For a fascinating glimpse into the very heart old Pune, is the walking tour.
This tour starts at Shaniwarwada, the seat of the Peshwa rulers. After a brief orientation, we will walk through the city to visit several places of historical and cultural significance. On this tour one can take interesting photographs
Kasab means skill. There was a colony of skilled artisans like the weavers, coppersmiths, potters, stone smiths, silversmiths and of course a market. We visit some artisan colonies on this tour.
This walk tells 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 and culture can be seen here. The pace of life is still slow and beautiful in the smaller lanes.
The same neighborhoods also have noisy and colorful (markets) with shops selling everything– fruits, vegetables, spices, baskets, costume jewellery, bags and utensils. People throng to the markets, bargaining for items of everyday use. There are many old and new temples, courtyards where people offer prayers or have a chat with friends.
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, a self help group run by women artists that sells eco-friendly handcrafted garments, ornaments, folders, wooden crafts and bags.
