One of the 8[SUP]th[/SUP] largest metropolises of India, Pune is the second largest city of the state of Maharashtra. The city has a rich historical past and is often called as the “Queen of Deccan”. It is one of the most popular tourist places of India and also an educational hub of the state. The city houses several premium educational institutions. Pune is also popular among the tourists for its rich cultural heritage and offers several historical places that narrate the tale of the glorious past. Some of the most popular Travel places in Pune for India travellers include:
Aga Khan Palace
Built by Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan III to provide employment to the famine-struck villagers in the surrounding areas, Aga Khan Palace is one of the prominent attractions of Pune. This palace is related to the Indian Freedom Movement and has many histories related to it. During the Quit India Movement in 1942, Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba Gandhi, along with Mahadeobhai Desai, were imprisoned in the palace.
Bund Garden
Situated on the right bank of Mula-Mutha River, Bund Garden is named after a mini dam (boond) built across the Mula-Mutha River; it is a welcome retreat for migratory birds during winter. In this garden, magic shows and horse riding are organised. Now known as Mahatma Gandhi Udyan, it also has facility of boating. This is as well a popular attraction among the tourists to the place.
Shaniwar Wada
Seat of the erstwhile Peshwa rulers of the Maratha Empire, Shaniwar Wada is one of the major attractions of the city. This place offers a glimpse of the rich historical past of the city and its rulers. Comprising fountains, courtyards, blooming gardens, offices, audience halls and residential quarters, the palace is situated near Mula River. Dilli Darwaja (Delhi Gate), Mastani or Alibahadur Darwaja, Khidki Darwaja, Ganesh Darwaja and Narayan Darwaja are the gates of the palace.
Sinhagad Fort
Sinhagad Fort is located at a distance of 35 km from Pune. Meaning 'The Lion's Fort', it is situated on a hill rising 800 m above the surrounding countryside. Site of the Battle of Sinhagad in 1670, the fort was previously called Kondana. At an elevation of 1,350 m above sea level, the fort lies on an isolated cliff of the Bhuleswar Range of the Sahyadari Mountains. Kalyan Darwaja in the southeast and the Pune Darwaja in the northeast mark the entrances of the fort. Named after the sage Kaundinya, the previous edifice of the fort contained Kaundinyeshwar Temple, caves and carvings. Believed to have been built 2,000 years back, it was captured from the Koli tribal chieftain, Nag Naik, by Muhammad bin Tughlaq in 1328 AD. A memorial to Tanaj, as well as the tomb of Rajaram, who was Shivaji’s younger son, is also located within the complex of the fort. Military stables, brewery and a Kali Temple are also located within the complex. Apart from the historic gates, the fort complex also contains a Hanuman statue. In addition to being a favourite weekend retreat, it is also a popular trekking destination.
Katraj Snake Park
Established in 1986, by the efforts of Mr. Neelam Kumar Khaire, aided by the Pune Municipal Corporation, the conservation park has a vast collection of snakes, reptiles, birds and turtles. This park features over 160 species of snakes, this park has Brown Palm Civet, nine feet long King Cobra, which were brought from Sunderbans and some rare species of birds and turtles are highlights of the park. The park is a worth visiting place in the city of Pune.
Aga Khan Palace
Built by Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan III to provide employment to the famine-struck villagers in the surrounding areas, Aga Khan Palace is one of the prominent attractions of Pune. This palace is related to the Indian Freedom Movement and has many histories related to it. During the Quit India Movement in 1942, Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba Gandhi, along with Mahadeobhai Desai, were imprisoned in the palace.
Bund Garden
Situated on the right bank of Mula-Mutha River, Bund Garden is named after a mini dam (boond) built across the Mula-Mutha River; it is a welcome retreat for migratory birds during winter. In this garden, magic shows and horse riding are organised. Now known as Mahatma Gandhi Udyan, it also has facility of boating. This is as well a popular attraction among the tourists to the place.
Shaniwar Wada
Seat of the erstwhile Peshwa rulers of the Maratha Empire, Shaniwar Wada is one of the major attractions of the city. This place offers a glimpse of the rich historical past of the city and its rulers. Comprising fountains, courtyards, blooming gardens, offices, audience halls and residential quarters, the palace is situated near Mula River. Dilli Darwaja (Delhi Gate), Mastani or Alibahadur Darwaja, Khidki Darwaja, Ganesh Darwaja and Narayan Darwaja are the gates of the palace.
Sinhagad Fort
Sinhagad Fort is located at a distance of 35 km from Pune. Meaning 'The Lion's Fort', it is situated on a hill rising 800 m above the surrounding countryside. Site of the Battle of Sinhagad in 1670, the fort was previously called Kondana. At an elevation of 1,350 m above sea level, the fort lies on an isolated cliff of the Bhuleswar Range of the Sahyadari Mountains. Kalyan Darwaja in the southeast and the Pune Darwaja in the northeast mark the entrances of the fort. Named after the sage Kaundinya, the previous edifice of the fort contained Kaundinyeshwar Temple, caves and carvings. Believed to have been built 2,000 years back, it was captured from the Koli tribal chieftain, Nag Naik, by Muhammad bin Tughlaq in 1328 AD. A memorial to Tanaj, as well as the tomb of Rajaram, who was Shivaji’s younger son, is also located within the complex of the fort. Military stables, brewery and a Kali Temple are also located within the complex. Apart from the historic gates, the fort complex also contains a Hanuman statue. In addition to being a favourite weekend retreat, it is also a popular trekking destination.
Katraj Snake Park
Established in 1986, by the efforts of Mr. Neelam Kumar Khaire, aided by the Pune Municipal Corporation, the conservation park has a vast collection of snakes, reptiles, birds and turtles. This park features over 160 species of snakes, this park has Brown Palm Civet, nine feet long King Cobra, which were brought from Sunderbans and some rare species of birds and turtles are highlights of the park. The park is a worth visiting place in the city of Pune.
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