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Saturday 19 October 2013

“BANESHWAR – CALM, COOL, RELAX PLACE NEAR PUNE”

.....Do you want to enjoy and spend a relax time with your family? Do you want to get your grandparent / parents at religious yet enjoyable and relax place? Do you need to visit a scenic place and see waterfall? If you are college students and you want to spend time together with your friends? Then Baneshwar is the right place for you to visit.

What a Baneshwar is all about – It’s a place situated in Nasarapur on the Mumbai Banglore highway. Its basically old Shiva temple surrounded by dense forest and sanctified with natural beauty. It’s a calm yet refreshing picnic spot near Pune situated in western ghats.   The advantage of visiting this place how I see is, this place is reachable without any hurdle, no trekking required to enjoy the waterfall, can be visited anytime throughout the year and provides opportunity to see the nice architecture. And believe me, if you want to spend some time alone when you are stressed or need break, this is the best place for you.  No noise, no disturbance just the sound of singing birds, sound of wind and sound of quietness.

You may be wondering why I am praising this place so much. To be very honest may be because I personally had noticed and experienced uniqueness of this place. And yes this is very near and around pune. One day picnic for any age group / all age group.

Now how to reach at this place from Pune. Instead of writing down much, I am putting below the Google map which guides you perfectly to reach at this place. If you have your own car / bike / bicycle, just follow the Google map direction and you reach at the place. If want to come by bus, there are MSRTC buses run at regular interval from Swargate bus depo to Nasarapur village. You can come to Nasarpur and from there by local transportation by Jeep you can reach at Baneshwar. It takes maximum 1 hour drive from Swarget.

Driving Direction –


View Larger Map


Whats this place is all about –

Just to be very specific on historical details, I am putting down some historical data from WIkipidia.  It is a pleasant and calm place amidst a jungal. It was recently discovered and hence declared as a small bird sanctuary hosting a decent amount of rare birds with maany Crowned Hornbills seen. Baneshwar temple architecture is from the medieval period. The temple was constructed in 1749 by Peshwa Nanasaheb, son of Peshwa Bajirao I.The total cost of construction was 11,46 Rupee, 8 Aane, 6 Paise. The temple hosts an important bell which was captured by Chimaji Appa after defeating the Portuguese in the battle of Bassien in 1739. The bell has the year 1683 and a cross on it, which depicts that the bell belonged to a church and was transported as a token of victory. Same kind of Portuguese bells can be found at Bhimashankar Temple too.

Apart from this as historical place, its situated in Jungal. At the back of the temple, dense trees make a pleasant Jungal to roam around and spend relaxed time there. Many seating benches are provided below the tree shadows to sit and experience the natural Air conditioning during summer season. Also just one minute walk from there you reach at the flat surface where you along with your family or friends, can play some outdoor games. Because of dense shadow you will feel relaxed during summer too.  And yes please carry your food to eat there since that will be nice experience too. There is no hotel at Baneshwar for lunch. You can get some snacks though.

For kids there are some slides created by authorities near the parking.

During Monsoon season, or post Monsoon, you must visit the beautiful waterfall flowing with full speed. This is just behind the temple. 5 minutes walk from the parking. Specialty is you can enjoy that waterfall but be careful of the potholes which are naturally created there. The waterfall sound can be heard at the parking itself, so you can imagine it flow and beauty as well. If it’s flowing full, don’t try to go other side of it from the water that could be risky. Just a caution note.

After spending your relaxed time here with friends, family, special ones you will walk awaye with refreshed mind. During return journey you pass from Nasarpur village where you can purchase fresh vegetables at reasonable rate.

Best time to visit this place is during and post monsoon. But as I said above, there are few places to visit during summer and this is one of it.

With this blog just want to appeal please do not throw any of the plastic or disposables in Jungal. Use dustbins provided and keep area clean.

Putting down here few pics, during my various visits here.

Nearby places - 

  • Prati Balaji (Ketkawale)
  • Bhor dam
  • Rajgad fort
- महेश  आवटे 


Baneshwar Map

Temple Gate

Shiva Temple

Two Ponds in front of temple. 



Road to waterfall and garden




Waterfall post Monsoon





Keep Travelling 





Sunday 11 August 2013

"LAVASA" A BEAUTIFUL PLANNED HILL CITY NEAR PUNE

WHAT THE PLACE IS ALL ABOUT - 

Do you like taking your bike for long ride hilly region? Do you like driving your car not on highway but i hilly region? And during this journey you except decent roads, medium rain, cloudy climate, scenic places on the way, steep roads as surprises, no traffic, full of nourishing, motivating, refreshing climate and the end final destination ,where you can forget all your worries.Am I correct? Are you one of such a person? Then Lavasa is the  place for you.
Basically Lavasa is a city developed in a valley's of  western ghats (hill) near Pune. This is the place near to Pune city, yet far away from city traffic. This place is situated at the backwater of Varsgoan Dam.Once you reach here you are completely isolated from city. Its a completely different world. This is a place to experience. Experience the beauty of nature, experience the waves of water, experience the five start treatment by nature, experience the thrill of surrounding. So I say for me, Lavasa is the experience and not just a place. Journey to this place is as exciting as visiting this place. Its almost 30 km of ghat (hill) region. One more exciting thing to reach at this place is, you drive to the top of the hill and then you have to again drive down in valley to see the city.
How to reach at this place -
To reach at this place very easy. Thanks to clear signboard at equal distance to reach at this place.
From Pune -  
You have to reach to chandani chauk on Mumbai Banglore highway. From chandani chauk take road towards Paud. You will come across small ghat. After driving down, you will reach to pirangut village. Take left towards Lavasa and drive straight for about 30-35 km (Memorable journey) to reach at Lavasa city. If you are coming from HInjewadi, you have to come to pirangut village and follow the signboard.  

From Chandani Chauk to Lavasa
View Larger Map

Best Time To visit - From June to January I will say. During monsoon will be the best time to visit. 
What and how to see the place -  
Trip to lavasa can be one day or couple of day picnic. You have lot of stay options at lavasa city.  Ekant retreat is one of the good stay option there. 
Now coming to the point, how I usually prefer to visit at this place once I take turn from Pirangut village towards Lavasa unforgettable journey begins. While driving from the road you will pass many small villages. The entire road is almost ghat (Hilly) region, free from city pollution, crowd, entire peace and pleasure driving experience. You cross multiple ghat (hills) on the way. During monsoon, you will see spectacular waterfall running between the hills. As you drive up and up; you are entering to completely different world. During this season, village peopleused to sell Mango's on the way. Mango's growing here are of their unique taste and personality. You must buy some and taste it to experience the diversity of nature. There are lot of spots on the way where you can park your vehicles to the road side and gather the beauty of nature in your eyes, take some beautiful snaps and have "garama garam butta". 
On the way you will come across a small dam "Temghar". All the water running between ghats  (hills) during monsoon is collected and used throughout the year by nearby region.  When the dam is full, doors of the dam will be partially opened and water will be released. Now you will ask me whats special in that?The road towards dam passes very near to the to dam door and small bridge is constructed above the flowing water which is released from the dam. Sprinkles of water actually can be felt while driving from this bridge. The sound of flowing water there is so thrilling that weak heart guy cant stand on the bridge for longer. This is so nice experience though. You may spend some time there. Then steep road begins which takes takes you to the top level of the dam. From there you can actually see the entire backwater of the Temghar dam. Dont try to enter in to the dam water. From there you drive towards Lavasa and once again as I mentioned earlier very sharp turns and steep roads comes in between as surprises. Have safe driving practices there. Its because at those turns you can not see vehicles coming from other end. Nice if some mirrors can be fitted there. Some times security guy will be there to guide you. After driving such thrilling but amazing road you reach to the top of the hill at the entry gate of the Lavasa, Believe me, I am not exaggerating, but if its heavy rain or clouds, you need to struggle to notice the huge gate of Lavasa. At the entry gate no entry fee is needed to pay, just say we are here for picnic. 
Then the actually you are inside the Lavasa premises. You have to drive down to reach at the Lavasa city. While driving down in rainy days, you cant see vehicle next to you unless you have all your car lights on. Because you are actually in the clouds. On the way down, drive slow because Lavasa has created viewpoints wher you can park the vehicle to the side and see and experience the beauty of Lavasa city from the top. There are plenty of waterfalls are welcoming you on the way. Have natural bath there and enjoy your time with loved ones. Walking on this road is also nice experience. At the end, actually in the valley you reach at the Lavasa city. Here you can see Davase dam and backwater of Varsgaon dam. Lot of boating options available there. You can take boat ride and chill. There are multiple restaurants serving you delicious hot dishes, when its raining outside. Spend nice time here with your dear ones. In an all you will see the luxury, five star treatment and facilities with all natural surrounding. A great combination. This is city in valley. If you decide to stay there, I am sure that will be nice experience. I am planning for the same. 
Nearby Places to See -
As such there is no other way which can take you to the other paces. But yes there is one road from Lavasa that goes parallel to the backwater of Varasgaon dam and takes you to the Varasgaon and Panshet dam.  I plan to take that road very soon. Will have more updates then. You can try this route. There are goof resorts on the way. 
Will have more about neayby places soon once I explore more. Stay tuned!
Happy travelling and enjoy the Monsoon.  Here are few pic of the journey. 
- महेश  आवटे 

 Temghar Dam

View of Lavasa city and Varasagaon dam from top 

Have fun boating 




 Restaurants





Sunday 21 July 2013

"PAVANA DAM – MONSOON PLACE NEAR PUNE"



One of my favourite one day trip for all my guests is Pavana Dam and area, which is just 50 km away from from Pimpri Chinchwad and just 70 odd km away from Pune city. If I recollect correct, I have visited to this place not less than 15 times. Not a single year have passed when I did not visit the Pavana Dam. The surrounding of the Pavana Dam is so nourishing and refreshing, this makes Pavana Dam must go place during Monsoon. I am sure you will love this place if you visit once.    

  Dam View - Rainy Season 

WHAT THE PLACE IS ALL ABOUT ­- A beautiful dam surrounded by hills all around. This place is blessed with natural beauty of hills; waterfalls and island too. All Pimpri Chinchwad area gets water from this dam. There is long road goes from side of the dam showing its natural beauty. To the one end of the road there is dam view, large sump of water and to the other end number of waterfalls adding to the beauty. Few years back this place was unexplored (During my college days) but now people are looking for such places to visit during weekends, to get refreshed and to get energy from nature.
View from top of Waterfall surrounding Dam
BEST TIME TO VISIT – From July till December. There is one island in the dam, near to Lohgad boat club. If water is less (may be around 60% of dam capacity) then you can go there by walk but not in rainy season. During rainy season you have to take boat to reach there.
 
HOW TO REACH - If you have your own vehicle,
The way from Kamshet to Pavana Dam

1)  Coming from PCMC – you come straight from old Mumbai Pune highway till the Kamshet and from take a left turn towards Pavananager. It’s around 20 Km from that turn. Just follow the signboards and you will reach there.   

2)  Coming from Pune – You may come from Chandani Chauk to the Paud and take a right turn towards Hadshi. Come straight from the same road and you will reach the place. 
GET YOUR DIRECTIONS HERE – 

From Chinchwad



From Pune



WHAT AND HOW TO SEE THE PLACE –
It’s just one day picnic. When you reach near the wall of dam you have to drive up hill to reach at the top from where the beautiful view of dam water can be seen. Just go there and take some beautiful snaps. Entry to the dam wall is restricted. Drive straight and on the way you will see the safe and eye catching waterfalls .Needless to say, you will for sure step down from your vehicle and get wet under the waterfalls.
Please make sure you park your vehicle safely to the side of the road in such a way that it will not disturb the traffic. The waterfall is safe; even if you climb up from where waterfalls begin. But be careful because it’s a slippery out there during rainy season. After getting yourself completely wet under waterfall Garama garam bhaji or sweetcorn to banta hai. (hot dish is essential). To have it you may proceed further and reach to the LOHGAD BOAT CLUB. You can spend good time there. This is a good restaurant which serves Veg and non veg meal. Have your lunch there and you can go for boating. Lot of boating options available at that place. Speed boat, couple boat, paddle boat etc. And believe me if it’s not raining heavily but sprinkles of water just coming from sky, try to take boat ride in rainy days near Pavana dam. I will not tell why but you will share your experience how you feel. After having boat ride you can either go further to see one more small waterfall and nearby places (explained below) or return to your home.



STAY OPTIONS –
Oh yes I forget to mention about, if in case you want to stay there, you can call to Pavana Boat Club. They have their cottage to the other end of the dam. They will carry you by Boat to their cottages on the bank of backwater of Pavana dam and your meal arrangement will be done at your stay location. You need not to worry about anything. On second day boat will come at your cottages to pick you up.
NEARBY PLACES – WHAT ELSE YOU CAN SEE
FORTS – Pavana dam is surrounded by many forts. To the front it has TIKONA FORT (Triangular shape) exact opposite to Tikona and the other end of the dam its FORT TUNGI. To the right of the dam there are two forts, FORT LOHGAD and FORT VISAPUR. If you take the same road towards Lonavala from Pavana dam, you will come across “DUDHIVARE KHIND”. From there one road takes you to the FORT LOHGAD and other road takes you towards LONAVALA. If time permits you can have quick trek to the LOHGAD.
HADSHI is one of the religious places of SHRI SATYA SAI BABA. The place is situated around 8-10 km from Pavana Dam. You must see this place and its beauty. I am posting few pics of the place to see its beauty.
Hadshi Temple
          GIRIVAN – To know the details about this please click here........
PRATI PANDHARPUR This place is exactly similar to PANDHARPUR and made by BABA MAHARAJ SATARKR. This place is just before the DUDHIVARE KHIND. You may also visit this place. Many people get confused as, Hadshi is a Prati Pandharpur, where as Prati Pandharpur is different one as I mentioned above.
If you are looking for charming, refreshing out door picninc, this place is for you. Do explore and share your experience here... 

Here are few more pics...
- महेश  आवटे 
You may take boat to reach on the small Island in above photo

Dudhivare Khind - Superb Place

Fort Tungi at Backside

Fort Tikona in photo

Road to Tikona Fort


At Lohgad boat club

Discussing on serious topic

Horn does not work for them...

Speed Boat

Sunset at Pavana Dam during Summer

Sunset
Keep travelling .....