I had been on a 3-day visit to Pune with colleagues this weekend. I had done some research on the city, which I shall share with you.
Pune is 170 kms from Mumbai. It was the pivotal base of the 17th century great Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji. Later, Pune was handed over to the Peshwa family & was the seat of power of the Peshwas, under whose influence Maratha power became a major political force. In 1818, Pune was taken over by the East India Company. Pune also witnessed Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak introduce the principal of Swadeshi.
- Shaniwar Wada
An area enclosed by walls housing several rooms to live in, courtyards & water tanks, it was the residence of the Peshwas. Located in Kasba Peth, the 7-storeyed Shaniwar Wada was built in 1730 by the first Bajirao Peshwa. The magnificent Dilli Darwaza marks the entrance of the Wada. The exquisitely engraved arches, the splendid Ganesh Darwaza & the impressively built Ganesh Rangmahal, which became the hall of justice, are worth taking a look at
- Aga Khan Palace
Located on the Pune Nagar Highway about 7 kms from the Pune Rly stn, the gracious bldg with salons & suites standing amidst well-laid out gardens is more a historical landmark. During the 1942 Quit India Movement, Mahatma Gandhi & leaders of INC were imprisoned here. After the Quit India Resolution was passed in 1942, Gandhiji & his wife Kasturba were incarcerated here. It was also here that both Gandhiji’s wife Kasturba & secretary Mahadeobhai Desai died and their samadhis or memorials designed by the famous architect Charles Correa are built here. Officially designated as the Gandhi Memorial, it has artifacts & photos depicting the life of the Mahatma
- Shinde Chhatri
This is the memorial to the Great Maratha nobleman Mahadji Shinde, the Commander-in-chief of the Maratha Army under the Peshwas. The warrior’s painting in silver, swathed in flame-coloured turban & an elaborately worked shawl. At his feet are his original puja vessels, used to propitiate his family deity each morning.
- Snake Park
20 kms away from the Rly Stn, is the Pune Snake Park, set up in the year 1986 & later incorporated into the Rajeev Gandhi Udyan in 1999. It houses about 350 snakes of 40 different species. It is a habitat for various other wild animals like the leopard, deer & other reptiles, and also for the Civet Cats, Sparrow Hawk & Sinerus Vulture (sparingly seen in India)
- National War Memorial
Built at the Morvada Junction, inscribed on its walls are the names of the martyrs from the state who have laid down their lives in various operations after Independence. Inaugurated in 1998, it is the 1st of its kind in Post independent India, as most memorials are pre-Independence or a tribute to a particular regiment or arm of the 3 services. The memorial, a 25-ft stone pillar, is surrounded on 3 sides by plaques of stone, each having the names of all the soldiers, airmen & sailors who have laid down their lives. Presently there are almost 1200 names that are inscribed on the walls.
- Bund Gardens
Constructed by Sir Jamshedji Jeejabhoy, the garden, also known as the Mahatma Gandhi Udyan is situated on the banks of the Mula Mutha River, a few kms away from the Pune Railway Station. It is a popular place for visitors to take a stroll or enjoy a boat ride
- Empress Garden
The botanical garden is spread over a large area in the Pune Cantonment, very close to the Pune Race Course. The center of the garden holds a lotus pond with a statue of Queen Victoria. It has pretty lawns & well-laid out benches
- National Defence Academy
The NDA is a premier training institution where future officers of the Armed Forces are trained. The training involves an exacting schedule of 3 years for all Army, Navy & AF cadets. Vast array of facilities like spacious & well-maintained classrooms, well-equipped labs, 2 Olympic size swimming pools, gymnasium, 32 football grounds, polo grounds, cricket stadium & a no. of squash & tennis courts. The must see for every visitor is the bi yearly passing out parade, held in Jun & Dec
- Pataleshwar Temple
In the heart of the city, on Jangli Maharaj Rd is the Pataleshwar temple. This rock cut Shiva Temple dates back to the 8th century.
- Kasba Ganapati
Located in the heart of the city, the Kasba Ganapati is the first Ganapati in the city. Established in 1636 by Shivaji, the temple was further improved by the Peshwas. With diamonds studded in the place of its eyes & a manik, a gem, studded in its navel, the idol has a very unique & pleasing appearance and is enclosed in silver castings
- Vishrambaug Wada
Vishrambaug Wada was built for the ‘vishram’ (relaxation) of Peshwa Bajirao II. The Wada has a large dancing hall, which still houses a large number of artifacts ranging from paintings, chandeliers, vases & other knick-knacks belonging to the Peshwas. This now houses a number of government offices
- Saras Baug
Saras Baug is a garden that also houses a Ganesh temple on a small hillock in the centre of the park. The lit fountains add to the attraction
- University of Poona
The main building is in Italian-Gothic style, built with the local grey trap rock. It is surrounded by a high square tower (30 m high), a swimming pool & well-kept lawns. It is also known as the Oxford of the east & has students from all over the world. The world famous Inter-University Centre for Astronomy & Astrophysics (IUCAA) is on the campus
- Fire temple
The Fire temple or Agiary, place of worship of the Zoroastrians, was built by Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy in 1844 & is situated along the Dastur Meher Road (once known as Agiary Street). It has the Atesh Adaran Saheb (the Holy Fire & Sacred Holy Book) enthroned in it. According to the rites & ceremonies prescribed by the true Mazatayasni religion & assembled by the Anjooman or Parsee community, on the 9th November 1844 of the Christian era, the Holy Fire was lit in this place & the flame has never been extinguished since.
- Film & Television Institute of India
A premier training institute that imparts training in virtually all branches of film making. The legendary Prabhat Studios bldg still stands within the campus
- Pashan Lake
12 kms off the road to the NDA, is the beautiful Pashan lake, home to a variety of migratory & residential birds
- Yoga Institute
The internationally reputed Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute is situated in the heart of the city
- Mahalakshmi Temple
Situated exactly opposite to Saras Baugh, is the huge marble temple of the goddess Mahalakshmi. Built by Bansilal Agarwal, the temple was made open to the public in 1984. The architecture is a replica of the Dilwara temple of Mount Abu, Rajasthan. The conical roof of the temple holds statuettes of gods & goddesses painted in diff colours. The idols of the 3 goddesses Lakshmi, Durga & Saraswati are placed in the temple in 3 different alcoves
- Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum
The museum, a 3-storey bldg located at Shukrawar Peth, houses over 20,000 collections of objects & artefacts collected from all over the world. The ground floor gallery displays carved doors & windows along with their panels & frames. A huge section of the museum occupies the Vanita Kaksha - the women's parlour. The 1st floor has a collection of musical instruments of various kinds namely drums, flute & string. Part of the 2nd floor has bronzes, lamps of profuse variety & other artifacts. An exact reproduction of the aesthetically designed Mastani Mahal built by the Bajirao Peshwa during the 19th century for his mistress Mastani captivates the visitors
