Pune Bazzar Walk

For a fascinating glimpse into the very heart of Hindu Maharashtra, try our Pune Kasba walk.

What this tour is about: The word Kasba means market-town. The neighbourhoods covered in this walk tell the story of the Maratha empire, and its growth under Shivaji and the Peshwas. The area is primarily Hindu, dotted with several temples and wadas (large traditional homes) of historical significance. The old traditions are still strong here; the pace of life is still slow and beautiful. In crazy contrast, the same neighbourhoods also have noisy and colourful mandais (markets) with shops selling everything under the sun – fruits, vegetables, betel leaves, baskets, costume jewellery, bags and utensils. People throng to the markets, bargaining for items of everyday use. They also stop at the temples to offer prayers, or for a little chat with friends.

Places we will visit: We will start this tour at the fortress-like Shaniwarwada, the seat of the Peshwa rulers of Pune. At Shaniwarwada, the guide will introduce you to the history of the city and the way of life under the Maratha Empire. After a brief orientation, we will walk through the city to visit several places of historical and cultural significance:

The tour ends at Vishrambaug Wada, built by the last Peshwa Baji Rao II as a house of leisure. If you’d like to take back a souvenir from the walk, there’s a small shop inside Vishrambaug run by a local NGO, that sells eco-friendly handcrafted garments, ornaments and bags.

Total Walking Time: 2 hours

When: Starts 9:30 a.m., from Shaniwarwada. Ends at Vishrambaug.

Cost: Rs.1380/- per person, paid on the day of the walk. Includes well-researched handouts, trained English-speaking guide, bottled water, and entrance fee to Shaniwarwada.

Group Size: Minimum 2 persons, maximum 6 persons

What to wear: Please dress modestly and ensure you have adequate sun protection. You have to take off your shoes if you wish to enter places of worship. This is a great tour for those interested in photography

Discover Pune City’s history

If you have only one day in Pune, we recommend you try this tour to discover the city’s history and meet its diverse people. The tour is a combination of car and walking, and covers the central and north-eastern parts of Pune.

What this tour is about: The district of Poona has a long history stretching back 2000 years, with well-developed industry, trade, agriculture, government and religion. Broadly speaking, there are four periods in Pune's history: the early Hindu Period, the Muslim Period, the Maratha Period and the British Period. These diverse periods under different empires have all left their mark on the city, influencing not only the city's architecture, but also local customs. In this tour, we will go on a cultural exploration of Pune to trace these complex and layered historical influences.

Places we will visit:

Early Hindu Period (90 BC - 1295 AD)
This tour begins with a visit to one of the oldest evidences of Hindu civilisation in Pune - the 8th century Pataleshwar Rock Temple built by the Rashtrakuta dynasty. This dynasty ruled between 760 AD to 973 AD, and built several rock temples including the famous Kailasanatha temple at Ellora.

Muslim Period (1295 – 1720)
The Muslim period was marked by a series of natural droughts, famines and pestilence. In the 17th century, Shivaji spearheaded a major struggle to break free of Muslim rule. The walk takes us past several interesting places associated with this period:

Maratha Period (1720 – 1818)
It was not until 1720 that the much weakened Mughal emperor Muhammad Shah II formally acknowledged an independent Maratha empire. After the death of Shivaji’s grandson, the Maratha empire became a loose confederacy of powerful ruling families, under a Peshwa (Prime Minister). We will visit Shaniwar Wada, the fortress built by the first Peshwa Baji Rao I. The Peshwas were Brahmins, and influenced the culture of present-day Pune significantly. We will visit the Kelkar Museum, for fascinating insights on daily Maharashtrian life in the past. We will also visit Tulshi Baug and Jyotiba Phule Market to see Hindu life in present-day Pune.

British Period (1819 – 1947)
Pune fell to the British in 1817. The British established army bases in Pune, and later made it the “monsoon capital” of Bombay Presidency. We will visit the British Cantonment area to see the administrative buildings, military areas and markets that came up during this period. Along with the British, several communities such as the Jews, the Bohras and the Parsis moved to Pune. We will drive past several places associated with these communities. The tour ends with a visit to Aga Khan Palace, where Gandhi spent 21 months under house arrest. The palace houses a small Gandhi museum, as well as memorials to his wife Kasturba and personal secretary Mahadeobhai.

Total Tour Time: 6-8 hours

When: Starts 9:30 a.m., from Marriott Hotel

Cost: The tour costs Rs.1440/- per person for 4 people, Rs.1730/- per person for 3 people, Rs.2070/- per person for 2 people. Solo traveller’s pay Rs.4030/-. The price includes well-researched handouts, trained English-speaking guide, air-conditioned car, driver, bottled water, lunch and all entrance fees.

What to wear: There are no restrictions, but it is a good idea to dress modestly and ensure you have adequate sun protection. You have to take off your shoes if you wish to enter places of worship. This is a great tour for those interested in photography.

Visit to Sinhgarh

If you like the outdoors, try this tour of Sinhagad Fort and Panshet Lake.

What this tour is about: Sinhagad Fort is located 4300 feet above sea level, on the Sahyadri Hills. It is a strategic fort, carefully selected for its proximity to the settlement of Pune, allowing control over important trade routes and offering protection behind its safe walls in times of need. Originally called Kondana, it was renamed the Lion Fort in honour of Shivaji’s trusted aide Tanaji Malusare who lost his life in a daring raid on the fort.

The summer months (March-June) are too hot to visit Sinhagad, but all other seasons offer great opportunities for a day outdoors. In September-October just after the rains, the hills are carpeted in green, and very scenic. From November through February, the craggy black rock contrasts beautifully with yellow hay and the weather is simply perfect. The monsoon season begins in June, and it is then that the Sahyadris become truly magical, with beautiful waterfalls and lush foliage. Trekkers from Mumbai and Pune head for the Sahyadris to see the hills come alive in the rains.

Panshet is a pleasant tranquil lake created in the 1950’s by the building of a dam. It supplies drinking water to Pune, and is a popular getaway for residents of Pune.

Places we will visit: This is a half-day tour that can be done either in the morning or in the afternoon. The drive from Pune to Sinhagad takes about 45 minutes. There is a fairly easy 20 minute climb to the fort from the parking area. The guide will explain the history of the fort as well as some of the key principles behind its layout. You will visit the memorial of Rajaram, Shivaji’s younger son, who died here. There are great views of the hills, rivers and dams from the top of the fort. After an hour at the Fort, we will proceed to Panshet, for a relaxing picnic break, and then return to Pune.

Total Tour Time: 4 hours

When: Starts 9:00 a.m. or 3:00 p.m., from Marriott Hotel

Cost: The tour costs Rs.1730/- per person for 4 people, Rs.2010/- per person for 3 people, Rs.2590/- per person for 2 people. Solo travellers pay Rs.3740/-. The price includes well-researched handouts, trained English-speaking guide, air-conditioned car, driver, bottled water and any entrances.

What to wear: Please check the weather and dress accordingly. Sensible shoes are recommended. Do ensure you have adequate sun protection. This is a great tour for those interested in photography.

Shirdi -Shani Shingnapur

01 day excursion
Cost: The tour costs Rs.2010/- per person for 03 people, Rs.2880/- per person for 2 people, Solo travellers pay Rs.5260/-.
The price includes air-conditioned car, driver, bottled water and any entrances.

Bhimashankar

01 day excursion
Cost: The tour costs Rs.1380/- per person for 03 people, Rs.2070/- per person for 2 people, Solo travellers pay Rs.3,740/-.
The price includes air-conditioned car, driver, bottled water and any entrances.

Panchgani-Mahabaleshwar
Karla / Bhaje / Lonavala

01 day excursion
Cost:The tour costs Rs.2010/- per person for 03 people, Rs.2880/- per person for 2 people, Solo travellers pay Rs.5260/-.
The price includes air-conditioned car, driver, bottled water and any entrances.

Please write to iscregn@kwconferences.com to make tour bookings.

No tours will be conducted on conference days, 10th and 11th February.