Often called a younger version of Bangalore, Pune has its own distinct culture most fuelled by the large number of Universities in the area. Last weekend, I managed to get around to see some of the more cultural spots around Pune and found it actually very impressive.

Parvati Hill

Catching a rickshaw after a great brunch at Prem’s, I ended up at the highest vantage point in Pune – Parvati Hill. Pune is already way above sea level at around 550m and getting up even further to take it all in is pretty amazing. The climb up the hill is pretty steep, with large rough cut stones forming a stairwell up to the top. Along the way up, we passed a number of cows wandering around, a number of kids enjoying practising their English on us, and a small handful of other visitors.

The top of hill is home to a number of temples and lookouts that are definitely worth checking out. Some of the areas really need some more touching up though the state adds something to how old everything appears to be and reinforces the belief that they are supposed to be the oldest heritage structures in Pune. These temples also serve as a reminder of the Peshwa rule in Pune. One thing really worth checking out is the main Parvati Temple lookout. Costing only INR2 (2p) entry, this sign welcomes all the visitors:

Shaniwar Wada

Shaniwar Wada is a fort that costs a foreigner INR100 (£1.25) entry and is another structure reminding the history of the Peshwa regime. Apparently it took about two years to complete the fort and when erected held about 1000 people inside. The middle of the fort is littered with a number of fountains, gardens, plenty of courtyards providing many rest areas for the families and local visitors that come to hang out.

During 1827, a devastating fire lasting fifteen days burned most of the insides of this place and most that remains are the stones and metallic bits of the fountains. A fierce spike studded gate stares out at visitors who enter via a smaller door.

Agakhan Palace

This palace has the most historical significance out of all the sites I’d visited, both being part of the place where Gandhi was interned, a place where his wife and aide passed away, and also the location in which the movie, “Gandhi” was shot. Found just off the bleak and dusty Nagar Road, this National Monument welcomes visitors with its lush green gardens and a circular road leading up to the palace.

The palace hosts the story of Gandhi’s struggles and contains a number of interesting artefacts worth looking at. Most of it is very old, and often really looks like it needs some refurbishment, especially some of the text that became harder to read in some parts because they were so faded. It’s really an amazing story and if you can remember the movie, may recognise some of the locations used in it.

The back of the palace has yet another garden, where this time, you can find the ashes of Gandhi and another area where the ashes of his wife and aide remain. Despite its decrepit looking state internally, Agakhan Palace is indeed a monumental place worth visiting.

See all the photos here.