Though Big-Brother Mumbai plays host to a larger chunk of tourist inflow in the state, Pune is not much behind as a popular tourist destination. Tours in Pune are highly recommended for an insight into the great Maratha heritage. Pune might not have some great names to boost in terms of tourist attractions, but these attractions have their own qualities that can be experienced only after seeing them. Most of the attractions are related to the Marathas, who at one point of time controlled much of the north and western India and challenged the might of Mughal Empire as well as that of British.
Here one can have a look at the remnants of foundations and outer walls of multi-storey Shaniwar Wada that was burnt down in 1827. Pataleshwar Cave Temple is a welcome respite from the general bustle and crowds at most of the other temples. Raja Denkar Kelkar Museum is one place in Pune that should never be missed as the more than 17,000 art objects exhibited here are the example of how curiosity of a single man can create wonders.

The Shaniwar Wada, now mostly in ruins, was once the multi-storey home of the mighty Peshwas. The Raj Bhavan, built in 1866, housed the government of Bombay Presidency during the colonial times in the summers. The Saras Baug is a popular evening spot in Pune. The Kasturba Samadhi contains the ashes of Kasturba Gandhi.

The Film and Television Institute of India, situated in Law College Street, is one of the prominent film schools in Asia. The Sassoon Hospital is a Gothic-style building located near the railway station. South of the hospital lies the St Mary's Church which was consecrated by Bishop Heber. The Synagogue, also known as Lal Dewal, was built in 1867 by Sir David Sasoon. The Empress Garden has a fine collection of tropical trees besides housing a small zoo.

The Osho Meditation Resort is recent attraction in Pune's tourism map. Described as the "spiritual Disneyland for disaffected First World yuppies" by the Wall Street Journal, the resort is situated in the pleasant residential area of Koregaon Park. This lush contemporary 40-acre campus is a tropical oasis where nature and the 21st Century blend seamlessly, both within and without. A number of programs with special emphasis on new-age meditation are conducted here. A place worth a visit during your vacations in Pune.

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