Dnyaneshwar Muktabai Temple Pune Tourism, Travelling guide, Tourist places near Dnyaneshwar Muktabai Temple Pune

Dnyaneshwar Muktabai Temple, located at a place named Muktai Nagar near Alandi, is many centuries old temple dedicated to Muktabai, the youngest sister of Dnyaneshwar. It is believed that Muktabai was the incarnantion of Hindu Goddess Saraswati or Goddess Shakti. Muktabai is assumed to be born in 1199 at Alandi and she was considered as Guru of Yogi Chaangdev Maharaj.

At present there are two temples dedicated to Muktabai in Alandi. The new Muktabai temple in the town and the Mehun temple are the two temples dedicated to Muktabai. The large regional fair attracts huge draw of people in this place which is conducted four days before the Mahashivaratri.

Tikona Fort Pune Tourism, Travelling guide, Tourist places near Tikona Fort Pune

 Tikona Fort, also known as ‘Triangle Fort’, is located at an altitude of 3633 feet above sea level. This hill fort, renowned as Vitandgad Fort, is located in the Maval region of Lonavala (West Maharashtra). Built in a triangular shape, the fort is situated on the Tikona peak, near the Pavana River (Kamshet). 

This fortress has been home for many dynasties that ruled the Maratha region, along with being the major centre of activities of the Pauna Mawal. The small lakes and water tanks inside the fort served as the main source of water in the old days. 

The entrance of the fort is the major attraction. This fort encloses numerous Buddhist caves and Satvahan caves with a temple of 'Trimbakeshwar Mahadev' inside. Besides, the landmark draws numerous trekkers and nature lovers.

Karla Caves Pune Tourism, Travelling guide, Tourist places near Karla Caves Pune

 The Karla Caves or Karle Caves are a complex of ancient Indian Buddhist rock-cut cave shrines developed over two periods – from the 2nd century BC to the 2nd century AD, and from the 5th century AD to the 10th century. The oldest of the cave shrines is believed to date back to 160 BC. Located in Karli near Lonavala, Maharashtra, the caves lie near a major ancient trade route, running eastward from the Arabian Sea into the Deccan. Karli's location in Maharashtra places it in a region that marks the division between North India and South India.[1] Buddhists, having become identified with commerce and manufacturing through their early association with traders, tended to locate their monastic establishments in natural geographic formations close to major trade routes so as to provide lodging houses for travelling traders. Today, the cave complex is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India.

Bhaja Caves Pune Tourism, Travelling guide, Tourist places near Bhaja Caves Pune

Bhaja caves, second century old Buddhist caves, in Lonavala is rare Buddhist tourist destination. These caves encloses 18 rock cut caves constructed by Buddhist nuns and enshrines many sculptures like a prince in a chariot, a prince seated on an elephant, three armed warriors and dancing couples. All these sculptures are the specimen of Indian architectural age and the mastery in sculpturing. 

Khandala Pune Tourism, Travelling guide, Tourist places near Khandala Pune

 Khandala is a popular hill station and a weekend getaway of Maharashtra. Located at an elevation of 625 metres above sea level and just 5 km away from Lonavala, it has a pleasant weather and plenty of outdoor activities. 

Khandala is situated at the end of the Bhor Valley and serves as a popular hiking destination for the residents of Maharashtra. There is no reliable historical evidence to suggest the origin of this place and the founding fathers. However, it is well known that Khandala was ruled by Chatrapathi Shivaji and subsequently by the Peshwa rulers, until it was taken over by the British.

Khaakwasla Dam Pune Tourism, Travelling guide, Tourist places near Khaakwasla Dam Pune

 Khadakwasla is a dam situated 20 km from the City of Pune in Maharashtra, India. This dam is one of the main sources of water for Pune. In the vicinity of the dam, there is a Dental Centre, a Veterinary Hospital, the well-known National Defence Academy and Central Water & Power Research Station(CWPRS). Just a few kilometres up the road, lies Sinhagad Fort and the twin dams of Panshet and Varasgaon which mainly supply water for irrigation. In 1961, the Khadakwasla Dam had to be blown, as the Panshet Dam overflowed, causing devastating floods in Pune. The dam was later rebuilt. The original dam, built in 1879 as a masonry gravity dam was the first of its kind in the world.

Ram Mandir Pune Tourism, Travelling guide, Tourist places near Ram Mandir Pune

Ram Mandir in Alandi is one of the important temples in the town. The temple is dedicated to Ram, one of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Ram Navami during February-March is a major celebration in this temple.

The temple attracts huge draw of pilgrims all through the year. This temple is placed at a walking distance from the town. For those pilgrims to offer prayers to Lord Ram, Ram temple in Alandi is a perfect temple to get mental peace and tranquility. The temple itself is located at the bank of Indrayani River in a serene environment.

Vadhu Tulapur Pune Tourism, Travelling guide, Tourist places near Vadhu Tulapur Pune

Vadhu and Tulapur are the places related with Sambhaji - the son of Shivaji Maharaj. Sambhaji was killed in Tulapur and his samadhi was built in Vadhu. Thus, both these places are historically very important. 

Tulapur is situated on the banks of 3 rivers- Bhima, Bhama and Indrayani. It is famous for the temple of Lord Shiva. In this temple - known as Sangameshwar, Sambhaji was arrested by Aurangzeb and was later killed. Tulapur was originally known as ' Nagargaon'. A small temple here is very beautiful and must see. And next to the temple, the samadhi of Sambhaji Maharaj is built. Really a place where we can remember the famous Maratha. 

Vadhu is very near from Tulapur where the dead body of Sambhaji Maharaj was brought and then was cremated. So you can see the samadhi at both the places. An idol of Sambhaji Maharaj was put up in 1977 in Vadhu.

Tung Fort Pune Tourism, Travelling guide, Tourist places near Tung Fort Pune

t is about 12 km from Malawli railway station and can also be approached from Lonavala. Tung Fort has an elevation of 1075 m above sea level.After the building of Pawna dam, it is now surrounded by water on three sides. One can ferry across in a boat from Pawna dam to its base village, Tungi. 

Tung fort is also named as Kathingad fort. The word 'Kathin' in Marathi means difficult. While climbing, one can experience the difficulty of this fort. The fort is conical and has steep climbs with very narrow route on the edge of the mountain throughout. From Pawana dam, this fort offers a 400-metre climb.

Lohagad Fort Pune Tourism, Travelling guide, Tourist places near Lohagad Fort Pune

The fort site is a fine destination for tourist with interests in architecture, archeology and history. The actual date of original fort is not clearly known but the known records points out some additional constructions such as a step well and big tank during eighteenth century. The ancient fort’s four mammoth gates are still intact and are in good condition. 
History : Lohagarh, literally means Iron fort, is an important hill fort used extensively by Chatrapati Shivaji. It has a long history and was used by all dynasties who ruled Vidharbha and Maratha kingdoms. The fort is placed at an altitude of more than 1050 meters. This fort is situated on the Sahyadri ranges and divides the Pavna basin and Indrayani basin.

Bushy Dam Pune Tourism, Travelling guide, Tourist places near Bushy Dam Pune

 Bushy Dam is one of the majestic picnic spots in Lonavala. The Dam is magnificent during the monsoons with water gushing out through the dam make exhilarating waterfalls. The Dam is located at the backdrop of scenic hilly terrains and lush green environments.

Lonavala Pune Tourism, Travelling guide, Tourist places near Lonavala Pune

Lonavale is a town and a hill station Municipal Council in Pune district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is about 64 km away from the city of Pune, 96 km away from the city Mumbai. It is famous throughout India for the hard candy sweet known as chikki[1] and is also a major stop on the rail line connecting Mumbai and Pune.For Mumbai suburbs local trains are available from Karjat It is also an important town on the Mumbai-Pune road link. Both the Mumbai-Pune Expressway as well as the Mumbai-Pune highway pass through Lonavla. Lonavla comes to life during the monsoon season as the countryside turns lush green with waterfalls and ponds.

Kamshet Pune Tourism, Travelling guide, Tourist places near Kamshet Pune

One of the favorite spot for paragliding activities, Kamshet is a renowned hill station located at a height of about 2200 feet above sea level. It is a picturesque tourist destination in the Western Ghats in the state of Maharashtra in India, enclosing small villages with thatched traditional houses. 

Kamshet makes a perfect spot for holiday activities with lusting greeneries, serene lakes and undulated hilly terrains. Paragliding activities rule the area with many tourists reaching this place to experience the wonderful opportunities of adventurous sport. This is a much sought place for joy rides, tandem flights and cross country flights as well apart from paragliding. Kamshet is spotted as one of the great adventurous places in India and is placed among the top 10 destinations. 

The amazing hilly terrains of Kamshet are credited with many ancient caves which displays the artistic and cultural heritage of the region. These caves are Buddhist caves with adorning sculptures and images of Buddha. Tourists can visit the ancient cute and imposing small mounts used by the colonial rulers and hill fortresses dating back to medieval period along the routes to Kamshet. 

Shaniwarwada Pune Tourism, Travelling guide, Tourist places near Shaniwarwada Pune

Peshwa Baji Rao I, prime minister to Chattrapati Shahu, king of the Maratha empire, laid the ceremonial foundation of his own residence on Saturday, January 10, 1730. It was named Shaniwarwada from the Marathi words Shaniwar (Saturday) and Wada (a general term for any residence complex). Teak was imported from the jungles of Junnar, stone was brought from the nearby quarries of Chinchwad, and Lime (mineral) was brought from the lime-belts of Jejuri. Shaniwarwada was completed in 1732, at a total cost of Rs. 16,110, a very large sum at the time. The opening ceremony was performed according to Hindu religious customs, on January 22, 1732, another Saturday chosen for being a particularly auspicious day. Later the Peshwas made several additions, including the fortification walls, with bastions and gates; court halls and other buildings; fountains and reservoirs. Currently, the perimeter fortification wall has five gateways and nine bastion towers, enclosing a garden complex with the foundations of the original buildings. It is situated near the Mula-Mutha River, in Kasba Peth. Despite its cultural value the fort is not maintained well by the Government. Its inability to maintain the historicalShaniwarwada from the funds provided by central archaeology department forced the fort’s advisory committee’ to woo business houses to fund Shaniwarwada’s makeover[3].

Pune Tourism, Travelling guide, Tourist places near Pune

The heart of the Maratha empire in the days of yore, Pune is the 2nd largest city in Maharashtra and is the also the capital of Pune district. Located around 120 kilometers from Mumbai, the commercial capital of India, Pune is famous for its educational institutions earning it the sobriquet "Oxford of the East." Education, arts and crafts, and theatre have always enjoyed a pride of place in Pune, home to one of India's oldest universities. With the express highway providing fast connectivity between Pune and Mumbai, Pune's importance has grown by leaps and bounds. Pune represents a fusion of the old and the new, of the traditional and the modern, of quaint old wadas and glitzy malls. Surrounded by greenery and blessed with a salubrious climate, Pune is sure to create a lasting impression in your mind.