Thoseghar Waterfalls Dobara - September 1, 2013

Following is the Photo-logue of our recent Thoseghar-Chalkewadi trip:

Thoseghar Waterfalls:

Chalkewadi Windmills:

equivalent to the Kaas Plateau (Valley of Flowers)

Urmodi Dam:

Panorama of 4 individual photos stitched together

For route, visit my last blog about our first visit -- Click here

Some updates --> Entry fee has been levied for entry at Thoseghar Waterfalls - Rs. 10 each for per adult entry, Car Parking & SLR Camera (Rs. 5  for a Compact Camera)

Road condition at Chalkewadi was as bad as it was 2 years ago - need to be pretty careful in case you have a car; mine under-body did hit at one place.

Chavand Fort a.k.a. Prasannagad - August 25, 2013

It was our long awaited Photography Club Excursion. Actually I heard this fort for the first time - Chaavand Fort a.k.a. Prasannagad.

The region where this fort is located - near Junnar - has the history that goes back to 1000 years, the Satvahana era. There are 5 forts & Fortresses in this region - Hadsar, Shivneri, Jivdhan, Naneghat & Chaavand, the Famous Five. Chaavand Fort has the remnants of construction that is about 800 years old. It is one of the oldest forts amongst the treasure of 350 odd forts of Maharashtra.

We started off at 7.30 am (I took the bus from Alka Talkies, Pune). We took the Pune-Nashik (NH-50) Highway. There is a left for Junnar from Narayangaon. As you reach Junnar, you can see the mighty Shivneri Fort, Shivaji's birthplace, on left. From here we headed for Chavand village via Aptale. Boards are available; else one can enquire with the locals.

By the time we reached the base village, rain had started. And by the time we climbed half the fort, it was lashing like anything. And this situation remained the entire day. Our photography tour was converted into an adventure trekking.

Chavand is the base village of Prasannagad; also known as Chavand Fort. The fort looking from base looked as if some huge rock is placed over a hillock. It seemed impossible to climb for usual trekkers. It felt as though you'll need experts with mountaineering equipment.

Image from Google Maps - Showing climbing route from Chavand village

However, it is not so. Reaching the top is comparatively easy; Therefore, I have given a Google Maps imagery of the fort above. From the base village there are well laid steps till the half-way (work is going on).

Railings provided on rock-sides to facilitate climbing

At the half-way, a steep rock patch starts; However, very well laid & strong railings are made to facility this climb easily. Absence of the railing would have devoided common people from reaching this fort.

Last few steps - takes your breath away

Finally, after the rock patch again there are steps that take you to the Main Door. These are huge & steep. Lashing rains & powerful winds was making this climb gruely tiresome.

Chavandwadi Village from top

Rain Rain All The Way

Actually, there was one mistake I did. I didn't study the fort well before going for this trip. I didn't knew what are the places to see on top.
To add up, the climate was against us. It was raining heavily. Actually, whatever photos I took they were with extreme risk of getting my camera damaged. Secondly, due to monsoons, the whole land was covered in high grass.

Pushkarani

After the steps & passing through the Mahadarwaja (Main Gate), the plain area is seen with further more small hillock a little ahead. We were exploring the area when we found small water tank with a broken temple (seems to be of Lord Shiva) at the end. One side of the tank had 8-10 small compartments with Idols carved / kept inside.

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Seems to be a Shiv-Linga

From here we started our descent. There were few more places to see which I came to know later.

Once at the base, we got back to our buses to go to the Nane Ghat. It used to be a trade route from Western Maharashtra to the Konkan. It has a beautiful Kokan-kada. There is one large cistern carved out of stone. Traders used to drop money in that as a part of Tax (Toll system of that era), while they used this Nane Ghat to travel.

Rain was extremely heavy & there was no visibility. Hence we dropped the idea to spend some time at Nane Ghat & decided to turn back.

On the way back home, as the rains gave some break, we stopped over an extremely beautiful  ancient temple - Kukadeshwar. This is the place where Kukadi River originates – the river which near Nighoj forms the famous natural Pot-holes.

Kukadeshwar Temple

The temple is in ruined state. The villagers are organizing its reconstruction. The work is under progress.

"Alien-like' Sculpture which seems to be
of a frail, old Lady

Kukadi River

Route from Pune:


Zoomed map of the Region:

Pavana Dam - August 1, 2013

We had to undertake a vehicle trial of our upcoming model. We decided the Pavana Dam - Dudhivare Khind route; the kind of route we wanted - Highway, Cross-Country and Ghat Section, with lot many pot holes due to the rainy season. So this was our official trip at one of the many scenic drives near Pune.

We started off from our office in Pimpri at 10 am. We took the Old Pune-Mumbai Highway (NH-4).

There is a left turn at Kaamshet (after Talegaon) towards Kalewadi. After Kalewadi, the road is extremely scenic. On the left Pavana Dam Wall is visible as the road climbs a small ghat.

Pavana Dam - River flowing past the Dam

Pavana Dam - Wall & Catchment Area

With the backwaters on the left and the road twisting & turning through the ghat, the drive is awesome. And driving an SUV on this is like an icing on the cake.

We could see many waterfalls on the way. It was an official Test Drive, hence we couldn't stop at all of them; however, we still sneak through couple of them for a brief photography. Again being on official duty, we just photographed and had to resisit our temptation of taking a cool bath inside one of them...

Tunga Fort across the Pavana backwaters

From here, we took the Lonavala route through Dudhivare Khind. It is a small mountain pass on top of a hill with travel distance of just above 100 meters. However, the high walls of black rock on both sides with a very narrow road to pass was giving a very eerie feeling. Just a note, do not stop your vehicle in between; there are chances of land-slides (they are not fatal though). Park the vehicle before or after the pass and then walk in between.

Dhudivare Khinda

From here we went to Lonavala, had lunch in between and then reached our office in Pimpri.

Map:

Siddhivinayak of Siddhatek - July 21, 2013

It was the only Ashtavinayakas I haven't visited as yet; and hence was a long pending trip.

Ganesh idol of Siddhtek is the only one among other Ashtavinayakas with its trunk turned towards Right. Normally such Ganesh is called as Siddhivinayak - the giver of accomplishments - a powerful Lord but difficult to please.

Temple is located on a hillock along the banks of river Bhima. The devotees often perform the Prada-kshina (Circumambulation) around this hillock - similar to the one at Ganpati-pule. A well laid down path is constructed.

Legend says that while Lord Vishnu was battling two demons - Madhu & Kaitabh. However, he was not able to succeed. Later he invoked Lord Ganesha (the deity of beginning & obstacle removal) by performing penance at Siddhatek. After Ganesha bestowed his blessings, Lord Vishnu was able to kill those demons. The original temple is believed to have constructed by Lord Vishnu; however the current structure what we see is built by Ahilyadevi Holkar.

We started off at 7 am on this Sunday. We took the Pune-Solapur Highway (NH-9). Take an exit at Kurkumbh towards Daund. A flyover construction was going on. Hence this exit becomes slightly tricky. However, we seeked guidance of some locals and were rightly on track. Just prior to Daund, a road goes towards Right for Siddhatek.

We need to cross the river Bhima. Earlier there was no other option but a boat ride. But, now a bridge is constructed.

After crossing bridge, a hillock that we see in the front is the temple complex. You need to take a left and encircle the hillock on the other side, which is the entry. A large Nagaar-khana can be prominently seen.

A large banyan tree is seen at this entry. It's girth huge. It might have been standing here for years together.

The temple is North facing. A well paved road is seen from the Nagaar-khana to the Sabha-mandap with shops lined-up on both sides. Temple is made of black stone.

We found a very unique temple here. Exactly in front of the road coming from the bridge (i.e. the back-side of main temple). This Lord Vishnu temple is constructed at a platform about 10 feet in height. However, the funny part is that there are no steps to reach. Some stones are just kept over each other which you have to literally trek up the platform. We asked a local who told that the steps whenever constructed won't last at all. They get destroyed due to some reason or the other. Hence onwards, anyone who has reach the temple, they have to trek their way up. Secondly, the main entry door for the Sanctorum is very small. You need to squeeze yourself inside as seen in the photo below.

Main Temple seen from the high platform of Vishnu Temple

River Bhima seen from the high platform of Vishnu Temple

After a peaceful darshan, we decided to return. Since we had some time in hand before we reach Pune, we planned to visit another of the Ashtavinayaks - Theur.

On the way we had a lunch at one very interesting restaurant on the Kurkumbh-Daund Road.

We took same road back. Just after Uruli-Kanchan there is a road towards Right (towards Left while coming from Pune). This goes towards Theur.

This is the place that holds the memories of Madhavrao Peshwa and his wife Ramabai.

Theur is well-known to be the spiritual place for the Peshwas, especially Madhavrao Peshwa. He used to visit this Lord before & after his battle expeditions. He renovated the temple complex & made additions to the structure. He constructed wooden hall, garden & a fountain outside the temple. Behind the temple is the Peshwe-wada where Madhavrao used to stay.

He even chose to breathe his last here. When his health weakened due to tuberculosis, he decided to spend his last days near his favorite Ganesha temple. After his death, his wife Ramabai performed Sati during his cremation on the banks of River Bhima, not far from here.

Place where Ramabai performed Sati during cremation of Madhavrao Peshwa

The condition of this place is very depressing. However, some work seems to be going on here. Hopefully, whenever I visit next time, the place shall stand in the honor it deserves.
(16-Nov-13: Just today's newspaper has as article on this, the place has been restored & aptly renovated)

The temple has a wooden Sabha-mandap, I think the only one among Ashtavinayakas. The Ganesh idol is East facing, while the entry to the temple complex is North facing.

As per Puranas, there was this greedy King Gunasur who stole a wish-granding jewel (Chintamani) from a Sage Kapila. Kapila worships Lord Ganesha, who beheads Gunasur and gives Chintamani back to Kapila. However, the sage chooses to have Ganesha to keep the jewel. So Ganeshs stays at Theur with the name Chintamani.
Another story says that Lord Brahma meditated here. Lord Ganesha got rid of his worries (chintas) to help him meditate better. Hence the name Chintamani.

Both these temples are managed by the Chinchwad Devasthan Trust which governs the Moraya Gosawi Temple of Chinchwad.

Map:

Museum Of Miniature Railways - May 20, 2013

Its been since 1998 that a Joshi's Museum Of Miniature Railways is functioning in one of the Pune suburbs at Kothrud. And it is not just any museum; it is in fact the work of detailing done by Bhau Joshi (as he is affectionately called).

The railway models range from now well-known Electric Locomotives to the age-old Steam Locomotives. There are well-known models of the Railways from various countries - Japan to Germany. There are also various types of Railway Transport Modes - Railways, Trams, Mono-rails, Rope-ways, etc. All these are Scale Models with the reduction ratio of 1:87 (i.e. these are manufactured with 87 times reduced dimensions of the actual).

And it is not just about the Railways. Entire imaginary city is built here. The city has a large highway with cars running over it. There are Platforms, Fly-overs, Ghat-sections, Tunnels. Also part of this city is a Circus and a Fun-fair with Giant Wheel, Merry-go-round, Roller-coaster Ride, etc. Lighting is so done that the city looks beautiful in the night.

The show is of about less than 1/2 an hour. It can become an ideal place to spend a short evening time. Guests visiting Pune can be taken to show this place. It would be a different experience than routine Parks and Temples. It is a very simple, no-frills, place. Don't expect any air-conditioned hall with recliner cushioned seats here   ;-)

Information is explained in a simple Marathi language so that children can easily understand. I don't think a show in Hindi and/or English is available (need to enquire). However, still the show is worth a visit even for those who don't understand Marathi.

Miniature City, with the control unit at the back

Patrons, mostly children, watching the show

A small video clip of part of the show is below, just to provide an idea.

Contact details

Ghorawdeshwar - May 5, 2013

If you ask any fitness-freak from Pimpri-Chinchwad about the place he'll visit on a holiday, it is Ghorawdeshwar. A hillock situated right on Pune-Mumbai Old Highway (NH-4) just after Dehu Road.

We office colleagues visited this place one Sunday morning; the most exciting part is we went by a Local train; with Begdewadi Railway Station at a walking distance.

I was only one from Pune; 3 others were from Pimpri. I caught a 5.51 am Lonavala local from Shivajinagar. They joined me from Pimpri at 6.08 am. And we reached Begdewadi at 6.30 am.

We started walking towards the nearest hill that is seen towards the highway. There are two ways upwards - by steps or trekking through the hillock.

We took the trekking option. 1/2 hour later we were on the top. There are caves cut in the rock at two different locations one above other. These are believed to be during 3rd or 4th century, later taken up by a Shiva shrine.

Shiva Temple inside one of the caves

The view from top is spectacular with the NH-4 highway & the railway lines running parallel on one side while the Pune's own international cricket stadium on the other. Similarly the large statue of Birla Ganesh as well as the Prati-shirdi (Shirgaon) is also seen.

Subrata Roy Sahara Stadium - view from Ghorawdeshwar

We decided to return using the steps, 300 odd of them, some nicely constructed while some still broken. We rushed down and in 20-25 minutes we were back to the railway station. It was 8 am in the watch.

The Talegaon-Pune local was on time - 8.13 am at Begadewadi. My colleagues got down at Pimpri, while I reached Shivajinagar station at 8.45.

Local time-table here. Total expenses incurred, Rs. 20 only. Rs. 10 for 2-wheeler parking at Shivajinagar Station and Rs. 10 as a return ticket for Begadewadi.

Map:

Serene Saputara_February 2013

Plan for Saputara was decided in minutes. Actually there was a chance of family picnic in last May. However, such a long journey in summer would have been very hectic. Hence we didn't participate.

Climate this season was very pleasant. Nights were chilling while that day was windy & cool. February is actually the off-season timing in Saputara. Hence there was no rush. Occasional groups & families were seen. Everything was very peaceful. Hotels were near to empty. I had, however, done prior booking online.

We started off from Pune at 6.15 in the Sunday morning of February 24, 2013. We joined the Pune-Nashik Highway (NH-50) at Kasarwadi. We had expected "no traffic" this Sunday morning. However, there were Heavy Trucks & Trailors plying on the road carrying huge industrial machinery.

We reached the newly opened Vitthal Kamat Restaurant at Bota by 9 am. We decided to skip Daulat this time when we saw Vitthal Kamat's advt on the way. And it was a nice decision. It is much cleaner that Daulat; toilets too. Food was good.

We started off ahead by 9.20 am and reached Nashik at 12.15 pm. We had planned a lunch-break at our uncle's place. Post lunch and a nap, we started for Saputara at 5.15 pm.

We took the Dindori road. It is a toll road with Rs. 25 as one time toll for a car. The road goes by the place Vani - Goddess Saptashringi Temple is 22 kms from here. It is one of the Shakti-peeths. Temple is located on a hill range of seven peaks with about 500 steps to climb. We had decided to visit here during our next Nashik trip.

We reached Borgao, last village in Maharashtra on this road. From here we entered Gujarat. Just after border, in Gujarat, there is a check post which collect Rs. 20 per vehicle for entry in Saputara. It was 7.15 pm. We could see the street & hotel lights glittering in the dark from here. The Saputara lake or the main circle is hardly 1 kms from here.

We could find our hotel Shilpi Hill Resort easily. Its a 3-star property, with ample parking, green lawn in the front and nice lobby. Room allotted to us was also clean & tidy. Food was awesome.

After check-in and a brief rest, we started out for dinner. Just opposite the lake by the main road there are many road-side stalls which serve Paav Bhaji, Pulaav, Omlette, Chinese, etc. We walked till the the Main Circle which had all the information boards for various places to see. Only one problem - all information is in Gujarati. Administration should atleast provide this information in one of the more common languages - Hindi or English.

We had Pav-Bhaji and planned our next morning Tour de Saputara.

Next morning we left our hotel at 9 am after a full, tasty breakfast. It was very windy day that day. We first went to the Steps Garden just by the side of the Saputara Lake.

We went for Boating in the Lake. Pedal Boats are available for a small family, while Rowing Boats for a larger group.

Saputara Lake

After boating for about 1/2 hour, we went to another garden by the name Rose Garden. It is small garden with many rose saplings including other flowers as well located a little remote from the lake (towards Sun-rise point). However, major maintenance is needed (may be we thought that way as we visited in hot summers).

Sun Flowers in the Rose Garden    ;-)

From here we tried to go to the Sunrise point, however halfway and we came across the pathetic road. Hence we decided to turn back.

There is the Tribal Museum, Aquarium and a large statue of a Snake in a garden on the main road opposite the lake. We saw the Aquarium. Nicely made - small and sweet. The garden next to it was again - badly maintained. Large statue of a snake (Cobra) is an attraction. Saputara actually means an "Abode of Serpants".  Locals tribals worship snakes.

Saputara Lake and Town - view from the Rope Way

From here we returned back to our hotel, had a sumptuous lunch and a brief afternoon nap. We started off at 4.30 pm and went to see the Tribal Museum. It was a nice learning experience. The museum depicts the tribal life the region very well. Their dresses, utensils, weapons, equipment, musical instruments, etc are displayed. Some photographs show their festive celebrations. The statues explain their day-to-day lives.

From here we went for the Sunset point. The best way to go is by a Rope-way. About 8 minutes ride is awesome; with the trolley stopping mid-way for a minute to embark/disembark patrons from other two trolleys. The whole view of the town surrounding the lake as seen from above is scenic. The ticket was Rs. 50 for adults (two-way). One can spend some time at the Sunset point and return back. We were here for about 20 minutes. There are horse rides, snacks and drink points.

(Note: In May 2013, there was a news in newspapers that the Rope-way got stuck in between due to some technical issue for 4 hours. Team from Mumbai had to be called for repairs. It might not happen every time, but one needs to be aware.)

View from Sunset Point

We starter our return journey next morning at 9.30 am. We took an hour's break at Nashik and reached Pune by 6.00 pm.

More info on Saputara Sight-seeing. Odometer Readings:

00 kms          Pune
13 kms          Nashik Phata (Kasarwadi)
34 kms          Chakan
109 kms        Bota
225 kms        Nashik
258 kms        Dindori
276 kms        Vani
312 kms        Maharashtra-Gujarat Border
313 kms        Saputara

Return journey
335 kms        Saputara
425 kms        Nashik
498 kms        Sangamner
539 kms        Vithal Kamat Hotel, Bota
647 kms        Pune


Map: