Exploring Pune: Day 1

All the Sundays in Pune used to be aimless for me. Just wasting time by simply sitting at home. When my family came here, I realised that I am not aware of any places at Pune. This made me to think and I decided to explore Pune on all Sundays if am here.

So that's it. Today it is the first day of exploration. I scanned through various websites and finally choose three places to go and see. Aga Khan Palace, Shaniwar Wada and Parvati Temple Hills.

Aga Khan Palace

It is easy to reach this historical building. It is on Nagar Road. I reached there following the directions of Google Map. There is parking space inside the compound. There is a minimum amount of Rs. 5/- to enter the palace. No charges for still camera.

Aga Khan Palace

I was not knowing anything about this history till today. It has an important role in the life of Mahatma Gandhi. During the freedom struggle, many of the leaders stayed at this palace. Mahatama Gandhi's wife Kasturba and his secretary Mahadev Bhai Desai  died during their captivity at the Aga Khan Palace at Pune. The room where they have stayed is kept intact and well protected. I had a respectful feeling seeing that room and the simplicity of it.

Room which is used by Gandhiji and Kasturba Gandhi. She died in this room

The samadhi of both of them are kept with due respect and devotion. Its a good place for a history student to catch glimpses of incidents that took place during the freedom struggle.

Gandhiji's ashes are also kept nearby

The palace is surrounded by a sprawling garden. It is green and clean. The serene landscape will keep your mind calm and at tranquil. Its a good place for a half day get away at Pune.

 

 

Greenery around the palace

Shaniwar Wada

It is situated in the busiest part of the city. Pune Corporation has kept boards at many locations with directions to this place. Hence it is easy to locate. The parking can be done at stipulated parking spaces near to the fort entrance or on the side of the fort.  Here also a nominal entrance fees of Rs. 5/- is charged by Archaeological department to enter the fort.

 Inside view from top of main entrance

Shaniwar Wada is a magnificent fort built by Peshwa rulers of Maratha dynasty. It is a grand structure to look at. The base is constructed by rubble masonry and the high rising walls by brick masonry with some earthen mixture to hold the bricks together. The main entrance of the fort is armoured with sharp pointed spikes for the protection from enemies. There is a small door that can be opened to let a person go in.

There are steps leading to the top of the main gate structure. The wood work on the top level is still intact. The walk way on the top of wall is well maintained and it is possible to walk all around the fort through this. 

The windows / holes on the fort wall should have been made to accommodate cannons. 

One of the ponds inside the fort is really eye catching with its symmetry. I was curious to know its use but the board with its description was missing.

There are incomplete buildings inside the fort. From the information provided by Archaeological department it is understood that the buildings inside the fort is destroyed in a fire. There was even a seven storied building inside the fort. 

The statue of Bajirao Peshwa in front of the gate is really majestic. It depicts the royal power and his valour. 

Archaeological department has a sound and light show in the night. I decided to see that on another day as it starts only at 7PM and seats were fully booked for that day. 

There are lot of trees inside and it is giving good protection to the visitors from the scorching heat. It was a beautiful sight to see two “Kanikkonnas” with full flowers on.

Parvati Hills

I have heard about it from my colleagues and wanted to go there. It’s a nice place for a half a day outing. It’s near to Swargate and Saras Baug. You can see the hill from a long distance itself.  During summer its better to go there in evenings.  There are few Vada Pav centres at the foot hills. I had Vada Pav, Coffee and prepared to climb around 5.30PM. Took a bottle of water along as I was not certain about the availability of water on top. 

The climb was only 10min. But that made me exhausted. There is a place to keep your foot ware at the entrance to the temple. There is no prescribed charge for that. You can put any amount you wish in the hundi kept nearby. I sat down to remove my shoes and keep in the racks. That brought my breath back.

I was thinking that it is temple devoted to Devi Parvathy. But its main deity is Lord Shiva. Due to the heat, the floor was like frying pan. It was difficult for me to walk around the temple after removal of my shoes. I took the help of shadows and did a “pradakshinam”. Did my worship and started look around the temple.

Parvati Hills temple

They charge a token amount Rs. 5/- to go to the top of the building surrounding the main temple.  It’s worth going there, as you can see a good part of Pune from there. My binoculars, which I had carried along, had come handy there.  I think it should been a great sight after the dusk. I did not wait till then.

View of Pune City from top of temple

There is a museum nearby called Peshwa Museum. It’s a place nobody should miss, if happen to visit this place. It has big collection, which is kept cluttered in a small place. The vessels, ornaments, instruments, head gears, weapons etc.. of the Peshwa Era is displayed there. The most amusing collection is that of coins. It will be really a marvellous opportunity for any numismatics person.

 Peshwa Museum

As they do not allow photography, my camera was used only outside the temple and museum premises.