For days when you want to get away from the hustle-bustle of the city life, Parvati Hill is a perfect getaway for a great day trip. Parvati is the highest point in Pune perched at a graceful 2100ft. and offers a view of the city that’s just as breathtaking in the morning fog as it is when laced by the lights that come on in the evening. The beautiful hillock is right in the middle of the city and gives your mind and body some breathing room. The walk uphill is handsomely rewarded with a bird’s eye view of the city.
Parvati hill is located on the southern side of the city. It’s within city limits and should take you an average 45 minutes to an hour even from the further ends of the city. Once you get to Saras Baug, Sahkar Nagar or Swargate, it’s about 2.5km-3km (based on where you are exactly) and it’s a good idea to take a rickshaw from any of these places to the base of the hill because parking can be a hassle. Once you’ve reached the base, getting to the hilltop is a 103-step climb and should take you an approximate 15-20 minutes. The steps are about four to five feet apart so it feels like a mini-trek. And once you get to the top, a memorable panorama of the city will mesmerise you and calm any heaving breaths.
It is home to 5 of the city’s oldest temples: Devdeveshwar Temple, Vishnu Temple, Kartikeya Temple, Shri Vitthal Temple, Ramana Temple. Among them the Devdeveshwar Temple is one you should not miss. But apart from religious piety, the Parvati hill is steeped in history as a relic of the honourable Peshwa Dynasty. There is Peshwa museum atop the hill, which houses replicas of old manuscripts as well as paintings. It is a commemoration of the Peshwa rule and has a collection of portraits of the Peshwa rulers. It is also shrine of Shrimant Nanasaheb Peshwa.
