Maharashtra • 5 monuments
Bund Garden, also known as Mahatma Gandhi Udhyan, is a calm and beautiful tourist spot in Pune. Located on the bank of Rivers Mula and Mutha, the garden was originally conceived as an idea to construct a mini dam that would help farmers with irrigation. Today, it is a popular picnic spot where one can enjoy nature’s calmness and exquisiteness. Boating is a popular activity at the backwaters adjoining the park area. It is also a well-known destination among bird-watchers who get to see a variety of migratory bird species here. Winter months are most suitable for bird watching while monsoon months are ideal to experience nature’s glory at full bloom. Jogging, horse riding and regular magic shows add to the numbers of visitors to the garden. One can also visit Aga Khan Palace connected to the garden by a bridge.
Named after a reputed halwai (sweet-maker), Dagadusheth Halwai Ganapati Temple is among the most popular temples of Lord Ganesha (Ganapati) in the state of Maharashtra. The huge idol of Ganesha (fondly called Bappa) is visible from the road itself and is embellished with loads of gold ornaments. The temple turns into a fascinating venue during the celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi. Dagadusheth Gadve got the idol sculpted on the advice of his guru after he lost his son. His sweets shop, named Kaka Halwai, has today turned into a popular franchise. Ardent devotees offer money and jewellery in huge amounts at the temple. Dagadusheth Halwai Ganapati Temple Trust uses these offerings in a number of philanthropy works. Tuesdays experience huge crowds of visitors at the temple. It is worth mentioning that one needs to undergo strict security check before entering the temple. Mobile phones, cameras and bags and baggage are not allowed inside and can be stores in the lockers. The elaborated aartis (prayers) at different times of the day are worth attending.
Built as a symbol of charity by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III, Aga Khan Palace gained historical importance with due course of time. Popular as a monument, a museum and an architectural marvel today, it was the place where Mahatma Gandhi and his associates were detained during the notable Quit India Movement in 1942. Designated as the monument of national importance, the palace is popular for Mahatma Gandhi Memorial (where the ashes of the greatest Indian leader rest) and Samadhis (cenotaphs) of Kasturba Gandhi (Gandhiji’s wife) and Mahadev Desai (Gandhiji’s personal secretary). Constructed in majestic royal style, the palace boasts of eye-pleasing Italian architectural elements and is surrounded by beautiful green lawns and gardens. Nearness to River Mula makes the place even more exciting. Main attractions inside the heritage building include picture gallery and museum (with pictures, letters and items used by Gandhiji on display), library and documentation centre and a shop selling khadi stuff (mark of Gandhiji’s freedom struggle). The monument is visited by flocks of tourists on occasions like Mahatma Gandhi’s Birth Anniversary (October 2), Death Anniversary (January 30), Independence Day (August 15) and Republic Day (January 26).
A palace fort located in Pune, Shaniwar Wada which was constructed in 1746 by Bajirao Peshwa is one the famous monuments in the city. Embellished with gorgeous courtyards,impressive fountains and huge audience halls, Shaniwar Wada exemplifies the proficient and delicate architecture of Maratha craftsmen. The main attraction of this palace is its approximately 21 feet main door that faces north. Other interesting designs include its various intricately carved gates like Dilli Darwaza, Mastani Darwaza, Ganesh Darwaza and Khidki Darwaza etc. Popular as the most beautiful and important landmarks of Pune, Shaniwar Wada have certain paintings that portraythe scenes from Hindu epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana. The greeting garden and city centre located inside the palace depicts the luxurious side of Shaniwar Wada. Apart from the beauty, Shaniwar Wada also holds Sound and Light Show in Marathi from 7:15 p.m. to 8:10 p.m. and English show from 8:15 p.m. to 9:10 p.m.The Sound and Light show costs about INR 25 per person. Visitors to this place can also explore nearby attractions like Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, Aga Khan Palace, Pashan Lake, Sinhagad Fort and Empress Botanical Gardens.
Osho Ashram, better known as Osho International Meditation Resort, Osho Commune International or simply Osho Pune, was established by Bhagwan Rajneesh (popularly known as Osho), the world-famous mystic and spiritual guru. The ashram has gained reputation as a facility offering life-affirming meditation courses, attracting thousands of visitors from every corner of the world every year. The campus is spread over 32 acre, away from the chaotic and messy city life. The meditation courses available at the ashram include Kundalini, Nadabrahma, Nataraj and Dynamic meditation, each promising stress busting and spiritual uplifting. Osho multiversity programs are joined by many and are counted among the world’s most popular meditation courses. In addition, the campus has many facilities like swimming pool, spa, sauna, massage parlours, sports courts and the very scenic Osho Teerth Park. Those who stay at the ashram can enjoy an intriguing nightlife through cinema, theatre, classical music, parties and dance meditations. Visitors can buy tickets to take the silent tours across the campus. Those willing to join needs to register and undergo an HIV test to confirm their eligibility. Children are strictly prohibited at the ashram. Meditation courses can be joined for different durations by purchasing daily meditation stickers.
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