5 Best Places to Visit in Pune
Pune, or Poona (as locals call it), is not just Maharashtra’s second-largest city, but also its tenth most populated. Pune is a fascinating tourist destination because of its rich past. The importance of the Maratha Empire is ascertained in its history, which focuses on Shiva Ji’s and the Peshwas’ reigns in the 18th century. Pune gained a name for itself after the Peshwas’, and also cantonment victory, educational establishments, religious sites, political centres, and distinctive architecture. So when I travelled down to this beautiful cultural capital, I knew I had to see everything from British-era charm to the pinnacle of spiritualism. If you’re planning a trip to Pune anytime soon, see these five sites that will immerse you in this colonial-turned-cosmopolitan metropolis like never before.
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Aga Khan Palace
The Aga Khan Palace was the first attraction I selected to see in Pune. Despite its Mughlai name, this location has greatly contributed to India’s history. Sultan Aga Khan built the palace in the 18th century to help the needy, however, it was only recognised after the 1942 Quit India liberation movement.
During the independence movement, Mahatma and Kasturba Gandhi, as well as other freedom fighters including Mahadeobhai Desai and Sarojini Naidu were imprisoned at the palace. Most notably, Kasturba Gandhi died in Aga Khan Palace, which has since been appointed, as her permanent memorial. Apart from its rich history, Aga Khan Palace also has 16 acres of beautifully groomed gardens worth exploring.
Entry Fee: INR 25
Best Time to Visit: 9 AM – 5:30 PM all through the week
Gandhi National Memorial
You might as well visit the Gandhi National Memorial Museum while you’re visiting the Aga Khan Palace. Fortunately, your ticket to the Aga Khan Palace includes free access to the museum, which is brimming with Gandhi Ji’s personal belongings and photographs from the Quit India Movement. When you see the belongings of the freedom fighters, a strange sensation of nationalism takes over. It’s as if someone had steered a collection of national romanticism soaked in the sombre validity of the unity.
Shaniwar Wada Palace
A trip to Pune isn’t complete without a stop at the Shaniwarwada fortress ruins, dating back to the seventeenth century. Wada, which was built by the Peshwas of the Maratha Empire has a fascinating story to tell its visitors. According to legend, this seven-storey ancient stronghold was supposed to be erected ‘only’ of stone at first. After the 1st-storey was completed, the people of Satara objected to the ruler, claiming that a stone monument could only be sanctioned and erected by the King, not the Peshwas.
The Peshwas were then given an official declaration stating that the remaining building would be completed in bricks. When the Wada was assaulted by the British ninety years later, the upper six storeys collapsed in a flash, but the stone base with its teak entrances and granite ramparts remained intact. The stone base is still available for a visit and admiration at this time.
Entry Fee: INR 5
Best Time to Visit: 8 AM – 6:30 PM every day
National War Museum
Pune’s military installation and cantonment complex are well-known throughout India. That’s why a visit to the National War Museum was at the top of my bucket list. And I’m delighted I made it to the museum since there’s no other venue in Pune that inspires patriotism like this one. The National War Museum in Pune promotes nationalism by reminding visitors of all the Indian martyrs who died in the Kargil War. This war monument not only helps you empathise with the army’s sacrifices but also helps you support India’s military goals.
This amazing War Museum, located on the Prince of Wales Road in Pune, depicts the battle for independence with its Mig 23 BN and the inactive frigate INS Trishul, both of which were employed in the 1971 Indo-Pakistani and Portuguese-Indian wars. The museum was ‘basically’ pitched in 1997 and has been dubbed India’s best ‘war monument.’ Pay tribute to the Indian army’s efforts, uniforms, weaponry, and mementoes by visiting it.
Entry Fee: Free + Free Parking
Best Time to Visit: 9 AM – 5:30 PM
Empress Botanical Gardens
Pune is a city that will wow you with its delightful surprises. After exploring its historical treasures and museums rich in cultural history, I made a detour to learn more about the country’s agricultural revolution. Empress Botanical Gardens, owned and administered by the Agri-Horticultural Society of Pune, is an 18th-century estate known for its unusual plantings, flora, and animal life. This well-kept botanical garden, which spans 39 acres, showcases floral power unlike any other. Many people are supposed to come to this garden to attend environmental awareness exhibitions and seminars. I especially loved observing the beautiful stream that meandered through the park.
Entry Fee: INR 10 per adult
Best Time to Visit: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Poona is visited by hundreds of people every day because it is thriving with academic institutes and business centres, exhibiting a superb blend of the ancient and the modern. History, art, musical enclaves, spiritualism, and laissez-faire is abounding in Pune’s high-spirited metropolis. There are also some great breweries, restaurants, and shopping complexes in the area! Pune’s combination of colonial-era beauty and innovation is what makes it a fantastic destination to visit.
