The picturesque Parvati Hill and Temples can be the choice, if you want to spend good time in Pune early morning or in the evening. It also provides a great morning or evening trek location for the locals having just 103 steps. This place is just 1 km from Swargate, situated at a height of 2100 feet above sea level, considered to be the oldest heritage structures in Pune.
Timings: Open at 5:00 a.m. Close at 8:00 p.m.
Once you are at the hilltop, you can get the amazing 360 degree views of the city below. Parvati hill comprises a couple of temples, main attraction Devdeveshwar Temple ( Shiva and Parvati), Lord Kartikeya Temple, Lord Ganesha, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Vitthal Temple. The Vitthal temple is of quite recently built structure, having idols of Vitthal and Rukmini. The main temple entrance is quite old, but well preserved. The idols of Shiv, Parvati and Ganesh are marvelous Indian metal work.
It was a pleasant experience to reach at the top of the temple to enjoy panoramic views, Entry cost is 5 INR only for 1 hour. We were during the dusk at that point. Cool air was breezing the atmosphere, and city lights started twinkling all around. As we were touching closing time, we quickly visited rest of temples at the Parvati hill. The temple have attracting colour combination, fine metal work idols, and eye-catching painting on the walls depicting epic stories.
Parvati hill also boasts a museum, build as a commemoration of Peshwa rule. Peshwa museum has a rich collection of portraits of the heroes of the Peshwa dynasty, old manuscripts, weapons, coins, etc. Some of the paintings of the Peshwas are also displayed in the hall. The Samadhi Sthan of Shrimant Nanasaheb Peshwa is also situated near the museum. Near the top of the entrance gate, there is a small restaurant, which provides some snacks, tea, and coffee.
Shravanmas (Savan month of Hindu Calender) festival and Kartikeya Swami festival (during Tripura Poornima) are mainly celebrated at Parvati temple to offer prayers by thousands of devotees. Take a break from the maddening crowds of the city, and relax while adoring beautiful sunrise and sunset views from the hill.
Other one day trip from Pune:
Enjoy Temghar Dam and Lavasa
An eve at Mulshi Lake
Sinhgad - The Lion Fort
You really placed very good info about this place, I live nearby and love to see something like this. Also you have taken nice photographs.
ReplyDeleteParsad Shinde