When it comes to going out for a family outing, children are hardly likely to get excited about a temple or another place of worship. They might wonder what fun it would be to visit such a place. Well, you can prove them otherwise.
Here is a list of religious sightseeing spots in and around Pune that your kids will enjoy visiting.
- ISKCON Temple
Address: Katraj-Kondhwa Road
Sprawled over a huge lush green campus, both interiors and exteriors of ISKON temple are beautiful. Your kids would love to observe the glimpses of Lord Krishna’s life through statues and colourful paintings.
They can also relish delicious food in different varieties in the temple’s restaurants. They can even browse through the gift cum souvenir shop and buy some goodies for themselves.
- Sri Balaji Temple
Address: Ketkawale, Narayanpur
A replica of the Tirupati Balaji Temple of Tirumala, this temple is located amidst a serene environment. The route from Pune to Narayanpur via Saswad is a sheer delight for its natural beauty.
During the monsoon season, your children will get overjoyed to see tiny waterfalls sprouting from hillocks. Inside the temple premises, your kids wouldn’t be able to stop themselves from appreciating the vibrant architecture and carvings.
- Hadshi Temple
Address: Pandurang Kshetra
A perfect picnic spot away from the hustle-bustle of city life, Hadshi temple is a must-visit with your family. The huge lawn area with large trees has swings, slides, benches and pergolas. Remember to carry a picnic basket!
The highlight of the temple is the Santdarshan museum which houses lifesize statues of various deities, saints and animals with animation effects. There is also a small adventure park for both kids and adults to get some action and thrills.
- Ramdara Temple
Address: Loni-Kalbhor Road
One of the most scenic temples in Pune, this place is famous for its location. The temple is situated amidst a lake surrounded by coconut trees and hills.
Your kids can enjoy eating local food at restaurants, going horse riding and shopping for toys.
- St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Address: Near Empress Garden
Known for its neo-gothic style, St. Patrick’s Cathedral gets its most young visitors around Christmas time. The church is decked up in bright lights around this time. Christmas carols, midnight masses and nativity displays are some main attractions for children.
- BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Temple
Address: Narhe-Ambegao Road
This temple is a sight to behold with its magnificent architecture and pockets of greenery. Your children will love to spend some time here exploring the spacious landscape and clicking photos at scenic spots within the premises.
- Chaturshingi Temple
Address: Senapati Bapat Road
One of the oldest temples in Pune, this one is a great option for an early morning or monsoon outing. Located on a hill slope, you need to climb around 170 steps to reach the shrine. The view from the top is beautiful! Your children wouldn’t certainly mind this mini-trekking adventure!
- David Synagogue
Address: Moledina Road
Did you know Pune is home to the second-largest synagogue in Asia? David Synagogue, a 150+ years old monument is a famous place of worship for Jewish in Pune. Due to its red-brick architecture, it is also known as ‘Lal Deval’ (red temple) in the Marathi language. You may need to take permission from the synagogue authorities to enter the premises.
Take your kids to these places and share your experiences!
