Once the base of the Maratha Empire and the home of the Peshwas, Pune is a city rolling in history and culture. Also known as the cultural capital of Maharashtra, today Pune is a beautiful combination of traditional and modern outlooks. Pune has also emerged as a prominent location for IT and manufacturing. Being a quite a tolerant religious population, the people of Pune are open to all religions and spiritual teachings. So when you decide to visit this beautiful city, here is a list of what you must do in Pune.
Parvati Hillock
Standing at a height of 2,100 feet above sea level, the aerial view from the top of this hillock is just mesmerizing. At the top of the hill is a Parvati Temple, after which the hillock is named.
To reach the top, one must climb 103 stairs to reach the top, sounds like an herculean task, doesn’t it? But when you reach the top, your tired legs will automatically feel relaxed as will your body!
Pataleshwar Caves
Built in the 8th century, this architectural marvel leaves you awestruck. This caves are dedicated to Lord Pataleshwar, known to be the God of the Underworld. These caves have been cut out from a single rock, or so it is believed. And houses a temple which is adorned with ornate carvings on black rocks that are present within it. It is also known for its temple museum which houses a grain of rice that has 5000 characters inscribed on it. There is also a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva and Nandi bull.
Shaniwar Wada
Originally built as the residence of the Peshwas, Shaniwar Wada was the stately mansion of the Prime Minister of the Maratha Empire. The ceremonial foundation of this residence was laid by none other than the famous Peshwa Baji Rao I. A light and sound show is available at the palace, fort or home of the Peshwas. There is a myth that the Shaniwar Wada is haunted, and it has the best horror story that is spun around to scare people from entering the palace on a full moon night. The story involves political planning, brutal murders and a lingering voice haunting that even scares the bejesus out of people till date.
Aga Khan Palace
Built by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III in 1892, it is one of the most iconic palaces in India’s history. It is also known as the Gandhi National Museum and is a huge part of the Indian freedom struggle. After the Quit India movement in 1942, Gandhiji, his wife Kasturba were housed at the palace, and this is the place where Kasturba breathed her last. The palace also has the final resting place on Gandhiji and is a simple memorial to Gandhi and his life.
Prabhat Museum
Earlier, this museum was the Prabhat Film Studio. The studio had the largest stage floor in India. And produced films of great directors like V Shantaram, Sitarampant Kulkarni and so on. They also had one of the country’s best art departments, a well-equipped sound and editing department and its very own laboratory all in the 1930’s.
Today, it is museum that has 5 sections, the first two are home to all the artifacts and memorabilia used during the production of movies, the next two sections take visitors back to movie shootings in the bygone era, through photographs. While the corridor houses various props and costumes used in the movies.
Osho Ashram
If you are looking to calm your restless mind, try to search for inner peace and meditate in a tranquil environment, then Osho Ashram is the place for you. The experience inside will be unique to each individual once there, since no two people are alike. The meditation techniques taught here are one of a kind, and is a must try when in Pune. The ashram is also home to a Osho Resort which provides you with rooms, food and recreational activities.
German Bakery
The food at the German Bakery, never disappoints. Cozy comfort food in a cozy environment, what more could you ask for? The place gives you a sense of belonging from the time you step in. The place has a attracts a lot of people and the crowd that comes here is an eclectic mix of locals and foreigners. It’s the perfect space to spend a nice and relaxed time with friends and family.
So when you go to Pune these are the things you must do, which one will you Zooming to?
