 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Select a Location from Our Ever-Growing NETWORK 
|
BangaloreLocal Attractions in & around Pune:
Following are the list of local attractions & places of tourist interest, call our call center for details.
Would You Like Us To Feature Any Of The Places Of Interest That You Know Or Which You Own, Pl Do Write To Us At: getaway@celcabs.com
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.
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.
Osho Commune:
Pune has become an international tourist spot because of the Osho Commune International. Spread over 31 acres of flush green surroundings, it 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.
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.
Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum:
The museum is housed in a Rajasthani styled building situated close to the hustle and bustle of the 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.
University Of Poona:
The site of Poona 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.
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.
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.
Parvati 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.
Peshwe Udyan:
This Zoo maintained by the Municipal Corporation located next to Saras Baug, houses a number of wild animals, a artificial lake with Boating facilities, the Phulrani Mini Train Ride plus a Play Park too.
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, CALL CelCabs.
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 :
Sinhagad 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.
Ramanagaram
Rock-climbers and adventure seekers need look no further. 49 Kms south-west from Bangalore, Ramanagaram, provides the ideal location with landscaped rock faces. Another major attraction at Ramanagaram is the silk cocoon marketing centre. One of the most famous Hindi movies Sholay was shot in Ramanagaram.
Places of Tourist Interest......... Outside PUNE
They say the history and commerce of a city determines the image and its mould. Being the cultural capital of Maharashtra much can be attributed to the majestic history of this place, which has given the country leaders like Shivaji and Lokmanya Tilak. One of the prime getaways from Pune are the hills and the forts around it. Janapada Loka
Sprawling across 15 acres, Janapada Loka or "Folk-culture World" is a world of simplicity and art.Janapada Loka, a subsidiary of the Karnataka Janapada Parishath, is dedicated to preserve and promote folk art and culture. The complex has an art gallery, an open-air theatre, a studio and a museum. Janapada Loka is located near Ramanagaram and is 53 Kms away from Bangalore.
There are a number of interesting historical sights a short distance out of Pune that can be seen over a few days, if you plan your time right. The charm of this quaint city of Pune is around it in the forts, the caves and the other adventurous treks around the little mountains and hillocks! Some of these sights have great relevance in the history of the Marathas.
And Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar, located in the Sahyadris, are quaint, pretty places for a relaxing few days. Take your pick
Lonavla & Khandala:
Very popular hill stations, known for their resplendent green beauty during rains, these twin hill stations offer romantic hills, small waterfalls and the works… A place very easily reachable by train or by road, 70 km from Pune, it's just about an hour-and-a-half long drive. A number of hotels, motels and resorts assure you comfortable stay. Located at a four hours trek is the dreamy hamlet of Rajmachi from where the twin forts of Manoranjan and Shrivardhan are worth seeing!
Besides, a quick weekend getaway to Lonavala is perfect to de-stress you out with must visits to the Lonavala Lake, Bushy Dam, Tiger's Leap, Ryewood Park,Tungarli Dam, Barometer Hill.
Also what makes the place famous is the famous Chikki (made of jaggery and groundnuts) and also the chocolate fudge! A must visit in the rainy seasons; some of the recommended hotels include Duke's Retreat at Khandala and Fariyas at Lonavala!
In recent years the heavy flow of weekenders and conference groups from Pune has changed the demography of the area dramatically.
Khandala gives a good view of the rainwater fed waterfalls while Lonavla acts as the base for the Karla & Bhaja Caves. These caves date back to the 2nd century B.C and are one of the finest examples of rock temples by the Hinayana sect in India.
The Karla caves were carved by the monks and the artisans who tried to imitate the carvings on wood. The light filters inwards through the Sun window. A wooden umbrella protects the Dagoba or representation of Buddha. Kneeling elephants that have seated figures top the pillars. These 37 pillars are the circumambulatory aisles. Teak beams rib the ceiling. Outside the cave a stambha with four back-to-back Lions stands. This pillar is associated with Ashoka and is believed to have been kept there later. The Bhaja caves are older and peaceful than the Karla caves. Out of the 18 Bhaja caves ten are viharas and one is an open chaitya.
Getting There:
By Road thro’ CelCabs: Lonavala is on the Mumbai-Pune Highway, 104 kms, Pune-Lonavala, 66 Kms.
Sinhagad:
Easily the most popular getaway, not withstanding that it's much closer than the other forts, the Pashan lake and the lovely drive makes it a much adored and a desired picnic and getaway spot. The Lion Fort, as it would quite literally translate into, is located 25 kilometers South of Pune perched on a steep hill. Once known as Kondhana, the proximity of this fort to Pune has been commercialized to quite an extent. Buses are available from the Sarasbaug Bus Stand, which drop you till the foothill.
However, a bike or a car should be preferred to feel the breezy drive and the beautiful landscape
This 17th century fort has mostly fallen to ruin, but it is possible to literally walk backwards in history and recreate the scenes of the fierce battle fought by Shivaji's General Tanaji Malasure who died during the battle, to win the fort for Shivaji with the help of the monuments and signboards posted in the area. They have even created a monument at the spot where Tanaji lost his arm.
On the grounds too is a memorial or samadhi to the slain leader. It is said that when Shivaji learned that his general had been killed in the battle he mourned, " We have gained the fort but lost the lion" and it is thus that the fort got its name. Also of interest nearby are the bungalows where Lokmanya Gangadhar Tilak and Mahatma Gandhi met in 1915. The story of his climb to the fort from the back with the help of a chameleon and then getting his army to the top is still the guide's favorite one.
The bhaji's and dahi wati at the top are a crowd favorite. Also, we recommend that you try out the pithla-bhakri and the rustic chicken curry. Sundays here are busy with picnic groups, trekkers and tourists.
Getting There:
Sinhagad can be accessed by CALLING CelCabs. Alight at village Donaje and climb 2000 ft. to enter by the Pune gate. A well marked path-partly in steps -takes one to the top, through a series of gates. An alternative route is also up the ridge through the forests and leading right upto the fort. The shortest ascent -only 1200 ft. is from Kalyan Darwaza, reached by taking a CelCabs to Kondhanapur,from where the village of Kalyan is only 3 miles away.
Matheran
Discovered by an Englishman, this hilltop retreat around 120 kms from Pune, is a green patch in the Western Ghats. Matheran, which means, "wooded head" certainly lives up to its name. There are numerous tracks covered with red earth, crisscrossing this beautiful place. Walking along these tracks, covered almost entirely under a canopy of dense vegetation, can be a charming experience.
This is one of the few retreats where your cars are not allowed beyond a certain point where you can safely park your cars for Rs.10 a day, and you could explore this hill-station on foot or on horseback.
This quaint, old-fashioned town is off limits to cars and a cute toy train up the hillside (grab a window seat) is one way of getting here! Ideal for a weekend break, this hill station closest to Mumbai still has stone villas, graveyards and churches that remind you of the bygone Raj days even today!
Life here, like most other hill stations moves at a leisurely pace. With a beautiful lake with 30 vantage points, you could also spend time strolling down the lazy main market, or wait for the sun to crawl down horizon at the sunset point.
On a clear night you can count a few million stars while listening to an orchestra of crickets and other insects. Though the local population of Matheran is very less the visitors pour at this place frequently.
The best season to visit this place is between November to June but the place is worth visiting any time of the year. During the monsoon the trails become very dirty and the place virtually shuts down.
Mahableshwar :
The summer capital of the Bombay presidency, the little town of Mahabaleshwar, situated 1372 ft above sea level, was founded in 1828 and is the highest point in the Western Ghats. A relaxing place to diddle away a weekend and an ideal destination in summer. A typical colonial town, in spirit closer to Blighty than Maratha land, with plenty of bridle paths, boating and golf facilities, fishing spots and trekking trails. The town is full of lookout points (Bombay Point, Elphinstone Point, Babington Point, Kate's Point) that provide fetching views of the plains and the sea hundreds of feet below.There are also some pretty waterfalls to visit. By far the best pastime to engage in -- eating strawberries.
The town's strawberries are probably the tastiest in the world. Rummaging around all the old British buildings and cemeteries makes an interesting diversion too. An evergreen vast plateau with long beautiful roads, horse rides & foot paths along forest, the must tries are honey & chikki, channas, and the juicy strawberries, rasberries, gooseberries & mulberries.
Established as a health resort in 1829 AD by Maharaja Pratapsinha of Satara (1818 to 1839), it was a jail for Chinese & Malay convicts from 1834 to 1864. Many of the prisoners stayed at Mahabaleshwar after they were released. The jungle of Mahabaleshwar produces many commercial as well as medicinal trees & plants.
The wild life is limited to foxes, jackals, & wild boars. Deers & bisons are found in the Brahma aranya area. Panthers are rare. The famous bird in the Urdu poetry, Bulbul is found everywhere in the plateau. The best times to visit this hill station are October, Diwali & X'mas holidays & summer.
Hotels are open round the year even during the rainy seasons. Besides some of the fun things that one can do if you are tired of being cooped indoors is visit the Sir B. D. Petit library, play at the Hindu Gymkhana or the Mahabaleshwar Club.
Horse riding, photography, walking, bird watching and boating in the famous Venna Lake are various interesting options! With a vast number of points, the famous Wilson's Point, Arthur's Seat, Sunset Point and the Lover's Point remain must visits for the first timers! A gujju thali at Hotel Rajesh or even a stay at the Valley View Resort, Belmont Park Hill Resort or Lake View is definitely recommended by those who have frequented this place!
Most hotels are closed during the monsoons, an off-season period when Mahabaleshwar is inundated with 6 meters of rain.
GettingThere:
Mahabaleshwar is easily accessible from Pune by road thro’ CelCabs and is a 3-hour drive and 120 kilometers northeast of Pune. 4500 feet above sea level, Mahabaleshwar is easily accessible only by road
PANCHAGANI:
Around 100 km from Pune, Panchgani at a height of 1000 m, gets its name from the five hills on which it is built. Panchgani is another one of India's dreamy, quiet hill stations. It is located in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, on Parasni ghat, just 20 odd kilometers from the very resort-ish Mahabaleshwar and set in an even more pretty location. Probably the best option would be to stay at Panchgani Club, which offers temporary membership.
The club authorities can be a bit sticky if you don't have the recommendation of a member; but it is worth a try. Regular buses connect Panchgani with Mahabaleshwar, Pune and Bombay including the MTDC luxury coaches.
This town is crammed with all kinds of lookout spots and lanes of silver oak to pursue nature rambles. The town -which was 'established' in the 1850s by John Chesson -is surrounded by the five hills from which it gets its name. It is at a lower elevation than Mahabaleshwar by just a few feet. The drive between the two towns is breathtaking. Famous for its flowers like Buttercups, pimpernel etc., during the months of August-September, sights on the hill slopes of this place are spell bounding. During the monsoon Panchgani is deluged with some six meters of rain.
So fierce are the downpours that even buildings don special raincoats of kulum grass and the hill station all but closes down. Famous is this hill station for the best variety of boarding schools in the country... Be it St.Peter's where the who's who of the film industry from Sanjay Dutt has studied or St. Joseph's where Kajol and Zeenat Aman have their Alma Mater. Even Sanjeevni is a great school started by Dr. Neelkanth Kalyani, which offers CBSE and SSC residential boards.
Lohagad & Visapur
A ridge separates the twin forts of Lohegadh and Visapur at 1350m with a km between them. Lohagadh was Shivaji's stronghold during his reign. A local from Pune takes you there; you have to get down at Malavli, the nearest rail head (10 kms away) which takes roughly an hour or so. A waterfall in the trek to Lohagad is the highlight of the trek. A number of mischievous monkeys can create trouble so watch out.
Though not much remains of the fort, the trek to the top is still worth it. While Visapur might be right next to it, there is not much to see! Dating back to the 1700s, visiting these forts (one kilometer apart), which were taken and lost by Shivaji, makes for a strenuous hike.
The Bhaja caves , situated in Bhaja village, are nearby and it is a 4 kilometer walk from Lohagad to these caves and so also from Lohagad to the main road. The nearest railhead is Malvali, 10 kilometers away.
