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:

A witness of Valor: Sangramdurga, Chakan - February 5, 2013

Till last Diwali (2012), I was not knowing there is a fort just 30 kms from my house which was witness to the immense bravery and valor. It was one of those battles where the losers are honored still today.

The place is Chakan (चाकण) on Pune-Nashik Highway (NH-50) and the fort is Sangram-durga, a Bhui-kot or Sthala-durga (भुइकोट or स्थल-दुर्ग), the fort built on a flat land.

Last Diwali, I saw a miniature model of this fort created by one organisation. They explained the detail history of this fort using sound-&-light technique. Impressed by this piece if history, still unknown to me, I decided to visit this place.

I started off from my office at Pimpri at 5 pm with another colleague. We took the Pune-Nashik Highway (NH-50). Chakan is on the highway about 10 kms after the Toll. You need to shelve off Rs. 38 for a return toll (Rs. 25 for one way). At Chakan, there is a main cross-road - Left goes to Talegaon (Pune-Mumbai Road), Right goes to Shikrapur (Pune-Nagar Road). Take Right towards Shikrapur. Immediately take 1st Left. At about 200 mtrs, you can see an arch on the Right mentioning Chakreshwar Mahadeo Temple (चक्रेश्‍वर महादेव मंदिर). This road goes right inside Sangram-durga.

Remains of Fort walls & Bastions

Shivaji Maharaj (शिवाजी महाराज) was trapped on Panhalgad (पन्हाळगड) under the seige from Siddis (सिद्दी). During the same time Aurangzeb (औरंगझेब) decided to attack Maratha Empire and sent Shahistekhan (Shastakhan) for the job. Shastakhan (शास्ताखान) reached Pune with his army of over 1.25 Lakh (77,000 Cavalry & 30,000 Infantry along with Elephants & Canons). He was to get supplies (food & ammunition) from other Mughal areas of Nashik (Gulshanabad) & Aurangabad. However, one base in between Pune & these cities was still under Maratha control, Chakan. If Marathas attacked these supplies, the 1 Lakh Army would die without food & ammunition.

Shastakhan therefore decided to attack & take Chakan under Mughal control. Mughal Army of 20,000 along with Shastakhan himself marched towards Chakan to conquer it.

Chakan fort, named Chakrapuri during that time, was a small ground fort about 3-4 acres in area, made of earthen construction. It had walls about 40 feet high with 9 bastions surrounded from all sides by a Moat filled with water. It had two Main Gates which can be identified even today.

When Mughals reached the fort, it had about 400 Marathas only and their brave Garrison Commander Firangoji Narsala (किल्लेदार फिरंगोजी नरसाळा). The date was June 21, 1607.


Looking at the small fort, Shastakhan had thought that he would capture in no time. So he ordered a quick attack. However, the fort was ready. Marathas showered them with ammunition in their canons & guns and made severe casualties for Mughals. Marathas were difficult to spot as they were secured behind the walls & bastions.

Shastakhan then decided to siege the fort. He planted his troops all around the fort at a safe distance from the range of Maratha Canons.

The siege continued for more than a month. There was no signs of withdrawal from Marathas. In fact, Marathas were using Guerilla Tactics against Mughals. They used to remain silent during the day; and during night, a group of 20-25 Marathas used to get out in the dark, and they used to launch a surprise attack on any one Mughal Group, do the damage intended and get back inside the fort walls.

Shastakhan started getting desperate. He was not able to conquer a small fort held by handful of Marathas for a month now. He made a plan. Mughals constructed an underground tunnel till the foundation of the wall. They dumped ammunition there and made a blast. That part of fortification collapsed and Mughals entered inside.

Marathas fought valiantly. But they were only 400, Mughals were 20,000. Tired Mughal soldiers were getting replaced by new one's. Same luxury was not there for Marathas. Firangoji Narasala was also fighting his heart out to save the fort.

Finally Firangoji was captured alive and Marathas lost the battle. The date was August 16, 1607.

400 Marathas held the fort against 20,000 Mughals for 56 days.

Firangoji was brought in front of Shastakhan. Shastakhan was extremely impressed by the bravery of Marathas. He offered Firangoji to join Mughals and promised to give him riches against that. Firangoji promptly refused to make this compromise & was willing to die instead of becoming a traitor. Shastakhan was impressed again by this. He set Firangoji free.

Firangoji went back to Shivaji, depressed. He was extremely dejected and felt sorry for the defeat. He couldn't face Shivaji and stood before him, head down. Shivaji instead, was extremely impressed and happy. He said if Shastakhan took 60 days to capture a small earthen ground fort, imagine how long will Mughals take to capture entire Swarajya with its more than 250 forts, some embracing the clouds. He rewarded Firangoji by giving him Commandership of Bhupalgad (भुपाळगड).

At present the fort lies in an extremely sorry state. The wall fortification has collapsed and damaged at many places. The Main Gates are in ruins. Many residential buildings have come-up around the fort. A tar road runs through the fort. Children were playing cricket on the plain ground.

Fort ruins:

Damaged Gate

Collapsed Fortifications

Moat is seen at some places

One of the 9 Bastions remained so far to tell the tale

There is a temple of Lord Vishnu (Damodar Avatar), as told by one of the locals there. Some group of people consider it to be Lord Munjaba (Shiva Avatar).

Some renovations are going on. He told us that there used to be a very small temple which was reconstructed into a larger one. The old idol (which might be of Munjaba or Vishnu) is replaced with a new one of Lord Vishnu in a Damodar Avatar. The locals are in with talks with some builder to reconstruct the wall fortification. Hope that Sangram-durga returns back to its old glory that it deserves.

Lord Munjaba / Vishnu Temple

Place where old temple existed

Just next to the temple is Mosque which is said to be there from the Shivaji era.

Temple & Mosque side-by-side

The road that goes through the fort reaches to the Chakreshwar Mahadeo Temple (Lord Shiva Temple). It is a peaceful site, a temple by the side of a constructed water pond. There is a rare sculpture of Lord Vishnu in a Varah (Pig) Avatar [however, I read about it after our trip; hence we didn't see this]. There is a Samadhi of Shandilya Rishi.

By 6.30 pm we returned back watching the Sun set behind the fort.

Map:

Coordinates:   18° 45' 25.152" N   73° 51' 48.348" E

Shivthar Ghal - January 20, 2013

This was actually a family function, a naming ceremony, of one of our friends' son in Mahad (महाड). We decided to visit Shivthar Ghal (शिवथर घळ) on the way. We four (with Nitin, Tushar & Vishal) started off at 6.15 pm from Padmavati locality in Pune in a Hyundai i-10. We took the NH-4 (Mumbai - Bangalore Highway).

We took a breakfast break for an awesome Misal-Paav at Kailas at Khed-Shivapur. We moved ahead at 7.30 am. After the toll, there comes a place called Kapurhol (कापुरहोळ). On left is a road for Ketkavale - Narayanpur (केतकावळे - नारायणपुर). Just ahead of that is small road on Right. This is the road for Bhor, Bhatghar Dam & Varandha Ghat (भोर, भाटघर धरण, वरन्धा घाट). There is no sign board. One needs to be very careful; else you'll suffer a small U-Turn ahead.

Little ahead Bhatghar Dam Wall is visible on your right. Back-waters is not seen from the road. One needs to venture inside - off-road - to view the same. Approx 15 kms from NH-4 comes a Taluka-Town called Bhor. At the end is a "T" section. Take right for Mahad (left goes to a place called Shindewadi).

About 20 kms from here comes village by the name Devghar (देवघर). From here start the backwaters of newly made Neera-Devghar Dam (नीरा-देवघर धरण). The road twists and turns around the sides of the vast back-waters. This drive is splendid. We were here in the wrong timing of the year actually. I have decided to visit this drive now in monsoons. We took a brief photography pit-stop here; while clicked some other snaps while on the drive.

Neera-Devghar Dam

As soon this beauty ends, the other one starts - Varandha Ghat descend - one of the tough ghats to get down in Konkan (कोकण). It has some breath-taking hair-pin sloping turns that could bring a lump even in a seasoned driver's stomach. But that is later; at the start are the Bhajia, Vada-pav & Chai (भजी, वडा-पाव, चहा) stalls at the foot of a large black stone cliff.

View from Varandha Top

Highlight of Varandha - a different perspective
as we see this cliff normally in monsoons, lush green

Just before ghat ends, there is diversion to Right for Shivthar Ghal (शिवथर घळ) - info board is available. However, just note that the route is only for small vehicles. Buses need to descend the ghat completely and then there is a bigger and much cleaner road on Right (5 kms prior to Birwadi).

The smaller road is only of 7 kms, while the bigger one costs about 22 odd kms (as per Google Map); however it will be better you go by the longer route in monsoons, or if you do not want to subject your vehicle for a torture testing. The time when we went, route was ok. It was about 10.15 am when we reached Shivthar Ghal.

Sunder Math - the shrine is called so

Shivthar Ghal is a place of historical importance. Saint Ramdas (संत रामदास) narrated the famous spiritual text, the Daas-bodh (दासबोध) to Kaartik Swami (कार्तिक स्वामी), who wrote it down in a small cave (Ghal in Marathi) here sometime in 17th century. It is here where Saint Ramdas and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (छत्रपती शिवाजी महाराज) met for the first time. Saint Ramdas further went on become Maharaj's Spiritual Guru.

Its a very low heighted cave, about 7 feet. At some points it is as low as 3-4 feet. A tall person like me can barely stand straight here. Presently, the scene of Ramdas Swami narrating Dasbodh to Kaartik Swami is constructed inside with statues.

By the side of the cave there is a water fall - a small stream of water seen falling - though seen only if watched minutely. However, this must be converting itself into a magnificent water fall. We knew we were going to miss this because of wrong timing, however, we though since we are going nearby, let's atleast visit the place.

This water fall will definitely a worthy place to visit in monsoons. Just a caveat - one cannot do all those things that you might come hoping to do in a water fall considering the spirituality of the location. This is infact a very good combination of a spiritual place by the side of a water fall. I don't remember any other place, atleast in Maharashtra.

By 11.00 am, we starter off towards Mahad, about 30 kms from here. This time we took the other better road since we had to go ahead towards Mahad.

After function, sumptuous lunch and brief rest, we started for our return journey at 4 pm. This time we took the other route, the Tamhini Ghat route. Our plan was to cross the ghat before dark.

We took a tea-break at Nizampur (निझामपुर), ahead of Mangaon (माणगाव). On the I saw two boards - one for Pala Caves and the other for Hot Water Springs (on the other bank of Savatri River) towards Mangaon on NH-17 (Mumbai-Goa Highway).

We reached Chandni Chowk at 7.30 pm. After some snacks in a hotel here, we reached our gathering point, Padmavati, at 9 pm.

Map:

Odometer readings:

00 km        Padmavati (Pune)

20 kms       Kailas Bhel

36 kms       Kapurhol

52 kms       Bhor - take Right at a "T" joint

70 kms       Devghar   (Neera-Devghar Dam)

101 kms     Right - small road for Shivthar Ghal

109 kms     Shivthar Ghal

144 kms     Mahad

Return journey

174 kms     Mangaon

184 kms     Nizampur

194 kms     Take Right turn by the Posco Company

198 kms     Take Right turn at a "T" joint - Tamhini Ghat starts

228 kms     Tamhini village

242 kms     Mulshi

256 kms     Paud

266 kms     Pirangut

288 kms     Padmavati

Recap 2012

After successfully maintaining an online travelogue through blogging as decided in 2011, the Year 2012 started off with a resolution of targeting at least one trip per month. This was to set the momentum going about pursuing my hobby of travelling which was set rolling sometime in 2010.

January went by without a trip. And my resolution seemed to be failing. However, February 2012 covered this backlog when it brought with it three trips in succession. Our office colleagues visited Bhamchandra Gad and Bhandara Hill 15 days apart and then a long & secretly planned trip to Bhandardara to celebrate our Wedding Anniversary.

During second half of March, we office colleagues (with Family) visited Karla Caves near Lonavala. Enroute we also visited the Celebrations Wax Museum. Three days later we got a chance to visit the Veer Chapekar Memorial at Chinchwad; and also the Moraya Gosawi Temple nearby. We, office colleagues again, had gone there after our office hours.

One month later, in mid-April, we visited Hyderabad. This was because of an official conference. However, we got half day available for sight-seeing.

May month brought with it a Photography Workshop; outdoor session of which was planned in P L Deshpande Garden (Pune-Okayama Japanese Garden). The month ended with a visit to Prati-Shirdi (Shirgaon).

After a 2 months hiatus, we visited Prati-Balaji (Ketkavale) in end of July, our first monsoon trip. This one was with entire family.

In August second half, we visited Bamnoli - a family visit of our office colleagues.

September came with it a visit to Vaishno Devi Temple in Pune (Pimpri). It was a family visit clubbed with a family function. Next, me and my friend went to the Lord Vyankateshwara at Tirumala, Tirupati. Next week (mid-September) was the King of Forts, Rajgad.

We had our Photography Club excursion to Madhe Ghat in 1st week-end of October. Mid of the month was the long planned, much awaited, nostalgic trip to Indore.

More than a month later in November, I witnessed Star Trail Photography for first time at Telbaila.

December first week we went for a Geographical Marvel, Potholes of Nighoj. I ended my 2012's travels by visiting Pali Ashtavinayak Temple & Unhere Hot Water Springs.

The year covered in all 15 trips. I have ignored official Hyderabad trip and nearby places in Pune like Japanese Garden & Chapekar Memorial. Already crossed my target of 1 trip per month.

In 2013, I should maintain this momentum going. Many places were on cards last year, of which I visited Bhandardara & Nighoj. I also visited Kaas & Chincholi Morachi but not during the correct time. Hence all those places remain - Ajanta-Ellora (Aurangabad), Ramdara, Bhuleshwar, Morachi Chincholi. Apart from this, Gujarat visited is almost decided during October-13. Planning is to be made.

I have a long pending wish for Lonaar (Crater Lake) & Tarkarli (in Konkan). Daman is also pending since long. Just recently, I thought of Pondicherry also. Let's see how it all goes, if not this year, then in years to come.

Happy travelling!!!