Pune Sightseeing

Across the river in Yerwada in this fine memorial set in 6.5 hectares of gardens. Built by Imamsultan Muhammad Sha Aga Khan III in 1892, it was the Aga Khan's palace until 1956 after which it became a school. In 1969 it was donated to India by the Aga Khan IV. After Mahatma Gandhi delivered his momentous Quit India resolution in Bombay in 1942, the British interned him and other leaders of India's independence movement here for nearly two years. Both Kashturba Gandhi, Mahatma's wife, and Mahadoebhai Desai, his secretary for 35 years, died here during this period of imprisonment. Their ashes are kept in memorial tombs (samadhis) in the gardens. A photographics exhibition details some of the highlights of Gandhi's long career, but it is the simple personal effects (including a pair of sandals and a thermos) and the personal tragedies of Mahatma during this period that leave the deepest impression. Films buffs will recognise the building from the movie Gandhi.

Kasturba Gandhi Smriti Mandir (The Aga Khan’s Palace) - The gracious building with salons and suites standing amidst well laid out gardens is more than just a palace. It’s a historical landmark. During the 1942 Quit India Movement, Mahatma Gandhi and other leaders of the Indian National Congress were imprisoned here. On the grounds of the site, is the ‘samadhi’ of Kasturba Gandhi, the Mahatma’s wife who died here while in internment.

Just across the river on Jangali Maharaj Rd is wonderful rock-cut Pataleshvara Temple (aka Panchalesvara cave), a small 8th century temple similiar in style to the much grander rock temple at Elephanta but never completed. More importantly, it's an active temple. In front of the excavation is a circular Nandi mandapam (pavilion). Adjacent is the Jangali Maharaj (Lord of the Jungle) temple, dedicated to a Hindu ascetic who died here in 1818.

Despite the pulling power of the Osho Commune, many visitors are drawn to Pune for the more serious study of hatha Yoga under the watchful eye of the legendary BKS Iyengar. In many way Iyengar, author of the book Light on Yoga, revolutionised yoga in the 1950s with his vigorous physical therapies. The institute is about 5 km west of the centre, just off Ganesh Khind Rd in Model Colony. Accommodation must be arranged outside the institute.

Housed in a huge old-town mansion, the Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, on 1378 Shukrawer Peth, is a wonderful pot-pourri in which beauty and interest is found in both artistic and everyday objects. Also on show are musical instruments, superb Marathi textiles and costumes, toys, domestic shrines and furniture, beauty accessories and a model of Shaniwarwada Palace.

* Daily 8.30am - 12.30pm & 3-6pm

The Tribal Research and Training Institute, which runs the Tribal Museum, Koregan Road, 2km east of the railway station, is dedicated to the protection and documentation of Maharashtra's numerous tribal groups, such as the Wagdheo, Bahiram, Danteshwari and Marai, who number more than 5 million. The museum's highlights are the wonderful collections of dance masks and Worli wedding paintings.

* Daily 10am - 5pm