Hadshi Vitthal Temple

Panduranga Kshetra, Hadshi Temple, Pune
The Vitthal temple at Hadshi built and maintained by Sathya Sai trust is one of well-maintained and cleanest temple I have visited. Just an hour drive from Pune makes it a good destination on Sundays.

The place is pretty big and on top of a hill. One has to drive to the top to reach the place. There are multiple options to reach this place, but the route via Paud road is a good bet. The rest of the road conditions are not that good. There is a canteen available here and the temple is surrounded by lush green trees. There is  a garden as well as small playground for kids. A perfect picnic spot for families. Definitel a must visit.


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Route via Paud road


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Prati Pandharpur Near Lonavala

Prati Pandharpur 


Pandharpur is a very famous pilgrimage in Maharashtra, India. Prati-Pandharpur is replica of the famous temple.  Lord Vitthala who is considered as the incarnation of Lord Vishnu is the main deity in Pandharpur.Prati-Pandharpur is located in Dudhivare village near Pavana Dam. It is very near to famous Lohgad fort.

The temple is not well-know yet hence visitors are not very high. The temple is very beautiful and the place is well maintained with greenery all around.The temple is dedicated to Lord Vitthala and Saint Dnyaneshwar with idols very beautiful and carved out of marble. The roof has temple has intricate design with a beautiful chandelier at  the centre. This is definitely a worth visit.

One can take the Lonavala route or from Kamshet via Pavana Dam to reach this place. There are no clear signs or big hoarding, so one can miss this place easily.

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Pavana Dam, Near Lonavala

Pavana Dam
Pavana Dam near Lohgad in vicinity of Lonavala is the dam which gives rise to the scenic Pavana lake. A very pleasant drive from Pune or Mumbai for one-day getaway. The place will be at its peak beauty during monsoon, however, the weather seemed pleasant enough during my visit in early March.

There are multiple options to reach this place from Pune. I took the Kamshet route. The distance is about 50 kms from north Pune. The ride till Kamshet is pretty smooth and the old Mumbai-Pune road is pretty good. At Kamshet, one should take the left at the main intersection where the highway touches the town. The turn is just before the ghats start.

The road from Kamshet to Pavana Dam is small road and not in very good condition. But this route is quite picturesque throughout. On the way one can see signs for Bedse caves which is just 4-5 kms off this route. There is not much options for food or water here. Once you cross the underpass for Expressway, take the right turn at Paud road junction. The dam is visible from the main road itself, but to get view off lake once must travel a bit ahead on the road which leads to Lohgad. This is the same route that will take you to Lonavala.

There are not many options for food that I could spot. On the way I came across Lohgad Resort and Boating club. They offer decent food. Tried the boating here, was quite good. They charge Rs.300 for scooter ride, and Rs.150 per head for motorboat. They do have nice speed boat but the charge was Rs.1200 for 4 person. As we were just two, we decided to take the regular motorboat. The ride was quite good and fun. The place is quite calm and good for small break from city.    

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At Lohgad Resort and Boat Club

On route to Pavana Dam

The winding road to Pavana

Pavana Dam

View of Pavana Lake

Speed Boat at Boating club

On old Mum-Pune Road

View of Lake

Spotted this Peacock at the resort

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