Around Pune Important information

Tourist Acctration in Around Pune

• Ahmadnagar
• Alandi
• Bhatghar Dam
• Bhimashanker
• Jejuri
• Karla
• Lonavala
• Khandala
• Mahabaleshwar
• Panchgani
• Pratapgad
• Purandar
• Raigad
• Satara
• Shree Kshetra Mahuli
• Shivneri
• Sinhagad (Lion Fort)

Ahmadnagar (120 kms.)

It was founded by Ahmed Nizam Shah and has a 400 year old fort, which witnessed my battles. Later on, freedom-fighters were imprisoned here. Other attractions are landbibi Mahal or Salabatj ang 's Tomb and Farah Bagh.

Alandi (21 kms.)

The pilgrim centre on the banks of river Indrayani is famous for the sacred samadhi of ; Saint Dnyaneshwar, who wrote Dnyaneshwari, a Marathi commentary on the lagawad Gita. Two fairs are held here annually - one on Ashadhi Ekadashi and the tier on KartikEkadashi. Other attraction is the temple of Vithoba -Rakhumai.

Bhatghar Dam (40 kms.)

The dam on the river Velvandi is one of the highest dams in India. It is also a good iliday resort and picnic spot.

Bhimashanker (95 kms.)

The beautiful Shiva temple here was built by Nana Phadnis, an eminent statesman. It shrines one of the 5 jyotirlingas of Maharashtra. A large fair is held on Shivratri. The wn is also noted for its scenic beauty and bracing climate. Other places worth visiting e - Bombay Point, Gupta Bhimashankar (the originating point of Bhima river), inuman tank andNagphani point etc.

Jejuri (50kms.)

The pilgrim centre is famous for the temple of Lord Khandoba, the family deity of many aharashtrians. A large fair is held here during the month ofMagashirsha.

Karla (66 kms.)

The famous Buddhist rock cut cave lines in the Western Ghats have a large Election of Chaitya halls adorned with tricate carvings. The caves were ;cavated between 2n century B.C. and h century A.D. and are considered to be beautiful as the world famous Ajanta-llora. A 45 metres long Chaitya hall here considered to be the most perfect of its nd. An inscription at the entrance attributes its excavation to Bhutapal of Vaijayanti. The caves with Viharas were xavated for the Buddhist monks, who used to gather here during the monsoons. Tiile at Karla, the Bhaja and Bedsa caves are worth a detour. The Bhaja Caves set in a sh valley are as old as the Karla caves and its Cave No. 12, a large Chaitya hall sembles to the one at Karla. Another cave has a magnificent stilted vault. The last cave a treasure house of rich carvings. To the south of the main cave is an amazing group ot \ Stupas. The Bedsa Caves are another set of excellent rock cut caves. One of them has fine Chaitya hall with ribbed roof, supported by 26 octagonal pillars. he 18th century Lohagad and Visapur forts are located just 6 kms. from Karla. Another traction nearby are the hill resorts of Lonavala (10 kms.) and Khandala (14 kms.) lumbai is 114 kms. from Karla. 204

Lonavala (66 kms.)

The beautiful hill resort on the Mumbai - Pune road lies 104 kms. from Mumbai and is easily accessible by road and rail. The must visit sites are - the Lonavala Lake, Bushi Dam, Tiger's Leap, Barometer Hill, Valvan dam, Tungarli Lake etc. Lonavala is also famous for its chikki, a local sweet.

Khandala the charming hill resort just 5 kms. from Lonavala. The famous points here are - Rajmachi Point and the Duke's Nose, named after the Duke of Wellington, for its uncanny resemblance to his nose. The Kune Point, located midway between Khandala and Lonavala affords picturesque views of the surroundings.

It is a convenient base for visiting Karla, Bhaja and Bedsa caves.

Mahabaleshwar (120 kms.) Mahabaleshwar, the 'Queen of the Ghats' is one of the best known and the highest hill resort of Western   India.   It   was developed by Sir John Malcolm in   1828.   The   beautiful   hill station teems with orchids, lies and luscious strawberries and has three silvery falls – Dhobi Falls,   Chinaman   Falls   and Lingmala Falls. Excellent view points   like   Wilson   Point, Babington Point, Kate Point, Elphinstone Point, Bombay Point and Arthur's Seat provide  great views  of the  Krishna  and  Koyna valleys.  The  old village  of Mahabaleshwar is held sacred by the Hindus and is known for the Panchganga temple, said to contain five streams including the River Krishna.

Panchgani (98kms.)

This small and attractive hill resort is situted along a ridge atop the Parasni Ghat. The picturesque resort overlooks the scenic Krishna valley and is endowed with rich floral wealth. There are also a number of excellent educational institutions.

Pratapgad (137kms.)

An impressive fort here was built by Shivaji, to command the route from the Deccan. The Afzal Buruz tower in the fort marks the spot where the Mughal general Afzal Khan was killed by Shivaji. There is a famous Bhavani temple in the fort. An equestrian statue °f Shivaji has been erected in the fort.

Purandar (38kms.)

Purandar was the capital of Marathas for a brief period and has a magnificent fort of Chhatrapati Shivaji, set atop a hill. It is also the location of National Cadet Corps (NCC) Academy. Buses are available from Pune and Saswad.

Raigad (126kms.)

The hilltop fortress here was almost impregnable capital of Shivaji for over 15 years, ^hivaji was crowned and also died here. Within the fort is the samadhi of Shivaji and the remains of his palace. There is also a large lake amidst scenic surroundings.

Satara (106kms.)

The capital of the Marathas witnessed the most glorious chapter of Maratha history luring 1707 to 1749, under Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj. The palace, fort and museums lere display the relics of the golden era.

Shree Kshetra Mahuli (112 kms.)

The pilgrim centre is near the confluence of the rivers Krishna and Venna is known for the temples of Yavateshwar, Mangalai Devi and other Hindu deities.

Shivneri (93kms.)

Chhatrapati Shivaji was born here at the seven-tiered fort atop a hillock. On the sides of the hill are about 50 Buddhist caves.

Sinhagad (Lion Fort) (24 kms.)

It was one of the most impregnable forts of Western India. Shivaji captured it in 1670, but lost his ablest commander Tanaji Malusare over here. The fort is built at the edge of a sheer precipice, which was scaled by Shivaji's men with the help of iguanas and ropes.