Mahalakshmi Mandir-top 10 Temples in Mumbai.

Mahalakshmi Temple

State: - Maharashtra.

District/Taluka: - Mumbai/Mahalakshmi.

Time to visit Mahalakshmi Temple: - Any time you can visit Mahalakshmi temple.

Transport for Mahalakshmi Temple or How to reach 

Way from Pune to Mahalakshmi temple

There are trains available from pune from morning 6:00 am is Indryani Express, 7:05 Deccan Express, 8:05 Pragati Express which takes us directly till Dadar station. ST (State Transport) Buses are also available from Pune to Dadar.

Way from Nashik to Mahalakshmi temple

there are trains available from Nashik to Mumbai the timings and the names of the trains are (11025) Manmad Pune express at 5:10 am, (12618) Mangala Lakshadeep Express at 5:20 am, (12110) Panchavati express 7:10 am.

About Mahalakshmi temple

Mahalakshmi Temple is situated at Bhalubai Desai road in Mahalakshmi. Temple is dedicated to the central deity of Devi Mahatmyam the Mahalakshmi. The Temple was built by a Hindu Merchant Dhakji Dadaji in the year 1831. With the building of Hornby Vellard the temple is connected. There are images of goddesses Mahalakshmi, Mahakali and Mahasaraswati in the temple. Necklace, Gold bangles and nose rings are adorned on the images of all the three goddesses. There are many stalls outside the temple people selling flowers, coconuts, etc... During Navratri festival the Mahalakshmi temple is fully decorated with flowers.

Mumbadevi Temple

State: - Maharashtra 

District/Taluka: - Mumbai/Bhuleshwar

Best time to visit: - 

Any time you can visit Mumbadevi temple as it is a place of worship.

Transport or how to reach Mubadevi Temple  : - 

Way from Pune to Mumbadevi Temple: - 

There are trains available from pune from morning 6:00 am is Indryani Express, 7:05 Deccan Express, 8:05 Pragati Express which takes us directly till Dadar station. ST (State Transport) Buses are also available from Pune to Dadar.

Reach Dadar from there hardly 15 mins to reach Mumbadevi Temple.

Way from Nashik to Mumbadevi Temple: -

there are trains available from Nashik to Mumbai the timings and the names of the trains are (11025) Manmad Pune express at 5:10 am, (12618) Mangala Lakshadeep Express at 5:20 am, (12110) Panchavati express 7:10 am.

Way from Goa to Mumbadevi Temple: -

Trains from Goa are available for Mumbai they are (12431) Rajdhani Express 10:10 am, (12449) Goa Smprk Express at 11:20 am. 

 From Dadar railway station Mumbadevi Temple is around 10 kms

About Mumbadevi Temple: - 

In the beautiful city of Mumbai there is a temple of Mumbadevi in bhuleshwar which is the oldest temple of Mumbai. Mumbadevi temple is a Hindu temple, whereas in Marathi language the word Mumba derives as “Aai” a Marathi word “mother” and “Maha-Amba” in Sanskrit. It is a Hindu worship place hence hundreds of people visit here. 

Firstly the temple was at the central island of the victoria terminus in Bori Bandar. In the honour of the kolis and the fishermen’s inhabitants the temple was built. In 1737 the temple was built and demolished on the same place at bhuleshwar. Marine line is the nearest station of Mumbadevi Temple.

    

 The structure of the Mumbadevi temple is six centuries old. The shrine which contains the image of goddess Mumbadevi which is dressed in a silver crown with a robe and with a golden necklace in her neck. On the left side of the temple there is a statue of Annapurna which is seating on the peacock. A tiger who is the carrier of Goddess Mumbadevi is kept in front of the shrine.

  

Places to visit nearby Mumbadevi Temple: -

Crawford Market: -

 

Crawford Market

Crawford market is one of the famous markets in the south side of Mumbai. The Crawford was named on behalf of the first Muncipal Commissioner of the city “Arthur Crawford”. Mukundraoji Bhujbal Patil the president of Mathma Phule Smarak struggled for the Market and later it was named as Mathma Jotirao Phule. Crawford is located at the opposite side of the Mumbai Police Headquarters. Fruits, vegetables and other things are sold at the wholesale rate in the Crawford market. One side of the market there is a pet store where cats, dogs and birds of various breeds are sold in the Crawford Market. Other things are sold such as foods, household things, gift items and cosmetics.

Chowpatty (beach) : - 

Chowpatty Beach Mumbai

Mumbai is popular for the beaches all over India. Juhu beach is surrounded by the Arabian sea which is on the west side. On the east side is Vile Parle and Santacruz on the north side, Versova and Khar to the South. Many celebreties visit Juhu Beach. Firstly Juhu beach was an island in the 19th Century. By the Portuguese Juhu Beach was called as “Juvem”. There is a village called Juhu which is on the north side. There is a church which was built in 1953 by the Portuguese near Juhu beach.

Hotels nearby Mumbadevi Temple: -

1.  Hotel Elphinstone Annexe: - Hotel Elphinstone is at P D’mello road near Yellow gate Police station. The Elphinstone Annexe is around 1 kms from Mumbadevi Temple.

2. Hotel Manama: - Hotel Manama is opposite to St. George Hospital, Near C.S.T Station around 2 kms from Mumbadevi Temple.

3. Residency hotel Fort: - Hotel Residency fort is at D.N Road 2 Kms from Mumbadevi Temple.

Adlabs Imagica | Famous one day picnic spot in Mumbai

 

Adlabs Imagica.

State: - Maharashtra.

District/Taluka: - Mumbai/Khopoli.

Time to visit Adlabs Imagica: - 

Any time you can visit Adlabs Imagica.

Transport for Adlabs Imagica: -

Way from Mumbai to Adlabs Imagica: -

From Mumbai reach Navi Mumbai, from Navi Mumbai get to Mumbai Pune Expressway NH4. Get an exit from Mumbai Pune Expressway at Kharapur Toll Plaza. From Mumbai Kharapur Toll Plaza is around 35 kms. From Kharapur Toll Plaza Khopoli exit is around 500 meters. The road is splitted in two ways the left one goes to Kharapur and Khopoli whereas the right one goes to Khopoli – Pali road. Take a right turn to Khopoli – Pali road. Adlabs Imagica is 3 to 4 kms.  

Way from Pune to Adlabs Imagica: -

From Pune firstly reach Mumbai Pune Expressway NH4 by crossing Talegaon Toll Plaza. From talegaon Toll Plaza reach Khopoli. There are two ways to reach Adlabs Imagica.

(i) From Khopoli one has to take exit at Lonavala and reach Khopoli from old Mumbai Pune Highway (NH47).

(ii) By crossing Lonavala and Khandala Ghats from the expressway, at the end of the ghat there is an exit on the left side which goes to Khopoli. After reaching Khopoli one way goes to Khopoli – Pali road. From Khopoli – Pali road Adlabs Imagica is 4 kms. This way is better and easy to reach Adlabs Imagica.

 About Adlabs Imagica: -

Adlabs Imagica is situated in the city of Khopoli which is on Mumbai Pune Expressway. By Adlabs Entertainment Limited Adlabs Imagica is owned which is promoted by Manmohan Shetty. The cost to construct Adlabs Imagica was gone upto 1,650 crores and it is in 300 acres. Adlabs Imagica was constructed in April 2013. In Adlabs Imagica around 20,000 visitors can accommodate. In the first year around 3 million visitors visited Adlabs Imagica. In Adlabs Imagica there are 26 to 30 various rides, five restaurants, the first biggest Roller Coaster of India and a Water Park. Adlabs Imagica is the India’s first biggest Amusement Park.

There are various types of rides in Adlabs Imagica such as Humpty’s fall, the detective Bow Wow Show, wagon 0-0 wheels, Rajasaurus River Adventure, Zooballoo, Salimgarh, Mr. India – The Ride, Alibaba Aur Chalis Chor. Deep Space, Splash Aloy, Gold Rush Express, Bandits of Robinhood (Roller Coaster), Tubby takes Off, Save the Pirate, Bump it Boats and many more…..

The Tickets for Ablabs Imagica are: -

For Monday to Friday 1500 rupees for adults and 1200 rupees for children’s and Sr. Citizens.

Saturday and Sunday 1900 rupees for adults and 1600 rupees for children’s and Sr. Citizens.

Restaurants in Adlabs Imagica: -

1. The Imagica Capital.

2. ZEZE Bart Grill.

3. Red Bonnet American Dinner.

4. Armada Tapas

5. Robert’s Food Coaster.

Places to visit near Adlabs Imagica: -

Bhairavnath Temple: - Bhairavnath temple is around 10 kms from Adlabs Imagica. Bhairavnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Bhairavnath and is worshiped all year around.

Lohagad Fort: - Lohagad fort is from the satvahaan period which is around 2000 years back. The fort was built to keep an eye on the Nane Maval, Korbaarse Maval and Andra Maval. On Lohagad fort there are many spots to visit such as vinchu kata, Hanuman Darwaja and many more…..

Karla Caves: - Karla Caves are located in the village called Karli near lonavala. There are many carvings in the Karla Caves. There were two 15 meters pillar but now only one pillar is remaining. There is a temple of goddess Ekveera which is the worship place of Kolis.

For more Picnic-Spot and Trekking Points Visit Midlime.com

Baneshwar.

State :- 

Maharashtra.

District / Taluka :-

 Pune / Khed.

Best time to visit Baneshwar :- 

Any time you can visit the place but monsoon is the best time you visit the fort because there are many waterfalls and the forest can be enjoyed to its best in this season the forest is surrounded with lush and greenery and also between February and august.

Baneshwar water.

Photo Credit : Flicker

Transport Baneshwar temple :-

1) Way from Pune to Baneshwar temple :-

From Pune there areST buses which run on the route to Pune to Velha or Pune to Gunjawane you can get down at Baneshwar. By route one has to go on NH-4 highway till Nasrapur Phata after Shivapur take a right and at a distance of 3-4 kms you will reach Baneshwar.

2) Way from Mumbai to Baneshwar temple :-

one has to come to Pune and follow the above route and reach Baneshwar.

Description of Baneshwar temple :-

Baneshwar Temple

Baneshwar has a temple of Shivlinga and a bird sanctuary which was found recently when certain amount of rare birds was found here. This temple was built by the Peshwa Nanasaheb in the year 1749 which took around 11,450 rupees. 

Chimaji appa after destroying the Portuguese from the battle of bassien he took the bell which was made by the Portuguese in the year 1683 the bell proved that it was of the Portuguese. Bhimashankar temple also has an similar bell .

Baneshwar is also a bird sanctuary has an variety of Birds and hence it is called as an wildlife sanctuary it is visited by lovers of jungles, trekkers and devotees this famous around Pune and a good weekend spot. It also has a beautiful waterfall near the temple. The temple got its name from the forest nearby in which 'ban' means forest.

Shivaji Park (Mumbai)

Shivaji Park

State :- Maharashtra

District / Taluka :- Mumbai City/Dadar

Best time to visit Shivaji Park :- 

Any time you can visit Shivaji Park.

Transport for Shivaji Park :-   

To reach Shivaji Park first we have to reach Mumbai, from Mumbai  local trains, BEST (Buses) are available to Dadar from Dadar Station there are Auto rickshaws, taxis available to Shivaji park. Shivaji Park is around 2 kms from Dadar Station.

Way from Pune to Shivaji Park : - 

From Pune Trains are available to Mumbai from morning 6:00 AM various trains such as Sinhagad Express (6:00 AM), Deccan Express (7:00 AM) and Pragati Express (8:00) all the trains stops at Dadar Station. From Dadar taxis and rickshaws are available to reach Shivaji Park.

Description of Shivaji Park : -

Shivaji Park which is situated in Dadar is the largest park in Mumbai. In the time of British rules Shivaji Park was built in the year 1925 by the Mumbai Muncipal Corporation. There is a ground in all the sides are covered with a Katta, the area of Shivaji Park is about 1 to 2 kms maximum. The area ofShivaji Park is 28 acres, all the time the ground is full with the young cricket players. In Shivaji park there are Gymnasium which is named as Samarth Vyayam Mandir, the club Shivaji Park Gymkhana, Shivaji Park Nagrik Sangh which was established in 1947, Scout’s Pavilion, Ganesh Mandir, Nana-Nani Park, Children’s Park. Firstly there was a statue of Ram Ganesh Gadkari but now, there is a statue of Balasaheb Thackeray’s wife late Meenatai Thackeray which is at the entrance.

The statue of Shivaji Maharaj at Shivaji Park : - 

Statue of Shivaji Maharaj

In Shivaji Park the statue of Shivaji Maharaj is very huge. The Statue is shown as Shivaji is ruling sitting on the horse with his arm. By the donations given by the local peoples the statue of Shivaji Maharaj was built in the year 1996.

Stadium at Shivaji Park : - 

Shivaji Park Stadium

There is a stadium of Cricket as well as Football at Shivaji Park. The famous Cricketers such as Vinod Kambli,Sanjay Manjrekar, Sachin Tendulkar, Ajit Agarkar, Sunil Gavaskar, Vijay Manjrekar, Ramakant Desai, Balu Gupte and M.S. Patil. Football practice is also done at the Shivaji Park  Stadium the various are Dadar XI, Bears FC, Adarsh FC and many other teams comes for practice.

About Shivaji Park Gymkhana :-

Shivaji Park Gymkhana was started by P.G. Marathe with his brothers Shri S. P. Athalye ,Shri L. M Vaishampayan and N. T. Kane in the year 1909 and the name was kept as the “New Maharashtra Cricket Club” but now there are around 2000 members play their activities such as Cricket, Football, Tennis, Karate etc..

Restaurants near Shivaji Park :-

1. Hotel Oven fresh : -

Oven fresh hotel is at Ranade Road in Kiran Building near Shivaji Park. The cost for the hotel is 1300 /- for 2 persons.

2. Home Chef : - 

Hotel Home Chef is near Shivaji Park at Ranade Road near Sushrusha Hospital in Meher Building. They charge around 700 to 800 hundred rupees for 2 peoples.

3.Hotel Aswad : - 

At Gadkari Chowk, near L J Road is the hotel Aswad.

4. Masala zone : - 

This hotel is at Cedell Road, near Shivaji Park. The hotel Masalazone charges around 100 rs for 2 peoples.

Gateway of India (Mumbai).

Gateway of India.

 Photo Credit : Flicker

State :- Maharashtra.

District / Taluka :- Mumbai / Apollo Bandar

Best time to visit Gateway of India :-

Any time you can visit Gateway of India.

Transport for Gateway of India :-

1) Way from pune till gateway of India :-  

There are trains available from Pune from morning 6:00 am is Indryani Express, 7:05 Deccan Express, 8:05 Pragati Express which takes us directly till Dadar station. ST (State Transport) Buses are also available from Pune to Dadar.

2) Way from Mumbai till gateway of India :- 

To reach Gateway of India first reach Mumbai from your location, from Mumbai local transports Buses (BEST) and Rickshaws are available till Colaba or directly till Gateway of India.

 PhotoCredit : Zadeus

Description of Gateway of India :- 

The Gateway of India was built by the Britishers during the British raj in Apollo Bandar, Mumbai. The height of Gateway of India is 85 feet i.e. 26 meters high .The Governor of Bombay (Mumbai) Sir George Sydenham Clarke founded the stone in the year 31st March 1913 to construct Gateway of India. By concrete and yellow Basalt gateway of India was built and they finished the construction in the year 1924 whereas on 4th December 1924 the opening of Gateway of India was done. For Photographers, local peoples and vendors Gateway of India had become a tourist spot.

The structure of Gateway of India is the combination of Hindu and Muslim style of Architecture, so the architecture of Gateway of India is of muslims style and the design and the decoration is of Hindu style. The cost of Gateway of India was gone upto 2 million. When the Britishers were arriving in India for the first time they got down in the Gateway of India where, the symbol of the Bitish Empire was "Power and Majesty". At the opposite side of Gateway of India there is a statue of the king of Maratha Empire Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj who ruled and established the Maratha Empire in the 17th century. The opening of the statue of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was done on 26th January 1961 on the Republic Day, whereas there is another statue of Swami Vivekananand.

At the Gateway there are five jetties, at the Atomic Research Center there is a first jetty whereas for ferry operations i.e. for going towards elephant caves second and third jetties are used, the fourth jetty is closed and the fifth jetty is used for Royal Bombay Yacht Club.

In August 2003 there was a terriorist attack at the Gateway of India in which the bomb was kept in  taxi, bomb blast was a very major terriorist attack.

 

Spots to visit near Gateway of India :-

 

1. Galerie Mirchandani- Steinruecke :- 

The Galerie Mirchandani – Steinruecke is at Sunny House near Mereweather Road in Colaba. It is only about 200 to 300 meters from Gateway of India. The timings to visit Galerie Mirchandani – Steinruecke are 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM but, it is closed on Sunday and Monday.

 

2. Popli Art Gallery :- 

Popli Gallery is at Apolo Bandar near Gateway of India.

 

Hotels near Gateway of India :-

1. The Taj Mahal Palace :- Hotel Taj Mahal Palace is at Apollo Bandar near Gateway of India.

2. Fariyas Hotel Mumbai :- Fariyas Hotel is at Arthur Bunder Road, at Colaba. 5 minutes from Gateway of India.

3. Hotel Broadway Colaba :- The address for hotel Broadway is Mathuradas Building no. 2, Mandlik road, Colaba. Broadway hotel is around 300 meters from Gateway of India.

4. Hotel Diplomat :- Hotel Diplomat is at B. K. (Boman Behram Marg), at Apollo Bandar. Hotel Diplomat is 200 meters from Gateway of India.

5. Regent Hotel :- Regent Hotel is at Best road in Colaba. Regent hotel is 300 meters from Gateway of India.

Aksa Beach and Juhu Beach (Mumbai).

Aksa Beach

State :- Maharashtra

District / Taluka :-  Mumbai / Malad.

Aksa beach in the Evening

Best time to visit Aksa Beach : -  

Mostly you can visit any time but when there are huge tides avoid visiting the beach.

Way to reach Aksa beach : -

From Mumbai local trains are available to Malad. BEST buses are available from Boravali Station bus no. 269 and from Malad station bus no. 271 directly goes to Aska beach.

Description of Aksa Beach : - 

Aksa beach is around 9 to 10 kms from malad and around 12 kms from Boravali. Aksa beach is the most popular beach which is in the Malad. It is a clean beach. One can spend his weekend on the beach especially the youngsters. Many hotels are there near the beach, horse riding and speed boats are available on the beach.

Hotels nearby Aksa Beach : - 

The Resort Madh Marve which is near Aksa beach and The Retreat Hotel.

Juhu Beach.

State : - Maharashtra

District / Taluka : - Mumbai / Ville parle

Best time to visit Juhu Beach : - 

Any time you can visit Juhu Beach but avoid visiting during high tides.

Ways to reach Juhu Beach : - 

Juhu Beach is one of the famous beaches in India, so there will be no problem to reach Juhu Beach, reach Mumbai from wherever you stay. Then from Mumbai there are Local trains, BEST buses available till Ville Parle from Ville Parle Juhu beach is around 2 kms.

Way from Pune to Juhu Beach: - 

There are trains available from Pune from morning 6:00 am is Indryani Express, 7:05 Deccan Express, 8:05 Pragati Express which takes us directly till Dadar station. ST (State Transport) Buses are also available from Pune to Dadar. From Dadar Taxis and Private buses available to Juhu Beach.

Description of Juhu Beach :- 

Juhu Beach Sunset

Mumbai is popular for the beaches all over India. Juhu beach is surrounded by the Arabian sea which is on the west side. On the east side is Vile Parle and Santacruz on the north side, Versova and Khar to the South. Many celebreties visit Juhu Beach. Firstly Juhu beach was an island in the 19th Century. By the Portuguese Juhu Beach was called as “Juvem”. There is a village called Juhu which is on the north side. There is a church which was built in 1953 by the Portuguese near Juhu beach. Jamshetji Tata built a banglow by purchasing a land near Juhu beach. Jamshetji Tata also planned that the 1200 acres should also be developed in Juhu Tara. 
     

The climate of the Juhu beach is same all the year, but in summer the temperature of Juhu beach rises upto 30 to 35 degree Celsius, but the weather is too good in winter. Also Juhu beach is a good place for making films, whereas Juhu beach is a good place for spending our weekends with our friends and Families. At the time of Lord Ganesha’s Visarjan hundreds of people visit Juhu beach for Visarjan. Most of the people visit Juhu beach in the Morning for doing their exercise like yogas and meditations. There are statues and figures of Indian freedom fighters like Lokmanya Tilak and others.

Hotels and Restaurants near Juhu Beach :-

1. Ramada Plaza Palm Grove :- 

Ramada Plaza Palm Grove is situated near Juhu Beach. Ramada Plaza Palm Grove is a 5 star hotel. In the Hotel Ramada Plaza Palm Grove the Business meetings are also held whereas the film stars also visit the hotel.

2. Hotel Royal Garden :-

 hotel Royal Garden is a Luxury Banquet Hotel which is close to Juhu beach is a famous hotel. The rooms of the Hotel Royal Garden are also good. Parties, Weddings are also held in the hotel Royal Garden.

Aga Khan Palace (Pune).

Aga Khan Palace.

State :- Maharashtra.

District / Taluka :- Pune / Haveli

Best time to visit Aga Khan palace :-

Any time you can visit Aga khan palace. 

Timings of Aga Khan Palace :-

9 am to 6 pm (Lunch break: 12.30 pm to 1:30 pm)

Entry fee :-

Rs.5 for Adults and Rs.2 for Children.

Transport  :-

1) Way from Pune :-

Reach Pune Station or Pune municipal corporation from here there are many buses going towards Yerwada take a bus which goes towards Yerawda from there are share rickshaws to Aga khan palace.

Pune- yerwada- aga khan palace (6 kms)

2) Way from Mumbai :-

Reach Pune from their go on the way to Pune station from there reach Yerawda and ask for Aga Khan Palace which is 2 kms from Yerawda. From Mumbai to Pune there are buses, trains and express trains to pune station.

Mumbai-Pune(148 kms).

Description :-

Sultan Muhammed Shah aga khan III built Aga Khan Palace in the year 1892.In the Indian history it is amongst the biggest landmarks. The sultans built Aga khan palace to give the charity to the poor and needy peoples all over the neighboring places in Pune. The poor people were hit by Famine at that time were people didn’t had enough food to eat and shelter to live.

History of the palace is related with the father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba Gandhi .They were prisoner for the quit India movement with their secretary Mahadev Desai between 9^th August 1942 and 6^th may 1944, during this movement Kasturba Gandhi and there secretary Mahadev Desai died in this palace they have their Samadhi in this palace near Mula river.

Gandhiji had a great impact of his philosophy and teachings in India due to which in 1969 Aga khan IV donated Aga Khan Place to the Indian peoples proving his respect to Mahatma Gandhi. 

There is a memorial on Gandhiji were his ashes are kept in the palace. In 1974 Indira Gandhi visited the Aga Khan Palace and allotted a sum of INR 2, 00,000 (US$ 3,300) every year, for its maintenance and caring of the palace, till 1990s the amount went to INR 1 million (US $ 17,000), Aga khan palace was later neglected because funds were not allocated properly, Hence people protested near the Mahatma Gandhi Statue located near Pune railway station in 1999 for improvement of the palace.

Aga khan palace was built with Italian Arches and spacious lawns. It has in all five halls Aga khan palace is built in area of nineteen acres (77,000 m2), in which seven acres is covered with building area. 

Aga khan palace is among the best palaces known for its magnificent and spectacular architecture. Aga khan palace was built within the period of 5 years which took around INR 1.2 million (US $20,000).Total area of the ground is around 1756 sq meters, in which first floor took around 1080 sq meters and second floor took 445 sq meters. The entire building has a corridor of 2.5 meters which is the main specialty of the Aga Khan Palace. Aga khan palace was donated to Gandhi smarak Samitee in 1972 by Prince karim Aga khan. 

Today this palace is organized and maintained by parks and gardens. Aga khan palace has many pictures and portraits related to the life of Mahatma Gandhi (The Father of the Nation) and other freedom fighters and their struggle. Aga khan palace is now the headquarters of Gandhi National Memorial Society. It also has a shop that sells Khaadi and other hand loomed textiles.

Gandhi Memorial Society celebrates public functions on various occasions in Aga khan palace.

Republic day - 26^th, January

Marty’s Day - 30^th, January

Independence Day - 15^th, August

Mahatma Gandhi birth anniversary = 2^nd October

Mahashuvratri – Mothers day (Death day of kasturba Gandhi)

Besides yearly events, morning prayers are also taken near the Samadhi since decades. Large number people gather every day and number increases during 2^nd October people come allover place to tribute mahatma Gandhi.

Parvati Hills.(Pune)

Parvati hills.

Parvati Hill

State:-Maharashtra

District/Taluka:-Pune/Haveli

Best time to visit Parvati :-

Any time you can visit Parvati hills.

Transport to Parvati :-

1) Way from Pune :-

There are buses from Shivaji nagar to Sahakar nagar (bus no:- 37) get down at Parvati hills.

Description of Parvati hills :-

Parvati hills are the highest points in the Pune it is around 2100 feet above the sea level. Parvati offers a panoramic view of the Pune city, Sunrise and the Sunset is even a great scene that can be viewed from the top and Parvati hills can be easily seen from the many parts of the city. It has total of 103 steps to reach the top of the Parvati hills many citizens from the nearby places even come to exercise by climbing the steps. It is an observatory place of the Pune from the top. Parvati hill comprise of one big temple and three small temples it also has a museum which shows many monuments of the rulers.

The steps are the example of fine works of the stone of the Maratha period to make this step a special type of black quarry stone was used. The specialty of the stone is that the stones are weather resistant and they have survived over two hundred and fifty years over wind, water and sun .The steps are wide enough that an elephant can walk through it.

History of Parvati hills and the temples is as follows :-

Parvati Mandir

The main temple on the Parvati hills was built by the 3rd Peshwa Shrimant Nanasaheb in the year 1749 A.D a story that is made about the temple is the mother of Peshwa ruler was suffering from a severe ailment in her foot her advisors told her about the goddess on south of the Pune famous for her miraculous healing power she went to the temple and prayed for the recovery she promised the goddess if she was healed with her ailment she would built the temple for the goddess she was blessed by the goddess and the temple was built by her son third Peshwa Nanasaheb  and  hence it became famous as the temple of the Parvati.

Nana sahib Peshwa was minister for the grandson of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj the Chhatrapati Shri Shahu Maharaj who was a ruling king of the Maratha empire in those days Nanasaheb Peshwa won the confidence of the king with his faith and affection. When Shahu Maharaj died it was as if the loss of his father to the Nanasaheb Peshwa he brought 'KHADAWA,' the wooden footwear of the king and also brought an icon of the Shivlinga from Satara and kept them underneath the main temple of the Parvati.

Various places which are famous on the Parvati hill are :-

Vetal Chabutra :-

Vetal is a deity that was worshipped by the peoples who wanted to acquire evil powers the people were mostly uneducated and unaware would indulge in this tricks today there are no remains or ruins of the stone available on the hills they can be seen near the plot in the foothills.

Mangir Buwa :-

Mangir Buwa was a saint who had his influence on the particular community who believed him he used to settle the disputes and feuds between the communities this is a small place surrounded by a small encampment of huts.

The Math :-

Math is a dwelling place were a religious programs are taken a saintly person would used to stay, today this place has nothing but a few remains of the plinth trust of Parvati hills are looking forward to utilize the place.

Sati monument :-

‘Sati’ is a movement is a funeral ritual in which widowed woman immolates her, on the husband’s funeral pyre. There was a Brahmin priest whose name was Shri Mahadeo Shastri Dixit he was a great devotee of the lord on the Parvati hills. His wife Ramadevi was also a great devotee like her husband. When Mahadeo Shastri Dixit died, Ramadevi took sati on the funeral pyre of her husband. This place is built with the monuments in memory of this couples today this place offers a panoramic view of the Pune city.

Talim Kholi :-

Talim kholi is a place were in a room rulers with their friends would do early morning exercises. It is quite interesting that a care was taken regarding the education of physical development of the youngsters. Whereas in Peshwa rule in 1879 this room was used for the artillery, after which the room was emptied with artillery when Vasudev Balwant Rao Phadke launched attacked on the British using guerilla warfare.

Today this place is peaceful and can be enjoyed with family on weekends.

Sarasbaug (Pune)

Sarasbaug

State: -Maharashtra

District / Taluka :- Pune / Haveli.

Best time to visit the Sarasbaug : - 

Any time you can visit Sarasbaug but it is fully crowded with peoples during Chaturtis    festival of lord Ganesh.

 

 Photo Credits : shankaronline

Transport to Sarasbaug :-

1) Way from Pune to Sarasbaug : - 

You can reach Swargate from there it is walk able distance of just 400-500 meters To Swargate there are many buses available from many parts of Pune city.

Description :-

Sarasbaug temple has the idol of lord Ganesha which is devoted by a large number of Punekars there are many visitors daily from all over Pune and the figure increases on the Chaturtis on an average it is said the 8000 peoples visit Sarasbaug on Chaturtis it is one of the important Siddhivinayak temples in the India.

Sarasbaug was constructed by the Shrimant Nanasaheb Peshwa who was a minister of Chhatrapati shahu Maharaj he also built Shree Devdeveshwar Temple on the Parvati hills after the construction of Shree Devdeveshwar Temple

he thought of beautification and development of the environments of Parvati hills he decided to construct lake in the foothills of Parvati an island of 25,000 sq.ft. And a beautiful garden was build on the island, Shrimant Nanasaheb Peshwa gave a poetic name,”SARASBAUG”.

The construction of the temple was done under the direction of Sawai Madhavrao Peshwa and Mahadji Shinde the temple was fully constructed in the year 1784 with an idol of lord Ganesh. The inscription show many renovations on the temple from one of is in the year 1842 with the help of east India Company of British Empire and also one of major renovations was done in the year 1969 in the direction of Mahadev Kumthekar and Anandrao Mane, this major renovation included a zoo called Peshwa Park it was around 25 acres of area. Later during 1999 and 2005 the animals were moved to Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park in the south of the city. Today this place is a primary landmark of Pune city.

There is also small museum displaying around hundred idols of lord Ganesh around 1995 in the temple premise. An interesting fact about the Sarasbaug is, around 18^th and 19^th century the temple was used as the military strategy discussions by the Marathas against their enemies Nizams and the Britishers. The Peshwa rulers and the advisors would go to the Sarasbaug for their discussions and plans. It is also said that the boats were steered by the Non-Indians like Africans or other nations for top secrecies as they could not understand the native languages.

The Peshwe Park is now called as the Peshwe Adventure Park because induction of many sport adventures such as net climbing, rope climbing, wall climbing, rappelling, tower climbing, balancing ,high altitude cycling, rope skidding, crossing the pond on a rope etc just to name a few (for age groups 3-16). The main Moto of this adventurism is to remove the fear from kids at their younger age. The park is designed by B.S.Deshmukh. The main specialty of the Peshwe amusement park is the toy train named as ‘Foolrani’ in Marathi. Besides amusement there are educational projects of solar energy, Hydel energy and Biogas energy they provide information related to their basic concepts.

PMC maintains parks and their charges they charge around 10/- rupees per person Rs-100 for the foreign nationals the park is open from 9.30 am to 3.30 am and 4.00 pm to 5.30 pm.

Outside the park there are many refreshment stalls and snack homes which are privately managed by the owners and other activities such as ferries cartwheel, horse cart riding, carousel, merry go rounds, Disney slides etc they also charge a basic amount of about 20-30 rs.