Lohagad...

Thinking to go for outing this rainy season???? Want some type of adventure like trekking????? then do give a visit to the Lohagad fort.

Lohagad fort is a impressive fort near Pune.Lohagad is the most suitable place for trekking as its easier to trek there, due to its accesibilty and .the beautiful surrounding.It is situated 52 km from Pune.Lohagad is at an height of 3,450 feet   It divides the basins of the Indrayani and Pavna and is situated on a side range of the sahyadris..There are 4 doors to Lohagad from the nearby village Lohagadwadi they are- 'Ganesh Darwaja' , 'Narayan Darwaja' , 'Hanuman Darwaja' and 'Maha Darwaja'..The four large gates of Lohagad are still in good condition and reasonably intact.There are several structures in the fort such as a big tank and a step-well.The famous spot on Lohagad is 'Vinchu Kata' - a range of hills that looks like Capricorn. Amazing view of Pawana Dam is also visible from the back side of Lohagad.For trekker's Lohagad should be a real treat to visit giving a wonderful panoramic view from its top.

Maha Darwaja

Ganesh Darwaja

Hanuman Darwaja

Lohagad has a long history with several dynasties occupying it at different periods of time satavahanas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas,Yadavas,

Bahamanis,Nizamshahis,Mughals and Marathas.

Sights to visit 

Many Darwajas (gates), cave, Vinchu kata , old masjid, Bhaje caves

How to get there

By rail- There are a number of local trains between Malawali / Lonavala and Pune. From Malawli, the base village of Lohagad is about 6Kms from where one can start the trek to Lohagad.

By road-There are direct buses from Shivaji Nagar/pune station/Swargate for lohagad or u can prefer your private vehicle

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Malshej Ghat

If bored of daily routine and want to enjoy then just don't miss a chance to visit malshej ghat.The best is to go straight after monsoon to enjoy really beautiful waterfalls! It’s a perfect travel destination for those who want a peaceful weekend amongst mountains.

Its a very popular place as it is close to both Pune and Mumbai. Malshej Ghat is vital place in Sahyadri hills and really very attractive when it is under dark clouds and heavy fog. Heavy fog and amazing waterfalls are the speciatiality of Malshej Ghat.The site is home to hundreds of different kinds of flora and fauna especially the avian population such as quails, rails, crakes, flamingos and cuckoos.
Malshej ghat is situated in Pune district near the borders of Thane and Ahmednagar districts. it is 130 km north of Pune. The nearest railhead is kalyan near Mumbai.
A nice view of valleys is one of the major attraction here.Malshej Ghat is one of the popular hill station in Maharashtra because of the beauty of nature, huge ranges of Sahyadri, amazing view of Harishchandragad and many other forts.For trekkers and hikers, it is a heaven of sorts as the solitude of unending rolling hills provides quite some experience.


How to get there 

• By Air-   Nearest airport is Mumbai Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport which is at a distance of 150 km way from Malshej Ghat.
• By Rail -  Malshej Ghat does not have railway station. Kalyan  is a nearby train station connected to Pune. Tourist taxi services from railway station to Malshej Ghat.
• By Bus-  There are direct buses from Shivaji Nagar/pune station/Swargate for Malshej ghat.or u can prefer your private vehicle

                      

                          

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Caves of Bhaja

If one has an interest in ancient history and would love to see the beautiful carvings of early times,then you should surely visit the place called Bhaja caves at a very short distance from Pune and Mumbai.The place is worth visiting on an weekend,tired from regular routine.its just at distance of 10km from lonavala and very easy to get there.


The caves, 18 in number, are beautifully sculptured with many images of different postures of Buddha, some animals and situations of some stories of the tales of Buddhism.The buddhist excavations at Bhaja, also known as Bhaja caves, date almost to the 1st century AD and are believed to be one of the oldest buddhist religious centres in this area. it is also a big tourist draw as it is near Lonavala.Because of its classification as a national monument, it is relatively well maintained compared to many other tourist attractions here.

The excavations here consist of chaityagrhas, viharas and podhis.
The Ekvira temple is on the right side of the cave while on the left is a giant pillar with three lions on its top.

Specialty-one can see the beautiful sculptures of ancient time.The rays of the setting sun visit these caves where the sculptures of god and goddesses are carved.

How to Reach ?

Road - The caves could be reached easily from Lonavla, which is 11 Km from the caves.

Rail - Nearest railway station is Malavli,at 2 Km from the cave

Air-  Pune is the nearest airport.

Where to stay?

• Cytrus Hotel 

          Contact no +(91)-(2114)-398100

           Rates - Above 8000 INR

• Kumar Resort and Water Park

          Contact no +(91)-(2114)-273091

           Rates - 4000 -5000 INR

• Basilica Holiday Homes   

           Contact no +(91)-(2114)-278141

            Rates - 3000 -4000 INR

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Panshet Dam

f you are in Pune , and want to hangout outside area. than Punshet Damm is really a nice place .Panshet is definitely a scenic place with a good accessibility from Pune.
Panshet Dam, also called Tanajisagar Dam, is a dam on the Ambi river about 50 km southwest of the city of pune.
.This Lake is nested in the lap of Sahyadri mountain ranges, and surrounded by lush green hills streaked with numerous waterfalls.It supplies drinking water to the city, along with other two dams, including Khadakwasla
Sinhgad fort, Khadakwasla Dam and Varasgaon are the famous attractions near Panshet Lake.

Khadakwasla 

National Defense Academy (NDA) near panshet is very popular for the defense
Panshet dam was built in late 50's. In 1961 Panshet dam collapsed and entire Pune city was gabbed by water.There was tremendous loss of property but little loss to human life

NDA

It is most popular as a water-sports activity center, due to a newly developed water sports complex. Speed-boats, water-scooters and pedal boats are especially famous amongst the youngsters. One can also enjoy walking on the road leading toPanshet, which is surrounded by dark-green woods.
how to get there-
By Road:  Panshet lake is 50km away from Pune.
By Rail :   Pune is nearest Railway Station.
By Air :     Pune is nearest airport.
 Khadakwasla dam is more famous as an evening hang-out place for most Puneites, who come there to swim and have butaa, Panshet dam has always been famous for its boating scene. The backwaters of Panshet extend for a long distance and has high cliffs on the other side. So, even if you don’t go boating, there are lot of viewpoints of Panshet dam where you can have a nice picnic .


Accommodation -
                        Paradise country  
Contact no -      020- 25511988 / 25512588
Website  - http://www.punediary.com/html/paradise/paradise.html

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Alibaug- Black and Beach

When one has to rest n enjoy the beauty of nature,one should surely visit the destination known as alibaug, Alibaug beach is primarily black sand and has a lot of rocky stretches giving it a romantic air especially during sunsets and has a clean.Alibaug is a beach few hours drive away from Pune on the Konkan coast. From Pune Alibaug is approximately 140km away and it takes about4-5 hours to reach there.The origin of Alibaug goes back to the 17th century. the town was developed by Sarkhal Kanhojio Aangre, the naval chief of King Shivaji's regime.. There is a famous fort called Kollaba Fort situated just 2 km from the sea coast of Alibaug.The city shot into prominence after Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj built this fort.In fact, the earlier name of Alibaug was ‘Kulaba’, but later became well known as Ali’s baug (garden) after the rich Jew gardener named Ali, who had several plantations in the area. 

Kulaba Fort

The fort of Kulaba was built by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1652 to keep a check on the activities of the foreign naval powers of English, Portuguese and the Siddhi of Janjira.
The fort has two main entrances, one at the sea side and other towards Alibag. The average height of the fort walls is 25 feet. The fort has sweet water wells and some buildings inside its premises

The beaches of Akshi and Nagaon - Located on Alibag - Revdanda road at 8/9 kms.the beach at Akshi is a beautiful White sand beach which extends about 100m. The water is clean.: nagaon is situated about 10 km away from Alibag and is famous for coconuts and betel nuts. 

Kashid Beach - Kashid beach is located approximately 20/25 kms from Alibag on the road to Murud. 

Revadanda Beach - Located at 17 Kms. From Alibag Revdanda is an important port.A walk to the adjoining beach will give you a breathtaking view of the Revdanda Fort. 

Korlai Beach- A quiet serene beach with alternate white and black sands, along a serene stretch of the Arabian coastline.

Kanakeshwar - The ancient temple of Kanakeshwar is located on Kanakgiri mountains at a distance of 13 kms.

speciality o the place-watered coconuts are the famous item of allibaug. they have a very sweet taste.Cocum syrup is also very famous.And how can one forget the kaju's when giving an visit to allibaug.

How to get there - 

Bus -
Alibag town is well connected by buses and they ply to most of the main beaches in the area. The main bus stop is located at a walking distance from the Alibag Beach. 

and you can go via Taxi and Bike also 

Accommodation -

• Hotel Big Splash : INR- 2390 (per room per night) 

         Amenities : Bar, Gym, Swimming pool, restaurant    

         Contact no : +91 02141-226800/01/02/03

         Hotel website : http://www.bigsplashresort.com    

• Ghanvatkar Bunglow at Zirad : INR- 1000-1600  (Per night) 

                      Contact no.: 9322247222

                       Website : http://www.holidaygb.in/       

   

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Lonavla - Town & Hills station

Whenever i close my eyes and think about  Rain just a picture comes in my mind that is Lonavla.

it is situated in the Shayadri Ranges, which separate the Deccan Plateau and the Konkan Coast.

 The plenty of caves like bhaja caves, Bedsa caves and Karla caves brought the name Lonavala to the city.It has an unpolluted environment and pleasant climate throughout the year.Lonavala is a romantic gateway from the hustle and bustle of the crowded Pune, Mumbai

Places to visit :

• Rajmachi Point-Rajmachi Point is located about 6.5 km from Lonavla.This point commands a view of Shivaji's famous fort, Rajmachi  and the surrounding valley.

• Ryewood Park & Shivaji Udyan-This is an extensive garden situated in Lonavla. The garden covers a lot of ground and it is full of tall trees. There is an old Shiva temple in the park.

                                        

• Valvan Dam-Valvan Dam has a garden at its foot, and is a popular evening spot 2 km from the town.
• Lonavla Lake-Lonavla Lake is surrounded by natural scenery, about 1.6 km from the town. The lake dries up during the winter months.

                                 

• Duke's Nose-Duke's Nose stands 12 km from Lonavla, clearly visible from the highway while driving towards Mumbai. 
• Tiger's Leap-Tiger's Leap is a cliff-top with a sheer drop of over 650 m, giving an extensive view. 

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• Karla caves -located near Lonavla, is a complex of cave shrines built by Buddhist monks around 3rd to 2nd century B.C.
• I.N.S. Shivaji-A Naval Engineering Training Base.
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• Lohagad Fort.
• Bushy Dam-A waterfall near the dam is a popular spot near Lonavla.
• Lion's Point-Scenic point midway between Bhushi Dam and Aamby Valley .
• Tungarli Lake and Dam-This lake and Dam come to life during the Monsoon season.

• Adventures-  It is a perfect location for hiking and trekking. 

• Ways of transport-  By road-Lonavla is on the Mumbai-pune expressway and is well-connected to several other towns of Khopoli,talegaon,Dabhade, etc.
  By train-Lonavla is well-connected by train. Local trains run from Pune. Also many express trains stop at Lonavla. It takes  by train  1.5 hour from Pune.
   By Air-Lonavla does not have an airport.The nearest commercial airports are Pune airport  at 64 km.

• Speciality of the place   It is famous throughout India for the hard candy sweet known aschikk.It is sweet nut-and-jaggery delicacy. As you pick boxes of chikki, some chocolate and mango fudge, a pair of Kolhapuri slippers, and assorted touristy knickknacks in this highly accessible mountain town, you feel wonderfully close and yet far removed from the city at the same time.
• Accommodation    
• Hotel Gautam - 3000-4000 INR per night. 

          Add - Gautam - 3, Top in Town Building, Lonavala

             Contact details- 022-28335836

     

• Resort Silver Hills - 3000-5500 INR per night. 

           Add- Plot no.11,Near Fariyas Holiday Resort | Frichlly Hill Area, New Tungarli, Lonavala 410302, India

               Contact details -  022-65068628

• Kohinoor Exotica - 200 - 2000 INR per night 

          Add - Lonavla
          Contact details -9371744436
          Hotel website - http://www.kohinoorhotels.com/

• Sky Blue Resort - 1398 - 1948 INR per night 

     Add -Plot No. 5 & 6 | New Tungarli, Behind Fariyas Hotel, Lonavala 410401, India (Formerly Hotel Whispering Brook)
     Contact Details - 092-22242157
     Hotel website - http://www.skyblueresort.com/       
  

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Panchgani -Place of 5 hills

Panchgani, literally mean the place of five hills, is a renowned hill station in Maharashtra,  

•  Sydney Point - well known tourist attraction of Panchgani.it offers an aerial view of Dhom Dam, Pandavgad and Mandhardeo. This is situated on a hillock facing the Krishna Valley.Replete with natural beauty, the town also contains table land, a flat and large expanse of laterite rock. The place is famed as the second longest mountain plateau in Asia. Parsi Point are also famous for their scenic beauty. Kamalgadh Fort, Rajapuri Caves, Mapro Gardens, Dhoom Dam etc. are some of the major sightseeing options.

Sydney Point

Table Land

A short distance from table land is the Devil's Kitchen.This cave is of mythological importance, owing to the belief that Pandavas of the Mahabharata epic had stayed here for a while. Bhim Chula, Harrisons Valley, Sydney Point, Dhom Dam, The Lingmala Falls and Rajpuri Caves are other popular attractions of the town. The town is also home to a number of historical forts like Pratapgad Fort that was built by the famous Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Shivaji in 1656.

• Specialty of the place -Tasty strawberries are the specialty of the hill station.the strawberries, raspberries and gooseberries, being the specialty of the place, are abundant in the local markets of Panchgani. And how can you go to Panchgani and miss different mouth watering flavors of ice-cream. Hundreds of varieties of fruit jam and crushes are the specialty of Panchgani. Rates here keep changing as per the seasons. Clothes, footwear, gift articles, wooden artifacts, metal works, fruit jams, pickles and crushers all are available in cheap rate.Fresh jams,  and different kinds of food items manufactured from those berries can be bought from those local markets. and how can one forget the chikki.panchganis chikki is famous for its sweetness.

More points to visit 

• • Apex Point
  • Baby Point
  • Dhom Dam
  • Grover Point
  • Harrison's Folly
  • Kachhawari Point
  • Kamalgadh Fort
  • Lord Karthikeya temple
  • Meherbaba Caves
  • Moral Re-armament Training Centre
  • On Wheelz Amusement Park
  • Rajapuri Caves
  • Shivaji Chowk
  • Sherbaug

• Adventure Sports: Paragliding:The sport involves hanging onto a glider and taking off from the peak of a hill and flying into the valley below.
  Trekking:There is lot of trekking opportunity, and you can trek in and out of Panchgani.

Distance-  98 km away from Pune.


Transport - ways of transport-The nearest airport is Pune. The town is only 20 km away from Mahabaleshwar, another famous hill resort. Apart from flights, Panchgani is also reachable by trains and buses. The nearest rail station is at Pune. The destination is well connected by state operated as well as private buses from nearby regions including Pune.


Accommodation 

Rainforest villa Panchgani-
Rainforest Panchgani offer enjoyable and haassle-free holiday experience. The hotel offers conference services, that could be availed by business guests. Laundry, parking, power back up and room service will be the facilities that are basic. The disco that is in-house music and laser lights is sure to recharge every guests stay as the game room is perfect for recreation. Delicious vegetarian and vegetarian that is non are served because of the in-house restaurant from Maharashtrian and North Indian cuisine that may savoured during the stay.
Average Rates- Rs.3500/-
http://www.rainforestpanchgani.com/

On the Rocks-
Address: Behind- Mapro Garden, Panchgani - Mahabaleswar Rd, Gureghar, Maharashtra 412806

Phone: 090112 10595 
Average Rates- Rs.1500/-
http://hotelontherocks.com/

Mulberry inn-

Mulberry Inn is one of the famous restaurant of Metgutad. It is located in the western ghats & Sahyadri Range of Satara District. Mulburry Inn is one of the comfortable Holiday destination & good paradise for Honeymoon Couple. It is famous for the Rustic Taste of India.
A three acres own strawberry & Mulberry farm located behind the hotel sweet Charlie, Camarosa, Eanter and Nabhiya there all are the different varieties of Strawberry are available in our farm. We allow our in house guest to enjoy farm fresh Strawberry & Mulberry.
A live kitchen were we prepare Vegetarian & Non-Vegetarian Food which is prepared in rustic fashion. Out MATKA Chicken and Veg Gutad is one of the famous dish in Mahabaleshwar.
We are the first one in Mahabaleshwar hotel industry to bring the concept of food prepare in MATKA. Food & Stay in "Mulberry Inn" is worth experiencing.

Average Rates- Rs.800/- to Rs.4000
http://www.hotelmulberryinn.com/familysuiteroom.php

Online Bookings - 

https://www.goibibo.com/hotels/hotels-in-panchgani/

http://www.panchganihotels.com/

http://www.cleartrip.com

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Hangout around Pune

Do you want to hangout with your friends, family or girlfriend ? 

If your answer is yes, Then we know some cool spots around Pune

• Near Singhad fort - Singhad Fort area is surrounded by green mountains and Khadakwasla Dam      

1. RutuGandh resort - RutuGandh is nestled besides the backwaters of the Khadakwasla lake.  

This is a garden resort with Party Lawn, Restaurant, Buffet Patio, Conference hall, Swimming pool, Kid's garden.

Website- http://www.rutugandhresort.com
   

    2. Hotel Rajvilas-  Rajvilas is luxuries hotel near Singhad fort, This is family restaurant and provides lodging also.    

Website - http://www.countrywidehotels.co.in 

  3. Heritage Lodge- Heritage lodge is near Singhad fort in Donge, they provides Sea food also. 

Website - not available for more info you can call on +(91)-9890451024, 9370719406 

And many more lodges are there around Singhad at reasonable rates. If you want to take countryside lunch then just visit Singhad fort you can have "Pitla bhakri" there. Once you should try it! 

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