Awesome Places to Chill in Pune

The mighty edifice of Aga Khan Palace is situated in Pune and was built by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III in the year 1892. It is one of the most important landmarks in Indian history and has been instrumental in many defining moments of India's independence. It was once the site where Mahatma Gandhi, his wife Kasturba Gandhi, as well as Sarojini Naidu and Mahadev Desai were held prisoners. Aga Khan Palace is well known both for its architectural excellence as well as its historical significance.

Shaniwarwada, once the seat of the Peshwa governance in Pune is a 286-year-old mansion and is one of the finest examples of architecture in the city. It is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in Maharashtra. This grand mansion was built by the Peshwa Bajirao I himself as the residence of the Peshwas. Although the Wada currently covers an area of 625 acres, in its heyday it covered almost the entire area of the city itself.

The Bund Garden is situated in the city of Pune and is deemed as one of the most beautiful and well-maintained gardens in the city. Also known as Mahatma Gandhi Udyan, it is a favourite among joggers and people who enjoy spending time outdoors in the sun. The locals here prefer the garden as their go-to place when looking for some quiet and calm, and Bund Garden attracts a lot of visitors during the morning and evening hours. Another attraction here is the Fitzgerald Bridge, which garners as many tourists as the Bund Garden itself.

Osho Ashram, located at Koregaon Park in Pune, is a place known for its serenity and surreal practices of meditation and love to achieve divinity. It is popularly known as Osho Meditation Resort and it is a unique blend of meditation and the Greek concept of resort stay. The Ashram is a tranquil place which brings you to your own centre of peace, meditation, and oneness. The ideologies of Osho also can be found here. Shrouded in mystery, awe, and mysticism; The Osho Ashram is open only for its members.

The Katraj Snake Park is the most visited and loved tourist attraction in the Rajiv Gandhi Zoo that is located in Katraj, near the city of Pune in India. The Rajiv Gandhi is a famous and grand zoo that is spread over an area of 130 acres and is managed by the Pune Municipal Corporation. It is divided into three parts: the central zoo, an animal orphanage, and the most famous of all: the Katraj Snake Park. The snake park has successfully managed to acquaint thousands of visitors with the unusual and fascinating wildlife through its extensive collection of snakes, reptiles, birds and turtles.

Welcome to the Japanese Garden in Pune. One of its kinds, the Pune Okayama Friendship Garden is the largest Japanese garden outside of Japan, in Asia. Also called the Pu. La. Deshpande Udyan, it was named after the famous Marathi writer and humorist, Pu La Deshpande who received the Padma Bhushan in 1990. This garden reflects on the Indo-Japanese relationship, as it is inspired by the 300-year old Okayama Korakuen Garden in Japan.

Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park is a famous tourist and recreational attraction in Pune. The zoo expands over an area of 130 acres. The Central Zoo Authority thus identifies the Zoological Park as a considerably large Zoo. Its location near the Katraj Lake makes it a preferred attraction for picnics and outings. It is, therefore, flocked by the locals, especially the animal and nature lovers, at least every weekend. The Zoo is also considered an educational attraction as people get to learn more about the animals in the Zoo and also spend quality time with their dear ones.

Mulshi lake is formed in the catchment area of Mulshi dam. Known for its scenic beauty due to Sahyadri ranges, Koraigadh and Dhangad fort, it is a perfect gateway for nature lovers.

Pashan Lake is an artificial lake near the suburb of Pashan, situated at a distance of 12 km from the city of Pune. While there are endless places to visit in Pune, Pashan Lake has lured in many bird lovers and photographers from all over India and outside. The best time to visit the lake is during winter when the lake attracts a huge number of migratory birds.

Torna Fort was the first fort that was captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and that also during his teenage years. Hence, it is recognised as a significant historical monument. Like most Maratha forts, this fort is also located in the Western Ghats of India and at present, it is also identified as the fort located on the highest point in Pune district and a famous tourist attraction. Those looking for a weekend getaway can head to Torna Fort to be in the midst of nature and explore the ruins and its scenic surroundings.

Khadakwasla Dam is a famous tourist attraction and a significant work of engineering in Pune. It is built on River Mutha which flows through the city and aids water supply to Pune and its suburban regions. The dam forms a reservoir, called Khadakwasla Lake which offers a quick and pleasant getaway too. Its proximity to Pune City and the scenic surroundings make Khadakwasla Dam a preferred picnic spot. The roadways around Khadakwasla Dam is also a favourite cycling route amongst the city cyclists. Monsoons, in particular, draw a considerable number of people to the attraction. They mostly visit to see the transformation of the landscapes and also enjoy the scenic beauty.

Located in the Sahyadri Mountains, Sinhagad Fort is an ancient fortress known for its historical significance and architecture. It was once known as Kondhana and has witnessed a number of battles; one notable battle being the 1670 Battle of Sinhagad. The name, “Sinhagad”, literally means Lion’s Fort signifying its strength and brilliance. Today, the structure is a perfect landmark for trekkers as it is located at a height of over 750 metres in the Sahyadri Mountains. In fact, the fort is strategically built right in the centre of the line of Maratha forts built in the Sahyadris. Some of these citadels are the Rajgad Fort, Torna Fort and the Purandar Fort. The place is also famous among photographers and nature lovers.

The Empress Botanical Garden is named after Queen Victoria back when she held the sceptre. Once a favourite among the British officials and thus also named Soldier's Garden, the place is now a sprawling greenery of 39 acres with hundreds of rare species in trees and flowers. Empress Garden makes for a great place to take a stroll in the afternoon, learn about our flora in the flower exhibitions and breathe in some fresh air away from the city traffic.

Vetal Tekdi is one of Pune's most well-known landmarks. It envelops the entire city and is a stunning place to spend an evening or an early morning. It is known by various names such as Hanuman Tekdi, MIT Tekdi, and Pashan Tekdi. Surrounded by beautiful scenery, this is one of the best places to chill in Pune.