Pune has a glorious history of nearly 1600 years. Pataleshwar caves (Near Jangli Maharaj Road) from the 5th century is an evidence to Pune’s old settlements. Beautiful temple of Shiva called Punyeshwar, which was unfortunately destroyed during Sultan’s attack on city in 13th century. Since Pune is in the state of Maharashtra, most of the residents are Marathas (or Maharashtrians).
- Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum - The museum is housed in a Rajasthani style building situated close to the hustle and bustle of the busy Bajirao Road. It holds a collection of the most fascinating Indian arts and crafts that you would have ever seen. Mastani Mahal which was brought and erected as it was from its original form is a masterpiece amongst it’s other exhibits. It has 36 sections which include carved palace and temple doors, 2,000 year old pottery, traditional Indian lamps and 17th century paintings.
- Tribal Museum - Located off Koregaon Road to the east of Pune City Stn, this unique museum houses interesting artifacts from the Sahyadri and Gondhwa regions of Maharashtra.
- Mahatma Phule Museum - You can see various industrial products, agricultural and handicraft articles in this museum, which was established in 1890. It is situated on Ghole Road, in Shivaji Nagar.
- National War Museum - The idea of the National War Memorial was first put forth in 1996. The citizens of Pune, under the sponsorship of the Express Citizens' Forum, set up the War Memorial fund. The committee asked the citizens of the city to contribute to the fund. From the ordinary common citizen to the big corporates, everyone decided to contribute whole-heartedly for the museum. The Foundation was laid in November 1997 and inaugurated in October 1998. The memorial is a 25-foot stone pillar.
- Shaniwar Wada - This palace was built by the successors of Shivaji, the Peshwas in 1736. A massive fire destroyed the building in 1827. Most of the palace interiors also got destroyed and all that remains is the old fortified wall. But of course the impressive brass studded gates and lotus pools have also withstood the ravages of time. This palace is situated in the heart of the city next to Deccan Gymkhana, Shivajinagar, and Laxmi Road. It has become the symbol of Pune culture. There is an impressive 'Light & Sound Show' in three languages (Marathi, Hindi and English) every evening at the wada. It details the history of the Maratha empire and the significance of the Shaniwar wada in that history.
- Vishram Bagh Wada - The remains of this palace stand in the heart of the old city. It was built during the 18th century by a descendant of Shivaji the Peshwa. It is well known for its elaborate wooden facade.
- Saras Baag - A Ganesh Temple stands in the middle of the garden in lake. It was built by Peshwa Bajirao II.
- Aga Khan Palace - A gracious building having Italian arches, salons, suites and spacious lawns. The place is a historical landmark. During the 1942 Quit India Movement, the British interned Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba Gandhi here. The palace belonged to Aga Khan, prince and head of Khoja sect who later donated the palace in order to erect a memorial , in the memory of Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba (who died in this palace). Must see is a photographic exibition of various epochs in the freedom movement. You can see very rare B&W photos as well as paintings. The place is full of tranquility and solace. Also visit samadhi of Kasturba Gandhi which is in the backyard.
- Parvati Hill temples - Standing atop this hillock you get a vertical glimpse of Pune. A steep flight of 108 narrow steps leads to the hill top temple built by Balaji Baji Rao. ‘Nagarkjana’ drum house is the imposing temple of Parvati and Devdeveshwar. This was once the private shrine of the Peshwas. It is also the final resting place of Nana Saheb Peshwa. The Parvati museum houses portraits of Peshwas, old manuscripts, coins etc.
- Pune University, [20]. The site of Poona University, stately mansions at Ganeshkhind built in Italian-Gothic style was the official residence of the Governor of Mumbai during the monsoon season. The 300m high tower beckons to all these who come here in the pursuit of higher education. It is one of the oldest universities of India.
- Fergusson College, [21]. Built in 1885,the College has beautiful tree-lined campus with smooth rolling hills in the background.
- Katraj - A famous Jain Temple and a Snake Park are located here.
- Chatushrungi Mata Temple, Senapati Bapat Road.
- Pataleshwar Caves - This 8th century rock cut temple is hidden in the heart of the city, in the midst of modern high rise structures and developments, at Shivajinagar. Reminiscent of Ellora, the temple has been carved out of a single boulder of awe inspiring size which includes massive pillars, a Shiva shrine and a Nandi bull. The temple is used by worshippers even today.
- Bund Garden - This garden is also known as the Mahatma Gandhi Udyan. It was built by Sir Jamshedji Jeejeebhoy, on the right bank of the Mula-Mutha to provide the poor with water during summer. Main attraction here is the evening boat rides, horse rides etc. The garden is famous for Bhel-Puri and Pani-Puri. It is situated on the Airport road and very close to the Camp area.
- Sinhagad and Khadakwasala - This is a fort nearby which is a beautiful place to see. This is also a historic place in King Shivaji era. Khadakwasala has a dam and this place is famous for natural beauty around. A lot of folks flock here during rainy season.
- Bhimshankar Wildlife Sanctuary: It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1974 and situated at an altitude of 2100 feet to 3800 feet, spread over three districts of Pune, Raigad and Thane. Bhimashankar wildlife’s vegetation comprises of semi-evergreen forests as well as western tropical hill forests. Two major Tributaries of Krishna River named Bhim and Ghod, originate from this area.
Entertainment
Pune is the cultural capital of Maharashtra. The Marathi film industry is also based here.
Cultural Centers
- Alliance Francaise de Pune, 270/D, Patrakar Nagar Rd. [22]
- Goethe Institut, 14/3B, Dhole Patil Rd. [23]
- Pune Music Cultural Centre, 459/1, Sadashiv Peth.
- Fortune Art Gallery, 86/1, Erandwana, Deccan Gymkhana.
Cinema Centers
- Alaka Talkies, Navi Peth
- Alankar Cinema, Pune Railway Station
- Apollo, 549, Rasta Peth. [24]
- Big Cinema, Chinchwad.
- City Pride, Kothrud.
- City Pride, Pune Satara Road.
- Deccan, Deccan Gymkhana.
- E-Square, University Road.
- Fame Adlabs, Akurdi.
- Gold Adlabs, Marigold Complex, Kalyani Nagar. [25]
- Inox, Bund Garden Rd, Camp. [26]
- LaxmiNarayan, Swargate.
- Mangala, Near Pune Municipal Corporation.
- Neelayam Talkies, Sadashiv Peth
- Prabhat, Appa Balwant Chowk.
- Rahul, Shivaji Nagar
- Victory, Camp
- Vijay Cinema, Laxmi Road
- West End, Camp
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Morning drive to Periyar (180 kms). Upon arrival check-in at Spice Village Resort Visit the resident "Vaidya"(Ayurveda Doctor) for consultation.
Day 10 : Periyar - Cochin
Day 2 Bangaram Island
Day 4 Bangaram Islands