Sunset and Moonrise at Vetal Hill, Pune

Do you know, where is the highest point within Pune?

Vetal hill is the highest point within the Pune city limits. This is one of the last virgin green areas left in Pune. It is sometimes also known as 'Vetal Tekdi'. As soon as someone hear 'Vetal', "Vikram Vetal" characters comes to the mind. Don't worry I will not narrate the story about them, but take away to 'Vetal Hill' to enjoy sunset.

There are different treks, one can reach to Vetal hill within Pune. People reach this point from the areas like Fergusson College (C), SNDT Women's University (E), ILS Law College (G), Symbiosis Society (I), Gokhale Nagar (K), ARAI (automotive research institute) (M) and Chatushringi (O). We choose Gokhale Nagar trek for the same. Below map will help reaching Vetal Hill (N) point.

Vetal Hill Map

Address: Vetal Tekdi, Panchawati, Pashan, Pune, MH

You can see many people walking over the hill in the mornings and evenings. This is a nice spot to walk over the weekend and enjoy sunset. Though don't expect too much from this place. You will be happy to enjoy a small trek in a quite and serene environment. We were lucky enough to enjoy sunset and moon-rise as well being a full-moon night. We also see different panoramic views of Pune city from different points. 

There is also a temple of Vetal (Vetal Maharaj Temple) at top of the hill, you may have to ask someone as you reach Multi-junction 'Hanuman Temple Point'. There is a watchtower nearby as well. Many health conscious people use a mini gym near to Hanuman Temple. The hill also has a huge stone quarry. Small water bodies in its midst attract some birds and a few love birds (couples) also. This is main point where people sit for long, and enjoy sunset having sweet talks. 

We got the chance to take some amazing photographs. We also enjoyed kite flying for sometime. There are many trees, which make surroundings breezing and cool specially during mornings and evenings. Many people also enjoy bicycle riding here. This place is also an area of research for flora lovers. During late eve, There were many butterflies flying all around. Sometimes, People can also enjoy watching peacocks here. Alas! we missed, may be need to visit during monsoon daytime. Next time, I will also try to visit this place during monsoon to see peacock and more flora colors. 

Some other points to enjoy sunset in Pune are: Parvati Hill, Chaturshringi temple. 

If you are tired of thinking where to go within Pune to enjoy sunset. Have a short drive, trek and enjoy sunset from different points of Vetal Hill. 

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ADLABS Imagica Theme Park near Khopoli

Quote about the Post: "A world class immersive theme park where imagination and rides have no limits, and stories come alive" - Quote about ADLABS Imagica Theme Park near Khopoli off Mumbai-Pune Expressway by Sachin Kumar Gupta

It was Saturday morning when we started from Pune as per plan. Thanks to the team - Dnyaneshwar, Prem Kumar, Paresh, Vikram, and Vinod for organizing and making this successful. This world class theme park was inaugurated in April 2013. By next year there is plan for a hotel and water theme park to be up and running. Now a days, people are bored of walking to malls and routine markets, they need something different; this place certainly is a nice option. The theme park features, well planned 21 original attractions, including a ride based on the Bollywood film Mr. India, India's biggest roller coaster, and a 300-room hotel and water park.

Adlabs Imagica - Imagica Capital

Adlabs Imagica - India's biggest roller coaster

Adlabs Imagica is an alternative world, which celebrates unique way of storytelling. Adlabs Imagica is India’s first and only theme park of an international scale and standard in the sub continent, and is spread across 80 acres of land. Welcome to the world of Universal Studios and Disneyland of India. The centerpiece 'Imagica Capital' is replica of famous Disneyland within the park. If you have been to Universal Studios or Disneyland, you are bound to compare or correlate the attractions here. The theme park has a unique Indian flavor to it. Its rides are mostly inspired by Indian folk tales and its culture.

Adlabs Imagica Address: 30/31, Khopoli - Pali Road, Off Mumbai-Pune Expressway, Sangdewadi, Khopoli, Dist - Raigad, Maharashtra 410206

It attracts Mumbaikars, Puneites and people all around Maharashtra. Its popularity is increasing by leaps and bound across India and across the world. The theme park (D) is easily reachable from Mumbai (A), Thane, Navi Mumbai, Alibaugh (C), Khandala (E), Lonavala (F), Pune (G), and nearby places. [Check below map]

ADLABS IMAGICA THEME PARK KHOPOLI MAP

Zones and Attractions::: All different 6 zones (##) have unique concepts with attractions across the world map. I have mentioned below zones in the preferred order of visiting as per our group experience.

##Americana:: (Recommended for adrenaline ride lovers) 

*Nitro (Coming soon): [1] (India's biggest roller coaster) (When we were there testing was in progress)

*Scream Machine: [2] (Crazy Ride - a spinning pendulam) 

*Gold Rush Express: [3]

*D2 Dare Drop: [6]

Adlabs Imagica - D2 Dare Drop

Adlabs Imagica - Gold Rush Express

Adlabs Imagica - Scream Machine

Adlabs Imagica - Scream Machine

##Arabia:: 

*The Magic Carousel:

*Alibaba Aur Chalis Chorr (Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves): (A laser gun based shooting game)

##India::

*Curse of Salimgarh: (Haunted House)

*Wrath of the Gods: [8] (A theme based on ancient deities Jal, Vayu and Agni)

*Mr. India- The Ride: [1] (best attraction at Adlabs Imagica)

*I For India: [7] (Helicopter sightseeing for all major corners of India) (Prefer front row)

##Jambo Africa::

*Rajasaurus River Adventure: [4] (Meet the hungry dinosaurs)

*Mambo Chai Chama- Crazy Tea Cups:

Adlabs Imagica - Alibaba Aur Chalis Chorr

Adlabs Imagica - The Magic Carousel

##Asiana::

*Cinema 360- Prince of the Dark Waters: [9] (A fairy tale for kids)

*Deep Space: [5]

##Viva Europa:: (Family Games - Most of the rides tickle to kids, and shorter version of above rides.)

*Splash Ahoy! [10]

*Bandits of Robin Hood:

*Loch Ness Expplorers:

*Save the Pirate:

*Tubbby Takes Off:

*Bump It Boats:

Adlabs Imagica - Curse of Salimgarh

Adlabs Imagica - Rajasaurus River Adventure

Review and Key Points about ADLABS Imagica: [Sep13]

I wouldn't explain about the ride which may diminish the joy and surprises you may experience, but will put some important points and my observation about this place.

* Top 10 (1-10 rankings) attractions mentioned above are must try rides and attractions.

* 2 days would be best to enjoy the park fullest, But major attractions (Top 10 mentioned above) can be covered in a single day, you have to plan correctly. Reach on time.

* Park Opening Timings: 11am to 9pm. All rides and attractions operate till 8pm only.

* Start your day with rides in Americana zone, then lunch, and rest theme based rides.

* There are height restrictions for all the rides, which are clearly mentioned. 

* Location is fantastic, surrounded by beautiful hills, and green valley during monsoon adds value to it.

* You will get most of the latest information at ADLABS imagica site.

* Check the ADLABS Imagica website for the latest prices, offers and discounts.

Weekday: Adults : INR 1200, Children INR 900 (All rides included).

Weekend: Adults: INR 1500, Children: INR 1200.

Imagica Express: (Only For Weekends, Special pass to avoid queues) Adults : INR 2200, Children : INR 1900

* If you are visiting the place during the weekend, prefer to take VIP Express tickets (VIP Pass) , that will give choice of seating and reduce your wait time.

* They also offer travel combo from major pickup points in Pune and Mumbai.

* 'Value for money', Target population is middle and upper middle class, who can afford. 

* I like the fact that they also offer strollers and wheelchairs for rental. Big thanks to the team for consideration. 

* Skip walking! Free shuttle service is available from one zone to another zone.

* At the entrance itself, there is an Information Centre & Guest Relations Counter. Don't forget to take a copy of 'ADLABS Imagica Guide'.

* There are Kiosks located conveniently in the Park which will provide a range of food and beverages.

* The theme park serve variety of food and cuisines from around the world - "Red Bonnet - American Diner", "The Imagica Capital", "ZEZE - Bar+Grill", "Roberto's - Food Coaster" and "Arrmada - Tapas Bar".

* You will be surprised to see a fascinating restaurant where food is served on a mini-roller-coaster.

* The place offers unique rides and places to visit for all ages and groups. 

* If you are looking for group bookings, minimum 50 people are required.

* If you are looking for birthday bookings, minimum 40 people are required.

* I recommend to bring cap, comfortable shoes for walking, sunscreen, sunglasses, and preferably a camera.

* If you don't hold a camera, there is staff carrying DSLR, who will click your pics and you can get them on CD while returning back near the entry/exit (Souvenir Shop).

* All in all it’s a fun place to roam with family and friends or take little kids in nice weather. [Best time to visit July - March]

* Enjoy the history and making of this park, At some of the theme based attractions.

* Shake hands and interact with Imagica characters up close and click photographs with them.

* I see kids like dancing with music around Pop Jets, the fountain zone with jets of water shooting out.

* Some outdoor rides wont work while it is raining, and it depends up-to that day.

* If it is high temperature during noon or monsoon rains, Utilize your time to indoor attractions.

* Currently I don't observe any wi-fi facility inside the park. But who cares, if you are coming to enjoy the day. 

This brings back to memory my trip to Universal Studios in Los Angles. These views captured during the day using my latest SLR. It is the ultimate destination for a great time with your family and friends. Thanks to the "Adlabs Entertainment Limited" team for bringing this unique theme park in India and they deserve all applauds. So, what are you waiting for! Get set and ready for lifetime riding experiences. Hope to visit again...

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Lingmala Waterfall near Mahabaleshwar

Quote of the Post: "At Lingmala waterfall, you will love to get lost in the sound of waterfall and clouds chasing you, time to time." - Quote about Lingmala Waterfall near Mahabaleshwar by Sachin Kumar Gupta

Nature, Water, Lakes, Waterfalls! This trip was the dip to the places like Thoseghar Waterfall, Kaas Plateau, Tapola 'The Mini Kashmir', cloudy Mahabaleshwar, and Lingmala Waterfall during the monsoon weekend. We reached this place at the evening. I love the unique sounds and the power of flowing water, whether it is the sea-waves or a waterfall. If you are searching for Lingmala waterfall, you are at the right place.

Dudhsagar waterfall, Lingmala waterfall, Thoseghar waterfall, Dhobi waterfall, and Chinaman's waterfall are the famous waterfalls in Maharashtra. This place has advantage of being near to famous hill stations like Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra. It is easy to access from both Panchgani and Mahableshwar. Below map will help you to reach Lingmala waterfall (D) from nearby places - Mumbai (A), Pune (B), Panchgani (C), Mahabaleshwar (E), Tapola (F), or Satara (G).

Lingmala Waterfall Road Map

Entry Fee: INR 10 person and INR 10 additional for the camera. [as of Sep'13]

This place is full of natural beauty and has a pleasant climate. To experience this you need to visit Lingmala Waterfall in the rainy season. The best time to visit Lingmala waterfall is July to October (or November) during monsoon season. During the entire rainy season it has a great flow of water. You may experience heavy rainfall and lovely clouds following you during evening. The area is quite serene and tranquil, with clouds and dark woods in a hilly area. After entrance, there is a set of stairs, leading to the main point. Proper directions are given that lead to Chota Dhabdhaba (small waterfall) to the left (100 meters), and Bada Dhabdhaba (big waterfall) to the right (1200 meters).

We took the right turn first, and followed the stairs-route. These are properly maintained and promoted and also there are sensible gaps so that water doesn't fill in the walking treks. This trek reaches at an exit point, from where everyone just enjoy the picturesque vistas of Bada Dhabdhaba (big waterfall) that descends from the cliff and eye-soothing green valley alongwith a series of waterfalls. There were some monkeys roaming on the way, some of the them jumping from one tree to another. Please be on alert, if you have some food with you. We did some trick photography with snaps of waterfall flowing from the water bottle.

At Chota Dhabdhaba you can see waterfall originating point, and many people enjoy bathing and having a break here, We stayed some more time here and enjoyed along-with some nice photographs. This place is a clean pond, where many small waterfalls meet. This place is full of visitors that just adore the views of the waterfall. Don't miss the opportunity to get wet and drench in the waterfall. If you are planning to take shower and enjoy the water-flow  visit this point first and bring your towel and changing clothes with you.

No matter how much pressure you feel at work, you will be relaxed here and forget all your woes. There are some hotel and restaurants nearby where it is possible to eat vegetarian and non-vegetarian food after visiting the area. After coming out of the campus, we had tea and snacks at Mapro Garden and take home some juice and other stuff back to Pune.

Other nearby places to visit: One can easily combine visiting Venna Lake during one day or two days trip to Panchgani or Mahabaleshwar.

Boating at Tapola - 'The Mini Kashmir' of Maharashtra.

Kaas valley of flowers near Satara

A day at 'Grand Canyon of India - Mahabaleshwar'

A day trip to Panchgani - 'Five hills of Sahyadri'

Thoseghar waterfall near Satara during monsoon.

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Thoseghar waterfall near Satara

Quote of the Post: "After watching Thoseghar waterfall, you are tuned to attract towards it." - Quote about Thoseghar Waterfall near Satara by Sachin Kumar Gupta

You say the word 'waterfall' and the image of huge water body dropping from a high cliff in midst of a green valley, comes to the mind. If you are searching for Thoseghar waterfall, you are at the right place. You definitely should visit Thoseghar to admire the masterpiece created by God with various shades of white, green and golden color. A few other famous waterfalls in Maharashtra, in addition to Thoseghar are Dudhsagar, Lingmala, Dhobi and Chinaman's waterfall. 

We saw many windmills on our way while coming from Pune. If you have some time, Take a side trip to the nearby windmills farm at Chalkewadi. The scenic Thoseghar waterfall is one of Maharashtra's tallest waterfall. Its height is around 500 meters; which makes Thoseghar even special. Thousands of waterfall lovers come from all over Maharashtra to visit this place, especially during the rainy season. The best time to visit Thoseghar waterfall is July to October (or November) depends on rainfall.

You can experience nice views of waterfall flowing from the cliff during the entire rainy season. There are a series of waterfalls, some of them ranging 15 to 50 meters and tallest one of 500 meters in height, in the valley. This place is full of natural beauty and has a pleasant climate. To experience this you need to visit Thoseghar Waterfall in the rainy season. Thoseghar Waterfall is just 25 km from the city of Satara, Maharashtra. It is situated near the Sahyadri hill, at the edge of the Konkan region and 40 km away from famous Kaas plateau (Kaas flower valley). Below map will help you to reach Thoseghar waterfall (E) from Satara (F), and nearby places - Mumbai (A), Pune (B), Panchgani (C), Mahabaleshwar (D) or Solapur (G).

Thoseghar Waterfall from nearby Places

Entry Fee: INR 10 person and INR 10 additional for the camera. 

There are 2 major points marked as Chota Dhabdhaba (small waterfall), and Bada Dhabdhaba (big waterfall). To reach all these place, proper directions with good stairs and instructions are given. The area is quite serene and tranquil, with a clean lake located between the dark woods. One can pay visit to the vistas of Bada Dhabdhaba (big waterfall) and eye-soothing green valley. There is a picnic area and a newly constructed platform which gives a good view of the waterfall. This place was full of visitors busy adoring the view of the waterfall.

At Chota Dhabdhaba you can see waterfall originating point, which is an easily accessible water stream and it's quite safe to get into it. We stayed here for 30-40 mins only, because of time constraint, else we wouldn't have moved from here for at least a couple of hours. We had to head for our next destination - the Kaas Flower Valley.

After coming out of the premises, we had tea and some snacks just near the parking area. There are a few restaurants nearby where you can find vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. This is a popular picnic spot located in the Satara District. There are many attractions like boating at Tapola and Kaas Plateau which attract many tourists not only from India but from around world.

Other nearby places to visit:

Boating at Tapola - 'The Mini Kashmir' of Maharashtra.

Kaas valley of flowers near Satara

A day at 'Grand Canyon of India - Mahabaleshwar'

A day trip to Panchgani - 'Five hills of Sahyadri'

Lingmala waterfall near Mahabaleshwar during monsoon.

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A Boat Trip at Mini Kashmir - Tapola

Quote of the Post: "Tapola truely deserves the appreciation and definitely lives upto the tag of 'Mini Kashmir'. If you haven't visited Tapola, you haven't visited Maharashtra." - Quote about Tapola near Mahabaleshwar by Sachin Kumar Gupta

After visiting Thoseghar waterfall and Kaas Plateau of seasonal flowers near Satara, we stayed at Hotel Shivneri near Shiv-Sagar Boat club. If you want to feel the calmness and beauty of Tapola, just stay here for two days, and you'll wish to be here forever. We headed to Shiv-Sagar Boat Club post our breakfast. Our hotel was just near to Shiv Sagar Boat Club, so we reached there in no time.

Tapola can be visited throughout the year, however the best time to visit is from September to February, when you can enjoy clean and clear water. The place attracts heavy rains during monsoon. Tapola is a perfect holiday destination, only 25 km away from Mahabaleshwar, but it never got the fame as it should. The journey of 1- 1/12 hr from Satara or Mahabaleshwar, is a destination in itself. You can enjoy the route between the high Sahyadri hill ranges and the dark woods. Below is the map to Tapola (D):

Tapola - Mini Kashmir Map

Tapola sits at the convergence of the Koyana and Solshi rivers, and is a complete blend of natural beauty, seasonal waterfalls, mountains, tranquility, greenery, invigorating air and pristine ambience. The view of Koyana river on one side and Solshi river on the other, is really beautiful. 6 hours driving distance from Mumbai (290 km) or 5 hours from Kolhapur (200 km) or 4 hours from Pune (150 km) make it ideal for longer stay.

The dam is the biggest in Maharashtra - known as 'Shivsagar' which stretches 90 km long and serves as a water reservoir to the Koyana Dam. Shivsagar Lake and river camps are major tourist attractions here. Shivsagar dam is very popular for motor boats, which are available with nominal charges. Motorboats, Speed boats and scooter rides are the popular boating means; others enjoy kayaking and swimming. There are many unknown forts in deep forests around the lake.

Tapola Sightseeing: Tapola is full of attractions – From Shivsagar Boat club, you can see and reach differnt points, including a few islands and return to boat in following order and timings:

- Shivsagar Darshan (45 mins - 6 km)

- Triveni Sangam (1 hr 30 mins - 12 km)

- Datta Mandir (2 hrs - 20 km)

- Vasota Fort (3 hrs 30 mins - 30 km)

- Koyana Abhayaranya (4 hrs - 40 km)

Tapola is the base camp for one of the most exhilarating treks that one can go for in Maharashtra. Places mentioned above are completely cut off from civilization and can be reached only by a boat. The weather is exhilarating even in the peak of summer. So, if you are up for a challenge, take the forest authority permission in advance and be early in the morning to go to conquer Vasota Fort or Koyana Abhayaranya. One can find various animals in the dark forests such as tigers, bears and wild fox. The starting point of all these points is Shivsagar Boat club. We opted till Datta Mandir as that day, authorities didn't allow the trip till last point. After booking we got our turn soon, and ride in the boat with Meenal, Anmol, Priyanshu, Piyush and Monika.

While to the Shivsagar Darshan by boat journey, The surrounding views of the river were breathtaking and pleasant. Triveni Sangam is small island at the junction of three rivers. Our first stoppage was famous Datta Mandir, where we stepped out and roamed around for about an hour. The famous Shiv Temple, located below the lake level on this island, is the major attraction. We just wanted to be here as long as we could stay. 

We also enjoyed the vistas of a small beautiful village Bamnoli, located on the shores of Shivsagar lake. It was surprising and certainly unbelievable for us, to see the villagers carrying their home-luggage and other daily necessities by boats, loaded with more than 20 people at once. At one hand we could never imagine leading such a difficult life, on the other we see these people leading their lives happily.

Tapola is popular with nature and adventure lovers and photographers for trek and relish the scenic beauty. If you are a water sports enthusiast, Tapola is the best place to head to. It pleases mind by its nature and makes you forget all your urban woes. It was a action packed and rejuvenating weekend for us, after that we approached towards Mahabaleshwar following Lingmala waterfall during evening on our way back to Pune.

Next time I am planning to pay a visit, for a 'River Camp at Tapola'. Other nearby places to visit:

Kaas valley of flowers near Satara.
Thoseghar waterfall near Satara during monsoon.
A day at 'Grand Canyon of India - Mahabaleshwar'
A day trip to Panchgani - 'Five hills of Sahyadri'
Visit to Lingmala waterfall near Mahabaleshwar during monsoon

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Kaas Plateau of Flowers near Satara

Quote of the post: "A photographer's heaven and a botanical garden with a colourful carpet of millions of tiny wild flowers spread across." - Quote about Kaas Plateau near Satara by Sachin Kumar Gupta

  

We were planning to visit Kaas Plateau since long. We visited this place after Thoseghar waterfalls in Satara. The place is also known as 'Kaas Pathar' which is situated in western ghats. Kaas plateau of flowers, a few kilometers ahead of Satara in Maharashtra, is a magical piece of land and is one of the global biodiversity hotspots. 

The place displays one of the most spectacular natural events of wild Maharashtra during the latter half of the year. Depending on the monsoon and other weather factors, these flowers bloom on their own and stay for about 3–4 weeks. So the best time to visit the place is in Aug - Sep - Oct when rain is at its end leaps. It is not only a botanical garden, but also a photographer's heaven. Recently it has been declared as Biodiversity World heritage site by UNESCO.

Kaas Plateau Fees: There is INR 10 entry fee per person for visiting the place. There is also an online site 'kas.ind.in' where you can book in advance alongwith your vehicle details. We took the entry tickets online in advance, and showed mobile confirmation while visiting. You can reach this place from Satara. Below is the route map to Kaas Valley (D) from Pune (B), Mumbai (A), Mahabaleshwar (F), Panchgani (G), Tapola (E) or Satara (C).

Kaas Plateau of Flowers (D) Maharashtra Map

It was mesmerizing to view different colors and shades of millions of tiny wild flowers spread across Kaas Plateau at the dusk. Sun was bidding adieu and trickled it's rays creating a magical effect across. As per the info available there, valley has more than 850 different species of flowers and other plants including Orchids, Karvy and carnivorous plants such as Drosera Indica. 

Now Satara forest division and its organizers have placed fencing across both sides to preserve it. However, they do allow people to enter the fence on foot; no vehicles allowed inside. The walking pathway is clearly marked so that people don't walk over the flowers and there are a few caretakers to prevent it. We took many photographs from inside and outside the fencing. It was sunset time when yellow and red sun-rays make the valley more beautiful. The earthen smell of the soil along with the dramatic play of clouds and lights amidst the blue vast sky make the place a truly breathtaking spectacular, for human eye.

There are a few instructions which visitors are expected to follow - 'to do' , and 'not to do' (by Satara Forest Division):

Dont's:

*Pets are not allowed.

*Smoking is strictly prohibited.

*Don't litter or throw garbage.

*Don't pluck the flowers, fruits, seeds, leaves etc, for any purpose.

*Don't use this place for eating.

*Don't damage the flowers, plants, wild life etc, while taking photographs.

*Don't try to cross the barricade/fence. 

*Don't park your vehicles on road/plateau.

Do's:

*Please keep Kaas Plateau clean.

*Drop the litter in garbage box only.

*Park your vehicles only at the designated places only.

*Co-operate with the Kaas staff, volunteers, police working here.

*Please record your valuable suggestions in the register kept with forest staff.

Please note if you have expectation of watching large flowers, you are at the wrong place. Now a days this and its nearby places are one of the most famous picnic spot for locals. The place is increasing its popularity by leaps and bounds with the support of Satata tourism and localities. It has an small lake named 'Kaas Talav'. We drove down the curves from Kaas Plateau and passed by Kaas Talav and headed towards 'Tapola - Mini Kashmir' for night stay. Trip with Meenal, Anmol, Priyanshu, Piyush and Monika made this even more special. More during my next visit to Kaas.

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