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Area :
138.9sq.kms.
Altitude : 599 mtrs.
Pune is situated 200 kms from Mumbai and is a city surrounded by
forts historical places and lakes. More conservative in character
Pune is aptly called the ‘cultural capital of Maharashtra’. It is
situated at an altitude of 570 mts. on the Sahyadri hills in western
Maharashtra. Its pleasant climate has earned it the coveted term
“Queen of the Deccan”. It is the second most important city in the
state and a regular holiday spot for people from all over the
country.
Sightseeing includes Shaniwarwada, Parvati Hills, Saras Baug, Raja
Dinkar Kelkar Museum, Pune University, Aga Khan Palace, Peshwe Udyan,
Osho Ashram Pashan and Panshet lakes. Excursions include Jejuri Dehu
and Alandi and the historical forts of Sinhgad and Shivneri.
Places of attraction :-
Shaniwarwada:
Once an imposing fortress like structure this was the erstwhile
palace of the Peshwas. A fire destroyed it in 1828 but the massive
walls still remain. The palace was built in 1736 by Bajirao.
Shinde’s Chhatri:
Literally translated it means Shinde’s umbrella. A tribute to the
great Maratha nobleman Mahadji Shinde this architectural wonder is a
must see.
Pataleshwar Cave Temple:
Just across the river on the Jangali Maharaj Road lies the 8th
century temple of Pataleshwara. Cut out of single rock it has
massive pillars built along the lines of the much grander Elephanta
Caves in Mumbai.
Parvati Hill and Temple:
Located on the southern outskirts of Pune these famous landmarks are
visible form just about anywhere in the city. It’s said that the
last Peshwa stood on top of this hillock and watched whilst his
troops suffered defeat at the hands of the British soldiers at
Kirkee.
Saras Baug:
A beautiful garden housing a temple dedicated to Lord Ganapati it
was built by Nanasaheb Peshwa. The others famous gardens are Empress
Botanical Gardens which has several tropical trees and a small zoo
nearby. The Bund Gardens is a popular evening resort with an added
attraction of boating facility.
University:
The erstwhile house of the Governor of Bombay during the monsoons
this Italian – Gothic structure is located at Ganeshkhind. It also
has 30 mts. high square tower a swimming pool and well kept lawns.
Film and Television Institute of India:
Totally dedicated towards imparting film crafts to film buffs the
FTII has some of the leading luminaries of the film world as its
alumni.
Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum:
One man’s obsession with antiques has laid bare interesting nuggets
of information about the Mughal and Maratha period. The exhibits in
this museum are the personal collection of Shri Dinkar Gangadhar (akakaka
Kelkar). It has over 13000 curios and artifacts compiled made of
fish scales a bizzare range of musical instruments hookah pipes
betel nut cutters. However the pride of place belongs to ‘Mastani
Mahal’ brought and erected as it was from its original venue. The
MTDC city tour stops here briefly.
Tribal Museum:
South of the railway line and east of the railway station lies this
wonderful museum. It provides an interesting insight into the lives
and times of Maharashtra’s tribal communities. Especially those from
the Sahayadri and Oondwana regions. Open on weekdays. 10 a.m. to 5
p.m.
Aga Khan Palace:
(Kasturba Gandhi National Memorial) Set amidst 6 acres of gardens is
the splendid Aga Khan’s palace. It was built in 1892 by Imam Sultan
Muhammad Sha Agakhan III. It was here that Mahatma Gandhi was
interned along with other leaders when he gave the call of ‘Quit
India’ in 1942. A photographic exhibition is also displayed here
which highlights facets of Gandhi’s illustrious struggle.
Osho International Commune:
Bhagwan Rajneesh’s famous ashram is located at 17 Koregaon Park. It
is a ‘spiritual’ Health Club and boasts of a swimming pool, sauna,
tennis, basketball courts, Massage. Beauty parlours, bistro, book
shop, and a five hectare zen garden called Osho Teerth.
Pashan Lake:
A temporary home for migratory birds this picturesque lake lies 12
kms. away and off the road to the National Defence Academy. An
interesting place for bird lovers.
Panshet Lake:
Nestled between two lakes is this aquasport complex. Built by MTDC (Maharashtra
Tourism Development Corporation). It has exciting water sport
facilities.
Katraj Snake Park:
A nine foot long king Cobra and a myriad collection of reptiles,
birds turtles greet the visitors at this snake park. |
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