4 Attractions in Pune You Must Visit

16 Oct 2019, Pune-  Pune is a developed and beautiful city in the state of Maharashtra. If you’re planning on visiting it, here are 4 attractions you simply cannot miss.

Pune is a stunningly beautiful city in the state of Maharashtra. Being close to the sea and surrounded by hill stations make it a travel destination on par with the city that often overshadows it — Mumbai. It’s one of India’s fastest-growing cities in terms of technological development and business opportunities. Thus, there’s no wonder that every year, many domestic and international tourists visit the city. If you’re planning on visiting Pune in the near future, you should check out the following 4 attractions for the best trip ever.

1. Shaniwar Wada Palace

The best place to start your Pune trip is from the Shaniwar Wada Palace. You’ll get to know the deep history behind the palace and the city itself and incite your interest and excitement in the city.

The Shaniwar Wada is a majestic fortification built under in 1732 under the Peshwas of the Maratha Empire. It was under their rule until 1818 and was the centre of control during the time. However, the fort came under the control of the British East India Company and was later on destroyed in a huge fire. What remained after the accident became Pune’s most well-known tourist site.

Shaniwar Wada was a seven-story capital building that housed various highlights like the Thora Rayancha Diwankhana or the court reception hall of the eldest royal member; Naachacha Diwankhana, which is the dance hall; Juna Arsa Mahal, that is the Old Mirror Hall; and many others. Since it was destroyed in the fire, only descriptions of these fabulous places remain.

Timings and Tickets: The fort is open on all days of the week from 08:00 to 18:30 and features a Light and Sound Show from 18:30 to 20:30. Tickets cost ₹5 for Indians and ₹125 for foreign nationals.

2. Alibaug Beach

While Pune is not exactly on the coast like Mumbai, a couple hours’ drive will give you the option to visit some of the best beaches you’ve seen. Foremost among them is the Alibaug beach which is about 145 km from Pune. It’s the most prominent beach in the Konkan region thanks to its scenic black sand beach.

The clear, blue waves and the beautiful, golden sunsets will remind you of the beaches in Goa. Though you won’t find any casinos on Alibaug beach, you’ll definitely love the scrumptious seafood. Of course, you can always play your favourite games on a website for that Goan feel, the biggest way Alibaug beach stands apart is the presence of the majestic Kulaba Fort by the sea.

Timings: You can visit the beach whenever you want, though the best time is during the day. It takes 2 hours and 40 minutes to reach Alibaug Beach from Pune.

3. Vetal Tekdi

Want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and get back in touch with nature? Then head over to Vetal Hill. It’s a prominent hill that stands tall at an elevation of 2600 feet in the city limits of Pune. Atop this beautiful hill, you can see the entire city of Pune on a clear day.

If you like trekking, you can trek all the way to the top of the hill to the Vetala temple. As evident, the hill got its name from this very temple. The Indian Forest Department has also set up an observation desk beside the temple for tourists and visitors. You can see that the hill is undergoing some major changes in terms of the plantation of exotic species and urban development.

Timings and Tickets: Though there’s no restriction on the timing to visit the hill, we advise you to head up before dawn to enjoy the beautiful sunrise. There’s no entry fee required to trek the hill up.

4. National War Museum

If you’re after gathering some knowledge and kindling your fascination, there are several museums you can visit in Pune. You can visit the National War Museum which is a memorial paying homage to all the Indian soldiers who laid their lives for their country. The museum is built by the Indian military and features old war tanks, uniforms, weapons, and a MIG BN jet fighter used in Kargil War among several other war mementoes.

Timings and Tickets: The National War Museum is open on all days between 9:30 to 12:30 and 15:30 to 18:30 hours. This museum is the only one in South Asia that’s funded by the citizens and has no entry fees.