A comfortable and safe city! 23 hidden tourist spots in Pune

Located in the southwest of India, inland from Mumbai, Pune is a metropolis boasting the eighth largest population in the country. It is located on the Deccan Plateau at an altitude of about 600m and developed as a summer resort for the wealthy. It is about a three-hour drive from Mumbai or a two-hour flight from New Delhi, India’s capital.

Pune has a population of about five million, but is known as one of the greenest cities in India, and is also said to have the best security in the country. Pune has many other titles and nicknames. It is also known as the "Oxford of the East" as a research center, the "Silicon Valley of the East" due to the recent development of the IT industry, and the "Cultural Capital of Maharashtra" due to its thriving tourism and culture.

Pune is not very familiar to many, but the big city of Pune is full of tourist attractions. Here are 23 recommended tourist spots in Pune.

1. Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Temple

Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Temple is the oldest temple in Pune, dedicated to the elephant-headed Hindu god Ganesha. Ganesha is said to be an all-powerful god who governs all things, including business prosperity, learning, arts, and medicine, and is also the guardian deity of the city of Pune. For this reason, Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Temple is visited by many worshippers from within and outside India, as well as local Pune residents, seeking blessings.

The city of Pune becomes even more lively during the Ganesh Festival, which is held for 10 days every year from August to September. Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Temple also holds darshan (a ceremony to pay homage to Hindu saints and great people) for the general public every day.

2. Darshan Museum

Darshan Museum is a museum that introduces the history of Sadhu Vaswani, an Indian educational leader, and the Sadhu Vaswani Mission that he founded. The theater-style show lasts about 100 minutes and uses technology such as 3D effects to explain Sadhu Vaswani's upbringing and life. As a rare museum, it is a popular museum among tourists in Pune.

3. ISKCON NVCC Temple

ISKCON is an abbreviation for International Society for Krishna Consciousness and is an international religious organization founded by the Indian religious leader A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. It has branches all over the world.

The ISKCON NVCC Temple in Pune is a place where you can learn the teachings of Krishna, the Hindu god worshipped by ISKCON. Darshan is held here for the general public every day, starting early in the morning.

4. Shree Balaji Temple

Shree Balaji Temple is located in a town called Pashan, on the northwestern outskirts of Pune. The temple is surrounded by the scenic Pashan Lake and Mount Betal, attracting many tourists.

Shree Balaji Temple offers a panoramic view of the city of Pune, attracting many tourists and worshippers from all over India to enjoy the view. Pujas (worship) are held at Shree Balaji Temple three times a day, and a large hall is open to devotees for various events.

5. Western Ghats

The Western Ghats, located roughly midway between Mumbai and Pune, are considered one of the world's eight "biodiversity hotspots" and are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These mountains serve as the source for many of India's rivers and are home to numerous nature reserves, providing rich greenery and habitats for birds and animals, offering visitors a chance to connect with nature.

The Western Ghats also feature many waterfalls and lakes, especially renowned for their beauty during the monsoon season. Visitors from India and abroad come for tourism and hiking, often accessing the region through Mumbai, Pune, or Thane. A particularly popular destination for trekkers is the Harishchandragad Fort, located north of Pune, within the Western Ghats.

6. Sinhagad Fort

Sinhagad means "Lion's Fort." Historically, the town in the southwestern mountainous region of Pune is said to have developed around this fort. Today, the area surrounding the fort ruins is rich in natural beauty, attracting visitors not only for its historical significance but also for hiking and nature exploration.

Under certain conditions, you can enjoy views of mist-covered mountains from the fort. The monsoon season is considered the best time to visit due to cooler temperatures and comfortable weather after the rains. Why not take a little detour to experience India’s version of a castle in the sky?

7. National Defence University of India

The National Defence Academy (NDA) is a globally renowned institution for military education. It has long served as a unique academy for training exceptional leaders for India’s and allied nations' armed forces through collaborative training. Students from across India and abroad come to Pune to study at the NDA.

The expansive campus on Pune's outskirts features historic buildings, including the Sudan Block, the university’s iconic structure with a hall adorned with marble. The campus museum displays around 16,000 artifacts, including photographs of the academy’s founders and antique memorabilia, offering insights into NDA’s illustrious history.

8. Sarasbaug Ganpati Temple

Located near Nehru Stadium in Pune, Sarasbaug Temple is surrounded by greenery within a public park. Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the temple is encircled by a moat and wooded area, making it a tranquil spot cherished by locals and tourists alike. The well-maintained gardens in the temple complex attract families, especially during the mornings and evenings when it is most lively.

9. Pune Okayama Friendship Park

Pune shares sister-city relationships with Okayama Prefecture and Nagoya in Japan. The Pune-Okayama Friendship Park was established to commemorate the ties between Pune and Okayama.

Located along the Joe Padepatti Canal, this garden is modeled after Okayama’s famous Korakuen Garden. After its completion, technicians from Okayama have continued to assist in enhancing its maintenance techniques. True to Japanese garden design, it features a large central pond surrounded by lush greenery, offering a serene space for the people of Pune. Enjoy a peaceful stroll here while reflecting on the India-Japan connection.

10. Chaturshringi Temple

Chaturshringi Temple is located in the northwest of Pune city, and is easily accessible with the Pune International Convention Center and bus stops nearby.

Chaturshringi Temple is built on the slope of a mountain, so it takes some physical strength to reach the main hall. Also, during the Navrati festival, the temple and surrounding area are lit up brilliantly, making it even more lively with tourists and locals.

11. Ranjangaon Temple

The founding of Ranjangaon Temple is unclear, but it is believed to have been built in the 9th or 10th century, as it resembles other buildings from that period. The temple enshrines the sacred Maha Ganapati, one of the eight incarnations of the Hindu god Ganesha.

Ranjangaon Temple is open daily from 5:30 am to 10 pm for puja (worship) and attracts many visitors from across India and abroad.

12. Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum

The Raja Dinkar Kaelkar Museum displays over 20,000 items from the collection of Dr. Kaelkar, a wealthy Indian man. Since 1975, with the support of the Maharashtra state government, the museum has not only preserved Dr. Kaelkar's collection but has also actively promoted local cultural development through the museum.

The museum displays a collection of mainly antique everyday items, including kitchen utensils such as copper ovens and bird-shaped kitchen cutters, coins, and wood-carved panels. This is a valuable museum that allows you to learn about the history of life in India and is also recommended for those who love antiques.

13. Phoenix Marketcity

Phoenix Marketcity is one of the largest shopping malls in the city, located south of Pune Airport. There are many popular shops inside the mall and there are also fast food restaurants.

Phoenix Marketcity also has a wide range of entertainment facilities such as movie theaters, bowling alleys, and game centers. The dining options are rich in variety, including Indian cuisine, Chinese and American cuisine. It is a convenient facility for taking a break between sightseeing and traveling.

14. Parvati Hill

Parvati Hill is one of the most beautiful and historic tourist attractions in Pune. There are several temples on the hill about 640m above sea level, and the Parvati Temple, which is the center of them, was built in 1749 by Balaji Baji Rao, the prime minister of the Maratha Kingdom, whose capital was Pune.

From the area around Parvati Temple, you can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of Pune and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Although you have to walk to the top of the hill, many worshippers and tourists visit every day to enjoy the beautiful scenery and atmosphere of the temple grounds. Parvati Temple opens at 5:00 a.m. every morning and closes at 8:00 p.m.

15. Laxmi Road

Laxmi Street, which runs east to west through central Pune, is the most lively shopping street in Pune. The street is always bustling, with street vendors selling a variety of clothing such as T-shirts and dresses, as well as flowers and jewelry.

There are also people selling cotton candy and dried fruits, and you can enjoy the atmosphere of a typical Indian town. When shopping, be sure to negotiate prices. It will also be a memorable experience for your trip. There are many people, cars, and motorcycles, so be sure to be careful of pickpockets and other scammers while you enjoy shopping.

16. Aga Khan Palace

The Aga Khan Palace, located in the northeastern suburbs of Pune, was built in 1892 by Maharaja Aga Khan III, who was also the president of the League of Nations. The 19-acre site is surrounded by beautiful and spacious gardens, and the elegant palace stands quietly within it.

Currently, some of the rooms of the Aga Khan Palace are open to the public as a memorial museum for Mahatma Gandhi, who is well-known. This is because Gandhi and other Indian independence activists were under house arrest in the palace by the British, and Gandhi's wife Kasturba died there.

Inside the palace, the desk, bed, clothes, sandals, photographs, and other items used by Gandhi during his lifetime are on display. This is a special tourist spot in Pune where you can visit the footsteps of Gandhi, the father of Indian independence, and take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful lawn gardens.

17. Pataleshwara Cave Temple

Pataleshwara Cave Temple is a so-called rock-cut temple carved during the Rashtrakuta period in the 8th century and is currently protected by the Indian government.

Made of basalt, Pataleshwara Cave Temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. At the front of the cave is a circular Nandi Mandapa, whose umbrella-shaped stone roof is supported by huge square pillars. This construction style is considered unique to Pataleshwara Cave Temple. It is close to the city of Pune, so many tourists flock to see this unique architecture.

18. Katraj Jain Temple

Katraj Jain Temple is a famous Jain pilgrimage site in the southern suburbs of Pune. It features a white marble temple surrounded by a turquoise pool, and since it is located on a hill, the view is excellent and it is a quiet and calm temple.

The grounds and interior are very well maintained, making it a pleasant tourist spot to walk around. Many tourists visit the temple to enjoy the wonderful view.

19. Rajgad Fort

Rajgad Fort is a fortress located in the mountains about 30km southwest of Pune. It is said to be one of the largest forts in India, and since Maharaja Shivaji founded the Maratha Empire in the late 17th century, it has been used as an important base alongside Rajgad Fort.

Many tourists come to the ruins of Rajgad Fort, built on a rocky mountain about 1,400m above sea level, to enjoy trekking and the scenery. The road is not flat, but you can enjoy a wonderful view of the lush Sahyadiri Mountains. It is a little far from Pune, so it is also recommended to join an overnight trekking tour with a local tour company.

20. Shaniwar Wada

Shaniwar Wada, a symbol of the old city of Pune, was built in 1736 by Baji Rao, the second prime minister of the Maratha Empire. All the buildings within the palace were destroyed in a fire in 1828, and only the walls and gates remain today. However, it is well worth a visit to the ancient city of Pune just to see the vast grounds within the walls, which symbolize the authority of the former Maratha Prime Ministers.

You can also see traces of the glamorous court culture of the time in the landscape paintings on the walls of the palace and the 16-petal fountain. Even though the luxurious buildings no longer remain, time will fly by as you take your time to explore the gates, walls, and squares.

21. Narayani Dham Temple

Narayani Dham Temple is a Hindu temple located exactly halfway between Pune and Mumbai. It is a relatively new and large building, construction of which began in 2000.

The temple grounds include a huge hall that can accommodate more than 10,000 people. There are also five bedrooms with bathrooms, where devotees who have come from far away can rest. There is also a kitchen and dining area for devotees. It is said that about 300 devotees visit the temple every day.

22. Mulshi Dam

Mulshi Dam is a dam built about 35km west of the center of Pune, upstream of the Mula River that flows through the city. The river basin is surrounded by beautiful greenery, making it one of the most scenic tourist areas in India. Mulshi Dam is a historic dam built in 1927 for the purpose of supplying electricity, and in recent years it has become a popular leisure spot. Many wild animals live in the deep forests surrounding it, and the relaxing environment has made it popular.

The best season to visit is during the monsoon, when the water level of the dam rises. When it rains, water flows down from the nearby mountains like a waterfall, creating a fantastic landscape.

23. University of Pune

Pune is a university city known as the "Oxford of the East." Its center, the University of Pune, attracts many outstanding students from India and abroad.

Its vast 411-acre campus houses 40 departments and offers a variety of academy programs. The International Center on campus also has an English language school, where you can study English before and during your study abroad. If you have time, it's worth stopping by the University of Pune, which is now the city's identity.

◎Summary

Pune has many Hindu temples, attracting many tourists and worshippers from inside and outside India. There is also plenty of nature surrounded by mountains and rivers, making it a great place to enjoy trekking and hiking. Pune is considered to have the best security and environment in India and is expected to develop as a tourist city in the future. There are also shopping centers and relaxing gardens, making it a great city for long-term stays.

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A comfortable and safe city! 23 hidden tourist spots in Pune