Pune has a range of sightseeing options, given its long and varied history. Palaces, temples and museum abound here. An ideal way of exploring the heritage is by taking doing a Pune Darshan tour, organised in air conditioned buses. The route followed is:
Pune Station - Pataleshwar - University of Pune - Chaturshringi - Ambedkar Museum - Tilak Museum - Shaniwar Wada - Lal Mahal - Dagdu Seth Halwai Ganpati - Phule Waada - Saras Garden - Peshwa Zoo - Mahalaxmi Temple - Swami Vivekanand Museum - Snake Park - Mahadji Scindia's Chatri - National War Museum - Tribal Museum - Osho Garden Park - Aga Khan Palace - Deccan Gymkhana - Pune City Station.
* (The tour starts at 9 am and ends at 5 pm; Rs. 100 per person.)
Read more about these sites.
Ohel David Synagogue
Popularly called Lal Deval for'‘Red Temple', this is Asia's largest synagogue outside Israel. Situated on Moledina Road, this red-brick-and-stone structure is built in the neo-Gothic style.
Aga Khan Palace
Also known as Kasturba Samadhi, Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba Gandhi were imprisoned here for some time. This is also where Kasturba Gandhi breathed her last. Built in 1892 by Aga Khan III, the palace’s architecture is from the mid-18th century American era with touches of the Baroque. Sweeping lawns and arches make the memorial a pretty site.
The Osho International Commune
Situated in the outskirts of the city, the Osho International Commune is in Koregaon Park, and it attracts thousands of people from all over the world who come to attend the meditation programmes here. The Commune was founded by Osho Rajneesh. The commune has beautiful gardens which are open to the public in the mornings and evenings. The entire area of Koregaon is beautiful, green and clean, with many high end restaurants.
Pataleshwar Cave Temples
The 8th century Shiva temple is cut out from a single, massive rock. Situated in Shivaji Nagar, it lies in the heart of the city.
Kesari Wada
This is where the first cry for self rule was heard and Kesari newspaper started by Lokmanya Tilak. Historical documents lie preserved here, including the first ever Indian National Flag.
Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum
Raja Dinkar collected antiques, and how. In the house lies his collection of fascinating Indian artifacts including everything from carved palace doors, pottery, lamps, musical instruments and even a palace!
Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum
Gliding Centre
The adventurous can go gliding to Hadapsar and enjoy great aerial views of the city, besides, of course the thrill of flying. A ride costs Rs. 187. Go any day between Sunday and Thursday.
