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Sights and Sounds
The Aga Khan’s Palace:
This Palace boasts of Italianate arches, a gracious building
having salons and suites and spacious lawns . The place has a
historical landmark. During the 1942 Quit India Movement the
Britishers interned Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba Gandhi
here. Later a memorial was erected here in the memory of Kasturba
Gandhi who died in this palace.
Appu Ghar:
Indira Gandhi Udyan situated at Pradhikaran, Nigdi on Pune-Bombay
highway. It is a play park and a mini Disney Land full of wheels,
merry-go-round and swings. Both adults and the children enjoy the
rides and the fun alike. Reaching there is no problem as there are
direct bus service from the Pune station.
Bund Garden:
This garden is also known as the Mahatma Gandhi Udhayan. It was
built by Sir Jamshedji Jeejeebhoy, on the right bank of the
Mula-Mutha to provide the poor with water during summer. Main
attraction here is the evening boat rides, horse rides etc. The
garden is famous for Bhel-Puri and Pani-Puri. It is situated on
the Airport road and very close to the Camp area.
Film and Television Institute of India:
The FTII is situated on a sprawling campus midst much greenery on
the Law College Road. It is a premier institute that imparts
training in all branches of the film industry and is known for
having produced some of the finest professionals in the Audio-
Visual media, most of whom have won accolades abroad. So if you
have star in your eyes, FTII is a must.
Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum:
The museum is housed in a Rajasthani styled
building situated close to the hustle and bustle of busy Bajirao
Road of Pune. It holds a one man collection of the most
fascinating Indian articrafts that you would have ever seen.
‘Mastani Mahal’ which was brought and erected as it was from it’s
original form is a masterpiece amongst it’s other exhibits. It has
36 sections which include carved palace and temple doors, 2,000
year old pottery, traditional Indian lamps and 17th century
paintings.
National Defence Academy:
This is a Defence Academy that imparts basic training to officers,
cadets of all the three branches of the Defence Services for
Commission in the Army, Navy and Air-Force. It is situated at
Khadakvasla 17 kms From Pune.
Osho Commune:
Pune has become a international tourist spot because of the Osho
Commune International. Spread over 31 acres of flush green
surroundings, is the meditation
resort
to people from over 60-70 different countries. The Osho Commune
offers over 100 different meditation techniques to all the
participants. It has become a must-visit to all the tourists over
the world who are on a spiritual journey.
Parvati(Not pronounced as Paarvati) Hill and
Temples: Standing atop this
hillock you get a vertical glimpse of Pune. A steep
flight
of 108 narrow steps lead to the hill top temple built by Balaji
Baji Rao. ‘Nagarkjana’ drum house is the imposing temple of
Parvati and Devdeveshwar. This was once the private shrine of the
Peshwas. It is also the final resting place of Nana Saheb Peshwa.
The Parvati museum houses portraits of Peshwas, old manuscripts,
coins etc.
Pashan Lake:
This lake is situated 12 Kms off the road to N.D.A. It is an
Orinthologists delight, as it is the favourite haunt of a number
of migratory and residential birds. For birdwatching head towards
this little lake.
Pataleshwar Caves:
This 8th century rock cut temple is hidden in the heart of the
city in the midst of modern high rise structures and developments,
at Shivajinagar. Reminiscent of Ellora, the temple has been carved
out of a single boulder of awe inspiring size which includes
massive pillars, a Shiva shrine and a Nandi bull. the temple is
used by worshippers even today.
Shaniwar Wada:This
imposing palace was built by the successors of Shivaji, the
Peshwas in 1736. A massive fire destroyed the building in 1827.
Most of the palace interiors also got destroyed and all that
remains is the old fortified wall. But of course the impressive
brass studded gates and lotus pools have also withstood the
ravages of time. This Palace situated in the heart of the city
near to Deccan Gymkhana, Shivajinagar, and Laxmi Road, has become
the symbol of the culture of Pune. It is place to charm you and
take you through the memory pages of history.
Sinhagad fort:
Sinhagad fort stands 25 Kms from Pune, formerly known as Kondhana,
once being the most impregnable fort in western India. It’s
literal translation is the "Fortress of the Lion". The fort has
changed hands many times from Mohammed Tughlak in 1340 A.D., to
the British in 1918 A.D. Legends says, 300 years ago Shivaji’s
Gen. Tanaji Malusare scaled this sheer precipice with ropes and
giant lizards. He was killed in the battle and a memorial exists.
It is an ideal place for a day long picnic and site seeing. The
main attraction is climbing the fort on foot.
University Of Pune:
The site of Pune University, stately mansions at Ganeshkhind built
in Italian-Gothic style, was the official residence of the
Governor of Mumbai during the monsoon season. The 300 mt high
tower beckons to all these who come here in the pursuit of higher
education. It is one of the oldest universities of India.
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