Bhushi Dam

Bhushi Dam, a well known picnic spot is located about 60 kms from Pune and about 5-6 kms from Lonavala. It is a nice place to visit during rainy season. In the peak rainy season, when the dam is full with the rain water, it starts overflowing. The place where this extra water takes its way out of the dam, a beautiful staircase like structure is built. Such a beautifully created one where you can actually sit and play in the water. You have to walk through the river to get to the dam. The water is not deep – ½ a foot maybe but enough for you to get wet….

For fun lovers, Bhushi dam is a perfect place to visit! The place is lot more crowded during this period. If you are truly a person who enjoys getting drenched in the waterfall like anything, Bhushi dam is a treat for you!
So all you there ready to make a perfect outing for a day... a fabulous waterfall at Bhushi dam is waiting for you!!!

There is another serene and nice place to visit is Sakhar Pathar just above the dam. It’s a very good place for nature lovers.

How to reach: Regular buses available from Swargate and Pune station.

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Bhuleshwar

Just about 50 kms from Pune, Bhuleshwar is a very beautiful place to visit. It is known for the temple of Lord Shiva.
The Temple : It was built in 13th century dates back to the era of Pandavas - during the period of 1230 AD by Choula Rulers. The fort on which this temple is situated is called 'Mangalgad' previously known as 'Doulatmangal'. The walls of the temple are beautifully dominated by intricate carvings. These carvings are there right from the entrance. The temple has got significance not only from arcitectural point of view but also mythological.... There are stories about Devi Parvati's dance at this place for Lord Shiva and then their marriage on Kailas...
The temple got much crowded in the month of Shrawan and on Mahashivratri. Though such a plesant and beautiful place, unfortunately it is one of the ignored place near Pune.

The place is a must see also beacause you can visit Jejuri on south, Purandar on south-west and Dhavaleshwar on south-west.

How to reach : Regular buses from Swargate and Pune station ST stand to Yawat and PMT buses from Pune station. Swargate to Theur.
If you are going by your own, there are teo ways to approach this place. First way is from Pune - Solapur highway, just before Yawat, take right turn along eastern bank of canal. It goes through a ghat section. Second way goes without ghat. At Saswad chowk, instead of going towards Jejuri, take a left turn next to high school. Road goes via a village called Singapur.
Truly a quiet place to visit!

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Malshej Ghat

After Lonavla, Mahabaleshwar, there is one more place emerging as a cool picnic spot is Malshej Ghat. Situated on the boarder of Thane, Pune and Ahmednagar districts, Malshej Ghat is becoming a very popular picnic spot. It is close to both Pune and Mumbai. Its a peculiar place in Sahyadri Hills. It becomes as attractive and beautiful as nothing when the sahyadri covers itself with dark clouds and heavy fog!

      The best part of the place is a number of small and huge waterfalls... all of them are worth having a look! The cascading waterfalls will make you fall in love with them :)
      It stands surrounded by forests, quite famous for their flora and fauna. The animals that can be seen there are tigers, leopards (rarelly), rabbits and peacocks....
      The best season to visit Malshej Ghat is obviously the monsoon. Malshej Ghat is not the place to sit in the hotel rooms and relax.... You must get out of the room and enjoy a walk in the mist. The beautiful valley is also one of the attractions. It rains heavily here in the rainy season and thats why you must be equipped with the raincoat (umbrellas are of no use) and good footwears... The fun in Malshej Ghat is in getting drenched in the waterfalls and have a blast!

      Malshej Ghat is also a trekkers paradise! Harishchandragad is one of such trekking trails, situated near Malshej Ghat. To start a trek reach Khubi village at a distance of 7 kms from Malshej Ghat. Peak monsoon is definitely not the time for trek. The best time is during winters. It is advisable to take a local guide with you.

How to reach: Regular buses available from Shivajinagar bus stand Pune. If you are going by your own, take a Pune-Nasik highway turn at Narayangaon and proceed to Malshej Ghat. Refer the map given....

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Baneshwar

The nature’s beauty, hidden in the lush green periphery! – Baneshwar is located just 35 kms south of Pune-Satara road. Its less than 150 kms from Mumbai. Its easily accessible from both the cities. Baneshwar is developed as a picnic spot with the beautiful and old Lord Shiva temple. The ideal time to visit Baneshwar is during the rainy season. It may be too crowded in weekends. So for those who want to spend a quiet, relaxed day with nature can visit the place in the weekdays.

The Temple: The temple was built by Shreemant Balaji Bajirao Peshwa. Currently it is maintained by Baneshwar Temple Trust. Visitors will get awed by the simplicity of the place. There are Shivlings, the idols of Devi Laxmi and Lord Vishnu, the dharamshalas and the ancient bell. Amazingly silent place.

The waterfall: At a height of about 1 km above the temple, a grand waterfall takes its way from the cover of lush green trees. The best time to enjoy the waterfall is during the rainy season.


How to Go : You can get a bus to Baneshwar from swargate bus stand , Pune. Else you can take a bus to velha, and get down upto Narasapur Fata (junction) . Baneshwar is just 3 kms from this junction. Six seaters/jeeps are available from this point. As it is just 35 kms from Pune, you can always go on bikes or cars.

Vital Tourism Information: There are no lodging and boarding facilities in Baneshwar itself. There are few small restaurants. During rainy season, make sure you wear good footwear as the road becomes muddy and slippery.

Please give your feedback or suggestions on this.... Enjoy Bhatkanti! :)