Sant Tukaram Maharaj - Gatha Temple, Dehu near Pune

Gatha temple (Mandir) is situated in a village named Dehu which is around 30 Kms from Pune. It is made up of white marbles and located on the bank of Indrayani river near old temple of the Sant Tukaram Maharaj. The views are simple awesome, specially during rainy (monsoon) season. This temple looks even more beautiful during evening time. I visited the temple with my family while my parents visited us. We all loved this place and will try to visit this place frequently. 

If you are coming from Pune by bus, It will drop you near old temple of the Sant Tukaram Maharaj. One must visit this place, we visited too. From there you can easily get the auto. Even if you coming by your car or any other personal vehicle, simply follow the google maps. There are enough sign boards to guide you to reach this famous temple. Due to its popularity, Many prominent personalities has also visited this place. At back side of the temple at Indrayani river, there are wonderful ghats across the river, don't forget to visit that place. We parked our car near this place, and sat near riverside for more than an hour, and inhale fresh air.

As soon as you enter the outer gate, you will easily figure out the temple, with two giant elephants statues guarding it. Once you reach up after taking few steps, you will see an attractive idol of Sant Tukaram Maharaj, sitting with a Veena in his hand in the middle of the temple. Once we enter the place, we feel full of positive energy. He was a great saint. All his Poti printed on the walls for public to read. This is one of the main attraction, that's why it is called Gatha temple. More than 4000 Abhang (gatha) are scripted on the white marbles walls. There are also paintings of Gods on the walls surrounded by statues, which narrate few mythological and old famous stories. There is also a small garden to sit and relax. Pathik also had a fun and playful day.  

There is also a Bhakt Niwas for pilgrims to stay here. Don't miss the chance to have Mahaprasad, The temple offers Mahaprasad in between 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. We loved it, which was served with immense love. Outside this temple, small shops are available for snacks and other items to eat. We loved the temple environment a lot. I must say that entire temple is very calm, serene and spiritual, where people can relax and meditate. Overall very neat and clean surroundings. Everyone must visit this place, if want a good spiritual experience.

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Shri Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga, Trimbak near Nashik

Trimbakeshwar (Trambakeshwar) is an ancient Hindu temple in the town of Trimbak, in the Nashik District of Maharashtra, India. It is 28 KM away from the city of Nashik and 40 KM from Nashik Road. One can easily reach to this place via road from Nashik, Mumbai, Pune and Shirdi. It is advised to visit the place early in the morning as temperature is very high during the midday mostly. After our last day - Sula Vineyard trip, We visited the temple early in the morning as we stayed in Nashik only. We had the car to reach the place. VIP darshan is available at 200 INR though we did not go for it as it wasn't much crowded. Soak yourself in the holiness and purity of the place which washes away all your regrets and sins; and brings wisdom and spirituality.

Trimbakeshwar temple is dedicated to the Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The origin of the sacred Godavari river is near Trimbak. Plenty of parking is available for private vehicle. The temple is located between three hills namely Brahmagiri, Nilagiri and Kalagiri. When you reach the place you see the ancient and old temple building from far. This is a black stone structure or turned into black shade due to atmospheric effects of Sun and waters. You can carry phones and take pictures inside premise but not inside the sanctum. The Shivalinga is small and located in a garbha griha that is down in a flight of stairs. However, a mirror is placed for easy darshan by devotees. It is not allowed by the priests to touch or go down to bow head. Usually one can stay there just for a few minutes. 

Kusavarta, a kunda (sacred pond) in the temple premises is the source of the Godavari River, the longest river in peninsular India. The current temple was built by Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao (Nanasaheb). Outside the temple premises, you can see plenty of shops and stalls so you can enjoy and even stay nearby as there are a lot of hotels including a few good ones. This place is also famous for doing many poojas to remove different types of doshas. People from India and all across the world visit this place for this purpose. These poojas are performed by Pundits in the temple complex and their homes during day time. 

At Nashik, you can visit other temples like Sita Gufa, Muktidham, a temple of hundreds of Gods. We visited only Muktidham temple and It has really wonderful depicting of lots of Indian Mythologies and Stories in temple premises. En-route to the temple are Coin Museum, Anjneri, Swami Samarth Temple and Gajanan Maharaj temple. Surrounded by hills one can plan to spend a day here visiting nearby places like caves and other temples. 

Maharashtra Jyotirlinga Tour is considered to be a very sacred pilgrimage and thousands of pilgrims travel to these holy places every year to get blessings of lord Shiva. In total, there are twelve Jyotirlingas in India. To cover all five Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra, you can start your trip either from Mumbai, Pune or nearby places. These cities are well connected by rail, road and air. It usually take four days to cover all the places. There are five Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra. 

1. Shri Trimbakeshwar Temple, Trimbak near Nashik

2. Shri Grishneshwar Temple, Aurangabad

3. Shri Bhimashankar Temple, Bhimashankar

4. Shri Aundha Nagnath, Hingoli 

5. Shri Vaijnath Temple (Parli Vaijnath), Parli near Beed

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Amanora Fern Resort and Club near Magarpatta Pune

It being our 7th Anniversary, although it feels like yesterday! I wanted to make it special for us, at the same-time to be comfortable for our 2 yr old brat. After all googling, I zeroed on 'Wintergreen Premium' room (post a detailed discussion with Dimple and Aadrika) at Amanora Fern Hotel and Resorts near Amanora Mall. It was a surprise for my better half and the team at Ferns didn't leave any room for me to complain. Right from a warm welcome to beautiful room decoration, an Anniversary cake to best wishes from their staff, they just pampered us... and our lil one loved it to the core, swimming pool and kids play area being his favorite. 

As we see in places like Dubai, and across Europe, the structures here are grand and are a treat to eyes. Wintergreen Premium room is big, lavish with comfortable sofa and terrace. Terrace view was spell-binding...be it evening or morning. it was just picturesque! The lake, lush green garden, fountain and Amanora sky-high towers - all in one frame. We also took some pictures as usual. The reception area is located in a lovely white dome shaped architecture with glass work all around and the Big Clock Tower right next to it adds to the beauty. Amanora The Fern is the most premium club & hotel committed to offer top notch facilities perfect for couple, corporate as well as leisure travelers. The hotel is very well connected to the important business (mainly Magarpatta) and entertainment hubs of Pune city. Free private parking is available on site. Anyone can easily reach the place, It is approx 8 km away from Pune International Airport. Make yourself at home in one of the 26 air-conditioned rooms featuring minibars and LED televisions. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment.

One can take an early morning walk alongside the man made lake and enjoy the greenery & view of water reflection of the hotel. With our little one's morning tantrums, we could do afford a late morning walk for about an hour. The lawn is huge enough to accommodate over 1000 guests, and good for any kind of party, team event, or even marriage function. The food was superb at every meal (evening snacks, dinner, and morning breakfast with lots of options). Staff at the restaurant arranged baby chair for my son and he even enjoyed the food. We had little uncooked pasta, which they right away changed. There is also a general store in the premises, from where one can buy required stuff. The gym is huge with every equipment one can imagine, but I couldn't explore. Also, I didn't get the time to experience the spa but the facility seems impressive. 

They had beautiful swimming pool, badminton court, squash court, children's play area, tennis courts, and much more to keep the adults & kids busy. Next morning, we enjoyed at the pool. One request and a suggestion to the team, pool water should be warm during winters, specially for kids, so they can spend more time. Water being super cold, I had to pull my son out of it within 10 mins. The best part was the fountain view from kids play area and green lush garden. Our kid enjoyed this place around an hour, and needless to say that he was not ready to come out of this place. So many playful stuff for kids were present. The best part was, everything was so neat and clean, and properly placed. 

Great holidaying and awesome experience, 5 stars in all departments, lovely property, courteous staff specially Dimple, Aadrika, Laxmi at kids area, Reception staff, Room service, Housekeeping all were tip top. The check-in was smooth and very fast. My compliments to the management for maintaining such a beautiful hotel & resort. All in all, a charming place to relax after a hectic schedule. I will suggest this hotel to all my friends, and recommend anyone visiting this part of Pune. 

This was a great hotel at decent price. Thank you once again, hope to visit the place again with bigger group, and other Fern group hotels. 

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Camping Experience at Dreamlandd Resortt at Mulshi near Pune

After a long time, we decided to visit a resort for team event. We chose Dreamlandd Resortt near Mulshi with camp tents stay for a weekend getaway. The place is well placed close to the mountain ranges in Mulshi, Pune which can offers breathtaking waterfall views from the resort in monsoon season. Dreamlandd Resortt is a growing attraction on a hilltop, kissed by the clouds & blessed by nature, just a little beyond the Mulshi dam near Pune. The place is owned by Degaonkar family and their staff manage it. After enjoying the beautiful views from Pune and taking few pics on route, we reached here early in the evening. 

Dreamlandd Resortt Address:

Dreamlandd Resortt, Nandivali Rd, Nandivali, Taluka Mulshi, Pune

One can easily reach the place following google maps. 

https://goo.gl/maps/hwmd9tSJD2L2 

There are multiple outdoor activities inside the campus like - swimming, volleyball, cricket, badminton, rain dance with music. We just loved rain dance with music, they have this cool setup just near the pool area. Swimming pool was clean and well maintained. We enjoyed in the evening and next morning as well. You can also plan some evening/morning walk around the campus in the fresh air and experience the ambiance and quietness of the place. 

We got good food served with good service by the local staff here who manages the property. Bottled water and other basic stuff were available. They do have fridge, if you have some drinks to maintain cold. We loved the fresh ginger tea and onion rings (Bhaji) in with evening snacks, which was simply superb. Dinner was fresh, well prepared with hot rice flour roti, daal, and vegetables. We had lots of chat, music, dance, poetry, guitar time and fun filled night. It was total serene environment under the stars. Camping is always a wonderful experience, which keeps us close to nature. Tents were pretty neat and clean with proper bedding, sheets, and blanket. Morning tea and snacks in breakfast along-with Kanda Poha was well prepared as well. 

As per our discussion with staff, they have 4 rooms with the capacity for 20 persons, and camping tents with the capacity for 70 persons which is best for corporate outings, team building and adventure activities, birthdays and kitty parties, bachelors and spinsters, group outings, etc. Single room with attached bathrooms are good for a family of 3 and can accommodate 1-2 persons with the additional bed. Just about 3 km from this resort, you can visit the Mulshi backwaters and get a panoramic view of the huge reservoir and take beautiful pictures. Views of dam en-route dreamland farms are simply amazing. We also took few pictures while coming back. Overall it was very satisfying experience for the whole team. 

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