Pune, popularly known as The Queen of the Deccan, is the second largest city of Maharashtra. This historic city of Chhatrapati Shivaji is also the cultural capital of Maharashtra. The city’s grand historical forts, sea beaches, greenery, and many flowing waterfalls attract you to your side. Pune brings you rich history and modernity together. If you are planning to visit Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga and visit Pune, then we take you on a Pune tour to introduce you to the heritage of Peshwas and experience the rich culture of India.
List of amazing weekend getaways around Pune, these are some of the tourist places you can visit in Pune are listed below.
- Sinhagad
Sinhagad is a good option if you want to go somewhere in Pune with your friends. Built-in the Maratha era, this fort gives you a chance to trek and observe the green hills.
- Aga Khan Palace
One of the beautiful tourist places of Pune, the Aga Khan Palace located in Yerawada is a historical building quite different from its name. This palace-like building housed Mahatma Gandhi, Kasturba Gandhi, and Mahadev Desai (Gandhi’s secretary) as a prison between August 1942 and May 1944. Along with this, other great leaders of freedom fighters like Mirabel, Pyarelal Nair, Sarojini Naidu, and Dr. Sushila Nair were also kept captive here by the British. You will love this palace made of Italian architecture amidst the greenery of lush green trees around an area of 19 acres. The palace was built in 1892 by Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan III to help those affected by the famine.
- Bedse Caves
They may not be as famous as the Ajanta and Ellora caves, but the Bedse Caves are no less interesting. Come here before sunrise to see these 1st-century BC rock-cut caves bathed in the light of the rising sun.
A trip to Bedse Caves, one of the most preferred weekend destinations from Pune within 100 km, is a great help in understanding the regional history.
- Lohagad
Even older than the 17th century, the Lohagad Fort is a well-known trekking spot here. The greenery and beauty also increase as you climb up.
- Shivneri Fort
Shivneri Fort located near Junnar is the main place of Pune. The great Maratha emperor Shivaji was born in this fort on 19 February 1630. Shivneri Fort is about 3500 feet high, built in the shape of a triangle surrounded by steep rocks on all sides. Crossing the first seven gates to see the main fort leaves you astonished at how impenetrable the fort’s defenses were. The main attraction of the fort is the statue of young Chhatrapati Shivaji and his mother Jijabai. There is a lake named Badami Talab in the middle of the fort. The most beautiful view inside the fort is that of two springs named Ganga and Yamuna, which have water throughout the year. If you have more time then you can also visit other forts including Bhairavgarh, Chavand Jeevdhan, and Jumner of Shivneri hill.
- Katraj Zoo
This park is in Rajiv Gandhi Zoo, Katraj. The zoo has three zones, the Central Zoo, the Animal Orphanage, and the Katraj Snake Park. There are 22 species of snakes in the park, including the 13-foot-long king cobra. The park authority runs several awareness programs to educate the people about these snakes and the people who have misconceptions about these reptile species.
- Lal Mahal Pune
The Lal Mahal of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Pune is one of the most famous monuments in India. It was built in 1643 AD by Shahji, the father of Emperor Shivaji. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s childhood was spent in this palace and he was married here to Saibai. A historical battle took place between Shivaji Maharaj and Shahiste Khan in this Lal Mahal. When Shahiste Khan tried to escape from the window of the Lal Mahal, Chhatrapati Shivaji cut off his fingers. Some important events of Shivaji’s life have been depicted on the walls of the Lal Mahal with large oil paintings.
