9 Fantastic Locations in Pune for an Amazing Vacation

Owing to its many institutions, Pune is regarded as the Oxford of the East. It skillfully blends modernism with a rich cultural past and stunning natural surroundings. The top 9 tourist attractions in our book are must-sees for a fantastic vacation.

1. Take a Time trip to Shaniwar Wada Fort
The magnificent Shaniwar Wada fort was constructed in 1732 to serve as the Peshwa dynasty’s headquarters when they ruled the Maratha Empire. With its enormous walls and eight enormous gates, the formidable fort could accommodate up to a thousand people! After a large fire, all that’s left are the ruins, but audio tours revive the area’s mythology and history.

Initial design: took fourteen years to finish.
Principal remaining buildings: Hirakani Buruj tower, fountains, and large doors
Time of the sound and light show: 8 p.m. English, 7 p.m. Hindi
Attend the enchanting music and light display that takes place after sundown, which recreates important moments from the 200-year history of Bajirao and Mastani inside these walls.

2. Merely Consider the Aga Khan Palace Freedom Struggle
The Gandhi Smriti Museum is located in the opulent red-brick and marble Aga Khan Palace, which is surrounded by 19 acres of verdant gardens. Constructed in 1892 by Aga Khan III, this mansion was used between 1942 and 1944 during India’s liberation struggle as a jail for Gandhi, his wife Kasturba, and secretary Mahadeobhai Desai. Their possessions and images from the museum that show India’s path to freedom are on display.

The main attraction is the Martyr’s Memorial, which is closed on public holidays and has the graves of Kasturba Gandhi and Mahadeobhai. Museum hours are 9:30 am to 5:30 pm.
Entry costs: Rs. 200 for foreigners, Rs. 15 for Indians
Once you have read about Gandhi’s extraordinary life story and how it affected India’s fate, set aside some time to stroll about the peaceful palace grounds.

3. Offer prayers at the Ganpati Mandir at Dagdusheth Halwai.
One of the most well-known Ganpati temples in Maharashtra is Dagdusheth Halwai, home to an eight-karat gold Ganpati murti encrusted in diamonds valued at over Rs 30 crore. This is a popular destination for devotees, particularly during Ganesh Chaturthi, when lines stretch for almost ten hours! Here, it is thought that expressing gratitude or making a prayer request to Lord Ganesha, the remover of barriers, would grant it.

History of the temple: Erected in the late 1800s, surpassing the age of Shaniwar Wada
Timings for Darshan: Everyday from 6 am to 11 pm Prasad to try: Lord Ganesha-blessed modak and laddu!
Remember to snap some photos of the magnificent temple’s architecture and décor as well.

Explore the past at the Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum.
Have you ever wondered what the veena and mridangam, two traditional Indian instruments, looked or sounded like? Visit the eccentric Raja Dinkar Kelkar museum at Bajirao Road to see a collection of several centuries-old art treasures, including 21 unusual musical instruments. Beautiful reproductions of the renowned Mastani Mahal from the Bajirao-Mastani romance and the Jain temple at Mount Abu are also available.

Baba Dinkar Kelkar, the creator of the museum, contributed his personal collection at the age of 80!
Viewable sections include automobiles, kitchenware, artwork, rugs, and more.
Entry fee: Rs 430 for foreigners, Rs 230 for Indians over the age of twelve.
You’ll leave here after spending hours seeing and appreciating with a deeper understanding of India’s illustrious past.

5. At Osho Meditation Resort, Discover Your Zen
Are you looking for mental and physical renewal and tranquilly? Next, go to the 40-acre Osho International Meditation Resort, which is open from 6 am until 10 am. Its distinctive zoning, ameoba-shaped ponds, waterfall, and plethora of artworks, all surrounded by lush foliage, create a tranquil atmosphere. In dedicated air-conditioned rooms, you may also enrol in short- or long-term courses on creative extension or meditation.

Established: 1981
Fees for the course begin at Rs. 570 per day.
There are seven multi-restaurants on campus.
In the main Chuang Tzu Auditorium, you may also do free basic breathing exercises and meditations in nonsense.

6. Visit Saras Baug and Take a Walk Through History
Saras Baug, with its stunning lake and hill vistas around the renowned 1750 Talyatla Ganpati temple, gives the finest of Pune’s old-world elegance. The lake was transformed into a recreational public park with additional gardens for Peshwa kings in 1842. Even now, folks still like taking walks there in the morning and evening.

The 25-foot-tall Talyatla Ganpati statue is the main attraction.
Additional deities: Shankar, Maruti, and Vishnu temples
Ideal time to go: during the celebrations of Ganesh Chaturti
Enjoy a serene pedal boat trip on the lake and take in the vibrantly coloured flowers blossoming in the garden.

7. Hike to Sinhagad Through the Clouds Fort
About 30 kilometres from Pune, Sinhagad, also known as Lion’s Fort, is a ruined hill castle that has experienced several conflicts. Since the 1500s, the walls have stood strong and provided breathtaking views of the surrounding Sahyadri hills. There are two hiking paths that reach the summit, where the famous Tanaji monument is located, in around two hours.

Around 1300 metres in height
Popular pursuits include hiking, climbing, and camping.
monsoon and winter are the ideal seasons to travel.
All that quad burn will be worthwhile for the gramme when you’re sipping steaming hot tea at the summit and watching fluffy clouds drift past.

8. Get the Ideal Photographs at Pu La Garden
Spend a half-day in the picture-perfect Pu La Deshpande Garden, designed in the traditional Japanese style, to get away from the commotion of the city. The expansive 8.3-acre paradise was constructed in 1999 and has charming blooming trees, water channels, man-made hills, carp-filled ponds, and miniature bridges over Buddhist stone lanterns. Without a doubt, shutterbugs adore it.

Highlight of the day: the Japanese rock garden area
Honoured in memory of renowned comedian Purushottam Laxman Deshpande
Entry fee: Rs 100 for foreigners, Rs 15 for Indians
Location: Close to Senapati Bapat Road, behind Symbiosis College
Make sure to stop for a few joyful photos on the little red bridge so you can take the obligatory “holiday pic” that will make everyone jealous.

9. Depart Pune City for Road Trips
Even though “Puneri Paltan” offers a plethora of sights and activities, road drives across Pune’s neighbouring hills, forts, and quaint villages are very enticing! Get your cars or motorcycles ready for:

Lohagad and Bhaja Forts and caves with beautiful hikes
Sula vineyards provide wine tastings amid the picturesque slopes of Panchgani and the mapro gardens of Mahabaleshwar near Nashik
The Tamhini Ghat Waterfalls and Sondai Fort Forts in Patan
Shivaji Maharaj was crowned king at Raigad Fort.
Pune’s abundance of natural resources and rich cultural legacy captivate tourists with both old and contemporary experiences. Pune will astound you with its astounding variety, from famous sites commemorating India’s struggle for independence to lovely gardens providing a haven of peace and quiet. Whatever your hobbies, The Oxford of the East has everything you need for a vacation you won’t soon forget.