Pune

Sinhagad or Kondana is a pride of the southwestern region of Pune. This fort was the one to support Maharashtra during the ancient battles. Sinhagad battle of 1671 is the significant one. Bhuleshwar range of the great Sahyadris is the home to this historical monument. The fortress has an elevation of around 1312 m above the sea level. Sinhagad has got its own breakneck slopes to protect it from all sides. There are two entrances to this fort – one in the north-eastern region (Pune Darwaza) and another one towards the southeastern part (Kalyan Darwaza). The authenticity and the richness of Sinhagad fortress date back to around 1000 years. This is evident from the carvings present on the walls of Kaundinya Eshwar temple there. Sinhagad is valued as a true sightseeing heritage.To begin your sightseeing adventure, you have Rajaram’s tomb which is worth a visit. The fortress displays some of the adorable monoliths of Tanaji Malusare – one of the efficient safe-keepers of the fort from Shivaji Maharaj’s era. Besides these crucial displays, the fortress has got its own military depot, a Kali temple, breweries, and a Hanuman effigy. Pune Darwaza, Kalyan Darwaza, Tilak Bungalow, Hawa Point, Kade Lot, Amruteshwar Temple, Tanaji Samadhi and Memorial raises the elegance of this fortress even today.Summiting the fortress offers some stunning views of the Khadakwasla Dam from one end; while from its other side, you can see glimpses of Torna Fort.

Built in 1982 by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III, the Aga Khan Palace is a magnificent piece of history situated in 19 acres of land in the Yerwada area in Pune. Referred to as one of the most important landmarks of Indian history, along with the Indian freedom struggle, the palace has its roots deeply etched into bygone eras. The palace was built to help the poor in the areas surrounding Pune, which was drastically hit by famine in the early 1980s. One of the most stunning pieces of architecture in all of Pune, the Aga Khan Palace is also a famous tourist attraction, which was designed by a world-famous architect called Charles Correa.Additionally, the palace houses the samadhis (memorials) of Mahatma Gandhi’s wife, Kasturba Gandhi. Sources suggest that both Kasturba Gandhi and Mahatma Gandhi’s secretary Mahadev Desai breathed their last in the palace premises. And it is because of this that their memorials have been safeguarded in the palace grounds.The Aga Khan Palace is located in a huge ground, and has five, luxurious and spacious halls, along with several lawns. The structure resonates of Italian architecture, elegant yet intricate and magnificent.Of all the rooms and features of the palace, its arches are the most beautiful, almost mesmerising to the eyes. Aga Khan Palace has two huge floors, in addition to a corridor which spreads across the entire structure. The palace is known for organising several exhibitions and programmes throughout the year. Most of these reflect Gandhi’s lifestyle, thereby offering visitors a deep insight into the Mahatma’s life. Moreover, it is because of this and Gandhi’s links to it that the palace is now also known as the Gandhi National Memorial Society. One of the most prominent attractions of the palace is the room where Gandhi stayed during his imprisonment, along with his personal belongings and pictures of the other freedom fighters. |

Appu Ghar, popularly known as “The Mini Disneyland”, is one of the best amusement parks in the state of Maharashtra. Situated at Nigdi in Pune at the foothills of the Shri Durga Devi Tekadi, it offers a plethora of opportunities for thrill and entertainment. Also known as Indira Gandhi Udyan, the main purpose of creating the park was to gift an eco-friendly atmosphere to people of all ages.The construction of Appu Ghar Pune started in 1989 and continued till 1992. Since 2005, the maintenance of the park is entrusted with the Pushpak Amusements group. The name of the park was derived from the famous mascot of the 1982 Asian Games held in Delhi, Appu the elephant. Operating for more than 40 years now, the park is one of the favorite destinations for both Indians and international travelers.The rides of Appu Ghar Pune have all been imported from Italy with high quality and safety standards. There are water pools too for both kids and adults to enjoy a cool soothing day out in the park. Along with the numerous fun and exciting rides, the park has a beautiful lake in its premises to sit and relax. You can also witness the stunning views of the hills adjacent to the park.

Vetal Hill is popularly known as Vetal Tekdi. It is one of the most famous places amongst the locals residing in Pune. Fitness freaks frequent Vetal Hill quite often for either an early morning walk, jog, trek or to cycle. Situated just 10km from Pune railway station, it is easily accessible by road. Vetal Hill is one of the highest points in Maharashtra at an elevation of 2600ft. This is a perfect place for a family picnic, photography, birding or just an outing along with friends on a weekend.The forest officials have constructed a deck at the top of the hill which offers a spell-bounding landscape of mother nature. Vetal Hill is a popular tourist destination which has a rich flora and fauna along with small lakes, colourful birds, green in every shade and a breathtaking view of the surroundings.The hill is dotted with chirping birds, peacock, rabbits, falcons and colourful butterflies. Apart from the famous Vetal temple the Chaturshringi temple too finds its place here.One has to scale close to 100 steps to offer prayers to goddess Chaturshringi along with other gods and goddesses. Birders frequent this place to spot colourful birds like robin, francolin, minivet, bulbuls and many more. Spend a weekend with friends and family at the gorgeous Vetal hills surrounded by fluttering butterflies, chirping birds and distant echo from nearby villages.An early morning trek to Vetal Hill is highly recommended to witness the gorgeous sunrise. Vetal Hill has a temple at the top of the hill dedicated to the goddess Vetala. Thus the mountain has been named after the temple worshipping the goddess.

Gear up to be fascinated by an amazing collection of Indian artefacts at Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum in Pune. The museum boasts of having more than 20,000 artefacts which Baba Kelkar collected during his lifetime to leave behind a legacy for the future generations. One can see various paintings, handicrafts, musical instruments and a number of other objects of art collected from all over the world.A must visit for all the tourists in Pune, Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum showcases various items that will leave you spellbound. One can see anything and everything here from door frames to musical instruments. For lovers of history, there are many artefacts which date back to the 18th and 19th century and makes for a wonderful revisit down the lanes of past.Location:  Bajirao Road, near Abhinav Kala Mandir, Pune, Maharashtra.Best time to visit: The museum is great for visiting throughout the year.Entry fee: The ticket fees to enter here are INR 15/ USD 0.23Timings: Raj Dinakar Kelkar Museum can be visited any day of the week from 9 am to 6 pm 

Standing at a distance of around 35 km from the mainland of Pune, Mulshi Dam is a perfect family weekend getaway. Although a 365 days tourist destination, the picturesque beauty of Mulshi Dam is commendable in monsoons. The place is quite peaceful and boasts a tranquil environment and its natural serenity with calm surroundings crown it as one of the top-rated short trip destinations from Pune.A clean and green paradise, Mulshi is an eco-friendly destination where trekking, photography & bird-watching are carried out in full swing. Other than these, camping is also highly adored by tourists.Renting a lakeside cottage to bask the surrounding beauty and enjoying a campfire during the night has always remained a favourite pastime activity of the people visiting here. You can also go for hill climbing or enjoy boating on the lake. Playing cricket, fishing, crab catching, & bullock cart ride are some other things to enjoy here.The breathtaking views of the mighty Sahyadri ranges that surround the dam of Mulshi are truly astounding. The picturesque landscape is replete with a wide array of local flora and fauna. Apart from its scenic beauty, the dam is a hotspot for electricity generation & irrigational reserves.Once you are done with your visit to this dam and lake, you may make your way to the nearby places as well. Lavasa, Tamhini Ghat, Kailasgad Fort, Panshet, Temghar Dam, Raigad Fort, are some excellent places to visit.

Kamshet is a beautiful hill station in Pune which is renowned for its natural beauty and a number of adventure activities. Located in the Western Ghats, Kamshet is replete with lush green hills and beautiful lakes. Kamshet is nestled between the gorgeous paddy and sunflower fields and offer a postcard-perfect landscape as a visual delight. It is located close to the two famous hill stations of Maharashtra-Lonavala and Khandala and offers a refreshing getaway to beat the heat and enjoy the surreal ambience.Kamshet is most famous for being a paraglider’s paradise. There are various paragliding schools and world-class facilities to offer an unforgettable experience for the adventure junkies. Being an adventure hub, Kamshet is a must visit if you wish to challenge yourself with some pulse-racing adventures on your visit to Pune. Apart from paragliding, tourists here can embark on an exciting trek to the Kondaleshwar Cliff, Tower Hill or Shelar. Some other famous places to visit in Kamshet are Kondeshwar Temple, Bhairi Caves, Bhedsa Caves, Pawna Lake and Bhandar Dongar for a wholesome experience. Location: Kamshet, Pune District, MaharashtraBest Time to visit: The best time to visit this place is from October to JuneEntry fee: N/ATimings: N/A

Peacock Bay is a spectacular place to visit in Pune when you are touring National Defence Academy. It is adjacent to the lake at Khadakvasla Dam and owned by the National Defence Academy. With a large number of peacocks which could be spotted in the area, Peacock Bay got its well-deserved name. Along with the peacocks, the place has been known for offering glimpses of various flora and fauna like deer, Lion-tailed monkeys, and civets.Peacock Bay has been famous for hosting a number of challenging competitions and activities of NDA. The place has many facilities which range from sailing boats, windsurfers to different whalers and dinghies. Peacock Bay offers a surreal ambiance and offers a wonderful visit distinct from many other places to visit in Pune.Location: Peacock Bay is located at National Defence Academy in PuneBest Time to visit: The ideal time to visit Peacock Bay is from the month of July to FebruaryEntry fee:  Tourists are not required to pay any entrance fees for visiting Peacock BayTimings: Although there is no specific time to visit this place, it is advisable to plan your visit in the morning or evening.