A Visit to the Queen of the Deccan

Pune – the name brings with it a flood of memories. It’s where I spent my numerous childhood holidays with a houseful of uncles and aunts, each spoiling us children silly.

One day it would be a visit to the Raja Kelkar museum, where my brother and I would gape at all the artifacts in awe – ranging from musical instruments of the past, weaponry and clothing.

In the evenings we would make a mad rush for the Balgandharva theatre for a children’s play, munching away Pune’s specialities – the Shrewsbury biscuits, bhakarvadis, chaklis and chikkis, occasionally reverting to the soft and sweet poooranpoli.. What a delight it was!

And what a relief to know that some things don’t change. For now, it is my turn to pamper energetic nieces and nephews – and even their parents! And no prizes for guessing that Pune still remains a hot favourite, especially for families planning a quick getaway.

For, the Queen of the Deccan, as the British called it, is well connected to all the major cities in India by air, rail and road. And its equable climate continues to lure visitors from all parts of the country. The metro nearest to Pune is Mumbai – a distance of 192 km.

A Visit to the Queen of the Deccan [Illustration by Shiju George]

It is interesting how people make their own connections with this city of many landmarks. It is variously the land of Osho, the city of the National Film Archives of India, the custodian of cinema’s history in India, the city of education, boasting of colleges like Fergusson. And apart from all this, Pune has for long been known for the number of women who drive two wheelers anywhere in the country! That is the beauty of Pune – it creates magical spaces for adults and children alike.

Encounters with the Past

A series of walks or drives through different parts of Pune will give you an indication of the passage of time – Pune, the seat of the Peshwas and with the imposing ruins of the Shaniwarwada fort; Pune with its colonial past of British rule and nationalist struggle, and the modern-day city with the state of art family activities, like bowling alleys, Go-Karting and virtual games.

Buy an inexpensive camera for children old enough to use it so they can take photographs from their own perspective and create their own albums. Also you can buy postcards of places you visit and let your child write whatever he or she wants, punch a hole in it and put them on a ring to make their scrap books.

Like most cities that have existed for a long time, Pune, too, has its old city that gives an eloquent hint of life in the past. Only, you might find a hardware store under an imposing arch, which tells of the passage of time. Museums and forts are other places that hold some keys to the past. Imagine, one man Raja Kelkar, built up the impressive Raja Kelkar Museum!

The other must-see place that opens your eyes to recent history is the Aga Khan Palace, where Mahatma Gandhi was kept under arrest by the British during the Quit India Movement of August 1942. To see the walls that hemmed the leader in, is to get a tangible feel of events and personalities that one reads only in textbooks.

While the museum and Shaniwarwada can be easily accommodated in a day’s trip, you would require an entire day to explore the popular destination of Singhgadh, a fort situated atop a mountain. You can drive up or walk.

Destination Ambrosia Garden

In the evenings it is destination Ambrosia garden for a little enjoyment, and only a km away from Pune, reachable by taxi or auto rickshaws. A lush green garden, small ponds with ducks, a playground for children complete with slides and swings, makes it worth the visit. It also provides an open dining area for the visitors.

Theatre for children

The Balgandharva theatre still produces several plays throughout the year including plays for children. You are sure to find one to take your child to.

Things To Keep In Mind

If you are travelling long distance either by car or by train, here are some ways to keep your children occupied:

Carry colouring books, paper and crayons and sketch pens so that the children can draw or write the names of the places that have passed by.
Keep small picture books to be read aloud to the toddlers.
Carry small board games and puzzles to divert the attention of the young ones if they start getting restive.
Carry extra snacks for those midway binges, and stop along the way for those essential, stretching out or baby’s food time halts.
With infants carry dry milk powder in case you run out of milk.
Also take three to four sterilised bottles, cleaning tissues and extra plastic bags for garbage disposal.
Carry extra disposable diapers.
Carry baby strollers and backpacks to ease your muscles.
If you are visiting Pune during the monsoons, keep lightweight woollens as well.
Carrying medicines for cold, fever and common allergies because of frequent change in weather, is very important.
Most importantly write on a piece of paper your child’s name, telephone number, and address of the place you are staying at insert it in your child’s pocket.