For a fascinating glimpse into the very heart of Hindu Maharashtra, try our Pune Kasba walk.

What this tour is about: The word Kasba means market-town. The neighbourhoods covered in this walk tell 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 are still strong here; the pace of life is still slow and beautiful. In crazy contrast, the same neighbourhoods also have noisy and colourful mandais (markets) with shops selling everything under the sun – fruits, vegetables, betel leaves, baskets, costume jewellery, bags and utensils. People throng to the markets, bargaining for items of everyday use. They also stop at the temples to offer prayers, or for a little chat with friends.

Places we will visit:  We will start this tour at the fortress-like Shaniwarwada, the seat of the Peshwa rulers of Pune. At Shaniwarwada, the guide will introduce you to the history of the city and the way of life under the Maratha Empire. After a brief orientation, we will walk through the city to visit several places of historical and cultural significance:

•	The temple of Kasba Ganpati, to see the Elephant God who is the patron deity of Pune. No new venture is started in Pune without this god’s blessings!
•	Nana Wada, the estate of Nana Phadnavis, chief administrator of the Peshwa rulers of Pune. The estate now houses a school.
•	Lal Mahal, the site where Chhatrapati Shivaji lived
•	Tulshibaug, to see the tall shikara of this traditional Vaishnavite temple, to observe the homes and shops inside the temple courtyard, and to see a popular local market for women’s costume jewellery and knick-knacks.
•	Jyotiba Phule Mandai, to experience the vibrant bustle of Pune’s largest covered market selling vegetables, fruits, prayer paraphranelia, utensils, clothes and many other things
•	Bangle Sellers Lane, adjacent to Jyotiba Phule Mandai, to see traditional bangle shops
•	Burud Ali, to see Pune’s community of basket makers

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, that sells eco-friendly handcrafted garments, ornaments and bags.

Total Walking Time: 2 hours

When: Starts 9:30 a.m., from Shaniwarwada. Ends at Vishrambaug.

Cost:
INR 850 per person for 7-10 persons
INR 1250 per person for 5-6 persons
INR 1750 per person for 3-4 persons
INR 2250 per person for 2 persons
INR 4000 for a solo traveller

Includes: Knowledgeable guide, entrances to Shaniwarwada and all taxes.

Prior reservation is mandatory. Payment online prior to the tour. Email deepa@mumbaimagic.com or WhatsApp wa.me/+919867707414

What to wear: Please dress modestly and ensure you have adequate sun protection. You have to take off your shoes if you wish to enter places of worship. This is a great tour for those interested in photography.

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