pune

Pune, formerly known as poona is a city in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Pune is home to the grand Aga Khan Palace which was built in 1892 and now serves as a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, whose ashes are preserved in the garden.

Pune is the second largest city (after Mumbai) in the state of Maharashtra. The city is also known for cultural activities like classical music, spirituality, theatre, sports, and literature.

One of the most beautiful cities of India and one of the best to live in, Pune is dotted with stunning landscapes, marvelous architecture, ancient religious places, romantic gardens, and all the places to have some devilish fun at night. A charming personification of modernity mixed with culture and heritage that adds to its appeal, Pune has several attractions that are a must-visit and demand your full attention. Out of the many places to visit in Pune, here are some of the best places to visit in Pune to cater to your wanderlust soul.

• Aga Khan Palace – Dating back to 19th century, Aga Khan Palace is an architectural marvel featuring huge halls and beautiful arches in Italian style along with sprawling gardens. The palace is of historical significance as it served as a prison for Mahatma Gandhi and other freedom fighters and leaders during the British Raj which makes the place even more fascinating.
• Shaniwar Wada Palace – Mentioned in the movie Bajirao Mastani, Shaniwar Wada, the palace of the Peshwas, is a beautiful edifice with a blend of Maratha and Mughal architectural style, with polished marble floors, teak arches, and glass chandeliers that decorate the palace in an incredible fashion. The evening light and sound show is a fascinating display of information and entertainment together.
• Lal Mahal and Shivneri Fort – Head to Lal Mahal to gain information about the Maratha history which dates to 1630, and the place where Shivaji, the founder of Maratha Empire, spent most of his childhood. The palace now functions as a memorial site to Shivaji and displays paintings presenting stages of his life.

Located in Junnar at about 90km from Pune, Shivneri Fort is at a top of a hill and is known for being the birthplace and the training ground of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaja. Built in the 16th century, it’s a great picnic spot with beautiful views.

• Mahatma Phule Museum – Formerly the residence of women rights activist, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, the place has now been converted into a museum which showcases diverse artifacts related to industry, textile, handicraft, geology, marble statues, stone carvings, armory, etc., along with many stuffed animals.
• Joshi’s Museum of Miniature Railways – Located in the suburbs of Pune, this museum is a fascinating place for train and engine lovers. Housing a collection of miniature trains, trams, steam engines, flyovers, etc., along with miniature layouts of cities with buildings, roads, and train tracks, Joshi’s Museum of Miniature Railways is a fun and fascinating place to be.

• Ohel David Synagogue – Locally known as Lal Deval, this is the largest synagogue in Pune and was constructed between 1863-1867 by David Sassoon. With an English Gothic style of architecture that seem like a church, the synagogue has a 90-foot-high obelisk with a grand clock that was specifically brought here from London for the same purpose.
• Pataleshwar Cave – Nestled at the heart of Pune, this marvelous monolithic temple has been carved out of a magnanimous rock and looks stunningly beautiful. A pious Hindu temple, it is the abode of Lord Pataleshwar, the lord of the underworld or hell, and a form of Lord Shiva.

• Parvati Hill – A hillock that offers a spectacular view of the entire city and is one of the most romantic places in Pune, Parvati Hill is also abode to Devdeveshwar Temple for which 103 steps are to be climbed. A great place to be with your special one, an evening spent here witnessing the stunning sunset is one sweet experience.
• Okayama Friendship Garden – Spattered with exotic combination of floral plants, vibrant lawns, gazebos, and beautiful waterfalls, and a dreamy place for the friends and couples to be, Okayama Friendship Garden is a Japanese style garden which has witnessed many budding love stories and has a special place in many couple’s hearts.
• Vetal Hill – Being the highest point of the city, the hill offers a spellbinding view of the cityscape and is a great place to spend some peaceful time with your friends or loved one.

Pune is a beautiful city which offers so much that it could take days for one to explore completely. But here are some of the top activities in Pune that one can indulge in:

• Camping near Pawna lake
• Visiting Shaniwar Wada
• Chilling at Cafe Paashh
• Trekking at Lohagad Fort
• A fun night at Chokhi Dhani
• Dining at Spice Factory

If you are someone who doesn't like to waste time in sleeping at night, than Pune has got hundreds of pubs and night-clubs for you which does not shut till 4am. Some of them are listed below:

• High Spirits (A pocket-friendly pub)
• Mi A Mi (famous for best DJs in the city)
• Swig (Known for live Hindi Fusion musical performances)
• Euriska (Known for Mediterranean and European delicacies)
• Hard Rock Cafe (Famous for Old school rock music, concerts and shows)

Shopping is an important part of the overall experience of traveling to any place. The markets in Pune are popular for street-shopping, furniture, accessories, readymade garments and many more!

Some of the best spots for shopping in Pune are:

• Fergusson College Road (Known for Clothes at Cheap Rates)
• Tulsi Baug (Famous for jewelry)
• Juna Bazaar (Famous for antique products)
• Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (Famous for traditional sweets)
• Mahatma Phule Mandai (Famous For Fresh Fruits & Veggies)

A true shopaholic needs no excuse or season to shop. Shopping in Pune is definitely a treat when you have got some of the best malls around you. Popular Shopping malls include:

• Amanora Mall
• Phoenix Market City
• Seasons Mall
• Pune Central Mall
• Nucleus Mall

The city is a paradise for all the nature lovers. Pune is most famous for its numerous gardens spread around the city. Some of them includes Saras Baug, Pune Okayama Friendship Garden, Bund Garden, Shunyo Par, Empress Garden, Tathawade Park, Peshwa Udyan and many more!

When, you're in Pune, don’t forget to try below listed delicacies:

• Bakarwadi (A roll that is spiced and deep-fried)
• Amti (Dal curry made with tuvar or pigeon pea)
• Peanut Chutney (Made with peanuts, garlic, dried red chilli powder and jaggery)
• Samosas (Made with Aloo, Maida and spices)
• Bhel Puri

Visit these below listed religious places to make your journey memorable.

• Balaji Temple, Ketkawla
• Jejuri Khandoba Temple
• Parvati Temple
• ISKON NVCC Temple
• Pataleshwar Cave Temple
• Kasba Temple
• Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati
• Alandi
• Chaturshringi Temple

Pune is the hub of cultural diversity that hosts a number of unique festivals for visitors and locals to enjoy. Some of the great festivals to enjoy in the city:

• Pune Festival (A 10-day long festival that celebrates local traditions, arts, dance and culture)
• Pune Biennale (The festival brings together artists from around India and outside)
• Pune International Film Festival (A festival that showcases film screenings)
• Vh1 Supersonic (A 3-day EDM festival that hosts some of the recognised DJs)

Pune has a lot of attractions and iconic restaurants is one of them. Pune has many rooftop restaurants where you can enjoy food with a beautiful scenic view of the city. Some of the best restaurants are:

• The Ruby Hilltop Lounge (Serves North-Indian, Chinese and Italian cuisine)
• 18 Degrees Resto Lounge (Serves North-Indian, Chinese and Italian cuisine)
• Chingari (Serves North Indian and Mughlai)
• Atmosphere 6 (Serves Global Cuisine)
• Tarsh Gastronomia (Serves North Indian, continental, Italian and pan-Asian cuisine)

If you are someone who likes to be pampered when you are away from home, than consider below listed hotels that are luxuorious:

• Conrad Pune by Hilton (From INR 9500 Onwards)
• JW Marriott Hotel Pune (From INR 8500 Onwards)
• Sheraton Grand Pune Bund Garden Hotel (From INR 6000 Onwards)
• The Westin Pune Koregaon Park (From INR 8000 Onwards)

The city has a number of affortable hotels too:

• Blue Diamond - IHCL SeleQtions (From INR 3000 Onwards)
• Hyatt Pune (From INR 3000 Onwards)
• The O Hotel (From INR 3500 Onwards)
• Royal Orchid Central (From INR 1500 Onwards)

Museums are the best places to know the history and culture of a city. Scroll down to know the best museums:

• Keshavrao Jagtap Museum (Dedicated to the Fire Department, the museum also houses the vintage Rolls-Royce Dennis fire brigade that was used in 1961)
• Vikram Pendse's Cycle Museum (Houses children’s bicycles, tandem bicycles, cruisers, beach cycles, nuts & bolts, tyres and many more)
• Sunil's Celebrity Wax Museum (Houses famous faces such as Shaktiman, Subhash Chandra Bose, Anna Hazare and many others)
• National War Museum (Dedicated to the brave soldiers and martyrs who gave their life)

Pune Metro is a rapid transit system that is still under construction. As of December 2019, the system comprised 3 lines with a total length of 54.58 km. Lines 1 and 2 are under construction and are expected to be operational in 2021.

• Police : 100
• Ambulance : 108
• Fire Brigade : 104
• Disaster Management Control Room : 1077
• Child Helpline : 1098
• Women Helpline : 1091

Marathi is the main language of Pune. But, languages like English, Hindi and Gujarati are spoken as well.

Marathi:

• Welcome - Tumcha svagat aso
• How are you? - Tu kas ahes
• What's your name? - Tujha nav kay ahe
• Where are you from? - Apaṇ kothale ahat?
• Good morning - Su-prabhat
• Have a nice day - Sukhi raha

Hindi:

• Welcome - Svagat
• How are you? - Aap kaise hai?
• What's your name? - Aapka naam kya hai?
• I don't know - Mujhe nahi pata
• I don't understand - Mein samjha nahi
• Thank you - Dhanyavad

Gujrati:

• Welcome - Padhaaro
• How are you? - Tame kem chho
• What's your name? - Taru naam su chhe
• Where are you from? - Tame kyaan na chho
• Goodbye - Avjo
• Good night - Shubh ratri