completely destroyed. Earlier, the fort used to accommodate around thousand people. The major buildings inside the fort are Thora Rayancha Diwankhana or the court reception hall of the eldest royal member, Naachacha Diwankhana which is the dance hall, Juna Arsa Mahal that is the Old Mirror Hall and so on. Since all the buildings were destroyed in the fire, only descriptions of the remaining areas are available currently. The doorways were made of teak arches with ornamental teardrop teak pillars shaped like Suru trunks. Ceilings were beautified by numerous chandeliers and the floors were filled with polished marble adorned with rich Persian rugs. The walls displayed paintings depicting the Hindu epics. The top floor of the building enacted as the residence of the Peshwa and it was called Meghadambari.
Entry Timing
It is open on all days of the week from 08:00 am to 06:30 pm and there is a Light and Sound Show every day and the tickets for the show can be booked every day from 06:30 pm to 08:30 pm.
Entry Fees
For Indian citizens, the entry fee is INR 5 and for foreign nationals, it is INR 125. For the Light and Sound Show, the ticket fee is INR 25 per person.
AddressShaniwarwada location: Shaniwar Peth, Pune, Maharashtra 411030.
2. Parvati Hill
About
A major tourist destination in the Pune is Parvati Hill, a huge hillock that rises to 2100 feet above sea level. It holds Pune’s MSL that is located at a height of about 560 meters from sea level. Parvati temple located on the top is one of the primary reasons why the hill is quite famous among the tourists and the locals.
The hillock offers the best view of the serenity lying down in the town and this is the most scenic location in Pune. Parvati temple possesses a special feature of being the oldest heritage structure in the city and it was built during the period of the Peshwa dynasty. It is an observation point that incredibly unveils the panoramic view of the lush greenery and flamboyant sky above the location.
After Vetal Hill, Parvati Hill is the second highest point which can be reached by climbing 103 steps. The main temple on the top is Devdeveshwara is made of black stone. Balaji Baji Rao was the founder of the temple that came into existence in 1749. The other temples located on the hilltop are dedicated to Vitthal and Rukmini, Vishnu and Kartikeya and Rama.
The hilltop is a regular spot for the visitors coming to Pune and there are a lot of devotees also arrive to visit the temples on the top. Mainly, the steps leading to the hillock are an example of an intricate stonework completed during the Maratha period. The steps are made of a special black quarry stone which is proven to be weather resistant. The hill is in the south-east part of the city brimming with green fields, towering trees and small dwellings.
Entry Timing
The hill is open on all days from 08:00 am to 05:00 pm but the temples will be open from 05:00 am to 08:00 pm.
Entry Fees
There is no entry fee is needed to climb up the hill.
Address
Parvati Hill, Parvati Paytha, Pune, Maharashtra 411009.
3. PeaCock Bay
About
Peacock Bay is a famed spot in Pune, located as a part of Khadakwasla dam’s lake and it is owned by the National Defence Academy in Pune. It is known to be the nerve centre of all watermanship training programmes. A large number of peacocks found near the location is the reason why it is called Peacock Bay. This picturesque bay has all the facilities to train the cadets. It includes an extensive arrangement of seamanship training equipment, sailing boats of all sorts, speed boats, water skis, whalers, dinghies, windsurfers and cutters.
Also, the bay is made beautiful by the presence of other species such as deer, Lion-tailed monkeys, civets etc. The lake covers an area of 501 square kilometres and its depth is measured to be 40 to 120 feet. The bay is famous for hosting many events such as annual national inland championship, open lake swimming competition and so on.
Many adventure lovers arrive here to partake in different water sports as it is a celebrated destination for adventure water sports. It is located around 12 kilometres away from Pune and situated on the famous Mutha River. The Khadakwasla Lake is a dam as well built on Mutha River and it is emerged out of a confluence of Ambi and Mose rivers.
The lake is a major source of fresh water that fulfils the need of the Pune city to an extent. Peacock Bay near this dam is an authentic offbeat location that lures the minds of those who come here and provides them with the most peaceful atmosphere and pleasant scenery.
Entry Timing
There is no specified time to visit the bay but it is always advised to visit the location either in the morning or in the evening.
Entry Fees
No entry fee is applicable to visit Peacock Bay.
Address
Peacock Bay, National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla, Pune, Maharashtra.
4. Mi A Mi Club
About
One of the foremost choices for clubbing places to visit in Pune, Mi A Mi Club offers a refreshing break for party animals in the city. With a spectacular ambience, electrifying music and delectable food, this place offers an unforgettable evening among tourist places in Pune.
Whether you’re looking to show off your dance moves or wishing to have a great time with your friends, this club at JW Marriott Hotel boasts of a curative list of cocktails with your thrilling party vibes to make the occasion memorable.
Entry Timing
It remains open from 9 pm to 2:30 pm
Entry Fees
INR 2500/ USD 38 for two.
Address
JW Marriott, Senapati Bapat Road, Pune
5. Adlabs Imagica
About
The much-publicized theme park called Adlabs Imagica is the latest addition to the list of popular places for a one day trip near Pune. The park has a wide range of shows, water rides, thrill rides and much more.
Attractions
Thrill rides like ‘scream machine’, ‘nitro’ and ‘gold rush express’ are sure to induce an adrenaline-rush. Family and kid-friendly rides include ‘Bump it boats’, ‘splash ahoy’, ‘the magic carousel’, ‘happy wheels’ and ‘Humpty's fall’, that will make a family outing to this place a worthwhile experience.
Activities
Try the various rides available at the amusement park, meet and take pictures with the cartoon characters on the grounds, enjoy performances by magicians, stilt walkers, jugglers and clowns
Entry Timing
It remains open for morning 9am to 8pm.
Entry Fees
Adults: 1800 INR/2400INR(VIP pass)
Children: 1200 INR/1600INR(VIP pass)
Above rates are without including any coupons or Discount offers.
Address
Khopoli-Pali road, off mumbai - pune Express Highway
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