(You’ll find links to all parts of this Maharashtra tour series at the end of this post.)
Yesterday (May 9) morning, we packed our bags and hopped over to a new hotel right in the heart of Pune city. It's much better being here, as many touristy places are close by. Our last place was about 20 kilometres away!
Uber and auto fare
We took an autorickshaw for the trip to the city centre, and I learnt something new. I had booked the ride on Uber.
But the driver told me that I will have to pay according to what the fare meter in the vehicle displays and not what the app shows.
I was confused, but I was told that the Pune corporation has allowed drivers to charge by the meter even if the booking is made via an app. I am told that sometimes the meter fare is lower than what the app shows.
While booking, the app says that the payment has to be made directly to the driver.
How much did I pay? ₹50 more than what the Uber app showed.
Basically, the app is only for booking a ride. The fare doesn't apply.
Aga Khan Palace
Once we checked in, we headed straight for the Aga Khan Palace.
This was built by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III way back in 1892.
But it's probably most famous for being where Mahatma Gandhi, his wife Kasturba, and his secretary Mahadev Desai were held as prisoners during India's independence movement.
The sculptures of Mahatma Gandhi struck me as very real. For a moment, I thought it was really Gandhi sitting there.
Both Kasturba and Desai passed away here while being held as prisoners. In the photo below, in the centre is Kasturba's 'samadi' (memorial), on the left is that of Desai, and on the right are the ashes of the Mahatma.
It's a really peaceful spot now, with lovely gardens and a museum where you can learn all about its past. The museum is rooms that were once used by our freedom fighters and national leaders.
After lunch, we spent the time indoors in the hotel room as it began to rain rather heavily.
Dagdusheth Halwai Ganesh temple
In the evening, we went to the Dagdusheth Halwai Ganapati Temple. It's a really vibrant and colourful temple, over 100 years old, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the Hindu god of wisdom and new beginnings.
The idol is 2.2 metres tall and 1 metre wide, and is adorned with nearly 40 kg of gold. Interestingly, unlike in other temples, the deity can be seen from outside the temple premises.
The trust that administers the temple carries out a number of philanthropic activities with the money it receives from the devotees.
Dinner with friends
From the temple, we went for dinner with three friends – they're siblings – and their families. They were my schoolmates way back in Kerala, and their dad was my Hindi teacher.
(We will be meeting him in a few days when we go to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar.)
It's been over 30 years since I last saw them. It was such a brilliant get-together, just chatting away and reminiscing about all our old school days.
It was truly lovely catching up and reliving those childhood memories. A proper good evening, it was!
(To be continued)
Maharashtra tour 2025 series
Day 1 - May 6 - Chugging along to Pune
Day 2 - May 7 - Pune - News, nuisance, and festivities
Day 3 - May 8 - Pune - A day of mixed emotions
Day 4 - May 9 - Pune - History, temple, and reminiscences
Day 5 - May 10 - Pune - Whirlwind tour and news flash
Day 6 - May 11 - Sambhaji Nagar - A special breakfast and a tryst with nature
Day 7 - May 12 - Sambhaji Nagar - Ellora Caves
Day 7 - May 12 - Sambhaji Nagar - Paithani saris, Bibi Ka Maqbara
Hari Om
ReplyDeleteMeeting up with friends from younger years is always fun... and to take in the sights of a place adds much to a trip. Sadly, I never stopped in Pune, only passed through on way other places... YAM xx
Nice that you got to do some touristy stuff.
ReplyDeleteThat statue is so realistic! And what a lovely reunion. Thank you for sharing your travels. Be well!
ReplyDeleteThat statue is very realistic took me a moment to realise it wasn't a real person.
ReplyDeleteI wondered if the death of Gandhi's compatriot and wife were suspicious, but it seems not. The death of his wife was very sad.
ReplyDeleteUbers in South Africa work in the same way you described.
Of course, there have been many conspiracy theories. Most landmark events have a few such theories. I personally don't believe in them, mainly because they can't be verified.
Delete