Weekend in Pune

Pune, the upcoming IT hub in Maharashtra is also a cultural capital of Maharashtra. This city is worth experiencing as a traveller. The city that has huge history & was center of Indian politics in 17-18th centuries, offers many places worth visiting.. This post is mostly covering places of historical importance:

Shanivarwada:
   Built by first Peshwa Bajirao First, at the heart of Pune this palace is really huge & as strong as Maratha regim at the time of Bajirao. When built this palace of Peshwa's had 6 floors. Today only bastions & protecting wall of palace exists, but the laser show in the evening is really worth watching.

Sinhagad:
  Few Kms away from Pune, this fort has great historic importance due to gallant attack of Tanaji Mallusure to conquer it from Mughals. This fort has become more of picnic spot & is usually crowded in rains.. The view of Pune city from the fort is amazing

Kelkar Museum
  Fabulous collection of many artifacts from indian history. It also has a place called Mastani mahal which will certainly take you back to 18th century.

Lal Mahal:
  Shivaji maharaj spent his childhood in this palace, but this palace is more famous for the attack on Shaistekhan executed with great finess by Shivaji maharaj & his selective maratha troops.

Kasba Peth Ganpati:
  Idol of Lord Ganesh in this temple was found in 17th Century. This Idol was then placed by Shivaji maharaj in Kasba Peth as Gram Daivat of Pune. This temple is very close to Shanivarwada.

Parvati:
  Small hillock very close to Pune city. Parvati hosts temple built by Peshwa & a museum displaying artifacts & weapons used by Peshwas of Pune.

Dehu:
  Known for great sant Tukaram maharaj. This place has very high imporatnce in Warkari community. Sant Tukaram maharaj is still worshiped as a great sant by entire maharashtra.

Army Tank Museum:
 Pune is important place for western command of Indian Army. There is a tank museum developed by Indian Army & artillary department in Pune, showcasing many models of tanks, guns, shells etc. One can see pattern, arjun & many more well known tanks here.

Sarasbaug:
 This is a huge garden developed by Peshwa's. Situated near Swargate ST stand. Sarasbaug hosts beautiful Ganpati temple built in a small pond.

There are many more places in & around Pune like Vrundavan, Shinde Chhatri, Alandi, Chaturshrungi, Peshwe Udyan, Theur, Ranjangaon, Chakan Fort etc.. but this I will cover in some other posts. Apart from Places of historical & cultural importance, there are many other attractions near Pune.. but those we will see on some other weekend..