Nature tourism in Pune district is a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. There are many beautiful places located here that are resplendent in their natural beauty and have a calming effect on the senses. Prime among such spots is Mulshi, one of the most attractive picnic spots. There are beautiful hills and forests located here which are beautiful to behold and soak in. Part from this, the district also has to offer a number of parks to offer the tourists, such as the Katraj Snake Park, Sambhaji Park etc. The Appughar Indira Gandhi Udyan has a lot of fun and games to offer the tourist as also a water park. The various places of nature tourism in Pune district are discussed below.
Katraj Snake Park
As the name suggests, this place has a collection of snakes, reptiles, birds and turtle. It has 160 species of snakes. Mr. Neelam Kumar Khaire set it up in the year 1986. It was later incorporated in the Rajeev Gandhi Udyan in 1999. The latest addition to this park is a zoo. This place is 8 kms from Pune situated on the Pune-Satara road near Bharati Vidyapeeth.
Sambhaji Park
This beautiful garden is in Pune city next to the Balgandharva Rang Mandir. The main attraction here is the fish aquarium and a small fort. Various types of trees, flowers, lush green lawn and fountains add to the beauty of the garden.
Sarasbaug and Peshwa Park
This park is in Pune city near Swargate. The garden is full of lush greenery. It also has a jogging track. There is a small hillock in the garden surrounded by the lake. There is a temple of Lord Ganesha on this hillock. The place is famous as the `Talyatala Ganapati`. The Peshwa Park is next to Saras baug. Previously, it was famous for its zoo. Boat rides are also available here. The high point for kids here is the mini train called `Phulrani`.
Appughar Indira Gandhi Udyan
The place Appughar is 2kms away from Nigdi and 22 kms away from Pune city. It has been planned along the same lines as the Appughar at Delhi. Lots of games, fun and frolic await the tourists. It also has a water park in it. While the number of games enchants the kids, the beautiful cool lake, temple of `Durgamata` and vast hills open for exploring attract people of all generations.
Bhatgar Dam
Located 40 kms away from Pune city, this is a beautiful scenic place. The dam is built on the river Velvandi. It is one of the highest river wall dams in India. Beautiful gardens with water sports have been developed in the surrounding areas, which are worth watching.
Mulshi Dam
This place is one of the attractive picnic spots developed in recent time. The small village Mulshi in Mulshi taluka lies resplendent in its natural beauty and attracts a lot of tourists. The village falls in the Sahyandri ranges and has beautiful deep forests, and the place is famous for its mountains and plateaus named Lavmai. There is a lake Valanewadi named just 5 kms away from Mulshi. Also located close by are two marvellous forts, namely Dhangad and Korigadh. The hills Hattihant and Pagota, reaching a height of almost 1000 metres, are amazing sights to behold. Mulshi is most famous for the dam located here. This dam also generates power.
Thus discussed are the various places of nature tourism offered by the district of Pune to its many visitors.
