Discover the top attractions in Pune district, India

When visiting Pune district in India, there are several must-see places that you should consider adding to your itinerary. Pune district is known for its rich history, cultural heritage, natural beauty, and educational institutions. Here are some of the top attractions in Pune district:

1. Shaniwar Wada: A historic fortification located in Pune city, Shaniwar Wada was the seat of the Peshwas of the Maratha Empire. Explore the grand palace complex and learn about its intriguing history.

   
   
    

2. Aga Khan Palace: Situated in Pune, this majestic palace holds historical significance as it served as a prison for Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba Gandhi during the Indian independence movement.

    

   
   
   

3. Sinhagad Fort: Located around 30 kilometers from Pune, Sinhagad Fort offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. It has great historical significance and is a popular trekking spot.

   
   
    

4. Pataleshwar Cave Temple: A rock-cut temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Pataleshwar Cave Temple is located in the heart of Pune. Explore the ancient architecture and marvel at the intricately carved sculptures.

    

   
   
   

5. Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum: This museum in Pune houses an extensive collection of artifacts and art pieces, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of India. It's a treat for history and art enthusiasts.

    

   
   
   

6. Osho Ashram: Known as the Osho International Meditation Resort, it offers a serene and spiritual environment for meditation and self-discovery. It is located in Koregaon Park, Pune.

   
   
    

7. Lavasa: Situated around 60 kilometers from Pune, Lavasa is a planned hill station that resembles a European town. Enjoy the scenic beauty, lakeside views, and various recreational activities.

   
   
    

8. Mulshi Dam: Located in the Mulshi taluka of Pune district, Mulshi Dam offers picturesque views of the surrounding Sahyadri mountain ranges. It is a popular spot for picnics and nature walks.

    

   
   
   

9. Rajgad Fort: Situated approximately 40 kilometers from Pune, Rajgad Fort is known for its historical importance and scenic beauty. It offers breathtaking views of the Sahyadri Mountains.

    

   
   
   

10. Bhuleshwar Temple: Located near Yavat village, Bhuleshwar Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is known for its unique architecture and offers a panoramic view of the countryside.

    
    
     

These are just a few of the many attractions that Pune district has to offer. Make sure to plan your itinerary based on your interests and the amount of time you have available.

All about Pune | Pune District Information | Pune History

All about Pune | Pune District Information | Pune History

Pune district lies in the western part of the state of Maharashtra. Pune is often known as the 'Queen of the Deccan' due to its scenic beauty and rich natural resources. Besides, the district is also famous for its many tourist attractions, especially the historical and religious sites. The city of Pune located here is known on the world map because of its educational, research and development institutions. The district also has importance as an important military base. Pune is the most industrialized district in western Maharashtra and a famous IT hub in the country. The climate of the district shows marked variations due to its geography and topography. Culturally, the district is representative of the typical Marathi culture, with all the traditional lifestyle and food habits. Further details regarding the district of Pune are furnished below. 

Location of Pune District
Pune district is located between the north latitudes of 17 degrees 54 minutes and 10 degrees 24 minutes, and the east longitudes of 73 degrees19 minutes and 75 degrees 10 minutes east longitude. Pune district is bounded by Ahmednagar district on north-east, Solapur district on the south-east, Satara district on the south, Raigad district on the west and Thane district on the north-west. The district has a total geographical area of 15,642 square kilometres which is 5.10 percent of the total geographical area of the state. It is the second largest district in the state of Maharashtra. 

Talukas in Pune District | Pune District Map | Maharashtra Villages

Geography of Pune District  

The topography of the district is distributed in a triangular fashion at the foothills of the Sahyadri Mountains. It is divided into three parts: Ghatmatha, Maval and Desh. The district of Pune falls under the tropical monsoon land, and therefore shows quite a marked seasonal variation in temperature as well as rainfall conditions. The climate in the western region of Pune is cool whereas the eastern part remains hot and dry. The hottest months in the district are those of April and May. The maximum temperatures during these months often rise above 36 degree Celsius. The western region of Pune district i.e. the talukas of Junnar, Ambegaon, Khed, Maval, Mulshi and Velha are cool whereas the eastern part i.e. the talukas of Shirur, Daund, Baramati and Indapur are hot and dry. The coolest months are those of January and December, when the average temperature falls as low as 11 degrees. Due to the topography and geographical conditions within the district, the rainfall in the district is rather unevenly distributed. Most of this rain is brought by the southwest monsoon winds. The monsoon arrives in the month of June, with the maximum intensity of rainfall during the month of July and August. 

Administration of Pune District

The administration of the district is the responsibility of the District Collector. The Collectorate is headed by the District Collector who is in charge of the Revenue administration within the district and co-ordinates the functioning of all other state Government departments within the district. The office of the Collector has several branches or departments which are supervised by various officers of the rank of Deputy-Collector or Tahsildars. The District Collector is supported by the Additional Collector who looks after certain branches of the Collectorate. 

List of Villages in Pune District, Pune, Maharashtra

Culture of Pune District
The culture of the district of Pune is typically Marathi in food, lifestyle and traditions. Education, arts and crafts are given a lot of importance here. A number of famous personalities hail from the district, such as the poet-saint Tukaram, Dynaneshvara, Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Gopal Krishna Gokhale. Pune is also the seat of North Indian Classical Music. Cultural programs like Savai-Gandharva are regularly organised here. Pune is an example of tradition and modernity existing side-by-side. Pune is often called the cultural capital of the Marathi people. All the festivals, like Diwali, Dussehra, Eid, Christmas etc are celebrated here with great enthusiasm. 

Discover the top attractions in Pune district, India

Tourism in Pune District
Tourism in Pune District has a lot to offer the tourists. Tourism here comprises places of pilgrimage, natural beauty as well as leisure. There are a number of forts located in the district, most of them the achievements of Chatrapti Shivaji Maharaj, the greatest of the Maratha leaders. Apart from this the district has a number of parks, picturesque dams and places of natural beauty and a number of ancient temples which are a must see when visiting the district. The various tourist attractions here include Kasba Ganpati, Ashtavinayak, Sinhagad, Rajgad Fort, Agakhan Palace, Vishram Baug Wada, Katraj Snake Park, Mulshi Dam, Sarasbaug and Peshwa Park and lots more. 

Find District-wise Talukas in Maharashtra, India

Best Villages in Maharashtra For Quick Offbeat Weekend Getaways

Here are the best villages in Maharashtra for those who like to tread off the beaten path and indulge in some rural tourism

Ganpatipule

Known for its beautiful beach which makes for an awesome weekend getaway, Ganpatipule is a small town which gives you the feeling of a quaint fishing village. It is located on the west coast of India in the Ratnagiri district. The Ganesha temple here is visited by locals and tourists all year round and is considered to be an important pilgrim spot. Several hotels have sprung up over the years for tourists here but the quiet charm of the beach and the easy pace of life in the town makes for a good break from the city.

Velas village

 

Velas village is famous for the Velas beach which is a nesting ground of Olive Ridley turtles in Maharashtra. Thanks to the popularity of the turtles, the beach now has international recognition and there is also an annual festival held here called the Velas Turtle Festival which draws in tourists from all over the world. However, the true charm of Velas lies in its rural ambiance and history. This village in Ratnagiri is the birthplace of Nana Phadnis, the great minister of the Maratha Empire.

Shani Shingnapur

 

Shani Shingnapur is popular as the village with no doors. The houses and temples in this village do not have doors due to a legend associated with Shani. Even the post office is left open as there is utmost faith that no kind of robbery can take place here. A significant place for Hindus on account of the Shani temple located here, Shani Shingnapur is usually part of the Shirdi tour for Sai Baba devotees. It is just 35 km away from Ahmednagar.

Murud

 

A taluka city in Maharashtra’s Raigad district, Murud is a great place for rural tourism due to its laid back ambiance and green scenic beauty all around. The administrative division of Murud is home to a number of villages like Adhi, Borli, Kashid, and Sawali which all fall on an extremely picturesque route. The coastal village of Murud is known for the mammoth Murud-Janjira fort which makes for a spectacular landscape.

Diveagar

 

Another coastal delight in Maharashtra is Diveagar, one of the best offbeat places to visit in the country. This village in the Raigad distrcit provide some stunning views of the sunset and gives you a sneak peek into rural life in the state. With sparse population, a relaxed pace of life and clean surroundings, Diveagar makes for an extremely pleasant getaway from the cities.

Dehna

One of the lesser known villages of Maharashtra, Dehna is worth a visit for its beautiful paddy fields and countryside landscapes. The gushing river, heartwarming greenery, and amazing local food and people of Dehna will keep you engaged and give you some respite from your busy routine. You can also take an excursion to the nearby Kalsubai, Maharashtra’s highest peak. Dehna is around 130 km from Mumbai and is located in a high rainfall region making it wonderful to visit during monsoon.

Purushwadi

 

Purushwadi is known for the firefly festival which can be an experience of a lifetime. Imagine watching millions of fireflies shed light into the darkness in a valley! Located around 70 km from Igatpuri in Maharashtra, the Purushwadi village is an excellent choice for campers and nature lovers. An organization called Grassroutes sets up camps here and they are your best option for an organized trip.

Rajmachi

 

And then there is the monsoon paradise of Rajmachi! Popular among trekkers and nature enthusiasts, Rajmachi is a fort located near the Udhewadi village which is the base of the trek. Local families in Udhewadi are friendly people who provide food and refreshments to trekkers. The region around Udhewadi is as beautiful as the trek itself and provides a serene and rejuvenating ambiance.

You can find original Article here: https://www.india.com/travel/articles/best-villages-in-maharashtra-for-offbeat-weekend-getaways-3228731/