Baramati

Pune (poo-nneh) has a long history that stretches back nearly 1,600 years. The Pataleshwar Caves (near Jangli Maharaj Road) from the 5th century are evidence of Pune's old settlements. Pune is a gateway to knowledge about the past with opportunities to learn from the help of forts, monuments, museums and higher-learning institutions. From the medieval Maratha history of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (Maratha King) to a visit to Aga Khan Palace to learn about Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi's non-violent freedom struggle, there is much to learn here. If the quote "Freedom is my birthright and I shall have it!" sounds interesting, make a visit to the Gayakwadwada Museum. If you are interested in ancient Indian history or Indology, then Deccan College, Bharat Itihas Sanshodhak Mandal, and Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute are places of research and learning and house their own museums as well. Pune has been called the "Oxford of the East".