Pune

Getting Around : Places of Interest Pune , the cultural capital of Maharashtra, is located in the Sahayadri Hills, near the west coast of India. It is a fascinating city with a healthy climate all year round.Shivaji, the great Maratha leader, was raised in Pune, which was granted to his grandfather in 1599. Now Pune is one of the biggest industrial towns of Maharashtra and known as the automobile city as many big auto mobile companies have their head Quarters here. Pune is also famous for education and OSHO Communes in the Rajnesh Ashram located here. Pune boasts of various art galleries and museums that offer collection of ancient artifacts. October to May is the best time to visit this place. Aga Khan Palace or Gandhi National Memorial - Open 9am to 5.30 pm Built by Imamsultan Muhammad Shah Agakhan 111 in 1892,the palace with its Italian arches is remarkable. In 1969 it was donated to India by Agakhan1V. Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba Gandhi and other leaders were interned here by the British for nearly two years after Gandhi delivered his Quit India Resolution. An exhibition here details highlights of Gandhi's life and career. The palace grounds has spacious lawns The Osho Commune International Situated at 17 Koregaon Park, the Commune was founded by Osho Rajneesh, one of India's most popular self proclaimed gurus. This Commune attracts thousands of visitors each year who wish to take part in the meditation courses organized by the Ashram. Osho died in 1990 and his samadhi is situated in the Ashram. Facilities here include a swimming pool, sauna, massage and beauty parlour, tennis and basketball courts. The commune has beautiful gardens open to the public in the mornings and evenings. Shaniwar Wada - Open 8 am to 6.30 pm Built in 1736, the Shaniwar Wada was once the palace of the great Peshwa rulers. The Fort was burnt down in a major fire in 1827, but the massive walls still remain. Shindyanchi Chhatri This memorial to the great warrior Mahadji Shinde, the commander-in-chief of the Maratha army, between the years 1760 to 1780 under the mighty Peshwas. is situated at Wanowrie. University Buildings The University Buildings of the University of Pune at Ganeshkhind, once comprised the official residence of the Governor of Bombay Presidency during the fierce annual monsoons of the coasts. A large building in the Italian Gothic style, it has a 30 m high square tower, a swimming pool and manicured lawns.

Temples and Synagogue Pataleshwar Cave Temples Pataleshwar Cave Temples lies in the heart of the city, at Shivaji Nagar on Jangali Maharaj road. This 8th century rock-cut temple, hewn from a massive single rock, has huge pillars, a Shiva shrine and a Nandi bull. Nearby is the Jangali Maharaj Temple dedicated to a Hindu ascetic. Parvati Hill and Temples This 17th century Parvathi temple lies on the southern outskirts of the town on a hill top. The Parvati museum houses portraits of heroes of the Peshwa dynasty, besides old manuscripts, weapons and coins. There are also temples of Ganapati and Kartikeya. Khunya Murlidhar Temple This Krishna temple in Sadashiv Peth was built in 1797 by a famous merchant of the Peshwa regime, Dada Gadre. The radhakrishna idol here is in marble. Omkareshwar

Temple lies on the banks of the Mutha river. Chaturshrungi Temple is situated on a hillock off Senapati Bapat Road. This temple of the goddess attracts hundreds of devotees during the ine-day Navaratri festival in October. Lal Deval Synagogue Lal Deval situated on Moledina Road was built by philanthropist David Sassoon in 1867. The redbrick-and-stone structure built in the English Gothic style, resembles a church.

Museums Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum - Open 8.30 am - 5.30 pm The exhibits here are the personal collection of Shri Dinkar Gangadhar. It holds a one-man collection of around 17000 Indian artifacts collected over 70 years. Thirty-six sections of this museum are used to display antiques, Peshwa and other miniatures, carved palace doors, pottery, a collection of lamps and musical instruments of the Mughal and Maratha periods. Museum of Arthropoda It's a museum of Natural History. The specific focus is on the joint legged animals. This museum has most of the multi- legged varieties - lobsters, prawns, crabs, worms, beetles and cockroaches too. Tribal Museum - Open weekdays 10 am to 5 pm Situated near the railway station, this museum documents the cultures of Maharashtrian Tribal communities, especially those from the Sahyadri and Gondwana region. Tilak Smarak Mandir Tilak Smarak Mandir on Tilak Road is a building commemorating the great freedom fighter and social reformer Lokmanya Tilak. There is a small museum on the ground floor describing Tilak's public life and a theatre on the upper floor. Kesari Wada The home of the Kesari newspaper started by Late Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak. The first Indian National flag unfurled by Madam Cama, and many other documents are well preserved here.

Parks and Zoo Saras Baug Sarasbaug is a popular place for evening strolls where people throng every evening, for their share of fresh air among green surroundings. Adjoining Sarasbaug, across a small narrow road is another garden, Peshwe Park. There is a zoo here maintained by the Pune Municipal Corporation housing a variety of beautiful species of wild animals. A toy-train ride, an elephant ride and boating are special attractions. Saras Baug Ganesh temple is also situated in Peshwa Park. Bund Garden Bund Garden constructed by Sir Jamshedji Jeejeebhoy lies on the right bank of the Mula Mutha river. There is boating facility and a well-designed jogging track. Bund Garden is now known as the Mahatma Gandhi Udyan, the bridge here crosses the river to the Gandhi National Memorial. The Katraj Snake Park The Katraj Snake Park has a collection of reptiles, birds and turtles. The park has a zoo. Empress Botanical Gardens This Garden has fine tropical trees and a small zoo. They say the history and commerce of a city determines the image and its mould. Being the cultural capital of Maharashtra much can be attributed to the majestic history of this place, which has given

the country leaders like Shivaji and Lokmanya Tilak. One of the prime getaways from Pune are the hills and the forts around it. The charm of this quaint city of Pune is around it in the forts, the caves and the other adventurous treks around the little mountains and hillocks!

Forts Easily the most popular getaway, not withstanding that it's much closer than the other forts, the Pashan Lake and the lovely drive makes it a much adored and a desired picnic and getaway spot. The Lion Fort, as it would quite literally translate into, is located 25 kilometers South of Pune perched on a steep hill. Once known as Kondhana, the proximity of this fort to Pune has been commercialized to quite an extent. Buses are available from the Sarasbaug Bus Stand, which drop you till the foothill. Lohegadh and Visapur A ridge separates the twin forts of Lohegadh and Visapur at 1350m with a km between them. Lohagadh was Shivaji's stronghold during his reign. A local from Pune takes you there; you have to get down at Malavli, the nearest rail head (10 kms away) which takes roughly an hour or so. A waterfall in the trek to Lohagad is the highlight of the trek. Bhaja Caves The Bhaja caves , situated in Bhaja village, are nearby and it is a 4 kilometer walk from Lohagad to these caves and so also from Lohagad to the main road. The nearest railhead is Malvali, 10 kilometers away. Raigadh About 85 kms from Pune, this fort has great historical relevance, as it was Shivaji's favourite fort. Practically speaking, a two hour bus drives to Wazheghar, Bhutonda or Pali.. Accomplished in a matter of four years, 80 kms from the hill station of Mahabaleshwar, the remains of this fort give a glimpse of the majesty of Shivaji's first mountain capital. For those with the adventurous streak, take the trek through the chor darwaza, otherwise the easier route through Pali which while being a cakewalk is a longer one. The view from the top offers a magnificent view of the Sahyadri range. Pratapgadh At a distance of 25 kms from Mahabaleshwar stands the majestic Pratapgadh housing the tomb of Afzalkhan at the toe of the fort. This fort is famous for the encounter between Shivaji and Afzalkhan, the ruler of Ahmednagar.. Purandar About 40 km from Pune, this place was the capital of Maharashtra under Shivaji for some time. This fort now holds the academy of the National Cadet Corps (NCC). Torna One of the highest forts in Maharashtra, this fort was Shivaji's first major conquest. He rebuilt it by repairs and made it his base. Shivaji had apparently abandoned this fort for Raigadh after finding it to be vulnerable due to its open summit. This fort offers a lot for trekkers, as it has one of the most exciting treks. A two-hour bus ride from Pune will take you to Velha village, where the imposing fort rises out of the outskirts of this village!.

Temples Bhimasankar Temple The temple here is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in the country. Around 20,000 pilgrims annually attend the fair during the festival of Mahashivaratri. This place is about 22 kms from Pune. Jejuri Situated 48 kms away, Jejuri is known for its Khandoba deity and is considered a religious place by the Hindus. Large congregations attend the annual fair held here. There are eight Ganesh temples or `ashtavinayakas' in Maharashtra where the idol is Swayambhoo or self formed. Five of these are in and around Pune Sri Moreshwar, Sri Chintamani , Sri Mahaganapati , Sri Wighnahar and Sri Girijatmak. Ashta Vinayaka The legendary Eight Ganesh Idols formed through forces of Nature are still a marvel as thousands flock every year to see the nature. Vinayaka, another name for Lord Ganesha, eight effigies have been found, and these form the Ashta Vinayaka, an octet of eight temples formed around these idols. All these are within 120 km from Pune. Ranjangaon About 70 km from Pune on Pune-Nagar Road, Lord Ganesha is known as Mahaganapati because of its huge size as it has ten trunks and twenty arms. Siddhatek Situated near Daund, this place is about 99 km from Pune off Pune-Solapur Road. Theur: 25 km off Pune-Solapur Road, situated near Uruli Kanchan. Pali 110 km from Khopoli. Mahad 87 km near Khopoli, off Pune-Mumbai Road. Ozar Lord Ganesha here is worshipped in his incarnation as 'Vigneshwara' or the remover of obstacles. Around 85 km near Narayangaon, off Pune-Nashik Road, this place is famous for its garland of lights or deep mala. Lenyadri This temple around 97 km, near Ozar is situated on the banks of river Kukdi. It's said that Parvati spent time here in penance and gave birth to Ganesha

Caves

About 40 km from Pune, these Buddhist caves dating back to 160 BC, have a Chaitya (chapel), the largest in the country and some viharas (dwelling caves). Karla is the site of some of the bestpreserved Buddhist caves and the chaitya cave is perhaps the best-preserved cave of its kind in the subcontinent. Unlike the Ajanta and Ellora caves, the most refreshing feature of Karla is the absence of tourist hordes, since Karla is quite off the tourist beaten track.

Bhaja, a famous Buddhist rock cut shrine of 2nd century is situated 6 kms away from Lonavala in Maharastra. You are to climb almost half a km to reach this beautiful scenic spot where Viharas (hostel) and a huge Chaitya hall (worship place) were chiselled for Buddhist monks and devotees in pre Chistian era. A village of the same name is located at the foothills of this mountain.Although the facade of a grand structure has almost collapsed the Chaitya is still the most remarkable structure over here.

10 miles South of Karle close to the Kamshet Railway Station is this interior village called Bedsa next to which the New Pune Bombay Express highway is being constructed with the cave located on a stiff hill. Though smaller in size the shrine is very attractive. With breath taking scenery one cannot help but appreciate the spot chosen by Buddhist monks.

Hill Stations Lonavola and Khandala They say the history and commerce of a city determines the image and its mould. Being the cultural capital of Maharashtra much can be attributed to the majestic history of this place, which has given the country leaders like Shivaji and Lokmanya Tilak. One of the prime getaways from Pune are the hills and the forts around it. Very popular hill stations, known for their resplendent green beauty during rains, these twin hill stations offer romantic hills, small waterfalls and the works. A place very easily reachable by train or by road, 70 km from Pune, it's just about an hour-and-a-half long drive. A number of hotels, motels and resorts assure you comfortable stay. Located at a four hours trek is the dreamy hamlet of Rajmachi from where the twin forts of Manoranjan and Shrivardhan are worth seeing! Also what makes the place famous is the famous Chikki (made of jaggery and groundnuts) and also the chocolate fudge! A must visit in the rainy seasons; some of the recommended hotels include Duke's Retreat at Khandala and Fariyas at Lonavala! Khandala gives a good view of the rainwater fed waterfalls while Lonavla acts as the base for the Karla & Bhaja Caves. These caves date back to the 2nd century B.C and are one of the finest examples of rock temples by the Hinayana sect in India. The Karla caves were carved by the monks and the artisans who tried to imitate the carvings on wood. The light filters inwards through the Sun window. A wooden umbrella protects the Dagoba or representation of Buddha. Kneeling elephants that have seated figures top the pillars. These 37 pillars are the circumambulatory aisles. Teak beams rib the ceiling. Out side the cave a stambha with four back-to-back Lions stands. This pillar is associated with Ashoka and is believed to have been kept there later. The Bhaja caves are older and peaceful than the Karla caves. Out of the 18 Bhaja caves ten are viharas and one is an open chaitya. Getting There:

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By Road : Lonavala is on the Mumbai-Pune Highway,104 kms, Pune-Lonavala, 66 Kms By air : Nearest airport is Pune, 66 kms By Rail : Lonavala is on the Mumbai Pune Rail line of the central Railway

Discovered by an Englishman, this hilltop retreat around 120 kms from Pune, is a green patch in the Western Ghats. Matheran, which means, "wooded head" certainly lives up to its name. There are numerous tracks covered with red earth, crisscrossing this beautiful place. Walking along these tracks, covered almost entirely under a canopy of dense vegetation, can be a charming experience.

The summer capital of the Bombay presidency, the little town of Mahabaleshwar, situated 1372 ft above sea level, was founded in 1828 and is the highest point in the Western Ghats. A relaxing place to diddle away a weekend and an ideal destination in summer. A typical colonial town, in spirit closer to Blighty than Maratha land, with plenty of bridle paths, boating and golf facilities, fishing spots and trekking trails. The town is full of lookout points (Bombay Point, Elphinstone Point, Babington Point, Kate's Point) that provide fetching views of the plains and the sea hundreds of feet below. There are also some pretty waterfalls to visit. By far the best pastime to engage in -- eating strawberries. Mahabaleshwar is easily accessible from Pune by road and is a 3-hour drive and 120 kilometers northeast of Pune. The MTDC runs luxury buses to Mahabaleshwar regularly from Pune. 4500 feet above sea level, Mahabaleshwar is easily accessible only by road .

Around 100 km from Pune, Panchgani at a height of 1000 m, gets its name from the five hills on which it is built. Panchgani is another one of India's dreamy, quiet hill stations. It is located in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, on Parasni ghat, just 20 odd kilometers from the very resort-ish Mahabaleshwar and set in an even more pretty location. Probably the best option would be to stay at Panchgani Club, which offers temporary membership.