Alandi - A Holy and Historic place within the city of Pune

We heard of this place (Alandi near Pune) since long, so visited on a casual unplanned short visit next to Pimpri-Chinchwad. This is the place where Saint Dnyaneshwar (Jnaneshwar) did his penance and attained samadhi. He also attained the holy blessing by Sri Panduranga and created one of the extraordinary work called Jnaneshwari (translating the Bhagavad Gita in Marathi). 

There is a most famous beautiful temple named 'Shri Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Sanjeevan Samadhi Mandir', but not well maintained. Just like any other famous temple, this is also a crowded one, where you hardly get to see St. Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Samadhi for few seconds even after being lined up in a long queue. There are a large number of vendors outside the main temple complex that offer materials for worshiping at the samadhi such as garlands, turmeric etc. We put off our shoes/chappals from the same place where we took some sweets etc later. If we consider temple, then certainly it is a good place - such an old heritage temple.

This reside at the banks of Indrayani River. The Indrayani river is a Perennial River and bathing in the river has special significance for pilgrims to Alandi. It is considered to be holy and clean, but sorry to say that it doesn't give the feeling at all. The river is heavily polluted because of sewage discharge by different towns along its course. The different needs of the pilgrims are performed by different groups of Brahmins near the ghat, like - after birth events, hair cuts, cremation, weddings or at the religious services to the bereaved respectively. 

There are many other temples and places to visit in and near Alandi. Those are mainly for the interest to pilgrims.
    Dnyaneshwari Mandir
    Laxmi Narayan Mandir
    Sant Jalaram Temple: We stayed in this temple for about an hour, This was quite better and ambiance was really good. This temple was built in 1960s with the same architectural design as the one in Virpur Gujarat. There is a temple for Santoshi Mata in the same temple complex.
    Vitthala-Rakhumai Temple

People in the village are nice though. They make you feel that you have come to an holy place. The town also has dozens of dharmshalas and bhavans catering for different community. We had our lunch at nearby veg restaurant with quite cheaper rates. It is known that during Asadhi Ekadasi, there happens 'Palkhi' procession with the feet of Sant Dnyaneshwar on a 'Palkhi' from the temple to Pandharpur. The procession is joined by tens of thousands of devotees for the 150 km journey on foot. Pilgrims also perform circumambulation around the whole Alandi town during their visit. Pilgrims from all over India (majorly Maharashtra) come to Alandi throughout the year.

Just 17Kms from Alandi, another village called Dehu (Dehu gaon) is situated where you can find St. Tukaram Maharaj Mandir, Gatha Mandir and Vaikunth Mandir. Hope to visit this in our next trip.

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An Eve at Parvati Hill and Temples

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

Mahabaleshwar Trip

An eve at Mulshi Lake

Sinhgad - The Lion Fort

Kashid and Murud Janjira Fort

Purander Fort

Lonavala Trip

Khandala Trip

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Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra, India

 ***** Ajanta Caves (Ajintha leni) ***** 

Quote of the Post: "Sacred sounds in stone have gained international fame and re-designated as World Heritage Sites". - Quote about 'Ajanta and Ellora' - Sachin Kumar Gupta

Since 1983, The Ajanta Caves have been world's greatest historical monument recognised by UNESCO located just 40kms from Jalgaon city of Maharashtra, India. It is 100 Km from Ellora Caves, and 110 Km from Aurangabad. After covering Ellora caves, We follow the route from Pune as: 

Pune - Ahmadnagar - Shani Shingnapur - Aurangabad - Daultabad - Ellora - Sillod - Ajanta.

The same can be covered by the path directly from Pune as: Pune - Ahmadnagar - Aurangabad - Sillod - Ajanta 

Ajanta Caves Timings:

9:00 am to 5:30 pm; Note: Ajanta Caves are closed on Monday. 

Ajanta Caves Ticket Charges:

1. For Indians below 15 years : FREE of Charge

2. For Indians above 15 years : Rs. 10/- per head 

3. For Foreigners : US $5 or equivalent in Indian rupees per head 

4. For Photo Camera/ Video Camera: Rs. 5/- (Camera to be used without flash)

Some points about Ajanta Caves:

1. Why name Ajanta? As the place was unknown to the public (Janta) since long time, so as the name, A-Janta.

2. Ajanta Caves, excavated between the 2nd century B.C. and the 6th century A.D. are renowned for Buddhist paintings. 

3. Ajanta represents the most perfect example of Indian wall paintings. 

4. For a thousand years, Ajanta lay buried in the jungle-clad slopes of the western mountain range, until in 1819, It was discovered accidentally. 

5. Ajanta Caves made an ideal site of horse-shoe shaped rock rising over a ravine alongwith the "Waghora river". 

6. There are 30 caves, some of them are uncompleted and negligible. Best work can be found in caves 1, 2, 16, 17 and 19. The best sculptures are in caves 1, 4, 17, 19, 24 and 26. [Info consolidated through various sites, and after own interpretation] 

7. Cave No 9, 10, 19, 26 and 29 are chaitya halls and rest monesteries are vihars. 

8. Caves 1, 2, 16 and 17 are fitted with spotlights, available for use on payment. 

9. The central theme on the walls comes under two heads - narrative scenes from the Buddha's life and illustrations of Jataka fobles pertaining to Buddha's previous incarnation.

10. The paintings inside the caves, include geometric designs, floral and ornamental motifs, flying figures of celestial beings, animals, birds, plants. 

  

Some Tips to Enjoy/Note about Ajanta Caves as per our experience:

• 1. To start early in the morning, stay nearby Ajanta caves area, and reach at night to Ajanta village. 
• 2. Try to start early in the day, so that It wouldn't be exaustive. 
• 3. During peak season, There is long queue for tickets, also for the bus drop from Ajanta Parking place to the base of Ajanta caves. 
• So try to be early in the morning, We got our bus sharp 9 A.M. 
• 4. Bring ample snacks and water before starting for the Ajanta caves, as you wouldn't get anything up the hills. 
• 5. There are some small waterfalls during monsoon season, that can be enjoyed. 
• 6. When you finish all the caves, explore another little big waterfall, follow the path that connects to the bridge.  
• 7. To have different views of the Ajanta caves, You have to follow bridge root, not the same root while coming back. 
• 8. You can have a guide for the whole Ajanta caves visit, or you can choose to have different guides at some specific caves, and pay some small tokens to them. 
• 9. It will take 4-5 hrs to cover all the caves, depending on how you are traversing the caves from the base area.  
• 10. Nearby Ajanta parking area, There is an ATM, and many shops that have been commercialized. Bargain as much as you can, while purchasing the souvenirs.

Thanks to all my amdocs friends - Tarachand, Anish Bapna, Dhiraj Masodgi, Jatin Wadhwa, Avnish Garg, Sagar Ambastha to make this trip more happening and enjoyable.


Visit other World Heritage Site - "Ellora Caves" [100 Km away from Ajanta Caves] in Maharashtra. 

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Ellora Caves, Maharashtra, India

***** Ellora Caves (Ellora leni) ***** 

Quote of the Post: "Sacred sounds in stone have gained international fame and re-designated as World Heritage Sites". - Quote about 'Ajanta and Ellora' - Sachin Kumar Gupta

Ellora caves are 30 Km away from Aurangabad. The road passes by the base of the Daultabad Fort, We follow the route from Pune after visiting Shani Shignapur:

Pune - Ahmadnagar - Shani Shingnapur - Aurangabad - Daultabad - Ellora. 

Ellora Caves Timings:

6:00 am to 6:00 pm; Note: Ellora Caves are closed on Tuesday.

Jain Caves

Our Group near Cave 29 - Ellora Waterfall

Some points about Ellora Caves:

1. Ellora Caves, spanning during the period 5th and 11th A.D. comprise Buddhist monasteries, and temples of the Hindu and Jain faiths.
2. Ellora, is famous for its architectural design and outstanding sculptures. 
3. The 34 "caves" – The 12 Buddhist (caves 1–12), 17 Hindu (caves 13–29) and 5 Jain (caves 30–34) caves, built in proximity, demonstrate the religious harmony prevalent during this period of Indian history.
4. Among these, the most notable ones are cave 5, 10, 15, 16, 21, 29, 32. 
5. Most famous of the Buddhist caves is cave 10, a chaitya hall (chandrashala) or 'Vishvakarma cave', popularly known as the "Carpenter's Cave".
6. Kailasha (Cave 16) is designed to recall Mount Kailash, is a splendid artwork, not to miss. 
7. In the brahmanical excavations, the imagination and poetry of the various concepts was reflected in artwork which attained a new visual grace, power and fame.
8. All Jain caves [30-34] belongs to Digambara sect. Jain caves reveal specific dimensions of Jain philosophy and tradition.
9. Many of the structures had rich paintings in the ceilings – fragments of which are still visible.
10. One aspect a typical visitor overlooks is the geological background of Ellora. In fact the most defining factor why Ellora was ever made and that too at this location is the geological peculiarity of the place. 

12 Buddhist Excavations: [1-12]

Caves 1-9 are monasteries.

Cave 10: Most famous one, A Chaitya hall(chandrashala) or Vishvakarma cave, also known as "Carpenter's Cave"

Cave 11 - Do Tal

Cave 12 - Tin Tal (Three stories)

17 Brahmanical Excavations: [13-29]

Cave 14 - Ravan ki Khai

Cave 15 - Dashavatara [Ten avatars of lord Vishnu]

Cave 16 - Kailasanatha Temple, the center masterpiece of Ellora. Multi storeyed temple complex.

Cave 21 - Rameshvara

Cave 22 - Nilkantha

Cave 29 - Dhumar Lena [Impressive]

Inside Cave No - 29

Caves Pillar at no 24

Ellora Waterfall: The waterfall can be enjoyed during monsoon season in full flow. It can be seen easily in between caves 28 and 29. There is a bridge that connects between caves 28 and 29. You can reach just below the waterfall through the bridge. During high monsoon season, It remains closed due to rock sliding.

Inside Cave No - 21

Ellora Caves View

5 Jain Excavations: [30-34]

Cave 30 - Chota Kailash

Cave 32 - Indra Sabha

Cave 33 - Jagannath Sabha

In front of Kailashnath Temple - Cave 16

Near Cave 1-2

Some Tips to Enjoy/Note about Ellora Caves trip as per our experience:

• 1. To start early in the morning, stay nearby Ellora caves area, or Aurangabad.
• 2. The best time to visit Ellora caves is, in the winter months October to February. But During monsoon season, It can be enjoyed more, caves covered with lush greens. Ellora waterfall and some more small waterfalls can be enjoyed. 
• 3. Try to start early in the day, so that It wouldn't be exaustive.
• 4. The taxi parking ground faces Cave 16, and visitors are used to make this their starting point. But, It is advisable to walk down, and begin with Cave 1, if you are by foot. If you own the vehicle, Start with to take the vehicle 1.5 Km up the road to another part of the hillside to visit the last 5 Jain caves [30 - 34]. It will save the time, then the middle series Hindu caves [13-29], and at the last finish the buddhist caves [1-12].
• 5. Bus and vehicle can go to caves no. 21, 29, 34 only. Save your time reaching these points by your vehicle.
• 6. Bring ample snacks and water before starting for the Ellora caves, as you wouldn't get anything up the hills.
• 7. It will take 4-6 hrs to cover all the caves, depending on how you are traversing the caves. 
• 8. There are many meditation halls to sit calm and relax for some time. 
• 9. Just opposite cave 16, A big garden can be enjoyed from top of Kailasha. 
• 10. If you have very short time, Cover the most notable one caves - 5, 10, 15, 16, 21, 29, 32.

Thanks to all my amdocs friends - Tarachand, Anish Bapna, Dhiraj Masodgi, Jatin Wadhwa, Avnish Garg, Sagar Ambastha to make this trip more happening and enjoyable. 

Visit other World Heritage Site - "Ajanta Caves" [100 Km away from Ellora Caves] in Maharashtra.

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Saras Baug - A Stork Garden, Pune

As everyone knows, During monsoon season, every place nearby (or within) Pune is like a bed of roses. So my monsoon express have a local stop this time, named Sarasbaug. Saras Baug lies at a distance of approximately 1 KM from Swargate, Pune. We followed the roads from Magarpatta, Hadapsar to Swargate, then to Sarasbaug.
The lush green lawns of the Baug, along with its blooming flowerbeds, attract tourists and devotees of Lord Ganesh from all nearby places. Outside the park, the environment is like a small fun fair, which include small fun rides, jumping, magic shows, and many more for chidren. There are many other juice corners, icecreams stalls, and fast food restaurants nearby to serve visitors and devotee's hunger.

Pune Saras Baug is also quite famous for the Ganapati temple (Shree Sidhivinayak Temple) situated inside its premises. At the entrance (there are two entry/exit points) of the sarasbaug, you can get worship stuff (garland, coconut, peanut, fresh flower, grass, holy thread bla bla...), to present the Lord Ganesh. The temple is perched on top of a small hillock and provides an amazing view of the surrounding areas (specially during monsoon). Most of the time, there is quite long queue, to have a glimpse of lord Ganesh from front side. There is a small museum, where some of the idols of Lord Ganesha are available for display.
The place where the park now stands was once occupied by a small lake. However, the lake got dried up and was later developed into the Saras Baug. Inside the lake, Now a days many fish can be seen. You can enjoy feeding them from very near as they move in the groups. In the garden (baug), you wouldn't find many (or sometime any stork) saras. If you are coming here thinking of that only, you would be disappointed.

The park is frequently accessed by joggers and walkers, in early morning as well as evening. There is no entry fee for this Sarasbaug (Stork garden in Pune) Saras Baug is quite popular as a picnic spot among families and can be easily reached by bikes or auto rickshaws. There is nearby 2 wheeler and 4 wheeler parking area.

There is a bridge to cross the road connected to the premises of Sarasbaug. From the top of this bridge, another beautiful Parvati Temple can be seen, which is just 4-5 KM away. The place is more crowded during Ganesh chaturthi and holy festivals at time to time.

Another family visit to Katraj - Snake Park, Katraj, Pune
Coming soon... Monsoon Express to Lonavala with family ...

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Katraj - Snake Park - RG Zoological Park

Welcome to the Jungle of Pune!

This is most attractive [Just to write!] and crowded [It is, due to most people come here for other purposes rather than enjoying zoo] tourist place in Pune, being one of the best snake parks in the country.

This snake park is home to a variety of snakes and other reptiles like crocodiles. This park also has a library, which provides lots of information about snakes and other reptiles. The place is known as Sarp Udhyan (Snake Park) and Pune Zoo among Auto-walas and nearby people. The zoological park is also famous for wildlife research centre. It is located on the Pune to Satara road, near Bharati Vidyapeeth Campus. It can be easily reached from Swargate bus stop.

In the park, you can enjoy watching monkeys, vulture, eagle, peacock, snake, crocodile, tortoise, green Iguana at the left way after entrance. While at the right turn, bear, leopard, white tiger, deer, antelope, jackal, wolf, elephants are the main animals. Inside the park, you can enjoy boating (manually driven) for 2 (specially) or 4 people, the place known as Katraj Water Sports Centre. Tickets can be purchased from nearby boating ticket booking office. At the time, when I visited the place, the charges were:
4 seat Boat 100 INR. [For 20 minutes]
2 seat Boat 80 INR. [For 20 minutes] There is also a canteen and plenty of toilets for the easiness of travellers. I like the map of the park, so that it can be easily traversed covering all the area. So after entering the park, take extreme left or extreme right, and the middle way, meets the boating and water sports area. The main attractions of the udhyan (park) are, a king cobra, white tiger, green Iguana, and the plenty of jumping deers. This park is good for animal lovers, family and specially for children. Though couples can easily search the couple of places for the Parrot-Maina talk as usual. :-)

Address: Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, Katraj
Timings: 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Sale of tickets up to 5:30 p.m. only)
Note: It remains closed on every Wednesday.
Katraj Snake Park Entry Fee: Adult (10 INR) Child (5 INR) Foreigners (25 INR)

There are discounts for school students during wildlife week (1st to 7th October - 2 INR), only if accompanied by teacher.

You can get bulk of fresh air within this small money, alongwith some exercise (jog), being connected to nature. Latest Rajiv Gandhi Zoo timings can be seen at the entry gate itself. On a regular basis, some festivals (e.g. Nagpanchmi) and programs also organized to spare awareness and correct information about common myths about this dreaded species.

I would rate this place just 4 out of 10, but I enjoyed being with whole family for the first time in Pune.

Coming soon... Monsoon Express to Lonavala Khandala with family ...

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Sinhgad - The Lion Fort

Quote of the Post: "We have gain the fort, but lost the lion" - Shivaji mourned when he heard that his general (Tanaji) has been killed in the battle. so it named as Sinhgad.

It was another S(F)unday. We didn't executed any plan so quickly. We decided to visit the place around 11 am after our sleep, and we were set to go at 12 noon. On one hand Swine flu was increasing by leaps and bounds in the city and another it was time for grand celebration of Ganesh Festival all around.


Our journey started from Magarpatta city, and our first stop was Khadagwasla Dam. This is just 20 km away from Pune in the way to Sinhgad fort. The dam is major water resource for Puneites. Sinnhgad road alongside the dam is a picnic place, specially during the monsoon. Don't forget to enjoy the sweet corn.

Now Its time for Indra to add beauty to the place. Mild rain started and we proceeded towards Sinhgad, the lion fort. The place is like a bed of roses for all nature lovers, poet, trekkers, photographers. It is just 30 km away from Pune city. To reach Sinhgad foothills from Pune (to & fro) is pretty easy. You have plenty of options as by PMT buses, your personal bike, car, zeep etc.

You will get a point, from where you need to park your vehicle, and start trek. It is about 2 hour including some small breaks (Though you can prolong your trek by . You will find local snacks to eat & drink as Onion bhaji, Chaas(Butter - milk), limbu-sharbat (neebu-paani or Lime juice), corn. Just at the start you will get the Pune Darwaja (Pune Gate). At the start there are stairs and then you can explore the places. The breezy air and pelting rain creates the atmosphere as an icing on the cake.

There are many points all around as - Wind point, Daaru Point (Drink point), Lover's point, Tea point, Suicide point, Shoot points, and P :) point. What's your point dear!

Thanks to Tara & Rajesh who initiated this plan, Mrunal who provided us his bike, and Nitesh who invited us for dinner. Later on, we enjoyed Tambola at Nitesh home.

So, Gear-up your vehicle. This was my first trip near Pune. More to come...

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