A visit to New Palace Museum, Kolhapur

New Palace, Kolhapur is a palace situated in Kolhapur. One of the best preserved heritage places in Maharashtra as well as India. Being an excellent specimen of Indian architecture built in black polished stone, it has been an attraction for tourists. While visit to Goa, we took a halt at Kolhapur and visited this place. It is an historic building on the Bahvani Mandap-Kasaba Bavda Road and constructed during 1877–1884. 

Address : New Palace, Kolhapur, Maharashtra 416003 

The whole palace is eight-angled and has a tower in the middle. On every glass are painted the events in Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's life. The ground floor of the New Palace is converted into Museum. The magnificent Darbar Hall is in the center of this Palace and the ambiance has been recreated to give a glimpse of Maratha history and its regal splendor. This museum is dedicated to a fine collection of possessions of Chhatrapatis of Kolhapur like costumes, weapons, games, jewelry, embroidery and paraphernalia such as silver elephant saddles. There is also one of Aurangzeb's swords at the Shahaji Chhatrapati Museum. One section has stuffed Tigers, Tiger heads, Wild Dog, Sloth Bear, staring Wild Buffalo, Lion, Black Panther, Wild Boar, Black Buck, a number of other Deer varieties, and a Himalayan Black Bear.

Photography is strictly not allowed inside the museum. We took quite a few pics from outside. 

Even today, it is the residence of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaja, the direct descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaja. Several tourists from across the country visit the New Palace every year. There is a small lake in the palace with an open zoo that has several migratory birds like flamingos. There are also peacocks, emus, spotted deer, geese. The zoo forms a good side attraction to the Museum which is a must for history buffs. Though one can visit the palace anytime, but best time to visit this palace is June to February.  

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Wagheshwar Temple in Wagholi Pune

I am writing this post after a long time, and added old pics to showcase one of the best temple in Pune and around. This place is quite frequently visited by nearby people and from across Pune. It has its own charm during Mahashivratri. It is known as 'Wagheshwar Temple' in Wagholi, Pune. I have visited this places quite many times in past. So you should be able to see photos during day, evening, and night times. 

As of now due to local restrictions, simply take a visit through this online post. Please follow all guidelines as set by local authorities and government all the times. Don't forget to wear mask all the times, and go out only if it is very much needed and mandatory. 

This is very special photo taken from roadside, where you can see reflection in the water. The beauty of the image is, it looks upside down also the same. I have moved this image clockwise twice (180 degree). So in this image, It is having upper side under water, which is reflection, and lower side is the real temple. Please watch it closely or download to understand it. :)    

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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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Prati Balaji Temple Ketkawale near Narayanpur, Pune

Across different regions of India, there are numerous God and Goddess and their dedicated temples in Hindu religion. Everyone can't always visit the main sacred place. So some of the Indian states are building the replicas of major Hindu temples such as:

Replicas of 12 Jyotirlingas at Siddhesvara Dham, Sikkim

Replicas of Char dham at Namchi, Sikkim

Replicas of 51 Shaktipeeth at Ambaji, Gujrat.

Replica of the most famous Shirdi Sai Baba Temple (Prati Shirdi) at Shirgaon village near Pune.

Other replicas of famous monuments and major places of pilgrimage such as the Taj Mahal and Replica of Angkor Wat Temple in Bihar were under construction at the time of writing. 

Near Pune we have replica of most famous Tirumala Venkateswara Temple (Tirupati Balaji) named "Prati Balaji Temple" near Ketkawale-Narayanpur. If you have limited time and want to visit Balaji temple near Pune, this could be right place. For us, It was a short and half day trip from Pune. I have visited this place twice so far. There are multiple routes to reach this place. If you can come early, you can also trek for nearby Purandar Fort on same day. 

Address: Prati Balaji Temple, Saswad-Kapurhol-Bhor Road, Ketkawale, near Narayanpur, Pune, Maharashtra

It was built by the V.H.Group at a cost of 27 crores. It is located outskirts of Pune and also known as Shri Venkateshwara Temple. The priests of this temple have come from Tirupati Temple in Andhra Pradesh. Balaji temple at Pune is constructed under the guidance of Tirumala Tirupati Temple Devasthan. It took almost 7 years to built this temple during 1996 to 2003 and it is one of the best religious places in Maharashtra. The temple premises is quite clean and very well maintained. 

Prati Balaji Temple Ketkawale Timings: Daily 5:00 am to 8:00 pm. At the time when we visited, there was not much crowd at this temple. Even during the weekend, there were limited people, and within 5-10 minutes we got to see the replica of the Balaji idol inside. This place also has timings and Pooja details alongwith Darshan (visit) closing timings. 

No photography is allowed inside the temple, though Balaji Idol is pretty visible once you are inside the temple. They do not allow mobiles, cameras, leather waist belts and wrist watches inside the temple for security reasons. The lockers are available to deposit all these things. However, visitors can take photographs outside the main temple. We had few photographs during the 'Parikarma Marg' & Pathik also enjoyed this place during my second visit. This place in itself is beautiful amidst lush green hills, and all the color carvings are pretty amazing all around, which depicts lots of stories of Hindu Gods. After the visit don't forget to have Prasadam near exit. 

During both the visits, We relaxed here for an hour. Near the parking area of the temple, there are few shops, where one can buy souvneirs and also have snacks. Just outside of the temple, and near to main entrance there are quite many shops, and small market, that make this place more lively. As per current situtation, parking space seems to be good enough. Do visit this place, If you are in Pune or nearby. 

Other Famous Replicas Visit: 

We had visited "Prati Shirdi" at Shirgaon village near Pune as well. 

We had also visited "Mini Siam" - "The miniature world", place with most of the wonders at one place named "Mini Siam" in Pattaya, Thailand. We had a couple of hours around Mini Siam with a quick tour of most of the landmarks of Thailand and replicas around the world. 

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Mulsi Lake Trek and Paradise Cafe at Mulshi

If you are coming from Pune, you will also see Mulshi Dam, which is ~40 KM away from Pune. It is a very good place for nature loving people. As it is quite far from city, so better to have your own vehicle, if you are traveling from Pune or nearby areas you can ride on your two wheeler as well. The roads are not in good condition when you are near Mulshi. But the scenic beauty will surely touch your heart and mind. Water from this dam is even used for irrigation purposes. Lots of small local shops near the area sell tasty delicacies (bhaji, fresh corns etc.) which are ideal during the monsoon season. We too didn't miss these, and stop by during my each visit to Mulshi Lake. 

Paradise Cafe and Trek to Mulshi Lake:

Mulshi Lake is among the most visited places near Pune in Maharashtra, which is away from the hustle bustle of the city and crowd. It's a good place to visit during monsoon season. We stayed at Paradise Cafe for one day with friends. You can spend quality time with your family, friends or loved ones. The view from cafeteria is simply superb, for which they are charging. Paradise cafe has a great view and lake access. I have read about this place and feedback at multiple forums. Please keep in mind that all the money you need to give in advance, then you will enjoy your stay and you will be in peace. Do not expect too much. They need to improve on their services, and room conditions. The owners converted their farm house into a business place. I would not recommend this hotel to stay if you can stay somewhere else because now you have lots of options nearby. If by all means you decided to stay, you need to have your own music system, and your own trek and camp accessories to enjoy. We had all that as we have done multiple trips. But food is overall good specially the Punjabi food like parathas, lassi and other items, but price is at high side. There is a Souvenir Shop, where prices are little costly too. 

There is a trek from Paradise cafe which goes to Mulshi Lake side. Be aware of slippery paths during rains. It is small 15 mins walk which is good in early morning or evening. We love this quick short trek to Mulshi lake. There is a gate which leads to Mulshi lake. After touching serene water, felt so fresh. We had few photos during our trip as always. 

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