The story of Pune is an experience that covers The Aga Khan Palace which is a national monument of India’s freedom movement, a 700-year-old Dargah at Khedshivapur which is associated with the mystery of levitating stones, Dutt Mandir of Lord Dattatreya and Balaji Temple at Narayanpur which is a replica of the Tirupati Temple. This is a full-day small guided tour that offers pick up and drop-off, lunch, entrance charges, vehicle and full time guide.
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ Local guide
✔ All taxes, fees and handling charges
✔ Lunch
✔ Hotel pickup and drop-off (all hotels in Pune)
✖ Drinks
Pickup Locations
1. OYO 10244 Stay Inn
2. NewLeaf Hotel
3. Hotel JM Four
4. Treebo Regency - Bund Garden, Dhole Patil Road
5. E-square The Fern, Pune
6. NPC Serviced Apartment Bhosale Nagar
7. Hotel Orchard
8. Hotel Pravasi
9. Hotel Mint Salisbury Park
10. Sunderban Resort & Spa
11. Hotel Swan Inn
12. Hotel Sardar Pune
13. The Guest House
14. Hotel Himalaya Inn
15. Treebo Trend Kohinoor Residency
16. Hotel Shree Panchratna
17. Collection O 30077 Viman Nagar
18. The HHI Pune
19. FabHotel FC Road
20. Manasi Hotel
Itinerary
1
Aga Khan Palace
The Aga Khan Palace is a national monument of India’s freedom movement. Built-in 1892 by Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan III, the Palace witnessed some remarkable events that define India’s freedom movement against the British. Gandhiji, his wife Kasturba Gandhi and his secretary Mahadevbhai Desai were imprisoned here during the Quit India movement in 1942. During the guided tour, guests will realize why the Aga Khan Palace is a memorial to Gandhiji and his simple life.
Duration: 60 minutes
2
We visit a 700 year old Dargah at Khedshivapur. It is beautifully built with white makrana marble with text from the Holy Quran. This dargah is associated with a mystery of a levitating stone. Legend has it that 11 people can place one finger each below the stone, shout the name of Hazarat Kamar Ali Darvesh and lift the stone. Up it goes, flying 10 to 11 feet into the air! More on this during the visit.
Duration: 60 minutes
3
In this Pune tour we next visit the Dutt Mandir at Narayanpur. This is an ancient temple of Lord Dattatreya. The unique feature of Narayanpur Datta Temple is that usually Lord Datta is depicted with three faces, however, in this Temple, he has a single face. The god is depicted with six arms holding Dhamaru (holy musical instrument), Shakha (conch), Chakra (a holy weapon), Rudraksha Mala, Kamandalu (holy pot), Kaumodaki Gada (mace) and one hand in Abhaya Mudra.
Duration: 45 minutes
4
Sri Balaji Mandir
After lunch, we visit the famous Balaji temple at Narayanpur as the last destination in this Pune tour. It is a replica of the famous Balaji Temple of Tirupati in South India, which is India’s most popular temple in terms of pilgrim footfalls. The Tirupati temple is also the world’s second richest religious institution after the Vatican. All ceremonies are done as it is in the South. Even the Priests and authentic ladoo makers are called from Tirupati Balaji temple. Tasting the Ladoos is a memorable experience.
Duration: 45 minutes
Additional info
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women.
