It’s funny how we’ll happily cross oceans to marvel at ancient ruins. We click a hundred photos of random walls abroad. Ask us about the old fort a few miles from home and we say “Oh, that’s just a door, It’s just a building, a hill, or a road”. We treat our own land’s history like background noise, too familiar to be fascinating. We keep underestimating the treasures in our backyard, all while chasing “culture” halfway across the world.
I don’t know if it’s right or wrong, but often, all we really need is a break from routine, just a change of place, not necessarily a grand discovery or deep knowledge.
But then again, why not? If we can spend some time with our own city and understand a few things about it, it only deepens our respect for the place we call home.
So, this time, we decided to travel around our hometown with kids and here is a list of places in and around Pune to visit.
Bicycle Museum – A unique collection showcasing the evolution of bicycles…and cars as well.
Cricket Museum – A paradise for cricket enthusiasts, celebrating the sport’s legacy.
Railway Museum – A nostalgic journey through the history of Indian railways.
Sinhgad Fort – A historic fort offering panoramic views and tales of valor.
Karla and Bhaja Caves – Ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves reflecting rich heritage.
Chafekar Wada – A monument dedicated to the Chafekar brothers and their legacy.
Shaniwar Wada – The iconic fortification that narrates tales of the Peshwa era.
Lal Mahal – Known for an encounter between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Shaista Khan.
Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum (with Mastani Mahal) – A treasure trove of artifacts and art.
Pataleshwar Caves – An ancient rock-cut temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Parvati Hill – A scenic hillock offering spiritual serenity and city views.
@Photo credit: punetourism.co.in
Peshwe Museum – A glimpse into the grandeur of the Peshwa dynasty.
Aga Khan Palace – A monument of national importance with deep historical ties.
Pune, the “cultural and intellectual heart of Maharashtra” (because who wouldn’t want to spend their time in a city that’s basically a hub of academic overachievers?). It’s home to all these prestigious universities, and people flock from every corner of India to “enrich” their minds.
And let’s not forget the weather, I dont know with continuous development and constructions …heavy vehicles roaming around when they were not supposed to… everyone still thinks Mother Nature decided to make this the perfect spot for me… from stressed-out IT professionals to retirees looking to finally get some peace and quiet.
Through this trip, I got to “rediscover” my city’s “charm”… if I may say so myself. Whether it has given me what I was expecting, though that’s another story. Does the city still carry that calm, intellectual vibe? Am I still trying to find clean air amidst the crowd? And where exactly is the so-called discipline when you’re stuck in one of those long, never-ending queues near the caves? When will we learn to protect our culture?
I’ve shown my kids the touristy spots, but somehow, I couldn’t quite give them a glimpse of the city I grew up in… But hope is there, in the changing skyline, in the resilience of people navigating the crowded streets, in the stories unfolding every day.
Even in the most hectic places, we can feel the quiet belief that things are always moving forward, always rising…
words panorama 