A trip to Pune shall introduce you to the glorifying history of the city. The seat for the establishment of the Maratha Kingdom, Pune still bears the mark of the iconic Maratha Empire. You must have a look around the place and especially the ones which introduce you to the remains of the mighty empire of the Maratha rulers. As we all are aware of the magnificence of the town, let us have a look at the best places to visit in Pune and indulge in an exciting trip.
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1. Shaniwar Wada Palace
Talking about the greatest example of Maratha architecture is the Shaniwar Wada Fort which was built to exhibit the grandeur and prosperity of the empire. The Shaniwar Wada Palace was constructed around the time of 1732 and was considered the seat for rulers to conduct politics and maintain law and order in the state. The fort was used by the Peshwas in 1818 until they lost control over the state to the English East India Company. The fort was constructed entirely of stones and rose to the seventh floor. The massive fire in 1828 destroyed a major part of the building and later the remaining portion along with the garden was converted into a tourist spot. This is an iconic monument in Pune which grabs the attention of the visitors by the mysterious tales that are narrated by local guides about treachery, war, and politics among the kings and rulers.
The dance halls and the courtrooms are another magnificent part of the building which got destroyed when the British attacked the fort. The Indian visitors are charged 5 INR and allowed to enjoy the light and sound show in the evening.
2. Aga Khan Palace
This is one of the most prominent landmarks in Pune which was constructed around 1832 by Muhammad Shah Aga Khan III. He believed in charity and thus the monument symbolises the kind and gentle nature of the Sultan who rose to help the poor and the ones in need. The monument also holds importance in terms of the Indian freedom struggle as Mahatma Gandhi and his wife were imprisoned within this building along with Sarojini Naidu.
The palace covers an area of 19acres and a sprawling garden space enhances the beauty of the location. Later the ashes of Gandhi are preserved in this building which makes this place even more important among the tourists. The monument is located only two kilometres away from Main Pune Road and is easily accessible by tourists. The visitors are charged 5 rupees to enter the building and have a look around the place. The five fascinating falls also add to the beauty of the location.
3. Dagdusheth Halwai Temple
If you are planning to head to Pune then the city has several places that will leave you mesmerised by its history and magnificence of architecture. This is a very popular Ganesh Temple that was erected around 1893 and every year an annual Ganesh Festival is held for the pilgrims. A total donation of 10 million is collected every year which goes towards the maintenance of the building.
After the son of Dagdusheth died, he and his wife were grieving the loss of their son. They had a vision one day in their dreams which led to the construction of the temple. The devotees do not have to pay any entry fees to enter the premises of the building, however, they are charged separately for offering prayers and conducting pujas.
4. Vetal Tekdi
The Vetal Hills are popular among the locals who embark on trekking trips and mountain climbing during the weekends to rejuvenate their minds. It is the only prominent hill station in Pune and thus the rush of visitors. The Vetal temple situated at the top of the hill is the reason behind the name of the hill station and an observation centre is set up at the hilltop to allow the tourists to have a look around the city from the top.
Maintained by the Tourism Department, the hilly region exhibits a wide variety of flora and fauna. The exotic species of plants have further helped the organisation to beautify the region to attract tourists to this spot. The trekking enthusiasts are taken aback by the incredible scenic view of the location which calms their soul and refreshes their minds.
5. Lal Mahal
Shahaji Bhosle constructed the Red Palace for his son and wife in 1630 AD which bears the mark of the magnificent architectural design and pattern. Shivaji grew up in this palace and occupied it until he won his first fort. The fort suffered damage over the years and later got rebuilt by the Municipal Corporation. Shivaji got married in this palace and today the visitors are charged 3 INR for entering the place.