Mahabaleshwar

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The Mahabaleshwar Temple has Lord Shiva as its presiding deity. The temple is encircled with a 5 feet high stone wall. The Mahabaleshwar hills were named after Lord Mahabali which means great strength.

At 1,372 meters above sea level, Mahabaleshwar is one of the most spectacular and the largest of Maharashtra's hill-stations. Mahabaleshwar is Sanskrit fro God of Great Power. The first Briton to set foot here was Sir Charles Malet in 1791. Under General Peter Lodwick and Sir John Malcolm, the governor of Bombay, a sanitarium was built in 1828. Mahabaleshwar was then considered a British territory and was named 'Malcolm Peth' for some years. The bazaar is still named so.

John Malcolm was completely taken in by the hill-station. Under British rule, roads were built, following which resorts quickly sprang up. Bungalows, churches and the Mahabaleshwar Club was built. A Polo ground and race course were opened. In the 19th century, as soon as the sanitarium was founded, an open jail reformatory center was established. Convicts from China and Malaysia were stationed here.

They were involved in constructing roads, grinding cornflour, maintaining potato cultivation's and other vegetable gardens in the English resorts. Now, the Public Works Department ungalow stands on the site of the prison. Mahabaleshwar was the summer capital of the Governor of the old Bombay Presidency. The Britishers built various mansions, Cottages and bunglows around the town, lending it a charming, sophistication.

The Mahabaleshwar Temple is divided into two - the inner room and the outer room. The inner room is known as the God chamber and the outer is the central hall. The important site of prayer is a ‘lingam’ which is of black stone. The lingam is regarded to be the materialization of the Divine. The temple is the land mark of Mahabalewshwar. It is visited by locals and tourists.

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There are various points around the edge looking out over the flat-topped ghats, dense forests and lush green valleys below. Almost 1,240 meters above the sea level, Lodwick Point has a great view. There is a monument in memory of the general, erected by his son.

Between Lodwick Point and Elphinstone Point lies the Dhobi waterfall. Also on the path to Elphinstone Point is a small scenic spot overlooking the Koyna river valley. Elphinstone Point is named after a former Governor of Mumbai. Lying at 1,348 mts above sea-level is Arthur's Seat, overlooking the beautiful Jor Valley. About a kilometer from this is Tiger's Spring and, following the same path, you will reach a small ledge known as 'The Window' The view from here is simply mesmerizing.

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Raj Dinakar Kelkar Museum:
Raj Dinakar Kelkar Museum is located at the busy Bajirao Road in the heart of the Pune city. This museum displays varieties of artifacts which shows the vastness and diversity of culture of the country and people. The Museum houses many passionate items collected by Dr. D. G. Kelkar.The spectacular museum offers unique exhibits like the foot scrubber in the form an elephant-shape, images of Lord Ganesha, and a brass scorpion which is having a secret lock system. ‘Mastani Mahal’ which was reconstructed in the museum is a major attraction here. It also exhibits twenty century old pottery, paintings of 17th century and carved doors of temples and palaces. It is a worthy museum to visit.

Mahatma Phule Museum:
Mahatma Phule Museum, established in 1875, is presently known as Mahatma Phule Vastu Sangrahalaya and is located in the heart of the city Pune. The exhibits in this museum include marble statues, brassware items, stone carvings and oil paintings. It also displays many other artifacts, textile and jewelry items, arms and armory, handicrafts, items related to geology, agriculture, forestry, natural history and industry.
The museum serves as a platform for information and knowledge exchange. It has a well-maintained library with rare collection of books in all ways of life, art and culture. Occasional film shows and seminars conducted in this museum attract many interested audiences.

National War Museum:
Express citizen’s forum, an organization of Pune citizens, was the driving force in building the National War Museum. The War memorial was opened to the nation in October 1988 in a record time after the stone laying foundation held in November 1997. The 25 feet pillar represents the memorial. This grand idea was successful by the whole hearted help of all people of Pune, irrespective of the cast, creed and religion. People from all walks of life contributed lavishly for this great cause. It is a patriotic site to pay homage to the great sacrifice of India’s War fighters.

Shaniwar Wada:
Shaniwar Wada was the palace of the great rulers Peshwa dynasty in Pune. The structure was built by the King Baji Rao of Maratha Dynasti in 1730. The Palace was destroyed in a big fire in 1827; the mammoth structure of the walls survived the fire. Shaniwar Wada is a real specimen of Maratha culture and the architectural design shows the influence of Mughal style and the feature of Maratha artistic styles. The 21 feet tall massive door of the palace known as Delhi Darwaza is one of the remains of the grand old Palace. Public can visit the palace everyday between 8 am to 6.30 pm.

Vishram Bagh Waada:
Vishram Bagh Waada, the great old palace marked its presence in grand olden times, is presently in ruins. This majestic palace was constructed by Peshwa during the 18th century. The palace was renowned for the attractive facades made in good quality wood. Presently only some remains of the palace are seen in the city of Pune. The remains of this majestic palace are specimens of great old Maratha architectural beauty and style. The tourists who are fond of archeological and historical sites should not miss this place.

St. Mary's Church:
St. Mary's Church, an ancient church dating back to 1825, is built by British people to facilitate the British people settled in Pune for worshipping. This is an elegant structure with a blend of British and Indian architectural styles. The mortal remains of Sir Robert Grant, the renowned writer of religious lyrics and an erstwhile Governor of Mumbai, is placed under the floors of the church. Everyday worship is offered in this Church and the church still uses pipe organs of about 130 years old. It is a nice Christian religious tourist destination.

Saras Garden:
Saras Baug or Saras Garden is constructed by Nanasaheb Peshwa and is located in the scenic background of Parvati Hills. The imposing garden is an evening relaxation spot and is exquisite with elegant fountains and lush green pleasant lawns. The garden houses a renowned temple constructed in 1774 by Madhav Rao Peshwa. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and there is a Ganesh Murthi Museum, enclosing large number of Ganesh statues. Saras Garden has been used by citizens of Pune as a walking and jogging track and also serves as a beautiful hangouts for the populace in the weekends and evenings

Aga Khan Palace:
The Aga khan Palace is a historically important pace in Pune. It is famed and well related with Indian Independence movement. British put many important freedom fighters under arrest in this Palace. It is in this palace where Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba Gandhi were imprisoned along with Mahadeobhai Desai during the Quit India Movement in 1942. There are memorials of Mahadeobhai Desai and Kasturba Gandhi, which were made out of attractive beautiful marbles. It is a very good place to pay a visit.

Parvati Hill Temples:
Parvati hill is a picturesque and sacred mount located in Pune. Parvati Hill Temple, believed to be built during 17th century, is an important Hindu religious destination in Pune located on top of majestic Parvati Hill. It enshrines the idols of Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha, Lord Vishu, Devateshwar and Lord Karthikeya. This temple was solely used for the prayers of Peshwa rulers in olden time, later it was opened to public. Steps with specialized stone architectural works of Maratha lead to the hill temple. The Parvati hill is an ideal location for trekkers. Nearby attractions include Parvati Museum enclosing old manuscripts, rare coins and weapons, Sati Monument and Vetal Chabutra.

Chatushrungi Mata Temple:
Chathushrungi Mata temple is one of the three ancient temples in Pune and is located in the Senapati Bapat Road. The main deity is Devi Mata and devotees offer prayers with much devotion and belief in this temple. It is believed that the deity has eternal powers to bless the people devoted to the Goddess. Navarathri celebrations here witness very huge crowd in this temple. All the nine days, devotees queue up to view the marvelous site of decorated Devi Idol. This is an important religious place to pay a visit and to offer prayers.

Pashan Lake:
Pashan Lake is a charming artificial lake located in the outskirts of Pune city. The lake is a nice relaxation point for cool evenings and weekends. It offers many eye catching natural views including the full coverage of colorful sunset in the horizon. Pashan lake is a natural habitat of many birds including the migratory bird species. Post monsoon seasons and summers are the period in which one can spot rare species of birds over the lake. This is an intermediate halting place for many migratory birds on their way to southern states like Kumarakom lake in Kerala.

Pataleshwar Caves:
Pataleshwar Cave Temple, a rock cut shrine dating back to 8th century, is historical temple in the middle of Jangli Maharaj Road in Shivaji Nagar Pune. The temple is made out of a single hard stone and the main deity is Pataleshwar. The temple bears massive pillars and constructed with the architectural excellence like that of Elephanta caves in Mumbai. A temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and a Nandi Mandapam adorn the entrance to the cave temple. Jangali Maharaj Temple is placed nearby. The temple is an exquisite specimen of Hindu devotion and is a religious destination worth to visit.

Bund Garden:
Bund garden in Pune is amazingly placed with ardent beauty at the right bank of the rivers of Mula and Mutha rivers, adorning the beauty of the city. The bund was constructed Sir Janshedji with an aim to provide water to poor for farming. Bund Garden is known as Mahatma Gandhi Udyan. The visitors who look for secluded environment prefer this garden due to its calm ambience and the scenic beauty. The Bund garden with plenty of attractive floras draws the attention of the visitors. It is a nice place for relaxing in the evenings and weekends. Enthusiast tourists can enjoy the boat ride in the backwaters developed by the bund. The garden is away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Appu Ghar:
Appu Ghar is a nice environment for fun and enjoyments in Pune. Appu Ghar invites you whole-heartedly. It is a theme park, with many facilities of merry making and offer many fun related activities. Appu Ghar is located at Indira Gandhi Udyan in Pune, earlier known as Bund Garden. It has grown to a major picnic spot with beautifully illuminated pathways and picturesque lawns. Prime attractions in the Garden are the attractive still lake and vast expanse of unexplored hilly terrains. If you visit Pune, do not miss the visit to Appu Ghar, especially kids like this great place.

Dehu:
Dehu is famed as the birth place of the poet saint Tukaram and is an ancient city located at the shore of the Indravati River. Tukaram is the most revered ancient poet in Maharashtra and his work ‘Abhang Gatha’ has been considered as the one of the greatest literary work in Maratha. Dehu Temple, built by the youngest son of Tukaram, is the main attraction of Dehu. Dehu temple is assumed to be built during the 18th century and the main deity here is Lord Pandurang. The place in which Tukaram attained Moksha (salvation) is nearby to Dehu. Other attractions in Dehu include a rock famed due to Tukaram’s 13 day fast in standing and a garden in the dedicated to the memory of his wife. A temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, established by Ayyappa Seva Sangam is a religious attraction in Dehu. Ayyappa devotees throng to this temple during December 16 to January 15, the Mandala festival period.

Osho Ashram:
Ashram of Bhagwan Rajneesh (Osho Ashram), in a 32 acre beautiful campus, is in Koregaon Park near Pune. The ashram is a prime attraction for tourists who are enthused with the preaching and ideologies of Bhagwan Rajneesh. It is a resort for Meditation and Yoga. Regular training programs on spiritual uplift and meditation are conducted in this place. Osho Kundalini meditation, Osho Nadabrahma meditation, Osho dynamic meditation and Osho Nataraj mediation are some of the techniques taught here, the training offer the practice of meditation to get rid of stress and strain of worldly life.

Panshet Water Park:
The tourists who are seeking for a vacation with some adventurous water sports activities are passionately welcomed to Panshet Water Park. The park is located in the scenic surroundings lying between two important dams Varasgaon Dam and Panshet Dam and is one of most popular attractions in Pune. Panshet Water Park offers unique holiday experiences with many opportunities for water sports like kayaking, swimming, water scooters, excellent rides on speed boats and wind surfing. The park itself is placed in a natural environment with a backdrop of deep greenery. Raigad Fort, Sinhagad Fort and another dam Khadakwasla Dam are nearby attractions.

Paragliding:
Pune is a renowned name all over the world for paragliding training and institutions. Flying Safari is one of the major institutions providing good quality paragliding training and the facilities in the institute are spectacular. The courses here offer from very basic level to hill flying skills development. This sports activity is open to all through the year, except for heavy rainy monsoon seasons. It offers joy paragliding facilities for enthusiastic travelers. Inhouse accommodations are available here for those who undergo training.

Horse Riding:
Horse Riding Activity in Pune is really a unique opportunity for enthusiast adventurous people. There are many horse riding training centers. Some of this centers offer horse riding facilities for the tourists. Horse riding packages are available from Pune to Sinhagad fort. The horse riding training camp offers facilities for people of all ages. The horse riding practices are conducted in outdoor stadiums of each horse riding school. The beginners to experts took part day to day exercises. Expert trainers look after the training progress. There are facilities for riders for venturing out in nights over the knights. Horse riding is one of the most exciting attractions in Pune.

Katraj Snake Park:
Katraj Snake Park is a rare location to get the close view of variety of reptile species. This Park, established in 1986, is situated close to Pune on Pune–Satara Highway at Katraj. The Park houses birds and turtles apart from the reptiles. The park homes the rare species of Brown Palm Civet and is a major attraction. As per the wildlife records this is the only specimen of this kind in captivity. The King Cobra of length nine feet, which is brought from Sunderbans, is another attraction to the wildlife enthusiasts. A zoo and a garden located nearby are also worth visiting.

David Synagogue:
A real specimen of Victorian architectural style, David Synagogue was constructed by David Sassoon in 1861 in Byculla near to Pune. The synagogue is managed by Sit Jacob Sassoon Charity trust and the synagogue offers everyday prayer services. The architectural style is amazing with huge frontal pillars in Gothic style and a clock tower overlooking the whole city. There is an exclusive prayer hall for ladies with a gallery in the upstairs. Many foreign tourists visit this place attracted by the religious importance and architectural marvel. This is a worth religious place to visit.

Shinde's Chhatri:
Shinde's Chhatri is located at a place called Wanowri, pretty close to Pune city. This is a building constructed as a memorial of the Maratha noble character Shri Mahadju Shinde. The architectural style of the building is appreciable with beautiful carvings and the building is the lively specimen of a structure constructed following the Vaasthu Hara rules. This is an excellent architectural marvel worth visiting.

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