Pune Travel Guide
Pune is at the confluence of the Mutha and Mula river,surrounded by
hills and lies in the natuaral settings having pleasant climate. Pune is
a significant milestone in the history of India. For many years Pune was
the pulse of the Maratha land and has given India some of its most
memorable personalities. Raja Shivaji, the Maratha king who defied the
Moghul emperor Aurangzeb was brought up in Pune. The city also served as
the Head quarters of the mighty Maratha Empire under the Peshwas. After
the fall of Maratha Power, Pune became an educational centre. Many
social reforms were initiated in Pune. During the lifetime of Lokmanya
Tilak, Pune had became the nerve of national politics
Pune, located 170 kms. south of Mumbai has been the cultural capital of
Maharashtra, since ages. The city was one of the pivotal basesof the
17th century great Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji, who was born at
the Shivneri Fort here.Pune became the seat of the enterprising Peshwas,
under whom Maratha power rose into a major political force. The Peshwas
were renowned patrons of the arts and in their time, enriched the city
with temples, gardens and educational institutions.
Getting There :
Flights available to Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Calcutta, Madras,
Bangalore and Ahmedabad from Pune Airport itself. Mumbai is the nearest
International Airport to Pune.
By Trains :
Pune is linked with Mumbai (170 km), Nasik (209 km), Aurangabad (230
km), Chennai (1,088 km), Delhi and other major cities of India. From
Mumbai there are regular trains.
By Road :
The excellent road network connects Pune with most of the important
cities in Maharashtra and India. The Mumbai-Pune Express Highway offers
a safe and fast access between Mumbai and Pune. Pune is also well
connected with Goa, Ahmedabad, Nagpur, Shirdi, Bangalore, Indore,
Hyderabad and Aurangabad through road.
Tourist Attractions :
Mastani Mahal :
Laying waste in the wilderness, this Mahal was recreated by Pune’s
‘Kaka’ Dinkar Kelkar. An avid art collector, ‘Kaka’
transplanted the fine wooden pillars and wall paintings to his museum at
Pune. The living room of the Wada reveals intricate architecture,
woodcarving and charming murals. The superb furnishings evoke the
atmosphere of the home of Mastani, whose portrait on glass is also
present in the museum.
Raste Wada :
Situated at the far end of the town, Raste Wada is one of the largest
remaining wadas and now stands surrounded by a jungle of buildings. The
Wada cost Rs.9 lakh to build and had stable to house Raste’s
cavalry retinue. Now, these cloisters have been either been ravaged by
time or rented out to tenants. The Diwankhana, once a separate building,
houses a municipal school. Sealed fountains and covered chandeliers
stand here as steeled voices from the past.
Karla & Bhaja caves :
The Karla Caves were carved by the monks and the artisans who tried to
imitate the carvings on wood. Out side the cave a stambha with four
back-to-back Lions stands. This pillar is associated with Ashoka and is
believed to have been kept there later. The Bhaja caves are older and
more peaceful than the Karla caves. Out of the 18 Bhaja caves ten are
viharas and one is an open chaitya.
Lohegadh & Visapur :
A ridge separates the twin forts of Lohegadh and Visapur at 1350 m with
1 km between them. Lohegadh was Shivaji's stronghold during his reign. A
waterfall in the trek to Lohegadh is the highlight of the trek. A number
of mischievous monkeys can create trouble so watch out. Though not much
remains of the fort, the trek to the top is still worth it. While
Visapur might be right next to it, there is not much to see! Dating back
to the 1700s, visiting these forts (one kilometer apart), which were
taken and lost by Shivaji, makes for a strenuous hike.
Vishram Baug This three-storied mansion is remarkable
for its beautiful entrance and a balcony with carved woodwork typical of
the Peshwa period. Noted historian Babasaheb Purandare has undertaken
the task of transforming the inner courts and the hall into their
original grandeur adding to the beauty of the place. A one storey Wada
here, Vishrambaug, curiously was once a garden and is said to have
derived its name from its gardener called Vishram.
