Where to Visit in Pune for Exploring History and Heritage
Begin your Pune story at Shaniwar Wada, once a towering 13-storey palace built by Bajirao I in 1736. Though much of it was destroyed by a fire in 1828, the surviving stone walls, gateways like Delhi Darwaza and Mastani Darwaza, and sprawling courtyards still exude the grandeur of the Peshwa era. At sunset, a light-and-sound show brings its history alive, recounting tales of love, power, and betrayal. Standing before the statue of Bajirao on horseback, you can almost imagine the empire that was once controlled from here.
Next, visit the serene Aga Khan Palace, built in 1892 by Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan III. Beyond its Italian arches and sprawling gardens lies deep history—it became the site where Mahatma Gandhi, Kasturba Gandhi, and Mahadev Desai were imprisoned during the Quit India Movement. Kasturba and Desai passed away here, and their samadhis within the complex make it a place of quiet reverence. Declared a national monument, the palace has transformed into a space where history, freedom, and reflection meet, even serving as a filming location for Richard Attenborough’s classic Gandhi.
Finally, retreat to the Pataleshwar Caves, carved from a single basalt rock in the 8th century. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, its stone pillars and sanctums resemble Mumbai’s Elephanta Caves but offer a much calmer ambience. Locals often come here not just to worship but also to study or spend moments of solitude in the shade of the surrounding gardens. With its play of light and shadow across the stone carvings, the site feels less like a temple and more like a timeless treasure chest of history.
A Little Further Afield
Beyond the centre, Pune continues to surprise with gems that reflect its cultural soul. The Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum is a collection of over 20,000 artefacts gathered by Dr. Kelkar, from intricately carved doors and musical instruments to everyday objects that together tell the story of India’s artistry. Meanwhile, the Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple stands as a beacon of devotion, its gold-adorned idol drawing thousands of worshippers and tourists alike during festivals. Together, these sites add new shades to Pune’s identity—artistic, spiritual, and endlessly alive.
From Urban Buzz to Forest Calm
After immersing yourself in Pune’s forts, palaces, and temples, it’s easy to feel the need for stillness. The Western Ghats provide that balance, offering misty hills, hidden waterfalls, and thick forests just a few hours’ drive away. Here, you can trade the clamour of the city for the call of birds, the honking of traffic for the hush of flowing streams. For those seeking weekend getaways from Pune, this shift—from history and culture to peace and nature—creates the perfect short itinerary.
Forest Escapes Resort: A Serene Wellness Retreat near Mumbai and Pune
Set in the lush Koyna region, Forest Escapes Resort is not just a getaway—it’s a healing pause. Surrounded by dense forest, the resort creates the perfect environment for digital detox and mindful living. Wake up to mist-kissed mornings, practise yoga on open lawns, and step into a spa where therapies draw from Ayurvedic wisdom. Forest-view rooms invite you to slow down, breathe deeply, and simply be.
Dining here becomes part of the wellness journey too—farm-fresh produce is turned into nutritious, slow-cooked meals that nourish both body and soul. Add in monsoon treks, birdwatching trails, and meditation spaces, and you have a wellness retreat near Mumbai and Pune designed to restore what the city takes away: balance, focus, and calm.
Nature’s Wonders Around You
Not far from Forest Escapes Resort lies Ozarde Waterfall, a thundering cascade hidden within the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary. The trek to reach it is as enchanting as the destination, winding through herbal plants, streams, and thick greenery. When you finally stand before its cool spray, the fatigue of the climb melts into awe. Closer still is the Koyna Dam Backwaters Viewpoint, where sunset paints the skies in shades of gold and pink. This engineering marvel, completed in 1963, is not just vital for Maharashtra’s power supply but also a serene escape surrounded by forests that shelter wildlife like Indian bison, leopards, and hornbills.
For those willing to venture further, the Thoseghar Waterfalls near Satara plunge dramatically from nearly 200 metres, making them one of the tallest in India. The Chandoli National Park, part of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, unfolds with its mix of forts, flat-topped mountains, and thriving wildlife, while the Kaas Plateau, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, transforms into Maharashtra’s own Valley of Flowers each monsoon, with over 850 species of wildflowers carpeting its surface. Each site adds a unique shade of wonder to your retreat.
Weekend Getaways from Pune, Wrapped in Wellness
The best way to experience Pune and beyond is with a three-day plan:
Day 1: Dive into Pune’s history with Shaniwar Wada, Aga Khan Palace, and Pataleshwar Caves, then taste local street food in the evening.
Day 2: Drive to Koyna, check into Forest Escapes Resort, enjoy a wholesome lunch, indulge in a spa session, and explore a forest trail.
Day 3: Begin with yoga at sunrise, savour a farm-fresh breakfast, and set out for a short trek or nearby waterfall before heading back renewed.
