Location - 

                Country : India

                 State : Maharashtra

                 City : Pune 

                 Area : Popular Nagar, Warje

Historical Places in Pune 

Rajiv Gandhi Zoological park :

 

Katraj Snake Park in Pune is a famous conservation park boasting a vast collection of snakes, reptiles, birds and turtles. It later became part of the Rajiv Gandhi Udyan in 1999. There are over 160 species of snakes here, of various shapes and sizes. The prize collection is a 6 years old, nine feet long King Cobra.

The Katraj Snake Park of Pune became functional in 1986, by the efforts of Mr. Neelam Kumar Khaire, aided by the Pune Municipal Corporation. Mr Khaire is not only the Director of the park but also a snake lover himself. He has introduced novel techniques of communication such as providing information about snakes for the blind through braille.

Information about snakes is exhibited in a library within the park. A zoo has just been added, making it a popular tourist destination, particularly for children. This snake park is well-known for its pro-wildlife activities. It has organized many snake festivals and snake awareness programs to clarify doubts and destroy fears about this species. During Nagpanchami, the Katraj Snake Park at Pune arranges programs to discourage ill-treatment towards snakes.

Slightly outside the city proper, Katraj Snake Park is located along the Pune Satara Highway near the Bharati Vidyapeeth University. The Katraj Snake Park is 8 kilometers from Pune, close to the Katraj Bus Depot. Six seater auto rickshaws may be obtained from Swargate.

Chaturshringi Temple

 

Chaturshringi temple is one of the famous temples in Pune, and one visiting Pune should not forget to seek the blessings of Devi Ambareshwari, the presiding deity of the temple.

Like most of the temple in Pune, Chaturshringi temple also has its own tale that dates back to many centuries from now. Legend says that Goddess Chaturshringi bade a merchant in Pune to built a temple for her. The merchant who was a staunch believer of the Devi, used to visit the temple of the Goddess during his visit to other places.

But when old age fell on him, he could no longer afford to reach to the goddess. Thus, he felt hurt. It is during this time that the Goddess came to him in his dream and made her presence felt. The merchant was deeply moved by this gesture, and he built the Chaturshringi temple to show his reverence to the Goddess.

The famous Chaturshringi temple, situated on the Senapati Bapat Road, was built during the reign of Shivaji Maharaj. Although, the temple is situated amid the big IT companies and gigantic commercial buildings, the Chaturshringi temple has not lost its grandeur.

One of the fascinating things about the temple is that the Chaturshringi temple has a scale model of its entire premises displayed at the entrance.

In Pune, we also find other reincarnations of Devi Chaturshringi. These reincarnations are manifest in the forms of Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, Mahasaraswati, and Ambareshwari.

An annual fair is held in the temple during 'Navratri', a Hindu Festival. The entire temple is lit up with lamps and is also decorated in traditional Indian style.

Thus, if one wants to see the grandeur of the Godhead and its manifestation in this transient world, one should come to Pune.

 Shaniwar Wada

The palace was constructed by Bajiroa 1st in the 1730. It was a 13 storey building. There is a story told about why this place was chosen for the construction. The story says-The Thorale (Elder) Bajirao once saw a rabbit chasing a dog in this place. Taking inspiration from this Shaniwar Wada was built, a place which would never see defeat. It used to be the head quarter of the Peshwas and it symbolizes Pune's culture. Looking at the construction one understands how the structure was built giving highest priority to the security. The main entrance is known as 'Delhi Darwaja', others have named like Ganesh, Mastani, Jambhal, Khidki.
There is a statue of Bajijrao (1 st) on a horse in the ground in front of Shaniwar Wada. Inside one can see Ganesh Mahal, Rang Mahal, Aarsa (Mirror) Mahal, Hasti Dant (Elephant Tusk) Mahal, Diwan Khana, Fountains. Currently renovated & also have a light & music show. The main part left is nagarkhana which gives good inside view. This is an expansive palace with its impressive fountains and gardens. The palace was the seat of Peshwa power and later was destroyed by a fire in 1828. All that remains are the walls that fortified this palace, with their sturdy doors, studded with spikes for added protection. Nearby is a street where the Peshwas unleashed elephants to trample dissidents to death.
Timings for visitors : 8 am to 5 pm. Entry Free (Except for the Light And Sound Show).

 

Panshet Dam

 

 Panshet Dam, also called Tanajisagar Dam, is a dam on the Ambi river about 50 km southwest of the city of Pune in western India. The dam was constructed in late 1950s for irrigation and, along with three other dams nearby, Varasgaon, Temghar and Khadakwasla, it supplies drinking water to Pune. Panshet Dam burst in its first year of storing water on 12 July 1961, when the dam wall burst, because of the total absence of the ubiquitous reinforced cement concrete (RCC),^[1] causing massive flooding in Pune. Although this caused a significant loss of property, there was little to no loss of human life.

Sinhagad Fort

 

If you are a history buff and want to know more about the glorious past of Pune, then Sinhagad Fort should top the list. The majestic fort is dedicated to the grand Maratha triumph over Mughal invaders and no wonder it is visited by people who want an interesting insight into Maratha history. A sneak peak into its history would tell us that this fort was the place where several important battles were fought, including the Sinhaghad Battle which took place in the year 1670. Located on a hilltop, it offers amazing views of Pune city. It is also a favourite ground for trekkers as the fort is located at a height of 700m and has an interesting track which you would love to explore. Don’t forget to have some delicious Pithla Bhakri and refreshing Buttermilk which are sold by the roadside vendors when you visit this majestic fort.