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Pune is one of the best places you can visit in India. The city have that old feel of the Marathi culture but it also have a modern face too. There are many places to visit in this elegant city ranging from palaces, museums, forts, and temples among other incredible places. The hotels in Pune are very comfortable and the view is magnificent.
The city has a lot to offer that might require you to use a few weeks or even a few months in order to explore the place to your satisfaction but if you just have limited time, then it is important to know the best places to visit in Pune so that you don’t get to “waste” your time on the not so important things and you end up missing the very things that are the best. Check them out.
Aga Khan Palace
This Elegant palace that was built back in 1892 by Sultan Mohammed Sha Aga Khan III is definitely one of the most iconic places you must see while you are in Pune. The palace lies on a 19 acre land and it has even been declared a monument that is of national importance.
The palace has a lot of history and it is even believed that Mahatma Gandhi as well as Mahadev Desai were prisoners in this palace. The museum has a lot of photos and belongings of Mahatma Gandhi. At the back of the building there is a garden where you can see where Mahadev Desai was laid to rest as he died a prisoner in the palace. The palace is usually opened at 9.00 am and it is closed in the evening around 5:30 pm.
Shaniwar Wada palace
Another place that has a lot of historical importance is this palace that was built back in 1732 by Peshwa Bajirao I. The palace was built as the seat of the Peshwa before it was lost to the British in the year 1818. The palace was the hub of politics as well as history back in the days but it was destroyed on a fire outburst back in the year 1828.
The remains of the palace are now maintained as a tourist attraction and it is doing very well because every year thousands of visitors visit Pune to witness this historical place. There is usually a show that is conducted every evening and it is fun, something you don’t want to miss while you are in Pune. The palace was even featured in one of the best Bollywood movies, Bajiro mastani. It is usually open as from 8 in the morning and closed 6 in the evening.
Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum
Who said you have to visit forts and palaces to feel the history of India? You can visit this museum and experience the history of the country up close. The museum is considered as one of the one man collection in the whole world. The artifacts in this museum were collected by Dr. Dinkar Kelkar and it contains more than 20 000 curios and over 2500 items that are on display for all to see. There are some sculptures that dates back as early as the 14th century, hookah pipes and Mughal lamps among other things that you will definitely enjoy seeing if you are a history lover. The museum is usually opened about 10 in the morning and closed around 5:30 pm.
Parvati hill
Now that you have travelled through time and experienced good time, it is time to get out of the history class and visit some other places. How about you start with Parvati, the highest point in Pune? This hillock is definitely one of the most scenic points in the city allowing you to have a panoramic view of the city. There are other tourist attractions in the area ranging from a museum to temples. As it is not a temple or palace, you can be sure of visiting at any time of the day. We recommend you visit the hill early in the morning or the evening where you can enjoy some cool breeze. The entrance fee to the hill is zero rupees!
Okayama friendship Garden
The park lies on a 10 acre land and it was inspired by a 300 year garden that is located in Japan of the same name. The landscape of this place are phenomenal and not forgetting the beautiful vegetation, flowers and natural water canals that surrounds the garden. There is something to catch your eye every step you make. The park is usually open as early as six so you can be sure of starting your day with some beautiful views. It is one place you don’t want to miss while you are in Pune.
Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park
For the nature lovers this is a place you don’t want to miss. Spread over 130 acres it is a perfect place to hike and take some photos to flood your Instagram account with. There are some animals and birds that adds more grace to this beautiful park. It is a perfect place you should consider visiting especially if you are exploring with your family. The park is open as early as 9:30 in the morning and closes at 5:30 in the evening. The park is also usually closed on Wednesdays so you might want to remember that.
The restaurants in Pune
You will need to refill after exploring the beautiful city all morning or all day. The restaurants in Pune prepares some of the best foods in the whole country. They are usually opened early in the mornings so you can be sure of having even your breakfast in one of the restaurants. Be sure to try some Mysore Dosa and sabudana vada before you leave Pune.
Other places you might want to visit include:
The lounge bars in Pune.
Dugdusheth Halwai Ganpati temple.
Shinde Chhatri.
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