Pune - City of Peshwas

Pune-City of Peshwas

Well-known as the cultural capital of Maharashtra, Pune is brimming with heritage monuments belonging to the old-era of Peshwas. The city is a convenient stopover for travellers driving to the hill resort of Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani and the pilgrim point of Bhimashankar. The historic city of Pune was a strong bastion of Peshwas during the Maratha reign and its forts, palaces, temples and museums have their origin during the times of Shivaji and Peshwa regime.

Aga Khan Palace

Aga Khan Palace

 

My journey of the city began with the elegant Aga Khan Palace that is the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi. This is the destination where Gandhiji along with his wife, Kasturba Gandhi and other freedom fighters like Sarojini Naidu and Meeraben were in confinement during the Quite India movement. Laid out in a sprawling garden, the massive monument is of immense national significance since it has preserved the milestones achieved by Mahatma Gandhi during his life.

Osho International Commune Centre

 

This is a not-to-be-missed destination for those interested in yoga and meditation. Standing in the lush forested area on Koregaon Park, Osho International Commune Centre is widely known as Bhagwan Rajneesh Ashram. The ashram is a spiritual health centre that has devotees trickling from all across the globe. For visitors intending to know about yoga and meditation, there is a silent tour organized for them.

Shaniwarwada

Shaniwarwada, Pune

 

 

We were quite eager to know about the conquest of the Maratha empire during the reign of Shivaji and we moved to Shaniwarwada that was the chief residence of Peshwas during the bygone times. We spent a lot of time in the imposing fortress built by Baji Rao I down the memory lane in 1780. One should be careful negotiating the steep, rock-cut staircases leading to the fort. This heritage grandeur formed the significant destination for signing the treaty between the East Indian Company and Peshwas against Tipu Sultan way back in 1790. We could capture panoramic glimpses of the city from the fort.

 

Lal Mahal

Lal Mahal, Pune

Away from Shaniwarwada is another heritage structure of Lal Mahal at Budhwar Peth that was the brainchild of Dadaji Kondev, the mentor of Shivaji. The monument was built in 1640 and has the memorial of Jijamata, the mother of Shivaji.

Peshwa Energy Park

 

Peshwa Energy Park, Pune

Spread over 7 acres of land, the Peshwa Energy Park was earlier a zoo and was initiated by Maharashtra Energy Development Agency (MEDA) funded by the Ministry of Non-Conventional Energy Resources.

 

Parvati Temple

 

Resting on the hillock, Parvati temple is the place to head for devouts and history buffs. We had to climb a flight of 108 steps to reach the shrine that provides a panoramic view of the city. We were on our last leg of the city tour and visited Parvati and Devdeveshwar shrine. Before departing, we peeked into the nearby Peshwa Museum that has the relics used by the Peshwa dynasty. There are scenes depicting the Maratha War and the portraits of Peshwa rulers.

Stunningly attractive Goa

Stunningly attractive Goa

For those who would love to immerse themselves in the world of sunny beaches and golden sands with vignettes of Portuguese charm reflected in the priceless monuments, a visit to Goa would make their holiday memorable. 

 

I had missed out on my earlier attempts to make it to Goa but it was sometime in April, this year, I was determined to make a two-day detour of the one-time Portuguese bastion on the invitation of Goa Tourism to have a glimpse of Goa Food and Culture Festival 2015 held in Panjim.

Calangute Beach

A view of Calangute Beach

 

On reaching Goa International Airport, a 45-km scenic drive to the seaside city of Panjim brought us to Miramar Residency owned by Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC). The drive offered glimpses of the river Zuari, St Sebastian Island and St. Jacintha Island on the way. Soon after refreshing at Miramar Residency, we were on our way to Calangute, just 17 km from Panjim in Bardez district of North Goa. 

 

Calangute Beach

 

Calangute sea beach is the largest in North Goa and is densely crowded with a steady stream of tourists. 

Konkani delight Ambat Ambati at Destination One

There are a number of beach shacks that we could sight on the beach and one can enjoy water sports facilities like parasailing and water skiing on the beach. 

We lunched at Destination One of Calangute Residency, a property of GTDC after Goan food demonstration session in the 

restaurant.

Panjim

River Mandovi in Panjim

 

Since I had limited time in hand, I decided to visit the Miramar Beach the next morning. Lying close to Miramar Residency, the Miramar Beach is at the confluence of river Mandovi and the Arabian Sea. 

Miramar Beach, Panjim

 

 

The beach is one of the most visited beaches in Goa and one can enjoy sound views of Panjim city. It was a pleasure to visit Goa Food and Cultural Festival 2015 hosted by GTDC that was held at Campal Ground on Dayanand Bandodkar Marg in Panjim.

Ponda

Tropical Spice Plantation at Keri, Ponda

 

 

We drove around 30 km from Panjim to head to Ponda to visit the Tropical Spice Plantation that is snuggled at Keri hamlet.

 

Cashew nut Tree at Tropical Spice Plantation

 

The 250-year-old plantation site has opened its doors for travellers over the last 17 years. 

 

Cinnamon tree at Tropical Spice Plantation

 

There are 30 species of spice flora in the spice garden and our spice trail made us get close views of the spice plants like cinnamon, cashew nut, red pepper and lemon grass. One can also come across pine apple plants with the ripe fruit and star fruit.

Old Goa

Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa

 

 

No mention of Goa can be made without Basilica of Bom Jesus on Old Goa Road in Old Goa popular as Velha Goa. Listed as the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the basilica has preserved the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. Although it was my second visit to the Basilica of Bom Jesus, I could rarely recollect my memory of visiting the basilica along with my parents during my formative years. 

 

The huge monument that exhibits baroque architecture is the only church in Goa that is without any plaster on its exterior walls. The church is only 9 km from Panjim on the banks of river Mandovi and represents elegance and simplicity. In fact, there are lots to see in the monument exhibiting Jesuit architecture.

Based on the inscriptions, the foundation of the huge church was laid way back on November 24, 1594 by the then Archbishop of Goa during the Portuguese regime. The monument was completed on May 15, 1605. The church is widely known as Bom Jesus that implies “infant” Jesus or “good” Jesus. We entered the main altar measuring 54 ft high and 34 ft wide with huge pillars made from basalt. The imposing three-storied façade is a distinguished blend of Ionic, Corinthian and Doric architecture. 

 

The altar of St. Francis Xavier

 

The main entrance has two small entrances and the façade has three letters in Greek inscribed on the top –IHS that connotes Jesus. Beneath the choir, we came near the altar of St Anthony on the right side and the wooden statue of St. Francis Xavier on the left. Getting an opportunity to come near the altar of St. Francis Xavier was a moment of bliss for me.

Goa Food & Cultural Festival 2015

 

Adjacent to the Basilica of Bom Jesus is another heritage attraction. It is none other than the massive Church of St. Francis of Assisi that was set up in 1661 representing a fine example of Portuguese architecture. The church is plastered with lime and built on laterite blocks. The heritage structure stands as the reminder of the religious group of St. Francis who visited Goa during 16^th century.