If you turn the pages of history, you will know that Pune used to be the abode of Maratha rulers. It has witnessed innumerable wars fought for glory and power. Quite obviously, royal palaces, towering forts, ancient temples, you name it, Pune has every kind of historical spot that silently conveys the stories of bygone eras. So, if you want to travel back in the rich history of Pune, read on! Best Historical Places Near Pune
Below are the 10 best historical places in Pune city that can charm not only history buffs but every tourist, including you!
10 Best Historical Places Near Pune
Shaniwar Wada
To witness the glory and pride of the Marathas, you must visit Shaniwar Wada which is among the famous tourist places to visit in Maharashtra. From the remnants inside the area, you can hear about the stories of the Peshwas and the challenges that this palace had faced. Carefully check the towering stone boundaries and you will understand the level of security that was provided to protect this beautiful place. You will be intrigued to see the fine blend of Maratha and Mughal architecture. An interesting fact! You can find paintings representing scenes from the epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata, here too. Also, don’t forget to click some pictures in front of this historical palace built by Peshwa Bajirao I.
Sinhagad Fort
When you are at the Sinhagad Fort, one of the renowned historical places to visit in India, you will notice the strength of this humongous structure as it stands tall even after encountering several battles. Do check out the tombs of Rajaram Chhatrapati and Tanaji Malusare that flaunt admirable architecture. Wait, the list of attractions doesn’t end here! There are hidden caves inside the fort area which are finely carved. You will also find bunkers and a brewery. The breathtaking view of the Sahyadri mountains on which this fort rests is an added bonus!
Aga Khan Palace
Built by a Mughal ruler, Muhammad Shah Aga Khan III, this palace is another must-visit building in Pune. Everything here, starting from the arches and rooms to the garden area, is aesthetically designed and will captivate your eyes. Did you know this palace contains the memorials of Kasturba Gandhi, Mahatma Gandhi’s wife? Yes, it’s true! Also, you can see the room where Gandhiji spent his time in imprisonment. His belongings and even photographs of other freedom fighters are displayed here. This is why this place is also known as the Gandhi National Memorial Society.
Lal Mahal
As you must have guessed from the name, the entire structure is made of red (lal) bricks. You can learn a lot about the Peshwas from this palace which was built to symbolize the courage of the Peshwas during Shivaji’s era. You will be fascinated to know that this is the place where Shivaji Maharaj was brought up. Check out the unique sculpture representing Shivaji ploughing an area of land with a golden plough. It’s worth staring at! A replica structure of the Raigarh fort and Jijabai’s statue are other attractions here that you just can’t miss. Being one of the most significant historical buildings in Pune, this mahal gives you the chance to witness a glimpse of Shivaji’s life, his secret escape routes, his defense points, and much more.
Parvati Hill
Get a panoramic view of the encompassing valley by visiting this hill resting at a height of 640 meters above sea level. It’s a one-stop point where you can enjoy many tourist attractions, especially temples and museums. Visit the Parvati Hill Temple Complex and see the beautiful idols of Goddess Parvati, Lord Vishnu, Lord Karthikeya, and Lord Ganesha. History says the Peshwas used to come here to offer prayers in their times. Also, if you have a fascination for historical artifacts, visit the Parvati Museum where you can spot a collection of ancient coins, manuscripts and even, royal weaponry.
Lohagad Fort
If you are a nature lover, you will love to visit this one of the important historical buildings in Pune. You can find this enormous fort surrounded from all sides by lush greenery. Although it’s a UNESCO-protected site now, you can still feel the essence of ancient construction in this fort. On reaching here, the first things that will capture your attention are surely the massive gates named Ganesha Darwaza, Narayan Darwaza, Maha Darwaza, and Hanuman Darwaza. After the entrance, check out the finesse of the wall carvings which still look as if they are newly carved. Just a reminder! This place remains open from 9 am to 6 pm. So, plan your visit accordingly.
Pataleshwar Caves, Pune
You can’t miss this one-of-a-kind historical place in Pune. You have to walk and take the underground route to offer prayers at this temple dedicated to Lord Pataleshwar. Here, you will find idols of Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, Lord Ram, Sita, and Lakshman resting inside the beautifully carved temples. The fascinating fact is that this entire temple is carved out of a single rock. Once you have offered your prayers, ask a guide to help you spot the grain of rice containing around 5000 characters in it. It’s a unique piece, you just can’t miss it!
Dagadusheth Halwai Ganapati Temple
Among the holy places to visit in Pune, this is probably the most gorgeous and richly-adorned tourist attraction. Try to plan your visit here at the time when the grand festivals like Ganeshotsava and Gudi Padwa are organized. The grandeur of the ceremonies and rituals is worth witnessing at least once in your lifetime. On entering, your eyes will be hooked to the bewitching Ganesha idol made of over 40 kgs of gold. The illuminated chandeliers, the vibrant traditional designs on the walls and pillars, everything will be a treat to your eyes.
Shinde Chhatri
This is another picturesque building that you can visit in Pune. Satiate the history enthusiast in you by witnessing the royalty of the Maratha Empire here. You can find paintings in the inner galleries which represent the life and actions of the revered Maratha ruler, Shri Mahdji Shinde. Notice the intricate details and floral carvings on the walls which are alluring. Actually, this place was originally meant to be a Shiva temple built by the Maratha leader but after his death, it became his cremation ground. Well, the place is beautiful and when you visit here, you will surely agree that the colourful glass panes elevate the beauty of the contrasting golden building.
National War Memorial Southern Command
Feel patriotism when you visit this popular museum in Pune. If you are curious to know about the war history of India, this will be the perfect place for you. Starting from details and pictures of the Kargil war to information about the wars fought by Maratha Kings, you can find it all here. Let’s tempt you more! You can observe real-sized replicas of war vehicles like INS Trishul and MIG 23 BNS Jet. Don’t return without seeing the Pakistani Patton Tank that was actually captured in a war. And for some fun, head out to the shooting area inside the museum to try a paintball activity.
So, Pune has a huge storehouse of historical places. To take a closer look, all you gotta do is, plan a Pune trip and add these places to your sightseeing plans!
