Pune
is counted amongst the most-visited cities of Maharashtra, which is
perhaps second only to Mumbai. Being situated close to the capital city
of Maharashtra and the holy town of Shirdi has resulted in adding to its
attraction amongst the tourists. Added to it is the fact that it is home
to some of the best educational institutions in the country. The people
coming to Puna city visit not only its own attractions, but also the
tourist places situated near its boundaries. Some of the popular
excursions situated near the city include Shivneri Fort, Sinhagad Fort,
Karla Caves, Bhaja Caves, etc. Read on to know more about the excursions
from Pune city of Maharashtra.Alandi City
Alandi is a small city, situated in the Pune district of Maharashtra. It lies at a distance of approximately 25 km from the Pune city. The town is mainly famous for being home to the samadhi of Sant Dnyaneshwar. Dnyaneshwar was a very popular saint of Maharashtra.
Bhaja Caves
Bhaja Caves are one of the popular Buddhist caves in India, which are situated in the Aurangabad District of Maharashtra. The caves, lying 60 km from Pune city, are believed to date back to as far back as the 2nd century, when the Theravadin phase of Buddhism was still in its earliest stages.
Bhimashankar Temple
Bhimashankar Temple is situated in Maharashtra and claims the distinction of being one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India. Lying at a distance of approximately 128 km from the Pune city, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the Hindu Trinity of Gods.
Janjira Fort
Janjira Fort is situated in the Murud town of Maharashtra. Infact, the Island Fort serves as one of the major attractions of the town. Murud served as the erstwhile capital of the Siddi rulers of Janjira in the earlier times. Today, Janjira is counted amongst the few sea forts of India and lies 2 km inside the town.
Jejuri Temple
Jejuri Temple is located in the Jejuri town, which lies to the southeast of the Pune city of Maharashtra. The town is known for being the venue of one of the revered temples in the state, known as the Khandobachi Jejuri. The temple is dedicated to Khandoba, also known as Mhalsakant or Malhari Martand.
Karla Caves
Karla Caves are situated in the Aurangabad District of Maharashtra, quite near to the Bhaja Caves. They fall on the Pune-Mumbai Road and are approximately 40 km from the heart of Pune. The caves were carved somewhere around the 2nd century BC, the time when Buddhist was at its peak in India.
Malshej Ghat
Malshej Ghat is one of the most popular weekend getaways, situated amidst the Sahyadri Hills of India. Since it falls on the outskirts of the Pune city, it is visited by the locals of the city as well as the tourists who come here for spending their holidays.
Murud Janjira Beach
Murud Janjira Beach, being located around 190 km from the Pune city of India, forms one of its most popular attractions. The beach is situated near the Janjira Fort, an impregnable fortress that refused to surrender before the enemy forces for as many as 350 years.
Raigad Fort
Raigad Fort is a magnificent hill fortress, situated in the Raigad district of Maharashtra. It lies approximately 125 km away from Pune and serves as one of the major excursion of the city. The fort once served as the capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji, the Great Maratha king, in the 1674.
Shivneri Fort
Shivneri Fort is one of the most magnificent as well as historically rich forts of India. It is situated at a distance of approximately 90 km from the Pune city of Maharashtra. The fort dates back to the time period when Shivaji was not even born yet. Shivneri Fort was built under the aegis of Sahaji.
Sinhagad Fort
Adding to the attraction of the Pune city is the Sinhagad Fort, which lies in the vicinity of the city. The fort stands perched on a hill, at an altitude of approximately 700 m above the landscape that surrounds it. The height at which the fort stands has resulted in its being very popular.
