Tag: India - Page 10 - Best Places of Interest

Pune, referred as the cultural capital of Maharashtra, is situated around 560m above sea level on the western margin of Deccan Plateau. A hilly city, with its highest hill, Vetal Hill at around 800m above sea level. It is located at the confluence of Mula and Mutha rivers. It has many pilgrimage centres, heritage towns and leisure destinations. Pune being culturally active, there are programs of classical Indian or Western Music or dance and shows of Marathi Theatre at Bal Gandharva Auditorium.

Pune railway station (Image source -Wikipedia)

How to reach Pune?

Pune is well-connected by air, rail and road to major cities of India.

By Rail– Pune being a major junction is linked well with major cities of the country. If you are in Mumbai and you wish to board a train, then you have many options to choose. Deccan Queen, Deccan Express, Indrayani, Pragati and Shatabdi are regular trains that run between Pune and Mumbai every day.

By Bus/Cab– Government and private buses regularly ply between Mumbai and Pune. Buses can be taken from Pune junction bus stand or at Shivajinagar station/bus stand.Taxis/cabs can also be hired. Some other cities near Pune are Ahmednagar (115km), Aurangabad (215km), Nashik (210km), and Kolhapur (233km) which are accessible by road.

By Flight– Pune airport is located in Lohagaon area around 10kms. From the heart of the city. You can take a cab or a bus service to reach the city.

Tourist attractions in Pune

Empress Garden– located near Pune Race Course at Wanawadi, near Camp, Pune. History states that in the British era, it was known as ‘Garden of Dr.Don’ under the possession of Sir Charles Napier. Later, this botanical park was named ‘Empress Garden’ in the honour of Queen Victoria after she won the title of ‘Empress of India’. This garden became famous among British soldiers as they came for recreation purpose. In 1892, Empress Garden was bought by the Bombay Government. It was then handed over to Agri-Horticultural society of Western India.

Common Indian myna ((Acridotheres tristis) at Empress Garden in Pune
by Amritadikpati- Wikimedia Commons

In contemporary times, it has become a favourite amongst locals and tourists who throng this garden for peace and serenity. The garden is open from 9.30am-6.30pm.

Bund Garden in Pune — Bund garden in pune (Image source Babloo180- Wikimedia Commons)

The Bund Garden is among the most admired gardens of Pune. It is a strong symbol of Maharashtrian culture and lifestyle. The park is clean and has many flower beds and bushes. The tall coconut trees adjoining the centre of this place make the garden, attractive and stunning. The plants are exquisite and the bushes are well-trimmed.

Osho Ashram

If you are in Pune, do not miss out on a walk through the Ashram garden. It won’t require much time but worth an experience. The ashram is maintained very well, especially the garden. There is also a statue of Osho and artificial waterfalls to add a mystic touch to the place.

Osho Garden- Pune — (WT-shared) Sanyambahga at wts wikivoyage -Wikimedia)

A very peaceful place… long stretches of green… great to walk around… no one to bother… peace and tranquillity!

Aga Khan Palace-This palace has five halls and large verandahs. The architecture is Islamic with hints of Italian art in its arches. It was built by Sultan Mohammed Shah, Aga Khan II.

Aga Khan Palace, Pune — AgaKhan Palace in Pune. Kasturbha Gandhi, wife of Mahatma Gandhi, died here (Image source http://www.djoh.netv- wikimedia)

It served as a prison to leaders like Mahatma Gandhi during Quit India Movement in 1942 and is therefore also known as Gandhi National Museum. It serves as a memorial of Mahatma Gandhi’s wife.

National War museum The museum built-in 1997 serves as a memorial for Indian soldiers who were martyrs of the nation. It is situated in Pune Cantonment. The museum has on display arms, uniforms and personal mementos.

Shinde Chhatri, Pune — Shinde Chhatri (Marathi : शिंदे छत्री), located in Wanawadi, a well known place in Pune, India, is a memorial dedicated to the 18th century military leader Mahadji Shinde who served as the commander-in-chief of the Maratha army under the Peshwas from 1760 to 1780. It is one of the most significant landmarks in the city and is reminiscent of the Maratha rule. It is a hall that marks the spot of Mahadji Shinde’s cremation on 12 February 1794. The three storied memorial bestows a daunting look of past splendour, representing the rich heritage of that era beautifully. The regal entrance gate made out of iron shines till date. The exterior is captivating and has intricate and detailed carvings
(Image credit- Bikashrd-Wikimedia Commons)

Shinde Chhatri– The Chhatri or hall has carvings and painting along with a gallery in it. There are paintings and photos of Scindia family. It is a memorial for Maratha leader, Mahadji Shinde.

While in Pune, you could also travel to the heights and hues of Western Ghats to Khandala, Mahabaleshwar and Lonavala.

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The first thing that comes to mind is why travel to India? What is so special about travelling to India? Well, India is a melting- pot of various cultures, cultural traditions, landscapes. Memories that will stay with you long after you have left the country.

Taj Mahal, Agra – Many tourists throng this place every year to catch a glimpse of this beautiful architecture. It is one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the World’. Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan as a monument to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The structure is designed in Mughal style and designs. It is surrounded by gardens, fountains and a reflecting pool that reflects Taj Mahal. The structure rests on a square plinth and has an arch-shaped entrance with a large dome. There are 4 minarets of 40 meters tall which resembles a mosque. Passages from Quran can be seen on the walls of the entire structure.

The Taj was chosen as a World Heritage Site in 1983 and looks perfect as when it was first created – though it underwent a huge restoration project in the early 20th century. While in Agra, one can also visit the Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Sikandra- Akbar’s Tomb, Yamuna river and city of Mathura.

Udaipur, Rajasthan– This place has ornate Rajput palaces floating in the middle of two sparkling lakes.

lake_palace_udaipur.preview.jpg (easytoursofindia.com)

Bandhavgarh National Park – Park is located in the interiors of the eastern tracks of Madhya Pradesh. The park is known for its tigers and leopards and is rich with other animals and birds.

(Supergreenme.com) Bandhavgarh National Park Tiger

Keoladeo National Park– it is close to Agra and Jaipur and is Asia’s most famous bird reserve, where one gets to see millions of migrants each year. It is situated in Bharatpur, Rajasthan. It has over 230 species of birds and is also declared a World Heritage Site.

Palolem, Goa– If one likes to check out the beaches and relax then one should head for Goa. Palolem in Goa is the most exquisite crescent shaped beach in Goa with its renowned dolphins and if you like alcohol, then don’t miss out on their Feni.

Pushkar Camel Mela– With the onset of November, more than 200,000 Rajasthani herders in traditional costume meet on the desert haven of Pushkar for trading and bathing in a lake which is considered sacred.

Kerala, God’s own Country- this is in the southern part of India and is known for its backwaters and greenery. Tourists enjoy boat trips which go through this tropical waterway. You can even hire a houseboat and enjoy the calm and serene backwaters of Kerala.