Culture trip in Pune to Aga Khan Palace, a dargah and temples
Description
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.
Tour Options
Itinerary
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.
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.
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.
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.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- 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.
Reviews(4)
Wonderful guide (Koustubh - friendly, knowledgeable, very capable) to show us the sites and also a great person to discuss ideas with…..so rare these days! Nothing was rushed despite the long day, and he helped us skip lines in the busiest of places. We felt slightly guilty at this, but there would be no way to see these places if we queued with everyone else. Our driver was also the best we had in India! ( if you’ve been you’ll know how CRAZY the driving is!) The one star removed was for the price ….compared to everything else we have in India, this is on the expensive side, but still a great experience.
This was my second tour with Five senses and this was also equally an enchanting experience. We visited 2 temples, a Islamic place or worship and a palace. This was an incredible tour away from the city into the real India. We met many friendly people . Our guide vikas helped us understand all the complex rituals! It was an awesome day.
Hello and thanks so much for this feedback. I am glad Vikas made this a great day for you.
Took a one person tour with Abhay and enjoyed every minute. Abhay is a sensitive, very knowledgeable guide who will lead you to the places where you wouldn't get on your own. Attended a wedding ceremony which will never forget :-). This tour will adjust to your interest to make sure that you get the most out of your visit. 100% recommended.
Hello and thanks for taking time for this review. Its great to know you found Abhay to be knowledgeable and you enjoyed the wedding ceremony we gate crashed! It was our pelasure
I arranged a solo tour as I had a day spare on a business trip. I thought I’d get out and experience the sights and sounds of Pune while was here. Trip was arranged with no fuss, I had guides name, contact details and time of pickup sent to my phone..easy! Pickup punctual and spent a lovely time visiting wonderful temples and places of historical interest. Had a lovely meal and nothing was too much bother for the guide and his driver. They always checked that I was ok which was reassuring for a stranger in a strange land!
Thanks again for this opportunity to host you. Its great to know you found all the arrangements for be good and you enjoyed the City tour of Pune. It was our pleasure
