Pune in Maharashtra, India has gained lots of importance as a popular tourist destination in the present day. This town is also referred to as the Oxford of the East, continues to a stronghold for academics and culture. With its varied forms of tourist attractions in and around this city is able to pull large number of crowds every year. The city's ancient forts, caves, temples and natural beauty are some of the irresistible persuasion for the travelers. Not only there are many amazing tourist destinations and landmarks of all sots to travel within the city limits, also Pune spreads its glory outside its territory. Here are some of the most popular places around Pune, which will certainly make your trip a memorable one Sinhagad : Sinhagad is a ruined fort (formerly 'Kondhana'), lies 26 km southwest of Pune at the top of an almost perpendicular cliff in the Bhuleshwar Mountains. This fort is one of the best excursions from Poona City. In 1647 Shivaji, on hearing that his general Tanaji had died capturing the fort, lamented "i have won the fort, but lost the lion". To commemorate Tanaji's achievement, it was renamed Sinhagad, "lion fort". Raigad: Raigad is the place where Shivaji was crowned in 1648 and died in 1680. From the fort located on an isolated hilltop, you can get a breathtaking view of the Western Ghats. Raigad is situated at a distance of around 126 km from Pune. Bhimashanker : Bhimashankar is famous for the temple of Lord Shiva, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. This place lies around 95 km from Pune which has everything to attract the visitors from deep forests, temples and rivers. The place is also the point of origin of river Bhim. A must visit if you are interested in trekking, nature watching, and bird watching. Mulshi Lake and Dam : Mulshi Lake and Dam is the best excursions from Pune City. Mulshi Lake is primarily a tourist attraction which is a perfect spot for picnic, with scenic surrounding, unexploited Sahyadri hilly terrains, lush green dense forests and also one can enjoy the views of the magnificent views of the ancient forts like Koraigadh and Dhangad.