Kalyani BhalchandraKasba Peth, Pune

Kasba Peth is the oldest residential locality in Maharashtra’s Pune district. ‘Peth’ is the local word used for ‘locality’. In the central part of Pune, where Kasba Peth is located, more than seventeen ‘peths’ were built during the Maratha and Peshwa rule. Named after days of the week, nearby localities like Somwar Peth, Shaniwar Peth, Budhwar Peth and others enclose the locality. 

Today, the historically and culturally rich area of Kasba Peth is a bustling residential area. The locality boasts a well-rounded infrastructure with a wide range of housing options. Kasba Peth has developed into a thriving educational hub with prestigious institutes like the Fergusson College located nearby. From medical infrastructure to other civic amenities well-maintained roads to easily accessible public transport, Kasba Peth is rapidly developing. 

The iconic landmarks like Shaniwar Wada today stand in striking contrast to the modern malls and complexes, showcasing the blend of past and present in this area. The streets of this locality are adorned with striking graffiti and street art. Popularly called the ‘Heart of Pune City’, Kasba Peth boasts solid physical and social infrastructure.

What’s Good and What Can Be Better

Physical Infrastructure & Livability Index

The locality’s physical infrastructure comprises residential buildings, commercial units and numerous historical attractions. Starting with the residential scene, Pune’s Kasba Peth majorly features affordable segment homes built by local developers. Several worn-out and old houses are spread across the locality as a symbol of its long history. Properties in this area are available for sale and rent. The various commercial units, local shops, and markets set this locality abuzz along with the housing units. Pune's various IT Parks and industrial areas are closely located near this area. A solid network of educational and medical institutes increases the overall appeal of the locality.

On the connectivity front, the locality enjoys the support of rail, road and air connectivity. Several local roads and highways connect it to different parts of Pune and Maharashtra. Residents also have ready access to rail facilities. Among the striking features of its infrastructure is its rich cultural heritage. Several historic landmarks like Shaniwar Wada and Lal Mahal offer exciting getaways for the locals. 

Apart from these facilities, several shopping complexes, malls and public parks offer ample recreational facilities to the residents. A close-knit community combined with these advantages makes for a decent livability index. 

Social Infrastructure- Restaurants

Pune’s food culture is dominated by the rich flavours of Marathi cuisine. Kasba Peth is known for specialities like misal pav, vada pav, puran poli and other delectable dishes. Here are the locality’s famous restaurants and eating joints: 

• Vasant Restaurant and Bar
• Banjara Hotel
• Hotel Shrikrushna Pure Veg
• Golden Anhad Food Express
• Pruthvi Restaurant
• Kubera Bar and Restaurant
• Bawaal Kebabs and Biryani
• Samudra Bar and Restaurant 
• Cafe Canada 

Banks/ Metro Stations/ Airport/ Bus Terminal/ Railway Stations/ Parks 

Banks & ATMs

• Bank of Maharashtra
• Indrayani Cooperative Bank
• Lok Seva Sehkari Bank
• SBI ATM
• Axis Bank ATM
• HDFC Bank ATM
• Union Bank ATM

Metro & Railway Stations

• Pune Junction
• Shivaji Nagar Railway Station
• PMC Metro Station
• Civil Court Metro Station
• Mangalwar Peth Metro Station

Bus Terminals

• Kasba Peth Bus Stop
• Shaniwar Wada Kasba Peth Police Chowki
• Manapa 
• Congress Bhavan
• Saverkar Bhawan
• Manapa Nav Pul
• Shivaji Nagar Bus Stop
• Jauna Bazar Bus Stop

Airport 

• Pune International Airport

Public Parks

• Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Udyan
• Salisbury Park
• Sai Park
• Station Eco Parl
• Gulmohar Park
• Rajiv Park
• Pankuwar Firodia Park
• Trillium Public Park

Popular Roads in Kasba Peth

Pune-Nashik Highway (NH 60): A portion of National Highway 60 touches this locality on its border. Residents can use this route to commute to Nashik and simplify inter-city travel.

Mumbai-Pune Expressway: Although the expressway doesn’t directly pass through the locality, the various connecting roads comfortably lead to it. Easy access to this expressway provides ready connectivity to Mumbai. 

Tilak Road: Named after Lokmanya Tilak, a prominent figure in Indian history, this road is significant for its historical and cultural importance and connects Kasba Peth with other important localities.

Other Roads: Several other connecting roads such as the Laxmi Road and Shivaji Road pass through Kasba Peth and link it to different parts of Pune. 

Nearby Localities to Kasba Peth

How Do People Rate Kasba Peth

Kasba Peth has achieved an overall average rating of 3.9/5. While it’s a mix of good and bad, the locality still offers more pros than cons in terms of living. Lifestyle, connectivity and security are among the primary strongholds of this locality. All the civic amenities, ranging from schools and hospitals to local markets and shops, are readily accessible. The well-maintained public transport infrastructure and multiple tourist attractions add to the housing appeal of this locality. 

The crowded and noisy character of the locality is one of the residents' main concerns. As a result, frequently congested roads and limited parking spaces make up the locality’s daily tussles. Further, high pollution levels result in an irritable atmosphere at times. 

How To Visit Kasba Peth

People from nearby cities and states can visit Kasba Peth using rail, road and air routes.

By Road

The Mumbai-Pune Expressway and other state highways connect other parts of Maharashtra to this locality. The NH-48 connect it to cities and states like Karnataka and Gujarat while the NH-65 links it to various parts of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

By Rail

Pune Junction (2.3 km) and Shvaji Nagar Railway Station (2.0 km) are closely located in this locality. People from nearby cities and localities can comfortably commute to Kabsa Peth from these railway stations. 

By Air

The Pune International Airport is roughly 9-10 kilometres from this locality. Visitors can board local cabs or taxis to commute from the airport to this locality comfortably. 

Places To Visit in Kasba Peth

Shaniwar Wada

The iconic seat of the Maratha Empire’s Peshwas, the magnificent Shaniwar Wada is located in proximity to Pune’s Kasba Peth. Dating back to 1732, the fortification stands as a symbol of Pune's rich history and architectural prowess, featuring impressive gateways, massive walls, and bastions. The main gate, Dilli Darwaza, is an iconic structure renowned for its strength and design. Within its confines, the palace complex boasts intricate carvings and a beautiful garden. While the structure is a major attraction in itself, it also hosts sound and light shows in the evenings for visitors. It’s a perfect getaway to engage with the long-lost history of Maratha valour and power.

Lal Mahal

The Laal Mahal of today is a reconstruction of the original site of Shivaji Maharaj’s residence. Its name, translating to 'Red Palace', stems from its red-coloured exterior, a distinctive feature that captures immediate attention. The iconic building glorifies the features of Marathi architectural styles and cultural heritage. The interior of the palace features exhibits related to Shivaji Maharaj, including paintings and artefacts that narrate his life and valorous deeds. A notable attraction within the palace is the statue of Jijabai, Shivaji's mother, symbolising her significant influence in his life. The Laal Mahal's proximity to other historical sites in Pune, like Shaniwar Wada, makes it a part of a larger historical circuit for visitors.

Dagadusheth Halwai Ganapati Temple

Dagadusheth Halwai Ganapati Temple, located near Kasba Peth in Pune, is not just a revered spiritual site but also a significant cultural landmark. Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the temple is renowned for its grandiose Ganapati idol, which is adorned with 40 kilos of gold and draws devotees from all over the country. The temple's history dates back to the late 19th century, established by the sweetmaker Dagadusheth Halwai, after whom it is named. Among the many celebrations, the Ganesh Chaturthi Festival is celebrated with great fervour and devotion in the temple. For visitors, a trip to this temple is a window to the passionate religious temperament of this city.

Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum

Established in 1962, the Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum houses an impressive collection of over 20,000 artefacts from all across India. This collection spans various forms and periods, showcasing items ranging from sculptures, musical instruments, and antique household pieces to traditional Indian lamps, textiles, and intricate woodwork. The ‘Mastani Mahal’, named after Peshwa Bajirao’s legendary lover Mastani Bai, is one of the most popular attractions. A visit to the museum can be a cultural and educational experience all at once.

Aga Khan Palace

Built-in 1892  by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III, the palace is a monumental personification of India’s rich history. Set amidst lush gardens, the palace is known for its Italianate structure. During the Quit India movement of 1942, the palace became the prison for Mahatma Gandhi, Kasturba Gandhi and other freedom fighters. The historical significance of the palace is further heightened by the fact that both Kasturba Gandhi and Mahadev Desai (Gandhi's secretary) passed away here during their captivity, and their memorials are located within the palace grounds. The iconic landmark is only 7-9 kilometres from Kasba Peth and can be easily reached in a short drive. 

Locality Comparison

Kasba Peth is one of Pune’s oldest areas with a distinct personality. Like Kasba Peth, other localities such as Shaniwar Peth and Agarkar Nagar offer a similar mix of residential and commercial spaces. Shivaji Nagar, on the other hand, is a major educational and governmental hub that houses a plethora of educational institutes, government offices and lively urban atmospheres. Another neighbouring locality, Sawargate, is known for its commercial activity and transport connectivity,  bustling with commuters and traders. All in all, Kasba Peth is well-connected to thriving and diverse neighbourhoods. 

Final Thoughts

Kasba Peth is well-suited for mid-income families. The locality's rich cultural heritage and long history make it stand out from the other residential areas of Pune. Residents can enjoy a solid public transport framework and easy connectivity along an overall bustling locality.