Taljai Hill, Pune

Taljai is a hill in the middle of Pune that has been designated a wildlife reserve. The road up runs through the Shivaji Maratha College campus and climbs as a winding hill path. Close to the forest entrance stands a temple of Taljai Mata, the Hindu goddess after whom the hill is named.

Peacocks live in the reserve and migratory birds visit, so it is a favourite with amateur birdwatchers and ornithologists. The lake on the hill is in poor health, which a recent study blamed on dumped plastic and the pressure of urban growth, and several groups are campaigning about it. The park is open from 5 to 10 am and from 4.30 to 7 pm, and vehicles are not allowed inside.