Experience the Best of Pune: Our Top 10 Picks for TouristsSave

Experience the Best of Pune: Our Top 10 Picks for Tourists

Pune, the cultural capital of Maharashtra, is a city that is steeped in history and brimming with exciting attractions that are sure to captivate any tourist. With its rich heritage, scenic beauty, and vibrant culture, Pune is a city that has something to offer to everyone. From ancient forts to modern amusement parks, there are plenty of things to see and do in Pune. But with so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to plan your itinerary. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the top 10 must-see attractions in Pune that will help you experience the best of this incredible city. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking for some fun and excitement, these picks are sure to make your visit to Pune unforgettable. So pack your bags, get ready to explore, and let’s dive into the top 10 picks for tourists in Pune!

Shaniwar Wada – A historical fort

Shaniwar Wada is a historical fort that was built in 1732 by the Peshwa Baji Rao I. The fort served as the seat of the Peshwa rulers of the Maratha Empire until 1818 when it was destroyed by a fire. Today, Shaniwar Wada is a popular tourist attraction that attracts visitors from all over the world. The fort is known for its impressive architecture and intricate carvings that are a testament to the artistic and engineering skills of the Maratha craftsmen.

One of the most interesting features of Shaniwar Wada is the Nagarkhana or the drum house. The Nagarkhana was used to announce important events and ceremonies during the Peshwa era. The fort also has a beautiful garden that is a perfect place to relax and unwind. In the evening, the fort is illuminated, and the light show is a sight to behold.

If you are a history buff, visiting Shaniwar Wada is a must. The fort is open to visitors from 8 am to 6:30 pm every day. The entry fee is INR 25 for Indian citizens and INR 300 for foreign nationals.

Aga Khan Palace – A place of historical significance

Aga Khan Palace is a historic palace that was built in 1892 by Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan III. The palace served as a prison for Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba Gandhi during the Indian independence movement. Today, the palace has been converted into a museum that showcases the life and times of Mahatma Gandhi.

One of the most striking features of Aga Khan Palace is its architecture. The palace has a beautiful garden, a spacious courtyard, and intricate carvings that are a testament to the artistic skills of the craftsmen of that era. The museum inside the palace has an impressive collection of photographs and personal belongings of Mahatma Gandhi and his wife.

Visiting Aga Khan Palace is a must for anyone interested in Indian history and the Indian independence movement. The palace is open to visitors from 9 am to 5:30 pm every day. The entry fee is INR 50 for Indian citizens and INR 200 for foreign nationals.

Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple – A popular religious site

Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple is a popular religious site that is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The temple was built in 1893 by Dagdusheth Halwai, a wealthy sweet-maker. Today, the temple is one of the most visited places in Pune and attracts thousands of devotees every day.

One of the most fascinating features of the temple is the idol of Lord Ganesha. The idol is adorned with gold and precious stones and is a sight to behold. The temple also has a beautiful garden and a spacious courtyard that is a perfect place to relax and meditate.

Visiting Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple is a must for anyone interested in Indian spirituality and religion. The temple is open to visitors from 6 am to 10 pm every day. The entry is free, but donations are accepted.

Osho Ashram – A spiritual retreat

Osho Ashram is a spiritual retreat that was established by the Indian mystic Osho in the 1970s. The ashram is a place of meditation and self-discovery and attracts visitors from all over the world. The ashram is located in Koregaon Park, one of the most upscale neighborhoods in Pune.

One of the most unique features of the ashram is its meditation center. The center is a place of tranquility and peace and is a perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The ashram also has a beautiful garden and a library that is a great place to read and relax.

Visiting Osho Ashram is a must for anyone interested in spirituality and meditation. The ashram is open to visitors from 6 am to 10 pm every day. The entry fee is INR 500 for a one-day pass and INR 2000 for a seven-day pass.

Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum – A museum showcasing Indian art and artifacts

Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum is a museum that showcases the art and artifacts of India. The museum was established by Dr. Dinkar G. Kelkar, a collector of Indian artifacts. Today, the museum has a collection of over 20,000 artifacts that date back to the 14th century.

One of the most fascinating features of the museum is its collection of musical instruments. The museum has a collection of over 2000 musical instruments from all over India. The museum also has a collection of armor and weapons that were used during the Maratha era.

Visiting Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum is a must for anyone interested in Indian history and culture. The museum is open to visitors from 10 am to 5 pm every day except on Mondays. The entry fee is INR 50 for Indian citizens and INR 350 for foreign nationals.

Parvati Hill – A scenic hilltop with historical significance

Parvati Hill is a scenic hilltop that is located in the heart of Pune. The hill is known for its panoramic views of the city and its historical significance. The hill has several temples that are dedicated to various Hindu deities.

One of the most interesting features of Parvati Hill is the Parvati Temple. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Parvati and is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus. The temple has a beautiful garden that is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the scenic views of the city.

Visiting Parvati Hill is a must for anyone interested in history and nature. The hill is open to visitors from 6 am to 10 pm every day. The entry is free.

Koregaon Park – A trendy and upscale neighborhood

Koregaon Park is a trendy and upscale neighborhood that is located in the heart of Pune. The neighborhood is known for its vibrant nightlife, upscale restaurants, and trendy cafes. Koregaon Park is also home to Osho Ashram, a popular spiritual retreat.

One of the most interesting features of Koregaon Park is its street art. The neighborhood has several murals and graffiti that are a testament to the artistic skills of the local artists. The neighborhood also has several parks and gardens that are a perfect place to relax and unwind.

Visiting Koregaon Park is a must for anyone interested in art, food, and nightlife. The neighborhood is open 24 hours a day, and the entry is free.

Vetal Hill – A popular spot for hiking and nature walks

Vetal Hill is a popular spot for hiking and nature walks that is located in the heart of Pune. The hill is known for its scenic views of the city and its lush green forests. The hill has several trails that are perfect for hiking and nature walks.

One of the most interesting features of Vetal Hill is its biodiversity. The hill is home to several species of birds and animals that are native to the Western Ghats. The hill also has several waterfalls that are a perfect place to cool off during the hot summer months.

Visiting Vetal Hill is a must for anyone interested in hiking and nature walks. The hill is open to visitors from 6 am to 6 pm every day. The entry is free.

Food and Shopping in Pune – A guide to the best local cuisine and shopping destinations

Pune is a city that is known for its delicious cuisine and vibrant shopping destinations. The city has a plethora of options when it comes to food and shopping, and it can be overwhelming to choose the best ones. Fear not, for we have compiled a list of the best local cuisine and shopping destinations in Pune.

When it comes to food, Pune is known for its street food. Some of the must-try street foods in Pune include vada pav, misal pav, and bhel puri. Pune is also home to several upscale restaurants that serve a wide variety of cuisines from around the world.

When it comes to shopping, Pune has several destinations that cater to a wide variety of interests. Some of the must-visit shopping destinations in Pune include the Pune Central Mall, the Phoenix Market City Mall, and the Fashion Street.

Conclusion

Pune is a city that is steeped in history and brimming with exciting attractions that are sure to captivate any tourist. From ancient forts to modern amusement parks, there are plenty of things to see and do in Pune. Our list of the top 10 must-see attractions in Pune will help you experience the best that this incredible city has to offer. So pack your bags, get ready to explore, and let Pune mesmerize you with its rich culture, scenic beauty, and vibrant energy.