Weird & Unusual Attractions in Pune, Mahārāshtra, India
1. Osho Teerth: The Meditation Park
A peaceful and serene spot dedicated to spirituality and meditation. The park offers a unique blend of architecture and nature.
- Unconventional Architecture: Features unique, asymmetrical structures inspired by the teachings of Osho
- Meditation Zones: Offers over 90 meditation spots for visitors to find inner peace
- Natural Beauty: Surrounded by lush greenery and water bodies, providing a calming atmosphere
2. The Giant Doll Museum
A museum filled with thousands of dolls in various sizes, attires, and poses. A unique collection that spans decades.
- Vast Collection: Houses over 2500 hand-painted and handmade dolls
- Historical Dolls: Includes dolls dating back to the 1800s, offering a glimpse into history
- Artistic Expression: Showcases the creativity and craftsmanship of local artisans
3. The Chaturshringi Temple Yard
A temple known for its unusual stone column with four faces (chaturshringi). The surrounding area is filled with food stalls and local vendors.
- Unusual Statue: The unique chaturshringi statue is a significant feature of the temple
- Local Marketplace: Surrounding area offers shopping and food experiences
- Significant Religious Site: An important pilgrimage site for Hindu devotees, especially those worshipping Lord Ganesha
4. The Osho Cosmos Cafe
A cafeteria housed in a massive UFO-shaped structure. Offers vegetarian food and a unique dining experience.
- UFO Design: The distinctive UFO shape adds to the cafe's strange yet fascinating charm
- Vegetarian Cuisine: Serves a variety of tasty vegetarian dishes from around the world
- Relaxing Environment: A serene and peaceful atmosphere for dining, complemented by the stunning Osho International Meditation Resort backdrop
5. The Ganesh Galli Mandal
A lane adorned with intricate and colorful Ganesha idols during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. The display is a sight to behold.
- Festival Celebration: A vibrant celebration of Lord Ganesha, showcasing traditional art and culture
- Colorful Decorations: The lane is covered with beautiful and intricate decorations during the festival season
- Community Participation: Residents of Ganesh Galli collaborate to create this stunning display each year
6. The Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park
A zoo featuring rare and exotic species, including the white tiger and the lion-tailed macaque. The park also houses a snake house and a crocodile pool.
- White Tigers: One of the few places in India where you can see this rare and majestic creature
- Indigenous Species: Aims to conserve and protect native wildlife through conservation and breeding programs
- Educational Programs: Offers educational workshops and guided tours to promote awareness about wildlife conservation
7. The Empty Mosque (Siddhagiri Grammangal)
An abandoned mosque that serves as a backdrop for several cultural events and performances. It's a unique blend of architecture and history.
- Abandoned Architecture: A rare example of Islamic architecture in Pune
- Cultural Events: Serves as a venue for various cultural performances, workshops, and festivals
- Historical Significance: An important part of Pune's rich history and heritage
8. The Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum
A museum displaying a vast collection of artifacts from various parts of India. The museum showcases the rich cultural heritage of the country.
- Vast Collection: Features over 20,000 items, including sculptures, textiles, and household articles
- Representation of Indian Culture: Offers a comprehensive representation of India's cultural heritage
- Historical Significance: Many of the items date back to ancient times, providing insights into history and culture
9. The Shanivar Wada
A historic mansion built in the Maratha architectural style. It is famous for its large collection of paintings and artifacts.
- Maratha Architecture: A unique example of traditional Maratha architecture
- Art and Culture: Features a rich collection of paintings, artifacts, and sculptures
- Historical Significance: Has played an important role in the political history of Pune and the Maratha Empire
10. The Blobs Park (Parvati Hill)
A park featuring unique, blob-like structures made of concrete. The park offers stunning views of the city and is a popular spot for relaxation.
- Unusual Structures: The unusual design of the structures adds to their charm and uniqueness
- City Views: Offers panoramic views of the city from its hilltop location
- Relaxation Spot: A peaceful place to unwind and enjoy the tranquility of nature
11. The Kasba Ganapati Temple
A temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, featuring a unique idol with an elephant trunk curving towards the right instead of the traditional left.
- Right-Trunked Idol: The only temple in India where Lord Ganesha's idol faces south and has a trunk curving to the right
- Historical Significance: Considered one of the oldest temples in Pune, with a history dating back over 800 years
- Festival Celebration: An important site for Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations
12. The Raja Dinkar Kelkar's House
A private residence showcasing a unique collection of artifacts and folk art. The house offers a glimpse into rural Indian life.
- Folk Art Collection: Features an extensive collection of folk art, tools, and household items
- Private Residence: A rare opportunity to explore a private residence filled with traditional Indian treasures
- Historical Significance: Owned by Raja Dinkar Kelkar, a prominent collector of Indian art and artifacts
13. The Osho Gourishankar Meditation Mandir
A meditation hall adorned with gold-plated statues of various deities. The mandir offers a unique and spiritual experience.
- Gold-Plated Statues: Features intricate, gold-plated statues of Hindu deities
- Meditation Experience: A unique and spiritual atmosphere for meditation and reflection
- Artistic Expression: Showcases the creativity and craftsmanship of local artisans through its beautiful statues and architecture
14. The Pataleshwar Cave Temple
A cave temple carved out of a single basalt rock. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and dates back over 800 years.
- Cave Architecture: A unique example of cave architecture in India
- Historical Significance: Dates back over 800 years, providing insights into ancient Indian architecture and sculpture
- Worship and Meditation: A sacred place for worship and meditation, especially during Shivaratri festival
15. The Osho Kuteer
A guesthouse designed to offer a serene and peaceful environment for meditation and reflection. The building features unique architecture and art.
- Peaceful Environment: Designed specifically for meditation, offering a tranquil atmosphere
- Unusual Architecture: Features unique and artistic design elements inspired by Osho's teachings
- Spiritual Growth: Offers opportunities for personal growth and spiritual exploration