Khadawasla & Panshet

Khadakwasla

If one asks about the ‘Chowpati’ in Pune, no doubt there is only one place Khadakwasla…. Just 20 kms south-west to the city Pune. Khadakwasla is a moderate sized dam built on Mutha river near the village ‘Khadakwasla’ hence named so. It is constructed in pre-independence time in 1873. It is one of the three major dams which supply water to Pune. It is one of the most visited spots near Pune. Puneits most probably spend weekends and holidays at Khadakwasla. 

This beautiful water body is a popular hangout for puneits. The fast food served here by the vendors adds to your enjoyment of the beautiful view. The bhutta you get here is truly special…. You can have a lovely view of sinhgad fort from here. 

A large bridge that runs parallel to the dam takes you to National Defence Academy (NDA), another famous landmark of Pune. To the south-west of khadakwasla, The Defence Research and Development Organization which conducts technical training courses is located.

Some of the other attractions near Khadakwasla are Peacock Bay and Neelkantheshwar. Peacock bay is located to the north-west of the dam. Its name itself says that the bay derives plenty of peacocks found in this region. The bay also consists of other kinds of flora and fauna. The bay attracts visitors the most. Neelkantheshwar is the temple of Lord Shiva located on the top of the hill. The peaceful nature here in this area is what make tourists visit this temple. 

Panshet

Another major water supplier dam to Pune and a well-known picnic spot near Pune is Panshet. It is just 50 kms south-west to the city Pune. If you go on driving further from khadakwasla, Panshet lake is not more than 30-35 kms ahead.

The dam wall was burst long time back due to heavy amount of water storage in the monsoon season. It had caused huge flood in the valley and a tremendous damage to the Pune city. After that the dam was rebuilt and now its one of the most favourite picnic spot for Puneits. The lake is nested in the lap of sahyadri ranges and surrounded be lush greenery. Its quite a cool place to hangout on weekends.

Nowadays this place is getting popular as a water-sports activity center. Water sports include speed-boats, scooter-boats and pedal boats. These are the main attractions for the youngsters.

So to chill out and have fun with friends or family on Sunday or a holiday, Khdakwasla and Panshet are the best places to visit!

Getting there: Regular buses are available. But since its just 50 kms away from Pune, just ride on your bike and enjoy the drive! 

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Sinhgad

If you are planning for a day’s outing near Pune, you surely cannot miss Sinhgad. Sinhgad is one of the favourite places near Pune where you can undoubtedly spend your day and have a lot of fun!

Its just 25 kms away from Pune and a very famous picnic spot for puneits. Sinhgad, earlier known as Kondhana, has a long history. It’s a 17^th century fort but the monuments and signboards placed in the area will literally walk you back to that period and recreate the scenes of battle fought by Shivaji Maharaj’s brave lion-hearted warrior Tanaji Malusare. The fort was won but Tanaji Malusare died in the battle. There is a bunglow where Lokmanya Tilak and Mahatma Gandhi met in 1915. There is one more bunglow of famous Marathi poet Ga Di Ma (G.D. Madgulkar).

Places to visit:

Dev Take – Tank for sweet and cold water.

Rajaram Maharaj Samadhi – This monument was built in the memory of Shivaji Maharaj’s son Rajaram.

Pune Darwaja – From Pune via Atkarwadi trekkers can enter the fort through this entrance.

Kalyan Darwaja – The trekkers who come via Katraj, can use this entrance of the fort. In older days this was used for the communication between Sinhgad and Raigad.

Daru Kothar – When we come through Pune Darwaja, there is building to the right which was used for the storage of grain.

Kondhaneshwar – This is the ancient temple of Lord Shiva.

Statue of Tanaji – With a few minutes walk from Kondhaneshwar this admirable monument of warrior Tanaji Malusare can be seen. In his memory, one day is celebrated here every year.

There are few more attractions like zunjar Buruj, Tanaji Kada, Western point, Amrutashwar mandir, etc. none of them can be missed…

The tower of Doordarshan-Mumbai is also there on the fort. It provides reception to Pune region. The view of entire pune city looks magnificent from the fort.

Food lovers will have a different kind of treat here. Dahi-wati, buttermilk, kanda-bhaji are must to taste. And more to that Pithla-bhakri is the main attraction of tourists.

Getting there – Sinhgad can be accessed by ST buses. Regular buses available from sarasbaug bus stand and they drop you till the foothill. However a car or mostly bike should be preferred to feel the breezy drive and the beauty of landscape.

For trekkers, when you arrive at Donaje village, need to climb 2000 ft. to enter through Pune Darwaja. Shorter way is through Kalyan Darwaja – 1200 ft reached by taking bus to Kondhanpur from where the Kalyan village is 3 miles away.

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Bhimashankar

Bhimashankar, 125 kms away from Pune is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of India and that is why it is one of the ancient pilgrim center in Maharashtra. 


The Temple: The Shiva temple was constructed by Maratha king Nana Phadnavis. It has been built with black stones and gives it a beautiful look. There is a statue of Nandi in the corridor and also a big bell which is fabricated by iron bars. The shivlinga inside the temple is 1.5 feet in length. 

This is the place where Bhima river originates. Apart from the famous pilgrim destination, Bhimashankar is also well known among trekking lovers and bird watchers. Bhimashakar is a conserve red forest area. This place also boasts the wildlife sanctuary. Like any place having forest around, in Bhimashankar as well one can find a variety of birds, animals, plants and flowers. 


Other places one can visit near Bhimashankar is Hanuman lake, Gupt Bhimashankar, Nag Phani, Bombay point, Sakshi Vinayak, Budhha style carvings of Amba-Ambika, etc. The orgin of Bhima river is also a very beautiful place you should visit.


How to reach: Regular buses available from Swargate. Or if you have your own vehicle, drive along the Pune-Nasik highway and turn off at the road leading to Bhimashankar. 


So Bhimashankar is an ideal place to visit for the people who want to spend a day or two near nature and God as well!


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Mulshi Dam - Tamhini Ghat

Mulshi is very near to the west of pune and close to lonavala and also the konkan region. Mula river crosses this region from west to east. There is maval taluka to the north, velhe to the south, haveli to the east and raigad district to the west. 

Mulshi is one of the most favourite picnic locations near pune. The road to mulshi itself is a very beautiful experience. Its 30 kms from pune on Pune -Roha way via Tamhihi ghat regions. You can have a garam vada-pav and tea break at pirngut or paud. Mulshi village is preceded be mulshi dam which is in its full flow during monsoon seasons. When you take a small walk around, the beautiful backwater view will fascinate you. If you are lucky then you can enjoy boating here.

During peak monsoon season, there will be deep fog in this region. You can actually feel walking on clouds! After this you can take a drive ahead in tamhini ghat. Its not a particular place but the complete route of the ghat – full of mystic views, lust green beauty and dense fog drive…..! most of the area is covered with forest. The forest cover is habitats of bird flora so a beautiful variety of colored birds can be spotted here.  The mulshi dam is a major one which generates electricity for Maharashtra.

How to reach – one can get a bus to mulshi from swargate or chandni chowk. Since its just 30-35 kms from pune you can get your own vehicle which is more advisable since you can stop wherever you want to enjoy ghat.

Best time to visit is rainy seasons.

You cannot miss to think about mulshi – tamhini ghat if you are preparing for a one day picnic near pune. A totally amazing and mystic location when you want to spend time enjoying the nature with your near and dear ones!

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