Pune is one of the vibrant cities in the country, which is located in the western Indian state of Maharashtra. Moreover, Pune is one of those cities that holds the confluence of capitalism and spiritualism, home to Aga Khan palace and Mahatma Gandhi memorial. Moreover, the architectural beauty of the temples of Pune attracts visitors from different parts of the country. Peshwas made Pune their capital after Shivaji Maharaj brought it into the limelight.
Let us go through this article to know more about the temples in Pune you must add to your visiting list. Read on!
Temples in Pune: 22 Best Temples You Must Visit to Experience the Divine Form:
The intriguing legends and intricate details in the temples of Pune make for the best tourist attractions. Have a look at some of Pune’s renowned temples.
1. Bhimashankar Temple:
Distance from Pune: 110 km.
Address: Maharashtra State Highway 112, Bhimashankar, Maharashtra 410509,
Key Attractions: Bhaja caves, Imagica theme park.
To Reach:
- The nearest railway station to the temple is 125 km away.
- Pune airport is the closest to the temple.
- You can take buses from Kalyan, Ghatkopar, and Pune to reach the temple.
Entry Fee: Free.
2. Parvati Hill Temples:
Parvati hill is a 2100 feet high hillock in Pune and is exceptionally scenic. There are five temples located on the top of the hills: Rama temple, Vitthai temple, Vishnu temple, Kartikeya temple, and Devdeveshwar temple. The devotees can visit these temples after climbing 103 steps to reach the top of the hill. The main temple has a shrine of Devdeveshwara, which is made with black stone. Parvati hill temples are among the most appealing temples in Pune, with lush greenery and a fresh environment.
Distance from Pune: 5.3 km.
Address: Parvati Paytha, Pune, Maharashtra 411009.
Key Attractions: Classical music festival, Parvati museum, Bhaja caves.
To Reach:
- Grant Road is the nearest railway station 15 minutes away if you take a taxi.
Entry Fee: Free.
3. Chaturshringi Temple:
The Chaturshringi temple was built during Shivaji Maharaj’s reign and is located on Senapati Bapat Road on the slope of a hill. The temple stands 90 feet tall and 125 feet wide, and the CHaturshringi means a mountain with four peaks.You have to climb 100 steps to reach the temple, which symbolizes power and faith. Goddess CHaturshringi is the presiding deity, and there are eight miniature idols of Ashtavinayaka with Goddess Durga.
Distance from Pune: 5.3 km.
Address: Senapati Bapat Road, Near, Pune University Rd, Gokhalenagar, Pune, Maharashtra 411016.
Key Attractions: Pataleshwara cave temple, Darshan museum.
To Reach:
- Pune railway station is 7 km away, and you can take public transport to reach the temple.
- Pune is well connected to other cities through airways, and you can use local transportation to reach the temple.
Entry Fee: Free.
4. Bhuleshwar Temple:
Bhuleshwar temple was constructed during the era of the Pandavas back in the 13th century and is one of the famous temples in Pune. The holy shrine of Lord Shiva is represented in the form of five shiva lingams within the temple’s sanctum. However, the lingams are visible only in light as hidden in a trench. Lord Mahadev, Lord Vishnu, and Goddess Lakshmi idols are also present. The uniqueness of this temple is that it looks similar to a mosque from the outside. The construction was done so to protect it from plundering and invasions.
Distance from Pune: 45 km.
Address: Bhuleshwar Road, Malshiras, Maharashtra 412104.
Key Attractions: Narayanbet.
To Reach:
- The temple is 3km away from Mahlshiras village, and you can take a bus from Pune to reach the village.
- Since the roads are steep, get an experienced driver to drive your vehicle.
Entry Fee: Free.
5. Dagaduseth Halwai Ganapati Temple:
Dagaduseth Halwai Ganapathi temple is a famous temple in Pune that attracts thousands of devotees from different parts of the country every year. Lord Ganesha is the presiding deity in this temple with a 7.5 feet tall ans 4 feet wide idol. The temple is believed to be 100 years old, and Ganeshotsav is celebrated with vigor and pomp.
Distance from Pune: 3 km.
Address: Ganpati Bhavan, 250, Budhwar Peth, Pune, Maharashtra 411002.
Key Attractions: International music festival conducted every year.
To Reach:
- The temple is 11 km away from Pune airport and 3 km from Pune railway station. Therefore, you can opt for local transportation to reach the temple.
Entry Fee: Free.
6. Neelkantheswar Temple:
The Neelkantheswar temple in Pune is a temple where you can experience mythology divinity alongside nature’s beauty. The temple is situated on a hillock 900 meters above sea level, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Although the temple is much lesser-known, it is gradually gaining popularity as a getaway for locals. However, a steep climb on the hillock takes an hour to reach the temple. The environment around the temple is mystical and serene.
Distance from Pune: 3.3 km.
Address: Road Number 1, Kondhur, Maharashtra 412107, India.
Key Attractions: Panshet dam.
To Reach:
- You can reach the temple by taking a cab, bus, or local transportation.
Entry Fee: Free.
7. Pataleshwar Cave Temple:
Pataleshwar cave temple is a rock-cut carved temple built in the 8th century during Rashtrakuta. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is made of basalt rock. Lord Shiva is present in this shrine in the form of a shiva lingam. There is a Nandi mandapa present in the temple’s entrance, and it is considered a protected monument by the government. Elephanta caves were the inspiration for this temple’s construction. However, this temple has no proper entrance because it was never completed.
Distance from Pune: 1.7 km.
Address: Jangali Maharaj Road, Revenue Colony, Shivajinagar, Pune, Maharashtra, 411005, India.
Key Attractions: Jangli Maharaj mandir.
To Reach:
- You can take a cab or local transportation to reach the temple 3 km away from Pune railway station.
Entry Fee: Free.
8. Moreshwar Ganapati Temple:
Distance from Pune: 66.2 km.
Address: Morgaon, Maharashtra 412304.
Key Attractions: Rokdoba Hanuman temple.
To Reach:
- You can take direct buses from the Pune bus depot to reach the temple.
- Jejuri is the nearest railway station to this temple which is 17 km away.
Entry Fee: Free.
9. Narayani Dham Temple:
Shri Narayani Dham temple came into existence in 1983, located at Katraj in Pune. There are idols of deities like Lord Hanuman, Shri Shyam Baba Jot, Shiva Linga, Lord Ganesha, so on in this temple. However, Goddess Narayani is the presiding deity of the temple. The temple conducts several activities like free medical check-ups, social awareness camps, gaushalas, etc., that help society.
Distance from Pune: 9 km.
Address: Pune-Satara Road, Narayani Nagar, Behind Katraj Milk Dairy, Katraj, Pune, Maharashtra 411046.
Key Attractions: ISKCON NVCC temple.
To Reach:
- The temple is 2 km away from the Lonavala railway station.
- Several buses and trains are available from Pune to reach the Lonavala railway station.
Entry Fee: Free.
10. Prathi Shirdi:
Prathi Shirdi is a replica of the Sri Sai Baba temple in Shirdi, situated in Shirgaon, near Pune in Maharashtra. This temple was built in 2003 by Mr Prakash Deole. The aartis and poojas in this temple are done simultaneously as Shirdi and tourists heavily visit this temple throughout the year. Even the idol in this temple looks similar to Shirdi. The temple includes the Dwarakamai mosque, the Gurusthan shrine, the Chavadi shrine, and a gorgeous garden. The temple also serves food to pilgrims and visitors in a magnificent dining hall called Anna Chattralay for a nominal price of 10 rupees.
Distance from Pune: 32 km.
Address: Ap- shirgaonTa.mawal, Dist, Pune, Maharashtra 410506.
Key Attractions: Sentosa water park, MCA cricket stadium.
To Reach:
- The Prati Shirdi temple is right across the Expressway en route to the Shirgaon Sai Baba temple.
- You can take your vehicle, or several private taxis are available that will help you reach the temple.
Entry Fee: Free.
11. Omkareshwar Temple:
Omkareshwar temple is the best Pune temple to visit located in Shaniwar Peth, Pune. Shivaram Bhat, the spiritual guru of Peshwas, constructed this temple and is considered one of the oldest in Pune. The temple is adorned with Nagara-style spired Hindu deities such as Vyasa, Makardhwaj, Ganesha. It is the best example of 17th-century architecture. The eloquent columns of this temple genuinely add to its beauty.
Distance from Pune: 1.3 km.
Address: Balgandharva Bridge, 233 Near, Chandrashekhar Govind Aapte Rd, Shaniwar Peth, Pune, Maharashtra 411030.
To Reach:
- There are radio taxis available from airports to help you reach this temple.
- Pune is well-connected to all the major cities in the country via road, rail, and airways.
- Shivajinagar railway station is 1.34 km away from this temple.
Entry Fee: Free.
12. Someshwar Temple:
The Someshwar temple was built in 1640 by Jijabai, mother of Great Shivaji, where the shivling is a swayambhu. Presently a golden mask of Lord Shiva covers the Shivalinga present in the inner sanctum. One of the ashta pradhans of the Shivaji’s court, Hanumante, contributed to the renovation of the temple whose samadhi is present in the temple’s north side. There is also a sabha mandap, whose ceilings have wonderful carvings built by prominent Mughal general Shahiste Khan as repentance. The temple is built in black stone in the Hemadpanti sculpture with a deep mala of approximately 40 feet. It is surrounded by Bhairavnath, Hanuman, and Ganesh temple.
Distance from Pune: 8.8 km.
Address: GQWX+M93, Ward No. 8, Someshwarwadi, Pashan, Pune, Maharashtra 411008.
Key Attractions: BalewadiStadium, Gram SanskrutiUdyan Village Park
To Reach:
- You can take local transportation to reach the temple 7 km away from Pune University.
- Pune is well-connected to all major cities in the country.
Entry Fee: Free.
13. ISKCON Temple:
ISKCON temple is located in Katraj, 12 km away from the south of Pune. The temple has multi-level parking and is spread in a vast area. Krishna bhajans are chanted with mridangas every evening during the aarti, making it a splendid affair that attracts celebrities and the general public. There is a Go-seva present in this temple to feed cows. You can also donate to several services provided by the temple, such as Gita Daan, Diety dressing, PritiBhojan, Go-Seva. The temple premises also contains several shops where you can purchase puja paraphernalia.
Distance from Pune: 12 km.
Address: IskconNvcc Road Katraj-Kondwa Bypass, Tilekar Nagar, KondhwaBudruk, Pune, Maharashtra, 411048, India.
Key Attractions: Narayani Dham temple, Katraj Jain temple.
To Reach:
- You can take any local transportation to reach this temple from Pune railway station or bus station.
- Pune is well connected to all the major cities in the country via bus, rail, and airways.
Entry Fee: Free.
14. Kanifnath Temple:
Kanifnath temple is at the top of the hill on Saswad road, located around 30 km away from Pune city. This temple has a moderate terrain level of difficulty making it one of the popular trekking places near Pune. Kanifnath temple’s name comes from a Hindu saint, Kanhoba, also called Kanifnath, one of the Navnath Sampradaya’s Mahayogi. This temple’s view is pretty impressive, with morning prayers and music in the background, one of the most spectacular views in the morning.
Distance from Pune: 30 km.
Address: Sushrut Rd, Narhe, Pune, Maharashtra 411041.
Key Attractions: Trekking.
To Reach:
- You can reach the foot of the mountain by car. But you have to go on foot to cover the distance from the foot of the hill to the temple.
Entry Fee: Free.
15. Baneshwar Temple:
The Baneshwar temple is located in the village of Nasarpur, 36 km southwest of Pune. The temple was constructed by Balaji Baji Rao, son of Peshwa Bajirao I, in 1749, whose architecture is from the medieval period. There is a Portuguese bell present in this temple which indicated the victory of ChimajiAppa in 1739 during the battle of Bassien. The temple’s surroundings have lush green forests that host many rare bird species, called a small bird sanctuary.
Distance from Pune: 36 km.
Address: Baneshwar Temple Access Road, Nasrapur, Bhor, Maharashtra 412213.
Key Attractions: Bird sanctuary housing many rare bird species.
To Reach:
- Several MSRTC buses at a regular frequency will take you to this temple.
Entry Fee: Free.
16. Ramdara Temple:
Ramdara temple is surrounded by water on three sides and is located 25 km from Pune. The temple has tall palm trees and an enchanting lake creating a beautiful atmosphere. This small temple has a magnificent statue of Nandi and is a shrine to Lord Shiva. This temple is also a popular picnic spot for families, along with a spiritual place for devotees.
Distance from Pune: 25 km.
Address: Ramdara-Loni Kalbhor Rd, Pune, Maharashtra 412201.
Key Attractions: Shree Chintamani temple, Amanora mall.
To Reach:
- The temple is 20 km away from Magarpatta city, and you can reach it using a car or taxi.
Entry Fee: 10 rupees for Indian and 200 rupees for foreigners.
17. Gajanan Maharaj Mandir:
The Gajanan Maharaj Mandirs are present all over Maharashtra and overseas. This temple was built in honor of an Indian holy man, Sant Gajanan Maharaj, famous in Maharashtra. The holy man spent most of his life in Sheagaon during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Distance from Pune: 4 km.
Address: GRFW+5H5, Shivajinagar, Pune, Maharashtra 411004.
Key Attractions: Pataleshwar caves.
To Reach:
- You can take public transportation or hire a taxi to reach the temple.
- Pune is well-connected to all the major cities in the country through air, rail, and roadways.
Entry Fee: Free.
18. Ayyappa Temple:
The Ayyappa temple was established by the Ayyappa Seva Samithi in 1978 and is located in Bhairavnagar, Dhanori. This beautiful temple engages in social and spiritual activities that benefit society, such as providing medical aid and cultural programs during festivals. Ayyappa devotees flood to this temple for blessings during December and January.
Distance from Pune: 15 km.
Address: Bhairavnagar, Dhanori, Vishrantvadi, Pune- 411015.
Key Attractions: Shopping stalls.
To Reach:
- It takes about 18 minutes to reach the Ayyappa temple from Pune. After that, you can either take local transportation or taxis to get to the temple.
Entry Fee: Free.
19. Ghoradeshwar Temple:
Ghoradeshwar temple is a holy shrine of Lord Shiva, located at the Gorawadi village just before the old Pune-Mumbai road’s toll plaza. You will have to climb 362 odd steps to reach the caves where the temple is present. This temple might look pretty simple from an architectural point of view. However, you can view the matchless natural beauty giving you utmost satisfaction.
Distance from Pune: 28 km.
Address: Talegaon Dabhade, Maharashtra 410506.
Key Attractions: Tikona fort, Bedse caves, Karla caves, Lonavla.
To Reach:
- There are several local buses available from Pune to reach the temple. Local trains are also available whose nearest station is Begedewadi.
- You can also hire a private taxi to reach the temple.
Entry Fee: Free.
20. Tulshibaug Ram Mandir:
The Tulshibaug Ram temple was built under NaroAppajiKhire, the Subhedar of Pune, during the Peshwa era. Shri Ramji Saunsthan manages this temple. This temple’s sanctum has the statues of Lord Ram, Sita, Laxmana, and Hanuman. Later Ganapati and Parvati statues we brought to the temple. There is a small Hanuman temple right in front of the Ram temple. Lord Hanuman is bowing hands in front of Lord Rama ans is built in black stone.
Distance from Pune: One km.
Address: Tulshibaug, Budhwar Peth, Pune, Maharashtra 411002.
Key Attractions: Dadguseth Ganesh temple.
To Reach:
- You can reach this temple by walk or even local transportation.
Entry Fee: Free.
21. Prati Balaji Temple:
The Prati Balaji Temple is a beautiful replica of the ThirumalaTirupathi, also called Venkateshwara temple located near Narayanpur. It is one of the most visited temples in Pune by locals and tourists alike. The temple is surrounded by lush greenery, which looks magnificent. It took around seven years to build this piece of art (1996 to 2003).
Distance from Pune: 45 km.
Address: Kapurhol – Narayanpur Road, Ketkawale Tal, Purandar Rd, Pune, Maharashtra 412205.
Key Attractions: ISCKON NVCC temple, Sinhagad fort.
To Reach:
- You can take state-run buses or local transportation to reach the temple. Booking a rental cab can also be a convenient way to visit this temple.
Entry Fee: Free.
22. Sangameshwar Mandir, Saswad:
Distance from Pune: 33 km.
Address: Sidhheshwar Colony, Saswad, Maharashtra 412301.
To Reach:
- You can take state-run buses or local transportation to reach the temple. Booking a rental cab can also be a convenient way to visit this temple.
Entry Fee: Free.
Pune city lets you experience the diverse lifestyle and beautiful architecture that attracts thousands of tourists every year. In terms of tourism, the temples of Pune also give you a glimpse into the religious and spiritual importance beautifully. If you wish to travel to Pune, Maharashtra, make sure to add these temples to your list. Don’t forget to let us know if you found this article helpful!
FAQ:
1. When is the right time to visit the temples in Pune?
Ans: October to February is the perfect time to visit the temples in Pune when the weather is enjoyable and calm. Famous for Sawai Gandharva Sangeet Mahotsav, which attracts Indian classical music lovers from all over the country during December.
2. What are the must-buy things from Pune?
Ans: If you are s shopaholic, Pune is a paradise. Here is the list of a few things you must buy when visiting Pune.
- Paithani sarees.
- Maharashtrian Naths.
- Kolhapuri chappals.
- Silver and brassware.
3. What are some of the must-try food items in Pune?
Ans: If you are a foodie, Pune will introduce flavors that will remain with you forever, yearning for more. Here are some food items you must try without fail while visiting Pune:
- Bhakarwadi.
- Mango barfi.
- Puran Poli.
- Vada pav.
- Pav Bhaji.
- Poha.
- Dabeli.
- Meat kababs.
