Explore Pune Like A Local With This Guide

Pune, with its towering buildings that impart a layer of newness to this shiny metropolis, also holds a candle to the past, one of the country's last Maratha strongholds. Sitting at the confluence of two rivers, this city lies somewhere in the middle it resembles a modern world that still has an age-old charm. And if you're in the city, experience its unique landscape and historical offerings. 

Shaniwar Wada

Once the seat of the Maratha empire, this fort-palace continues to be a popular draw, especially since the movie Bajirao Mastani familiarised it with modern memory. Built out of teak and stone, the Dilli Darwaza, with its facade large enough to admit elephants, is stunning, much like the Mastani Darwaza, which is every bit as beautiful as Bajirao I's second wife, who is said to have lived here.

Sinhagad Fort

A few kilometres outside the city, Sinhagad, formerly called Kondhana, is a paradise for trekkers and birdwatchers who throng its rocky terrain for a day in the sun. The name translates to Lion's Fort, and Sinhagad was an essential fortress during Shivaji's reign. Shivaji's trusted and brave general fought a battle with the Mughal army but was martyred. It is believed that on hearing the news of his death, Shivaji called out, "We won the fort but lost the lion" ("Gad Ala Pan Sinha Gela"). It was after his death that the fort was renamed Sinhagad.

Vishrambaug Wada 

Built by the last Peshwa, Bajirao II, this three-building structure or wada has an eye-catching wooden facade and teak columns. Once a mansion that housed Peshwa Bajirao II, it is today a restored structure with a museum that gives it a coveted spot in many heritage walks in the city.

Aga Khan Palace

Constructed by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III in 1892, this palace is where Mahatma Gandhi was once imprisoned, as was his wife, Kasturba Gandhi and Sarojini Naidu. A beacon of architectural prowess spread over a vast land of 19 acres, the palace is now the headquarters of the Gandhi National Memorial Society and has been denoted a monument of national importance.

Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park

Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park in Pune is often known as Katraj Zoo. This proves to be a fascinating little visit for the wildlife-oriented. Besides decently sized enclosures for several species of birds and mammals, the spot also houses a snake park and an animal orphanage/rescue centre. The 130-acre zoo is divided into three parts an animal orphanage, a snake park, and a zoo, and includes the 42-acre Katraj Lake.

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