Parvati is a hill in the middle of Pune that is steeped in history. It has caves from the 8th century and a temple-wada complex built during the Peshwai period. The area in and around Parvati was developed and beautified by the Peshwas by creating an artificial lake, laying gardens like Sarasbag, Hirabag and Lotanbag, building a menagerie called Shikarkhana and the temple of Ramana Ganapati for distributing dakshina (offerings) to the learned.
Parvati has witnessed incredible glory as well as tragedy. It has seen battle plans being drawn, the shikhars of its temples gilded with gold after victories in battles, and lavish feasts and celebrations. It has also seen a Peshwa die of a broken heart, another who watched helplessly as his empire tumbled to pieces like a house of cards, and an heir to the throne of England nearly meeting his death on its steps. Parvati is the subject of many urban legends and folklore, be it the miraculous healing powers of its guardian goddess or a secret tunnel to Shaniwar Wada. Today it's 108 steps have turned it into a fitness destination like many of Pune's other tekdis (hills). Join us on this walk as we explore the hill, its structures and its stories.
This guided tour is free.
