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.