Pune Tourism

They say the history and commerce of a city determines the image and its mould. Being the cultural capital of Maharashtra much can be attributed to the majestic history of this place, which has given the country leaders like Shivaji and Lokmanya Tilak. One of the prime getaways from Pune are the hills and the forts around it.

There are a number of interesting historical sights a short distance out of Pune that can be seen over a few days, if you plan your time right.

The charm of this quaint city of Pune is around it in the forts, the caves and the other adventurous treks around the little mountains and hillocks! Some of these sights have great relevance in the history of the Marathas.

And Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar, located in the Sahyadris, are quaint, pretty places for a relaxing few days.

Lonavla & Khandala

Very popular hill stations, known for their resplendent green beauty during rains, these twin hill stations offer romantic hills, small waterfalls and the works… A place very easily reachable by train or by road, 70 km from Pune, it's just about an hour-and-a-half long drive. A number of hotels, motels and resorts assure you comfortable stay. Located at a four hours trek is the dreamy hamlet of Rajmachi from where the twin forts of Manoranjan and Shrivardhan are worth seeing!

Besides, a quick weekend getaway to Lonavala is perfect to de-stress you out with must visits to the Lonavala Lake, Bushy Dam, Tiger's Leap, Ryewood Park,Tungarli Dam, Barometer Hill.

Also what makes the place famous is the famous Chikki (made of jaggery and groundnuts) and also the chocolate fudge! A must visit in the rainy seasons; some of the recommended hotels include Duke's Retreat at Khandala and Fariyas at Lonavala!

In recent years the heavy flow of weekenders and conference groups from Pune has changed the demography of the area dramatically.

Khandala gives a good view of the rainwater fed waterfalls while Lonavla acts as the base for the Karla & Bhaja Caves. These caves date back to the 2nd century B.C and are one of the finest examples of rock temples by the Hinayana sect in India.

The Karla caves were carved by the monks and the artisans who tried to imitate the carvings on wood. The light filters inwards through the Sun window. A wooden umbrella protects the Dagoba or representation of Buddha. Kneeling elephants that have seated figures top the pillars. These 37 pillars are the circumambulatory aisles. Teak beams rib the ceiling. Out side the cave a stambha with four back-to-back Lions stands. This pillar is associated with Ashoka and is believed to have been kept there later. The Bhaja caves are older and peaceful than the Karla caves. Out of the 18 Bhaja caves ten are viharas and one is an open chaitya.

Getting There
By Road: Lonavala is on the Mumbai-Pune Highway,104 kms, Pune-Lonavala, 66 Kms
By Air: Nearest airport is Pune, 66 kms
By Rail: Lonavala is on the Mumbai Pune Rail line of the central Railway

Ashtavinayak

The legendary Eight Ganesh Idols formed through forces of Nature are still a marvel as thousands flock every year to see the nature. Vinayaka, another name for Lord Ganesha, eight effigies have been found, and these form the Ashta Vinayaka, an octet of eight temples formed around these idols. All these are within 120 km from Pune.

Morgaon: The foremost temple of the Ashtavinayka is Mayureshwar, the one in Morgaon about 65 km from Pune on Pune-Baramati Road. Morya Gosavi built this in the 14th century.

Ranjangaon: About 70 km from Pune on Pune-Nagar Road, Lord Ganesha is known as Mahaganapati because of its huge size as it has ten trunks and twenty arms.

Siddhatek: Situated near Daund, this place is about 99 km from Pune off Pune-Solapur Road.

Theur: 25 km off Pune-Solapur Road, situated near Uruli Knchan.

Pali: 110 km from Khopoli.

Mahad: 87 km near Khopoli, off Pune-Mumbai Road.

Ozar: Lord Ganesha here is worshipped in his incarnation as  'Vigneshwara' or the remover of obstacles. Around 85 km near Narayangaon, off Pune-Nashik Road, this place is famous for its garland of lights or deep mala.

Lenyadri: This temple around 97 km, near Ozar is situated on the banks of river Kukdi. It's said that Parvati spent time here in penance and gave birth to Ganesha.

Matheran

Discovered by an Englishman, this hilltop retreat around 120 kms from Pune, is a green patch in the Western Ghats. Matheran, which means, "wooded head" certainly lives up to its name. There are numerous tracks covered with red earth, crisscrossing this beautiful place. Walking along these tracks, covered almost entirely under a canopy of dense vegetation, can be a charming experience.

This is one of the few retreats where your cars are not allowed beyond a certain point where you can safely park your cars for Rs.10 a day, and you could explore this hill-station on foot or on horseback.

This quaint, old-fashioned town is off limits to cars and a cute toy train up the hillside (grab a window seat) is one way of getting here! Ideal for a weekend break, this hill station closest to Mumbai still has stone villas, graveyards and churches that remind you of the bygone Raj days even today!

Life here, like most other hill stations moves at a leisurely pace. With a beautiful lake with 30 vantage points, you could also spend time strolling down the lazy main market, or wait for the sun to crawl down horizon at the sunset point.

On a clear night you can count a few million stars while listening to an orchestra of crickets and other insects. Though the local population of Matheran is very less the visitors pour at this place frequently.

The best season to visit this place is between November to June but the place is worth visiting any time of the year.During the monsoon the trails become very dirty and the place virtually shuts down.

Mahableshwar

The summer capital of the Bombay presidency, the little town of Mahabaleshwar, situated 1372 ft above sea level, was founded in 1828 and is the highest point in the Western Ghats. A relaxing place to diddle away a weekend and an ideal destination in summer. A typical colonial town, in spirit closer to Blighty than Maratha land, with plenty of bridle paths, boating and golf facilities, fishing spots and trekking trails. The town is full of lookout points (Bombay Point, Elphinstone Point, Babington Point, Kate's Point) that provide fetching views of the plains and the sea hundreds of feet below.There are also some pretty waterfalls to visit. By far the best pastime to engage in -- eating strawberries.

Established as a health resort in 1829 AD by Maharaja Pratapsinha of Satara (1818 to 1839), it was a jail for Chinese & Malay convicts from 1834 to 1864. Many of the prisoners stayed at Mahabaleshwar after they were released.  The jungle of Mahabaleshwar produces many commercial as well as medicinal trees & plants.

The wild life is limited to foxes, jackals, & wild boars. Deers & bisons are found in the Brahma aranya area. Panthers are rare. The famous bird in the Urdu poetry, Bulbul is found everywhere in the plateau. The best times to visit this hill station are October, Diwali & X'mas holidays & summer.

Hotels are open round the year even during the rainy seasons. Besides some of the fun things that one can do if you are tired of being cooped indoors is visit the Sir B. D. Petit library, play at the Hindu Gymkhana or the Mahabaleshwar Club.

Horse riding, photography, walking, bird watching and boating in the famous Venna Lake are various interesting options! With a vast number of points, the famous Wilson's Point, Arthur's Seat, Sunset Point and the Lover's Point remain must visits for the first timers!  A gujju thali at Hotel Rajesh or even a stay at the Valley View Resort, Belmont Park Hill Resort or Lake View is definitely recommended by those who have frequented this place!

Most hotels are closed during the monsoons, an off-season period when Mahabaleshwar is inundated with 6 meters of rain.

Getting There
Mahabaleshwar is easily accessible from Pune by road and is a 3-hour drive and 120 kilometers northeast of Pune. The MTDC runs luxury buses to Mahabaleshwar regularly from Pune. 4500 feet above sea level, Mahabaleshwar is easily accessible only by road.

Panchgani

Around 100 km from Pune, Panchgani at a height of 1000 m, gets its name from the five hills on which it is built. Panchgani is another one of India's dreamy, quiet hill stations. It is located in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, on Parasni ghat, just 20 odd kilometers from the very resort-ish Mahabaleshwar and set in an even more pretty location. Probably the best option would be to stay at Panchgani Club, which offers temporary membership.

The club authorities can be a bit sticky if you don't have the recommendation of a member; but it is worth a try. Regular buses connect Panchgani with Mahabaleshwar, Pune and Bombay including the MTDC luxury coaches.

This town is crammed with all kinds of lookout spots and lanes of silver oak to pursue nature rambles. The town -which was 'established' in the 1850s by John Chesson -is surrounded by the five hills from which it gets its name. It is at a lower elevation than Mahabaleshwar by just a few feet. The drive between the two towns is breathtaking. Famous for its flowers like Buttercups, pimpernel etc., during the months of August-September, sights on the hill slopes of this place are spell bounding. During the monsoon Panchgani is deluged with some six meters of rain.

So fierce are the downpours that even buildings don special raincoats of kulum grass and the hill station all but closes down. Famous is this hill station for the best variety of boarding schools in the country.. Be it St.Peter's where the who's who of the film industry from Sanjay Dutt have studied or St. Joseph's where Kajol and Zeenat Aman have their Alma Mater. Even Sanjeevni is a great school started by Dr. Neelkanth Kalyani, which offers CBSE and SSC residential boards.

Sinhagad

Easily the most popular getaway, not withstanding that it's much closer than the other forts, the Pashan lake and the lovely drive makes it a much adored and a desired picnic and getaway spot. The Lion Fort, as it would quite literally translate into, is located 25 kilometers South of Pune perched on a steep hill. Once known as Kondhana, the proximity of this fort to Pune has been commercialized to quite an extent. Buses are available from the Sarasbaug Bus Stand, which drop you till the foothill.

However, a bike or a car should be preferred to feel the breezy drive and the beautiful landscape.

This 17th century fort has mostly fallen to ruin, but it is possible to literally walk backwards in history and recreate the scenes of the fierce battle fought by Shivaji's General Tanaji Malasure who died during the battle, to win the fort for Shivaji with the help of the monuments and signboards posted in the area. They have even created a monument at the spot where Tanaji lost his arm.

On the grounds too is a memorial or samadhi to the slain leader. It is said that when Shivaji learned that his general had been killed in the battle he mourned, " We have gained the fort but lost the lion" and it is thus that the fort got its name. Also of interest nearby are the bungalows where Lokmanya Gangadhar Tilak and Mahatma Gandhi met in 1915. The story of his climb to the fort from the back with the help of a chameleon and then getting his army to the top is still the guide's favorite one.

The bhaji's and dahi wati at the top are a crowd favorite. Also, we recommend that you try out the pithla-bhakri and the rustic chicken curry. Sundays here are busy with picnic groups, trekkers and tourists.

On the grounds too is a memorial or samadhi to the slain leader. It is said that when Shivaji learned that his general had been killed in the battle he mourned, " We have gained the fort but lost the lion" and it is thus that the fort got its name. Also of interest nearby are the bungalows where Lokmanya Gangadhar Tilak and Mahatma Gandhi met in 1915. The story of his climb to the fort from the back with the help of a chameleon and then getting his army to the top is still the guide's favorite one.

Getting There:
Sinhagad can be accessed by the S.T. and P.C.M.T buses. Alight at village Donaje and climb 2000 ft. to enter by the Pune gate. A well marked path-partly in steps takes one to the top, through a series of gates. An alternative route is also up the ridge through the forests and leading right upto the fort. The shortest ascent only 1200 ft. is from Kalyan Darwaza, reached by taking a bus to Kondhanapur,from where the village of Kalyan is only 3 miles away.

Rajgad Fort

About 85 kms from Pune, this fort has great historical relevance, as it was Shivaji's favourite fort. Practically speaking, a two hour bus drive to Wazheghar, Bhutonda or Pali. Any of these options will take you right to the foothills of this legendary fort. Accomplished in a matter of four years, 80 kms from the hill station of Mahabaleshwar, the remains of this fort give a glimpse of the majesty of Shivaji's first mountain capital. For those with the adventurous streak, take the trek through the chor  darwaza, otherwise the easier route through Pali which while being a cakewalk is a longer one.

The temple atop the Padmavati machi offers a good place to stay! Rajgad, with its treacherous approaches, zig zag narrow paths and the deceptive double-walled armour of its ramparts, and also the massive pali gate, nedhe or elephant's eye still exists. But Shivaji had to give this up because of its narrow summit to move onto Raigad!

The view from the top offers a magnificent view of the Sahyadri range.

Lohagad & Visapur Forts

A ridge separates the twin forts of Lohegadh and Visapur at 1350m with a km between them. Lohagadh was Shivaji's stronghold during his reign.

A local from Pune takes you there; you have to get down at Malavli, the nearest rail head (10 kms away) which takes roughly an hour or so. A waterfall in the trek to Lohagad is the highlight of the trek. A number of mischievous monkeys can create trouble so watch out.

Though not much remains of the fort, the trek to the top is still worth it. While Visapur might be right next to it, there is not much to see! Dating back to the 1700s, visiting these forts (one kilometer apart), which were taken and lost by Shivaji, makes for a strenuous hike.

The Bhaja Caves, situated in Bhaja village, are nearby and it is a 4 kilometer walk from Lohagad to these caves and so also from Lohagad to the main road. The nearest railhead is Malvali, 10 kilometers away.

Pratapgad Fort

At a distance of 25 kms from Mahabaleshwar stands the majestic Pratapgadh housing the tomb of Afzalkhan at the toe of the fort. This fort is famous for the encounter between Shivaji and Afzalkhan, the ruler of Ahmednagar.

In spite of being attacked by tiger claws, Shivaji killed Afzalkhan.  There is a temple of Bhavani Mata, the idol of worship of King Shivajiraje Bhosle. There is a statue of Shivaji Maharaj inside the fort called Bale Killa.

Currently accesible by a motorable road to the top, all the amenities of a hill-station are available at MTDC's resort a few kms. away at Mahabaleshwar.

Bedsa Caves

10 miles South of Karle close to the Kamshet Railway Station is this interior village called Bedsa next to which the New Pune Bombay Express highway is being constructed with the cave located on a stiff hill. Though smaller in size the shrine is very attractive. With breath taking scenery one cannot help but appreciate the spot chosen by Buddhist monks.

With a huge chaitya and one big vihara, there are also numerous small resting chambers or cells for monks that were chiseled out here.

The ornamentation on the façade is made up of miniature rails and repetition of window fronts or facades with a number of water cisterns in front of the Chaitya with one of the inscriptions belonging to Mandavi princess Samadinaka who got this facility made for monks and Buddhist devotees.

The Vihara has 9 cells and couple of side cells. In one of the larger cells is a non-Buddhist deity Yamai that is worshipped by the Kolis. Below in the village under a tree is the Tandula stone of Bedsai. A palki (palanquin) from this village every year goes up to Yamai's shrine and then to Vaghoba (deity of the pass) up the hill.

Bhaja Caves

Bhaja, a famous Buddhist rock cut shrine of 2nd century is situated 6 kms away from Lonavala in Maharastra.

You are to climb almost half a km to reach this beautiful scenic spot where Viharas (hostel) and a huge Chaitya hall (worship place) were chiselled for Buddhist monks and devotees in pre Chistian era. A village of the same name is located at the foothills of this mountain.Although the facade of a grand structure has almost collapsed the Chaitya is still the most remarkable structure over here.

The entrance room of the attention drawing Vihara No.12 has on its right side, sculptures of Surya and Indra with a Yaksha below Surya. Pillars here have centaurs. A scene below on the left side - narrating Buddhist story also draws ones attention. Below this mountain at the pre historic Mother Goddess site Mukkai, the villagers offer sacrifices here once a year even now.

Further in the village on the plains is a shrine to the Goddess in the green fields and another ancient temple with a Goddess half a km away near a lake.

Karla Caves

About 40 km from Pune, these Buddhist caves dating back to 160 BC, have a Chaitya (chapel), the largest in the country and some viharas (dwelling caves).

Karla is the site of some of the best-preserved Buddhist caves and the chaitya cave is perhaps the best-preserved cave of its kind in the subcontinent. Unlike the Ajanta and Ellora caves, the most refreshing feature of Karla is the absence of tourist hordes, since Karla is quite off the tourist beaten track.

However, to avoid holidaying locals, don't visit the caves on the weekends. The Karla caves exist amidst a range of hills not far from Lonavala. Apart from the chaitya hall there are many vihara caves too.

However, it is the awesome chaitya hall that makes this journey worth it. The architecture and the carvings of this hall are something else!

Dehu

Situated on the river Indrayani, this place is famous for the poet Sant Tukaram who was born and brought up here. A number of stories of the famed poet and the place are still popular. There are a number of interesting historical sights a short distance out of Pune that can be seen over a few days, if you plan your time right.

The charm of this quaint city of  Pune is around it in the forts, the caves and the other adventurous treks around the little mountains and hillocks! Some of these sights have great relevance in the history of the Marathas.

Visits to the Buddhist caves at Bhaja and at Karla make rather interesting side trips too. And Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar, located in the Sahyadris, are quaint, pretty places for a relaxing few days.

Alandi

A small village on the banks of the river Indrayani, it is also popularly called Devachi Alandi. Two fairs are held annually here: one on Ashadhi Ekadashi and the other on Kartik Ekadashi.

One can find the samadhi of the famous saint and poet Dnyaneshwar, the author of ‘Dyaneshwari' the Marathi commentary on the Gita.

Also situated on the banks of the river Indrayani, 31 kms away, is Dehu, the birthplace of Tukaram, the great 17th century poet-saint of Maharashtra. Hindu pilgrims mostly frequent it.Transport is easy with a number of State Transport buses from Pune. One can also find ‘Dharmashalas' for a comfortable stay, but prior booking is necessary.

Jejuri

Situated 48 kms away, Jejuri is known for its Khandoba deity and is considered a religious place by the Hindus. Large congregations attend the annual fair held here. There are eight Ganesh temples or `ashtavinayakas' in Maharashtra where the idol is Swayambhoo or self formed.

Five of these are in and around Pune Sri Moreshwar, Sri Chintamani , Sri Mahaganapati , Sri Wighnahar and Sri Girijatmak.

Khandoba, the deity at Jejuri is the fighter God of the Marathas. He is shown astride a horse and has a angry warlike look. This was reason enough for the Muslims to repeatedly destroy the temple. Even Aurangzeb attempted to destroy the temple a second time in 1690. He however was thwarted in this attempt when the Mughal soldiers while trying to attack the temple disturbed a nest of hornets. The hornets so harassed the besieging Mughal soldiers that Aurangzeb was forced to lift the siege and spare the temple.

The Bigoted but God-fearing Aurangzeb is said to have placated the angry bees by offering One Hundred and Twenty Five Thousand Silver Coins to the God Khandoba.