Leisure tourism in Pune district involves visiting a number of places of historical interest located here. These ancient sites and monuments range from forts and tombs to palaces and hills. Most of the forts here are the accomplishments of Chatrapati Shivaji, the greatest of the Peshwa leaders. The fort of Rajgad has been constructed with the intent of providing utmost security, replete with treacherous approaches and double walled armours. This favourite fort of Shivaji was the first mountain capital. Apart from the many forts, there are also many beautiful palaces here such as the Agakhan Palace, Shaniwarwada, Vishram Baug Wada etc. The various places of leisure tourism in Pune district are given below.

Sinhagad
Sinhagad, ealier known as `Kondhana`, is the most prominent and popular fort in all of Pune. It is located at village Donaje, taluka-Haveli, about 25 kms away from Pune. It is based on a 1290 m high hill. Tanaji Malusare- Chatrapati Shivaji`s trusted and brave general, fought a battle here all alone with the Mughal army. On hearing news of his death, Shivaji is said to have remarked, "We won the fort but lost the lion" (Gad Ala Pan Sinha Gela), and so after his death Shivaji renamed this Kondhana fort as Sinhagad.

Rajgad
It is about 85 kms from Pune in the village of Gunjawane,in the Velhe taluk. This fort has great historical relevance, as it was Shivaji`s favourite fort and the first mountain capital. Rajgadh has treacherous approaches, zigzag narrow paths and deceptive double-walled armour of its ramparts. The massive Pali gate, and the Nedhe or elephant`s eye still exist. The view from the top offers a magnificent view of the Sahyadri ranges.

Purandhar and Vajragadh
Both these forts are located in the Purandar taluk, and they are attached to each other. This fort was once a capital of Shivaji Maharaj for some years. Sambhaji Maharaj, son of Shivaji Maharaj was born in 1665 on this very fort. It is also the first capital of the Peshwas. Now the fort is under the charge of the National Cadet Corps

Torna Fort
This fort is located at Velhe, 65 kms away from Pune. This is the first fort conquered by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Agakhan Palace
Gandhi National Memorial Society`s Agakhan Palace has been constructed in the Italian style with arches and lawns. In this place, Mahatma Gandhi, Kasturba Gandhi and Mahadeobhai Desai were imprisoned by the British during the Quit India movement. Marble memorials have been established here in memory of Kasturba and Mahadeobhai. as both of them breathed their last in this place.

Shaniwarwada
Shaniwarwada, a 13 storey palace of the Peshwas, was built by Bajirao-I, in the year 1736. It was the headquarters of the Peshwas and is held symbolic of Jupiter`s culture. The construction of the fort was made in such a way that security was given the highest priority. The main entrance is known as `Delhi Darwaja` and others have names like Ganesh, Mastani, Jambhal and Khidki. There is a statue of Bajirao-i on a horse in front of the Shaniwarwada. On one side can be seen Ganesh Mahal, Rang Mahal, Aarsa Mahal, Hasti Dant Mahal, Diwan Khana and a fountain. A light and music show is conducted every day showing the history of the Peshwas. The palace was the seat of Peshwa power and later was destroyed by a fire in 1828. All that remains are the walls that fortified this palace, with sturdy doors, studded with spikes for added protection.

Vishram Baug Wada
This is a three storey palace built by Bajirao Peshwa 300 years back, famous for its entrance which is surrounded by a balcony. The carved woodwork of the balcony is an example of the fine work of Peshwa art. The wood used is pure processed saag. It is 78 feet wide and 66 meters long. After the Peshwas, this place was used as a jail. Now the place functions as a museum.

Parvati
This is one of the famous landmarks of Pune. Though the hill is in the southern half of the city of Pune, it is visible from almost every part of the city. There are a number of steps that lead to the temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati and Davadeshwar. There are also temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Lord Ganesha and Kartikeya. Climbing to the top of the hill can be rewarding as one can enjoy an excellent panoramic view of Pune.

Tomb of Sambhaji Maharaj
The tomb of Dharmaveer Sambhaji Maharaj is located at Vadu-Budruk on the Pune-Nagar Highway, 3-4 km away from Koregaon on the bank of the Bhima River.

Thus discussed are the various places of leisure tourism in the district of Pune.