Camp Heritage Trail
Sufi shrines, Parsi cafes, a synagogue, and a war memorial — the polyglot heart of Camp.
Camp grew as a 19th-century cantonment and still wears its layered identity on its sleeve. This walk threads together its market, eateries, places of worship, and military memory.
The walk
Stop 1 of 9
More sketches of Babajan Darga Chowk
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The shrine marks the resting place of Hazrat Babajan, a revered Sufi saint who resided in Pune for many years. It draws visitors from various faiths seeking spiritual solace and blessings. The site includes the tomb of Hazrat Babajan, which is often adorned with flowers and offerings. The atmosphere around the chowk is generally calm, providing a contemplative environment. Surrounding the Darga are local shops and eateries, contributing to the chowk's character as a community hub while maintaining its spiritual focus.
tip
Spend ~15 min at this stop
~3 min walk · 0.2 km
Stop 2 of 9
More sketches of Shivaji Market
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Built in 1886 as the Main Market of the Cantonment, Shivaji Market's arches still shelter fruit, fish, mutton, and dry-goods stalls. The Christmas-week rush for bakery cakes is a Camp institution.
tip
Spend ~25 min at this stop
~4 min walk · 0.3 km
Stop 3 of 9
More sketches of Dastur Meher Road
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Dastur Meher Road runs past timber-fronted Parsi homes, an old fire-temple gate, and pale-pink art-deco apartments. Walk it slowly — the detailing is in the cornices and shutters.
tip
Spend ~20 min at this stop
~3 min walk · 0.2 km
Stop 4 of 9
More sketches of Dorabjee & Sons / Parisian Café
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Founded by Dorabjee Sorabjee in a single room, this Camp landmark still draws regulars for its slow-cooked dhansak, salli boti, and caramel custard. The Parisian Café next door pours the strongest chai in the neighbourhood.
tip
Spend ~45 min at this stop
~34 min walk · 2.4 km
Stop 5 of 9
Old shops on MG Road. Pune Cantonment.
tip
Spend ~10 min at this stop
~38 min walk · 2.7 km
Stop 6 of 9
More sketches of Lal Deval Synagogue
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Built by David Sassoon in red brick and Gothic style, the Ohel David Synagogue — known locally as Lal Deval — is the largest synagogue in Asia outside Israel. Its 27-metre clock tower is a Camp landmark.
tip
Spend ~15 min at this stop
~18 min walk · 1.3 km
Stop 7 of 9
More sketches of Pune Railway Station
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The current station building opened in 1925, its sand-coloured arches an instantly recognisable Pune silhouette. Take a moment on platform 1 to look up at the timber roof trusses.
tip
Spend ~15 min at this stop
Bite here
Vohuman Cafe
Irani · ₹
~37 min walk · 2.6 km
Stop 8 of 9
The memorial features a distinctive 25-foot tall obelisk and an eternal flame, honoring soldiers. A Wall of Fame lists recipients of gallantry awards. Surrounding the monument, landscaped gardens provide a contemplative setting. The museum houses a collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents detailing military operations and the history of the Southern Command. Exhibits cover various wars and conflicts, displaying weaponry, uniforms, and personal effects of soldiers. Displays are arranged chronologically to present a narrative of military history. Several decommissioned military vehicles, including tanks, artillery pieces, and aircraft, are displayed outdoors. These exhibits offer a tangible representation of military equipment used by the Indian Army.
tip
Spend ~60 min at this stop
Bite here
Chai Square
Chai & snacks · $
~81 min walk · 5.8 km
Stop 9 of 9
More sketches of Aga Khan Palace
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Built in 1892 by Sultan Mohammed Shah Aga Khan III. During the Quit India movement, Gandhi, Kasturba, and Mahadev Desai were interned here. Today it houses a Gandhi memorial.
tip
Spend ~45 min at this stop
End of walk
9 stops · 6.2 km · 468 min