Cultural tour of Pune: Aga Khan Palace, temples, and a dargah

• A local guide • All applicable taxes, fees, and handling charges • Lunch provided • Pickup and drop-off service from all hotels in Pune

• Beverages

• Nearby public transport options are accessible. • Appropriate for individuals of all fitness levels. • A specific dress code applies for entry into religious sites and certain museums. Shorts and sleeveless tops are prohibited. Both men and women must cover their knees and shoulders.

To receive a full refund, cancellation must occur at least 24 hours prior to the planned departure time.

• The Aga Khan Palace serves as a national monument linked to India's fight for freedom, constructed in 1892 by Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan III. It was the site of significant events during the struggle against British rule, including the imprisonment of Gandhiji, his wife Kasturba Gandhi, and his secretary Mahadevbhai Desai during the Quit India movement in 1942. The guided tour highlights why the Aga Khan Palace stands as a memorial to Gandhiji and his disciplined lifestyle. • A visit is made to a 700-year-old Dargah in Khedshivapur, which features beautifully crafted white makrana marble inscribed with verses from the Holy Quran. This site is associated with an intriguing tale of a levitating stone, said to rise 10 to 11 feet into the air when 11 individuals lift it while calling the name of Hazarat Kamar Ali Darvesh. Further details will be shared during the visit. • Next, the itinerary includes a stop at Dutt Mandir in Narayanpur, an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Dattatreya. A distinctive aspect of this temple is the depiction of Lord Datta with a single face, unlike the common three-faced representation. He is shown with six arms, holding various items such as the Dhamaru (sacred musical instrument), Shakha (conch), Chakra (holy weapon), Rudraksha Mala, Kamandalu (sacred pot), Kaumodaki Gada (mace), and one hand exhibiting the Abhaya Mudra. • Following lunch, the tour concludes with a visit to the renowned Balaji temple in Narayanpur, which is a replica of the famous Balaji Temple in Tirupati, South India. Known for attracting the highest number of pilgrims in India, Tirupati is also recognized as the world’s second-richest religious site after the Vatican. All ceremonies at this temple follow those performed in the South, and priests as well as traditional ladoo makers are sourced from the Tirupati Balaji temple. Sampling the Ladoos is a notable highlight of the visit.