81 Places to Visit near Pune within 200 kms (2024)

Located near the confluence of the River Krishna,and the River Venna, Satara is one of the famous places to visit in Maharashtra in monsoon and among the top places to visit near Pune.

Situated at an altitude of 2320 feet, it is a base station to several tourist destinations like Mahabaleshwar & Panchgani. The district of Satara is lined with amazing temples and forts. The Ajinkyatara Fort is the major historical fort in Satara and was built by Raja Bhoj. About 3,000 feet high, the fort was once an important line of defense in southern Maharashtra, and now among the must-visit places as part of Satara tour packages.

Satara is another popular attraction not to miss in a Mahabaleshwar packages. The Kaas Lake, Kaas Plateau, Thosegarh Falls, Gare Ganapathi Temple, Koteshwar Mandir, and the Abhayankar Vishnu Temple are some important places to visit in Satara.

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At a distance of 11 km from Lonavala, 59 km from Pune & 107 km from Mumbai, the Karla Caves or Karle Caves are a complex of ancient Indian Buddhist rock-cut cave temples located at Karli near Lonavala, Maharashtra. It is one of the best Lonavala tourist places and also among well known historical places to visit near Mumbai & Pune protected by Archaeological Survey of India.

Karla is one of the most famous centers of early rock-cut architecture in India. The caves are excavated nearly 100 m on a high spur of the chain of hills on the north flank of the Indrayani valley. These caves were developed over two periods - from 2nd century BC to 2nd Century AD and in 5th - 10th Century AD. The oldest of the cave shrines is believed to date back to 160 BC, having arisen near a major ancient trade route, running eastward from the Arabian Sea into the Deccan. These caves are among the must include places in Lonavala tour packages.

The Karla complex consists of 16 rock-cut excavations of which cave 8 is the chaityagriha. The complex of Karla Caves has its interior lighted by windows. The Karla Caves of rock excavations are not that elaborate when compared to its counterparts at Ajanta and Ellora. However, the grand chaityagriha of Karla is the grandest and the largest of all the chaityagrihas ...

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At a distance of 10 km from Bhandardara Bus Stop, 156 km from Pune & 177 km from Mumbai, Randha Falls is a beautiful waterfall located on the Rajur - Bhandardara road in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra.

The waterfall is formed over Pravara River and cascades down from a height of 170 feet into a beautiful gorge. Considered as one of the prominent waterfalls in India, the jaw-dropping Randha Falls is a must visit place during monsoon and also one of the popular places to visit in Bhandardara. It is the chief source of hydro power in the Bhandardara region. There is a temple on the banks of the river and a viewpoint just above the falls provides a great view of the waterfalls. The rocky sides of the gorge are home to colonies of bees and one can see huge hanging hives under the rocky ledges.

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At a distance of 72 km from Shirdi and 44 km from Ahmednagar, Shani Shingnapur or Sonai is a village in Nevasa taluka of Ahmednagar district in Maharashtra. The village is known for its popular temple of Shani Mahadev, the Hindu god associated with the planet (graha) Saturn. This is one of the most popular Shani temples in India and also among the famous pilgrimage places to visit near Pune.

The idol of Lord Shanidev at the Shingnapur temple is swayambhu and the temple is believed to be a jagrut devasthan, meaning that a deity still resides in the temple. The idol is personified in the form of a black stone that is five and a half feet high installed on an open-air platform. There is a Trishul alongside the stone as well as a Nandi on its south. In front are the small images of Shiva and Hanuman. An east-facing multi deity temple was built west of the Shani idol later. The premises also contain a tomb of Saint Udasi Baba and a temple dedicated to Dattatreya. This is one of the must include places in Shirdi packages.

Shani Shingnapur Temple, among the top Shirdi places to visit, among the most significant pilgrimage places to visit near Aurangabad. The entire village around the temple has no doors to the houses. ...

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At a distance of 6 km from Mahabaleshwar Bus Stand, 116 km from Pune & 252 km from Mumbai, Lingmala Waterfall is a mesmerizing waterfall located at top of the Venna Valley in the Satara district of Maharashtra. It is one of the popular waterfalls in Maharashtra, and among the famous places to visited as part of Mahabaleshwar packages.

Situated at an altitude of 1278 m, Lingmala Waterfall is formed by the Venna River. It is one of the prominent tourist places near Pune in monsoon. There are two waterfalls, one mini waterfall, and the main waterfall which falls from a height of 500 feet. The mini waterfall is safe & suitable for swimming and playing in the water. One has to walk for 30 minutes to reach the viewpoint of the main waterfall from the mini-falls. There is no way to get into the water at the main falls but the visitors can get magnificent views of the waterfall from the viewpoint.

Lingmala Waterfall is visited by thousands of tourists every year as it is one of the best places to visit in Mahabaleshwar. The waterfall is situated on the right-hand side of the road while travelling from Mahabaleshwar to Panchgani. There is a small signboard indicating the directions to the waterfall. One has to take ...

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At a distance of 11 km from Lonavala, 66 km from Pune & 114 km from Mumbai, the Lohagad Fort (Iron Fort) is a historical fort situated along the Sahyadri hills in the Lonavala region of Maharashtra. It is one of the best tourist places to visit in Lonavala and also one of the popular heritage in Maharashtra.

Perched atop a hillock at an altitude of 1050 m, the Lohagad Fort separates the Indrayani basin from the Pawna basin. It is also among the popular trekking places to visit near Pune & Mumbai. It is one of the most visited forts in Maharashtra as part of Lonavala tour packages. The fort was built by Guru Govind Singh in 1564 CE to serve as a prison. Shivaji Maharaj captured it in 1648 CE, but he was forced to surrender it to the Mughals in 1665 CE by the Treaty of Purandar. Shivaji Maharaj recaptured the fort in 1670 CE and used it for keeping his treasury. Later in Peshwa's time, Nana Phadnavis used this fort for living and built several structures in the fort such as a big tank and a step-well. Recently the fort has been declared as a protected monument by the government.

The hillfort is designed in the shape of the tail of a scorpion. The fort can be reached from any of its four entrances, namely Maha Darwaja, Ganesh ...

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At a distance of 500 m from Bhandardara Bus Stop, Umbrella Falls is a beautiful seasonal waterfalls situated at the Bhandardara Dam in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. It is one of the top places to visit in Bhandardara and also one of the best waterfalls in Maharashtra.

When the Wilson dam overflows during monsoon, water gushes out from a small opening in its northern end over a semicircular rock, forming the picturesque Umbrella Falls. The water body is also used for hydro­electric power generation. There is a bridge right below the waterfall, tourists can get a full view of the waterfalls standing on the bridge. The waterfalls can be enjoyed only during the monsoon season, when the dam reaches full capacity.

The falls can be easily reached by walk from Bhandardara Bus Station which is around 500 m.

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At a distance of 17 km from Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Elephanta Caves are a network of sculpted caves located on Elephanta Island or Gharapuri in Mumbai Harbour. The Caves, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site, is Mumbai's oldest historic site and also one of the best Mumbai tourist places.

Among the prime places to visit as part of Mumbai Packages, the identity of the creators of Elephant Caves is disputed. It is believed that the Chalukyas and Rashtrakutas were behind the creation of the caves and sculptures. The island was ruled by the Chalukyas and later by the Gujarat sultanate. It was later handed over by the Gujarat Sultan to the Portuguese in 1534 AD.

The caves are known for beautiful Hindu temples and sculptures. The Elephanta Caves were named by the Portuguese after they saw a statue of an elephant on the island. The statue is now placed at the Bhau Daji Lad Museum at the Jijamata Udyan at Byculla in Mumbai. The main cave (Cave 1) was a Hindu place of worship until Portuguese rule began in 1534 AD, after which the caves suffered severe damage. This cave was renovated in the 1970s after years of neglect and was designated UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 to preserve the artwork. It is currently maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Elephanta Island has two groups of caves in the rock-cut architectural ...

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At a distance of 5 km from Murud, 21 km from Diveagar, 53 km from Alibaug, 84 km from Raigad Fort, 170 km from Mumbai, and 162 km from Pune, Murud - Janjira is an island fort situated near Murud in the Raigad district of Maharashtra. This is one of the top places to visit in Alibaug, and also one of the popular heritage places to visit near Pune and Mumbai.

Janjira Fort is surrounded by the Arabian Sea on all sides and is one of the strongest marine forts of India. It is one of the popular places of heritage in Maharashtra, and among the must include places in Alibaug tour packages. The name Janjira is derived from the Arabic word Jazeera which means island. The original structure was built in the 15th century by a Koli chief as a defense against pirates and thieves. Originally a small wooden structure, Janjira Fort was later captivated by Siddi Sirul Khan an Abyssinian Siddi of Ahmednagar kings in the 17th century. During its construction, the fort structure collapsed thrice. Siddi realized that a sacrifice is needed, so he offered his 22 years old son to God. It is one of the

The fort was attacked many times by the Portuguese, British, and the Marathas but it was successful in resisting attempts to capture. Shivaji's ...

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At a distance of 12 km from Bhandardara, 165 km from Mumbai & 174 km from Pune, Kalsubai Peak is a mountain peak in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. This is one of the popular places of trekking in Maharashtra, and among the must include places in Bhandardara tour packages.

The peak of Kalsubai perched at an altitude of 5400 feet (1646 m) and it is the highest peak in Maharashtra. The peak lies within the Kalsubai Harishchandragad Wildlife Sanctuary. It is one of the best places to visit in Bhandardara for adventure enthusiasts. The peak is a small plateau and offers a commanding view of nearby forts and Bhandardara Dam. It was used for keeping watch on their enemies during the Maratha rule in the region. Kalsubai Temple is Located at the topmost peak of the Sahyadri mountain range of Maharashtra.

Mount Kalsubai is a famous trekking destination in Maharashtra. The trekking route attracts a large number of visitors, some to conquer the highest peak in Maharashtra, some trek to Kalsubai to visit Mandir and offer prayers to local deity Kalsubai. The temple houses an old well, where the water level never drops below 3 feet. A religious fair is organized by the locals at this temple during Navratri.

To reach the summit there are various trekking routes. The ...

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At a distance of 32 km from Pune Junction, Sinhagad or Sinhagarh means the Lion Fort, is a fortress located southwest of Pune City. Sinhagad Fort is one of the popular places of trekking in Maharashtra, and among the must include places in Pune packages

Previously called Kondana, the fort has been the site of many important battles, most notably the Battle of Sinhagad in 1671 CE. It is one of the top places to visit near Pune City. According to history, the fort was built 2,000 years ago and it is said that the name Kondana was derived from sage Kaundinya. Mohammed bin Tughalak captured the fort from the Koli tribal chieftain, Nag Naik in 1340 CE. And in 1496 CE, Malik Ahmad, the founder of the Nizam Shahi dynasty took control of the fort.

Nearly 200 years later, the Maratha leader Shahaji Bhonsale captured the fort. In 1647 CE, Shivaji held the stronghold and renamed it Sinhagad. In 1665 CE, as per the Treaty of Purandar, Shivaji handed over Sinhagad to the Mughals and again captured it in 1670 CE, under the direction of Tanaji who was Shivaji's favorite general. Aurangzeb laid siege to Sinhagad in 1701- 03 CE, but could not hold it for long. Finally the British seized the fort from the Marathas in 1818 AD. The fort was later used as a retreat for many European residents of Pune.

Counted ...

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At a distance of 5 km from Lohagad Fort, 15 km from Lonavala, 71 km from Pune & 119 km from Mumbai, Bhaja Caves are one of the popular Buddhist caves of Hinayana faith in Maharashtra. These caves are one of the top places to visit in Lonavala and among the well known tourist places to visit near Pune & Mumbai. These caves are well known historical places near Pune protected as National Monument by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Bhaja Caves or Bhaje caves are a group of 22 rock-cut caves dating back to the 2nd century BC. The caves are 400 feet above the village of Bhaja on an ancient trade route, which extends from the eastern side of the Arabian Sea towards the Deccan.

The Bhaja Caves are similar to the Karla Caves in style and architectural designs. The most prominent among the excavations is the chaityagriha (Cave 12). The chaityagriha is considered to be the earliest of its kind. It consists of a large apsidal hall and is divided into a central nave and side aisles by 27 pillars. The ceiling of the nave is vaulted and original wooden beams are fixed. Chaitya contains stupa at its far end with a hole in the top for wooden umbrella.

Cave 18 is a monastery and consists of a rectangular hall with a front pillared verandah. Depictions of the Sun God Surya and Lord Indra are present ...

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At a distance of 32 km from Alibaug, 20 km from Murud - Janjira Fort, and 133 km from Mumbai, Kashid Beach is a beautiful beach on the shores of the Arabian Sea at Kashid. It is one of the popular beaches in Maharashtra and also a popular weekend getaway from Mumbai and Pune.

Kashid Beach is tucked between two hillocks and is known for its clear waters, white sand and casuarina groves that line the shore. The 3 km long white sand beach is the most beautiful and alluring in the Konkan region. Kashid Beach is a quiet and soothing place and a perfect getaway from the busy city life. Kashid is not as commercially popular as most other beaches in the state. Most tourists stop over at Kashid en route Alibag or Murud.

Kashid Beach is also perfect for surfing with waves rising as high as six feet almost throughout the year. However swimming is not recommended at Kashid. Kashid is also a popular destination for water sports like water scooters, parasailing and banana boat rides. The beach is very crowded on weekends but on weekdays it has almost deserted look.

There are lots of shacks with hammocks offering snacks, cold drinks, and coconut water. One can relax there and enjoy the beauty of beach.

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At a distance of 6 km from Ratanwadi, 23 km from Bhandardara, 183 km from Pune & 197 km from Mumbai, Ratangad is an ancient hill fort situated at Ratanwadi village in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. It is one of the best forts in Maharashtra and an ideal place for trekking around Mumbai & Pune.

The Ratangad Fort is one of the most popular places to visit in Bhandardara and the place leaves visitors spellbound with its rich heritage. The fort is located at a height of 4250 feet. Ratangad Fort is 400 year old fort, which was used by Maratha warrior Shivaji. The fort was initially ruled by the Mughals and it was conquered by Shivaji Maharaj.

Ratangad has a natural rock peak with a cavity at the top which is called Nedhe or Eye of the Needle. The fort has four gates known as Ganesh, Hanuman, Konkan and Trimbak. There are two caves on the Ratangad Fort, one of the caves is smaller and can accommodate 8-10 people, while the other cave is larger and can accommodate 40-50 people. It also has many wells on the top. The base village Ratanwadi has Amruteshwar Temple which is famous for its carvings. The Pravara River originates in Ratangad Fort. According to the local legend, Sage Agastya meditated and performed penance in Ratangad. At that place two drops of Amrut was dropped and water started flowing out from Ratangad continuously resulting in the river Pravara hence the name 'Amrutvahini'.

There are numerous ...

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At a distance of 20 km from Mahabaleshwar, 140 km from Pune & 221 km from Mumbai, Pratapgad, also known as Pratapgarh, is a large hill fort located in the Satara district of Maharashtra. It is one of the best heritage places to visit near Mumbai, and among the popular attractions not to miss as part of Mahabaleshwar packages.

The fort lies at an altitude of 1080 m and is built on a spur that overlooks the road between the villages of Par and Kinesvar. Maratha king Shivaji Maharaj had commissioned Moropant Pingle, his prime minister, to commence the construction of this fort to defend Nira and the Koyna River banks, and also to guard the Par pass. It is one of the most scenic places to visit in Mahabaleshwar. The construction of the fortress was completed in the year 1656. The fort stands as the witness of the historic Battle of Pratapgarh between Shivaji and Afzal Khan, the commander of the Bijapur Sultanate, on 10th November 1659. In 1818, the Maratha forces had to surrender the Pratapgad Fort after losing the third Anglo-Maratha War.

After the Battle of Pratapgad, the Afzal tower was constructed outside the fort as a lookout for enemies. It is said that Afzal Khan's head is buried under the Afzal tower which is also known as Afzal Buruj. Afzal Khan's tomb is ...

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At a distance of 5 km from Korlai, 18 km from Alibaug and 15 km from Kashid, Revdanda Fort is an ancient Portuguese fort located at Revdanda in Raigad district of Maharashtra. The fort is located at the mouth of the Kundalika River.

Revdanda Fort, also known as Revdanda Aagarkot, was built by Portuguese Captain Soj in 1558 CE. In 1740 CE, Revdanda along with the Korlai Fort came under Maratha kingdom as per the treaty signed by the Portuguese. Angres defeated the fort in 1817 CE but it came under the British Raj in 1818 AD.

The periphery of the fort is around 5 km. The entire fortification has two main doors one from north and the other from south. Of which the northern gate was for land connection and the southern gate was used as a passage to the sea. This route opens to the main sea through the Revdanda creek. Portuguese built a dock over here which had become non-existent over time. The north and south gate is connected directly by a long road made of stones. Now, only the western part of the compound has some relics of the ancient fort. The remaining portion has eventually become the Revdanda village with houses and patches of farmlands.

The fort has a 4 storey tower and a couple of cannons within its walls. There is an old passage beneath the principle walls which is presently blocked. Revdanda had a chapel where St Francis Xaviers delivered one of his earliest sermons in the Indian subcontinent. Revdanda was also the first place in India where Afanasy ...

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At a distance of 111 km from Pune, 124 km from Lonavala, 210 km from Nashik, and 224 km from Mumbai, Bhimashankar Temple is an ancient pilgrimage center located near Karjat in the Ghat region of Sahyadri hills in Maharashtra. This is one of the top places of pilgrimage in Maharashtra, and also one of the best pilgrimage places to visit near Pune.

Bhimashankar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered one of the 12 holy Jyotirlinga shrines in India, and among the must-visit places as part of Pune tour packages. The other Jyotirlinga shrines in Maharashtra are Vaidyanath near Parli, Trimbakeshwara near Nashik, Grishneshwar near Aurangabad, and Aundha Nagnath Temple in Hingoli. Bhimashankar is also the source of the river Bhima, which flows southeast and merges with the Krishna River near Raichur.

It is believed that the original temple of Bhimashankar was built in the 12th century CE. However, no evidence remains dating to that period has been found. The temple was renovated by Chimaji Antaji Bhide Naik in 1733 CE followed by some repair works by Dikshit Patwardhan in 1766 CE. A well was constructed in the complex by Raghunathrao Peshwa. The famous minister of the Peshwas, Nana Phadnavis carried out a lot of renovations, including the construction of the shikhara. It is one of the famous places to visit in Pune.

According ...

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At a distance of 2 km from Khandala Railway Station, 3.5 km from Lonavala Railway Station, 94 km from Mumbai & 70 km from Pune, Kune Falls is a scenic waterfall situated near Kune village in Pune district of Maharashtra. It is one of the famous waterfalls not to miss in a Maharashtra tour and also one of the best places to visit in Lonavala.

Kune Falls lies at an altitude of 622 m set against the stunning backdrop of the famous Sahyadri Mountains. It is a three-tiered waterfall cascading down from a height of 200 m and is a must include tourist place in Lonavala tour packages. The waterfall is divided into 2 sections and the highest drop at this three-tier waterfall is of about 100 m. The place is completely surrounded by lush green vegetation and provides a great visual experience.

The falls attracts tourists in large numbers during the rainy season when the waterfall is in its peak form and flows down with a huge gush. Bathing and swimming are popular activities in the waterfalls. The water that flows through the valley runs for many days even after the monsoon season is over.

The Kune Church is located within the close proximity of Kune Waterfalls and serves as a landmark to reach the waterfalls. From the church, it takes just a short walk to reach Kune falls. The ...

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At a distance of 17 km from Matheran and 8 km from Diksal, Garbett Point or Garbut Point is located near Matheran with grand view of the plateau below. The huge plateau gives a view to various waterfalls on the neighboring mountains. This place is also one of the top things to do in Matheran hill station and it is one of the must include places in Lonavala packages..

Garbut Point, situated about 5 km walk from Matheran Railway Station, is a comparatively secluded and less visited vantage point. Flanked by a gorgeous valley on one side and the thick jungle on the other, Garbett Point is a place from where enthralling views of sunrise and sunset can be observed.

Garbett to Matheran trekking is very famous for adventure lovers from Mumbai and Pune. The trek is a bit long and requires a little patience to accomplish. The trek starts from Diksal village. After walking for 5 minutes one can see a huge manmade lake. Visitors need to walk along the perimeter of the lake and cross a fast moving stream. One needs a rope to cross the stream during the monsoon season. The fields and the mountains are lush green with waterfalls all around.

After crossing the stream, trekkers need to climb a steep hillock till a nearby village. After short steep climb from the village, one will reach the narrow Garbett plateau, which ...

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At a distance of 15 km from Lonavala, 15 km from Khandala, 82 km from Mumbai & 82 km from Pune, Rajmachi Fort is an ancient fort situated in Pune district of Maharashtra. It is one of the popular tourist places near Mumbai for trekking and also among the best places to visit in Lonavala. This famous fort in Maharashtra lies at an altitude of 2710 feet. This is a protected monument and is among the most popular attraction not to miss in a Lonavala tour packages.

Historically, Rajmachi fort was a strategic fort to control Bor Ghat (between Khopoli and Khandala on Mumbai-Pune route) which was a historical trade route. It is one of the ideal one day trip near Mumbai. The fort complex was originally constructed by the Satavahanas. In 1657 CE, Shivaji Maharaj captured this fort along with other neighbouring forts from the Adilshahi ruler of Bijapur. In 1704 CE, the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb captured the fort from the Marathas. However, the Marathas regained its control in 1705 CE. In 1713 CE, Shahu Maharaj handed over Rajmachi fort to Kanhoji Angre. Eventually in 1818 CE with the downfall of the Marathas, the British took over the Rajmachi Fort.

Rajmachi Fort consists of two citadels namely Shrivardhan and Manaranjan Forts. It is a very famous ...

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At a distance of 13 km from Kihim Beach, 19 km from Alibaug, Mandwa Beach is a scenic beach situated at Mandwa village in Raigad district of Maharashtra, India. It is a popular weekend beach destination from Mumbai city.

Mandwa is a stunning beach thronged by number of tourists. The beach is isolated from crowd and pollution. The village of Mandwa, which is located nearby, attracts visitors due to the presence of dense coconut trees. The beautiful sunset view from the beach is really picturesque. Chaul is also a popular tourist spot situated near the beach. This place is known for a church, Buddhist caves, a synagogue, a temple and several ruins of Portuguese.

Mandwa Beach is a water sport enthusiast's dream destination, infact the place boasts of being the best water sports center around Mumbai and Pune. The various water sports activities are Jet Ski, kayaking, banana tube ride, water scooters etc. The town also has another tourist attraction the Karmarkar Museum famous for its sculptures. On a clear day one can enjoy a long, breathtaking view across the bay, up to the Gateway of India.

Regular ferries are available from the Gateway of India to Mandwa jetty to reach the beach.

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At a distance of 3.5 km from Neral Railway Station,13 km from Matheran, 88 km from Mumbai & 117 km from Pune, Peb Fort, also known as Vikatgad, is an ancient fort situated near Neral. This is one of the popular places of trekking near Mumbai, and among the must-visit places as part of Matheran Tour Packages.

Situated at an altitude of 2100 feet, the fort derives its name from the Goddess Pebi at the base of the fort. The fort is also named Vikatgad for its supposed shape of the Elephant Headed God, Ganesh. Historical references clearly indicate that Shivaji Maharaj used the caves on the fort to store the grains. It is one of the popular places to visit in Matheran.

The fort is famous for its caves which are maintained by disciples of Swami Samartha and the meditation chambers carved out from the rock inside the mountain. To get inside the meditation chamber, one has to crawl through a narrow passage and then climb down into the meditation chamber. The chamber is very well maintained with tiles on the floor for people to sit and meditate. The fort also has a temple dedicated to Swami Samartha on the top and has the footwear or Padukas worn by the great saint kept on the top. The view of the entire Neral and Karjat region from the top is worth the climb. Another ...

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At a distance of 46 km from Matheran, 16 km from Panvel, 61 km from Mumbai and 117 km from Pune, Prabalgad Fort or Prabal Fort is located between Matheran and Panvel in Maharashtra. It lies at an altitude of 2300 feet in the Western Ghats. This is one of the most beautiful tiny forts in Maharashtra and a great place for trekking near Mumbai.

The fort was built on a plateau very close to Matheran. Prabalgad Fort was built during Bahmani Sultanate to keep an eye on Panvel Fort and Kalyan Fort in North Konkan. It was known as Muranjan until it was taken over and renamed by the Maratha forces under Shivaji's rule. This magnificent fort was captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji from the Mughals. Historians believe that there was a treasure hidden inside the fort at the time of its capture.

Prabal Fort presently in ruins is located at the flat summit of the Prabal hills in the western side of Matheran. The fort contains a temple to Ganesh and some stone ruins. The fort initially had two gateways and eleven towers. However in 1818 AD, these gateways were destroyed in uncongenial fights. At present, one can see only four towers in the fort and a pond on the top of Prabal hills.

Surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, this heritage site is a popular tourist attraction of the region. One can see this fort from various viewpoints of Matheran including Little Chowk Point and Louisa Point. Right next to Prabalgad, to its north, ...

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At a distance of 5 km from Ulhasnagar Railway Station, 37 km from Matheran, and 59 km from Mumbai Central, Ambarnath Shiv Temple is an ancient Hindu temple situated on the banks of Waldhuni River in Ambarnath. It is one of the popular places of heritage in Maharashtra, and among the most popular places of sightseeing in Matheran.

This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a popular religious shrine of the region that can be visited during your Matheran Tour. The temple is believed to be constructed in 1060 AD by King Mahamandaleshwar as a tribute to his ancestors. The temple is carved out of stone in the Hemadpanthi architectural style of construction and is known for its resemblance with the famous Dilwara Temples of Mount Abu in Rajasthan.

The temple is built with black basalt stone. The main attraction of this shrine is the marvelous architectural designs carved on the walls and ceilings that grab the attention of the visitors. The beautiful images of Lord Shiva in different moods, including his renowned dancing pose, adorn the ceilings and pillars. To reach the Garbhagriha, one has to descend 20 steps. There is a Swayambhu (self-manifested) linga enshrined under the open sky in the inner sanctum. A statue of Nandi Bull is located at the center of the main porch of the ...

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At a distance of 40 km from Matheran, 19 km from Karjat, 66 km from Mumbai & 115 km from Pune, Irshalgad is a fortress located between Matheran and Panvel in Maharashtra. It is a twin fort to Prabalgad and among ideal weekend getaways near Mumbai. The area of the fort is not large but there are several water tanks cut from the rock.

Irshalgad pinnacle is accessible by an easy to moderate 3 km trek and it takes about 1.5 hours. The trek starts from Karja village which is about 11 km from Karjat Railway Station. From Karja village one can follow a well-defined path till Irshalwadi village. The path from Karja passes through a steep ridge and then tapers to an easy ascend till Irshalwadi. From the village one has to walk straight up to a small temple dedicated to a local deity. Take left from the temple, standing at this point one can see the Irshalgad peak on the right side. However one has to traverse from left to reach the base of the pinnacle.

There is a water tank on the route from the Irshal plateau to the peak. From there, visitors will reach the needle hole near the top through a simple rock-climbing route. To reach the top of the pinnacle, it is essential to have rock climbing equipment. From the top one can see the forts of Prabalgad, Matheran, Chanderi, Malang gad, Karnala and Manikgad.

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At a distance of 23 km from Dapoli, 41 km from Harihareshwar, and 80 km from Chiplun, Anjarle Beach is a beautiful and unspoiled white sand beach located at Anjarle village in Dapoli taluk of Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra. It is one of the finest beaches in Maharashtra, and among the must include places in Chiplun trip.

The Anjarle Beach is one of the most scenic and secluded beaches in Dapoli and looks mesmerizing with its tall palm trees and clear blue waters. The beach is located near the lagoon of the river Jog, which is about 2 km long and the coastline of the beach is also smooth. The highlight is the white sand that looks so beautiful in the daylight when the sun's rays fall upon it and they shine bright like a diamond. Overall, the blue waters and the white sand create a pristine look to the place and the ambiance is perfect for a getaway. It is one of the most visited Chiplun tourist places.

Anjarle Beach is an idyllic place for the family to enjoy swimming. For the adventurous, water sports like parasailing, snorkeling and windsurfing are available. During low tide, Anjarle Beach attracts a lot of birds making this place a bird watchers paradise. Visit the beach in the evenings when hundreds of fishing boats come back after their day at sea and gather to auction their catch. ...

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At a distance of 3 km from Anjarle Beach, 24 km from Dapoli, 43 km from Harihareshwar, and 82 km from Chiplun, Anjarle Ganapati Temple, also known as Kadyavarcha Ganapati Temple, is a Hindu temple located atop a hill in the small village of Anjarle in the Dapoli Taluka of Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra. It is one of the popular temples in the Konkan region of Maharashtra, and among the most popular places to visit near Chiplun.

Dedicated to Lord Ganesh, the Kadyawarcha Ganapathi Temple is believed to have been built in 1150 AD using wooden pillars. It was renovated during the 18th century and is a 3-tier structure. Ganapathi at this temple has a trunk curved towards the right, unlike most idols that have the trunk curved towards the left. Devotees believe that Kadyawarcha Ganapathi is a live deity who will come to their rescue whenever they are in trouble.

Apart from the Kadyavarcha Ganapati, there is one smaller temple dedicated to Lord Shiva on the temple premises. There is also a small pond in front of the temple which is full of fish and turtles and tourists can have a bit of fun feeding them. From the temple, one can also enjoy the stunning views of the nearby Suvurnadurg Fort, Anjarle Creek, and the surrounding hills filled with greenery. Maghi Ganesh Utsav is the most important festival celebrated at this temple as it marks the birth of Lord Ganpati.

Earlier devotees had to cross the Jog River in a boat and then climb the hill to reach the temple. ...

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At a distance of 11 km from Dapoli, 12 km from Anjarle, 69 km from Chiplun, Murud-Dapoli Beach is a serene beach situated near Dapoli in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra. Located between Hernai and Karde beaches, it is one of the most visited beaches in Maharashtra, and among the must-visit places as part of Chiplun Tour.

Commonly called Murud-Harnai, Murud is a small town located on the rugged Konkan coastline. A long, scenic stretch of Murud Beach with swaying palms is the main attraction here. Murud Beach is made of very soft sand and is safe for swimming. The sunset at the beach is mesmerizing and makes up for the most picture-perfect moment in this destination. Activities like parasailing, dune buggy rides, camel rides, horse-cart rides, and water scooters are available. Dolphin watching boats leave early in the morning to take tourists out into the sea to watch dolphins. One can also dig into some local food items at the many eateries at the beach.

There is also an ancient Durga Devi temple near Murud Beach, which was built in the 18th century. The wooden carvings of the temple are worth watching. A large bell hangs above the left side of the entrance. It is said that after winning the battle of Vasai, Chimaji Appa - the great Maratha warrior had brought that bell from one of the churches. The temple also has a lovely pond with refreshingly cold water behind.

Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM

Entry: Free

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At a distance of 41 km from Chiplun, and 86 km from Satara, Koyna Dam is a rubble-concrete dam situated at Koyna Nagar in the Satara district of Maharashtra. Nestled in the Western Ghats, it is one of the largest dams in Maharashtra, and among the top places to visit in Chiplun.

Koyna Dam was constructed on Koyna River, a major tributary of Krishna River. The construction of this dam was completed in 1963 and is amongst the chief civil engineering projects built after the independence of India. The catchment area of the Koyna Dam blocks up the Koyna River and creates the Shivsagar Lake, which is roughly 50 km long. The spillway of the dam is located at the center and it has 6 radial gates. The dam plays a vital role in flood controlling in monsoon season.

This dam is situated between Chiplun and Karad and is the main water source for the Western Maharashtra region. The main purpose of the dam is hydroelectricity with some irrigation in neighboring areas. Today the Koyna Hydroelectric Project is the largest completed hydroelectric power plant in India having a total installed capacity of 1,920 MW. The Koyna Dam has survived a lot of earthquakes, even the destructive earthquake of Koyna Nagar in 1967 AD which resulted in a few cracks. The cracks were later repaired and holes were created internally to relieve the hydrostatic pressures in the dam. In 2006, the dam was further developed to strengthen the spillway.

Boating is available at the dam and is a prime ...

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At a distance of 26 km from Satara, 73 km from Panchgani, 77 km from Mahabaleshwar, 141 km from Pune & 294 km from Mumbai, Thoseghar Falls is a popular waterfalls located at Thoseghar village in Satara district of Maharashtra. It is one of the top waterfalls in Maharashtra and also one of the highest waterfalls in India. Thoseghar falls is among the most popular Satara places to visit and one of the best monsoon Tourist places near Mumbai.

Thoseghar waterfall is a scenic spot located at the edge of the Konkan region. The waterfall is drops through a series of cascades with a total height of about 500 m. This is a seasonal waterfall which is only seen in monsoon and drops into a deep gorge.

Thoseghar Falls is famous for its serenity, clam and quiet natural surroundings. It is a wonderful place where one can enjoy the beauty of the nature. There is a picnic area and a newly constructed platform which gives a good view of the waterfall. There is no way to enter into the falls but one can go to the starting point of the falls.

People come from all over Maharashtra to visit the falls, especially during the monsoon season between July and October.

Timings: 8 AM to 5 PM.

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At a distance of 6 km from Kas Pathar, 28 km from Satara, 41 km from Mahabaleshwar, 53 km from Panchgani, 144 km from Pune & 299 km from Mumbai, Vajrai Falls is a picturesque waterfall located near Kas Flower Valley in Satara district of Maharashtra. This is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Maharashtra, and also one of the top monsoon tourist places near Pune.

Vajrai Falls is a three-tier waterfall cascading down from a height of around 853 feet (260 m). This is a perennial waterfall but is very spectacular during monsoons. People from different parts of Maharashtra flock to this fall during the monsoons as part of Satara tour packages to watch the beautiful flow of the stream. Urmodi River is believed to start from the Vajrai Waterfalls. There are many small caves near Vajrai Falls which can be visited along with the falls.

The waterfall is situated near Bhambavali village in Satara district. One can reach the falls by using the personal vehicle or Alawadi Bus from Satara Bus Stand. The 500 m long trek path leading to the base of the waterfall is quite adventurous but risky in monsoon. This area is inhabited by a large number of leeches. Swimming at the waterfall is prohibited because of deep ponds.

Timings: 8 AM to 5 PM.

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At a distance of 10 km from Kondivli Beach, 21 km from Srivardhan, 25 km from Murud, 38 km from Harihareshwar, and 73 km from Alibaug, Diveagar Beach is a splendid beach situated at Diveagar on the Konkan coast of Maharashtra. This is one of the popular Harihareshwar tourist places, and also one of the favorite weekend getaways from Mumbai.

Stretches over 5 km, Diveagar Beach is a quaint amalgamation of greenery and azure water with gentle sprinkles of white sand. This beach is surrounded by Suru trees and a dense cover of belu trees as well. At one end of the beach is a fishing settlement while the other end offers a sanctuary to the migratory seagulls feasting in the creek waters. Diveagar Beach is not a flat beach unlike most of the other beaches in this region, be careful while playing in the waves as there are rocks strewn across some parts of the beach. Sand-bubble crabs and dolphins can be found on the beach. Some sea turtles lay their eggs on the beach as well. It is one of the must-visit places as part of Harihareshwar packages.

Gleaming white sand, pristine blue water, swaying coconut palms, & betel nut trees, and gentle breeze producing a serene and calming effect, Diveagar Beach is for those who truly want to get away from the hustle-bustle of big cities. ...

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At a distance of 28 km from Velas, 34 km from Dapoli, 37 km from Harihareshwar, and 91 km from Chiplun, Kelshi Beach is a secluded beach located at Kelshi village in Raigad district of Maharashtra. It is one of the less-crowded beaches on the Konkan coast, and among the must-visit tourist places in Harihareshwar.

Kelshi Beach is a beautiful beach that stretches for about 2.5 km just outside the Kelshi village across the Bharja River. Kelshi is a calm and peaceful beach and ideal for people looking for a short weekend getaway from the cities of Mumbai, and Pune. Along the coast of Kelshi are thick woods and groves of Kevda, Cyprus, Coconut, and Betelnut. There is a hill on this beach called Utambar hill, and one will find large black rocks at the meeting point of Utambar hill and the sea. A part of the beach has rocks filled with treasure troves of cowries, conches, and shells.

Kelshi Beach is an untouched virgin beach and very few people travel here. People who enjoy spending time close to nature will fall in love with this beach. The long stretch of shimmering sands is great to relax or marvel at the mysteries of the ocean. The sunsets are amazing and jaw-dropping. And during winter, thousands of migratory birds come here and stay. It makes for a gorgeous sight. Another piece of wonder in Kelshi Beach is a natural sand dune formed by a Tsunami in 1524 CE.

Once part of the Peshwa Dynasty, the charming little village of Kelshi is also popular for the 350-year ...

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At a distance of 20 km from Diveaghar, and 21 km from Harihareshwar, Srivardhan Beach is a pristine beach located at Shrivardhan town in Raigad district of Maharashtra. It is one of the popular weekend getaways from Mumbai, and among the must-visit places as part of Harihareshwar Packages.

Stretches about 3 km long, Srivardhan Beach is a very clean and calm beach located along the Arabian Sea coastline. The majestic black sand coastline is bestowed with striking palm groves and mango plantations. The long pristine coastline of Srivardhan is most idyllic for a break from the hectic schedules of modern life and is considered as one of the best weekend getaways from Pune, and Mumbai.

The crashing waves against the black sand are worth seeing. One can find water sports like boating, paragliding, and water surfing at this beach. Kids can enjoy horse riding, camel riding, and Buggy riding as well. It is also an ideal place for swimming as the waters are shallow. Post noon, the tides are high and you can make a splash in the waves. The sunsets of this beach are particularly fascinating. The dipping sun, the golden waves, and the occasional boat crossing the waves is a sight to behold. Trekking the cliffs of Shrivardhan is also a major attraction for adventure seekers.

The beach is surrounded by several eateries that serve authentic Malvani food and misal. One can also see a great variety of fishes in Shrivardhan as there is a good market for fishermen. Shrivardhan ...

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At a distance of 18 km from Bamnoli, 56 km from Satara, 70 km from Mahabaleshwar and 82 km from Panchgani, Vasota Fort is an ancient hill fort situated at an altitude of 1171 m near Bamnoli in Satara district of Maharashtra. The fort is situated in the deep forests and valleys of Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary. It is one of the best places to visit in Satara and also one of the popular places of trekking in Maharashtra apart from being an ideal picnic spots near Pune for one day trip.

Situated on the banks of the Shivsagar Lake, Vasota Fort is surrounded by water on three sides. The Fort was built by King Bhojraj II of Shilhara dynasty in 1178-1193 AD. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj captured the fort in 1655 AD and renamed it as Vyagragad. In 1818 AD along with other forts of Marathas this fort also came under British control.

Vasota Fort, now in ruins, is famous for its traditional Maharashtrian architectural style. The fort comprises of three main sections - Old Fort, New Fort and Nageshwar. The bastions of the fort are still in well condition. There are two temples on the fort, the Mahadev temple and the Nageshwar temple. The temple of Lord Hanuman is placed at the entrance. Babu Kada is a huge U shaped cliff lies next to the Vasota Fort. From this point one can view the Old Vasota Fort which is closed for trekkers due to the presence of wild animals. Nageshwar is a cave carved in the pinnacle with Mahadev temple inside. ...

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At a distance of 44 km from Satara and 63 km from Panchgani, Yamai Devi Temple is an ancient temple situated on a hilltop at Aundh in Satara distric of Maharashtra. The temple is very much revered in Maharashtra and also one of the top places to visit in Satara.

Yamai Devi is the family deity of many Maharastrian families. The idol of Devi Mahishasur Mardini in black stone is almost 2 meters high in a cross-legged sitting position. The idol has four hands and is carrying gada, arrow, trishul and paan patra.

The town and the temple have been associated with the Pant family for many centuries. The present head of this former ruling family, Gayatridevi Pantpratinidhi, has installed a 7 kilograms (15 lb) solid gold kalash or crown on the pinnacle of the Yamai temple on the hill. Another temple of Devi Yamai is located in the town; apart from the one on the hill.

The temple can either be reached using steps that start at the bottom of the hill. Direct road access is also available to the hilltop. The temple complex also houses Sri Bhavani Museum established from the private collection of the Maharajas of Aundh. The museum holds paintings by noted 19th and 20th century Indian artists such as M. V. Dhurandhar, Baburao Painter, Madhav Satwalekar and Raja Ravi Varma as well as the famous Mother and Child stone structure by the British artist Henry Moore.

The annual Yatra to the Yamai Devi Temple attracts thousands of devotees. Yamai Devi Yatra is annually observed ...

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At a distance of 26 km from Satara, Chandan - Vandan Forts are twin forts situated at Belmachi in Satara district of Maharashtra. Chandan - Vandan Forts are among the top Satara tourist places.

Chandan - Vandan Forts were built by king Bhoj II of Shilhara dynasty in late 12th century. Shivaji Maharaj won these forts from Adil Shah of Bijapur in 1673 CE along with Kalyangad, Sajjangad, and Ajinkyatara during the campaign of Satara. It was under the control of Marathas till 1689 CE after it passed in the hand of Moghuls. In 1707 CE, the fort was occupied by Marathas under Sahu Maharaj.

There are two bastions at the entrance gate of Chandan Fort which are presently in a half-demolished state. There is a banyan tree at the upper side of the entrance which is known as Panchvad, as it is comprised of five banyan trees. A temple of Lord Shiva is situated near the Banyan tree. The fort also houses an old mosque. An intact bastion can be seen at the north end of the fort with a Shivalinga and statue of lord Hanuman over the bastion. Three rooms without roof can be seen at the southern part of the fort. According to villagers, it was a storage room for ammunitions. There is a large quadrangular raised platform, commonly known as Sadar, at the center of the fort.

The Vandan Fort is in good condition. There are few rooms built near the gate. The southern part of the fort has a Dargah built using stone. There fort has two entrances. The first entrance is sturdy having ...

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At a distance of 42 km from Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Kanheri caves are located inside Sanjay Gandhi National Park to the north of Borivali in the outskirts of North Mumbai in Maharashtra. These Caves are considered one of the top tourist places in Mumbai.

The name of these caves has originated from the Sanskrit word Krishnagiri, meaning black. These are the must-include places in Mumbai tour packages, especially for history buff.The Kanheri Caves constitute a group of rock-cut monuments chiseled out of a massive basaltic rock. The caves demonstrate the Buddhist influence on the art and culture of India. These caves were formed between the 1st century BC and 10th century AD, with the earliest rocks comprising 109 tiny rock-cut cells. Most caves were named Buddhist Viharas in ancient times and were meant for living, study, and meditation. The site also served as a university during the rule of Kushanas and Mauryas.

Kanheri caves are divided into three different caves, each of which has a stone plinth for a bed. The caves have chaityagrihas with rock-cut stupas where Buddhists worshipped. There are single and multiple celled viharas or monasteries that were abode to Buddhist monks. The caves also had podhis or water cisterns which were dug skillfully to trap rainwater for use during summers.

The initial caves are small ...

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At a distance of 8 km from Khireshwar, 15 km from Malshej Ghat, 50 km from Bhandardara, 166 km from Pune & 218 km from Mumbai, Harishchandragad is a historical hill fort situated in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. It is one of the popular places of heritage in Maharashtra, and among the famous places to visit as part of Malshej Ghat packages.

Situated at an altitude of 1,424 m, the fort once played a major role in guarding and controlling the surrounding region. Among the most prominent tourist places in Malshej Ghat, the fort originally dates back to the 6th century during the rule of the Kalchuri dynasty. The citadel was built during this era and various caves probably have been carved out in the 11th century AD. Sage Changdev used to meditate here in the 14th century AD. Later the fort was under the control of Mughals and Marathas captured it in 1747 AD. Remnants of Microlithic human inhabitants have been discovered here. The fort of Harishchandragad has been mentioned in various Puranas like Matsya Purana, Agni Purana, and Skanda Purana.

Rohidas, Taramati, and Harishchandra are the three peaks in Harishchandragad. Taramati peak is the highest peak in the fort and provides a beautiful panoramic view of the nearby surroundings and the forest area. Many peaks and attractions ...

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At a distance of 48 km from Malshej Ghat, Ajoba or Ajaparvat is one of the highest peaks in the Sahyadri ranges of the Western Ghats in Maharashtra. Situated near Dehene village, it is one of the popular places of trekking near Mumbi and among the best places to visit as part of Malshej Ghat Packages for adventure enthusiasts.

Standing at a height of over 4,511 feet, Ajoba Hill is one of the highest peaks in the Western Ghats. Midway to the fort lies Valmiki Ashram which is believed to be the place where Valmiki wrote the epic 'Ramayana'. According to the legend, this is the place where Goddess Sita was said to be staying after being separated from Lord Rama. Carvings on the Ashram wall depict stories of Gods and Goddesses. The fort was named 'Ajobagad' after the great sage Valmiki who was called 'Ajoba' or grandfather by Luv and Kush.

Nestled amidst thick greenery, the Ajoba Hill Fort is a delight for trekkers as it presents an exciting trail to the top. People interested in rock climbing also come here to feel the adrenaline rush. The trek to the Ajoba hill starts from the Dehene Village. The trek is in two halves where the first half is till the Valmiki Ashram which is a leisure walk through the sacred forest with rich flora and fauna. There are some carved stones and a small hut near the ashram where one can stay. A little downhill from the Ashram lies a mountain stream carrying clear potable water. While, the second half of the trek is to Luv Kush Cave from Nalichi ...

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At a distance of 13 km from Malshej Ghat, Sindola or Shindola Fort is a small hill fort situated on top of Malshej Ghat Plateau. It is one of the wonderful places of trekking near Pune and among the famous places to visit in Malshej Ghat.

Situated at an altitude of 1128 feet, Sindola mountain is distinct by its pinnacle structure visible from anywhere. Sindola is more of a sort of military base as it offers a whole view of Malshej and the Pargaon region and all of its neighboring forts. Sindola dates back very old at similar times of Nimgiri and Hadsar. Sindola fort is a small fort. Ruins of bastions & only a couple of water cisterns and idols of Ganesh are present on the top.

Sindola is one of the popular trekking places in Malshej Ghat and is a one day trek. There are 3 base villages from where one can start the trek to Sindola Fort. The trek that starts from Karanjale village, is one of the best and popular routes. Bagadwadi at Pargaon is the other starting point of Sindola Fort trek. Karanjale is situated on Kaylan-Malshej-Alephata Highway in between Khubi phata & Velkhind. It is about 2 km from Malshej Ghat Bus Stop at Khubi Phata. The route starts from the fields opposite the signboard of Karanjale village. The 2.5 km trek route is pretty straight forward and easy to moderate climb (monsoon). The route is not marked but is quite distinct as one has to go up and reach Sindola plateau, the start point of the ridge. Climb to the ridge can be started from any ...

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At a distance of 30 km from Karad, 49 km from Sangli, and 64 km from Kolhapur, Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is a Deer sanctuary situated at Deorashtre in the Sangli district of Maharashtra. It is one of the prominent sanctuaries in Maharashtra, and among the popular places to visit near Kolhapur.

Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is a man-made sanctuary located at the meeting of Kadegaon, Waluva, and Palus tehsils of Sangli district. Covering over an area of 10.87 sq. km, this is an artificially cultivated forest without a perennial supply of water, and most of the wildlife species were artificially introduced. This protected area was previously declared as a forest park, then Sagaroba game reserve in 1980, and thereafter, in 1985, it became Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary when approximately 52 animals were set free in the area.

The sanctuary is forested, but with grassy hill slopes. Large animals found in the sanctuary include several types of deer (Sambar Deer, Blackbucks, Muntjac, Chital) as well as wild boar and peacocks. Small carnivores like hyena, fox, and porcupines are also found in the area. A large number of insects, birds, and reptiles such as pythons and other snakes are also present. The most popular tourist activity is hiking to the top of a hill in the sanctuary, from which one can see the Krishna River flowing through fields of sugarcane and grapevines.

The Sagareshwar sanctuary has much religious, cultural, and archaeological significance ...

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At a distance of 30 km from Malshej Ghat, Naneghat is a mountain pass in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, India. Situated on Kalyan - Ahmednagar Highway near Vaishakhare village, it is one of the wonderful places of trekking in Maharashtra, and among the mus visit places as part of Malshej Ghat tour for adventure lovers.

Situated at an altitude of 2,600 feet, Naneghat, also referred to as Nanaghat or Nana Ghat was a part of an ancient trading route during the reign of the Satavahana (c. 200 BCE - 190 CE). It connected the Konkan coast communities with Deccan high plateau through Junnar. This path was used as a tollbooth to collect toll from traders crossing the hills hence the name Nane Ghat where the word nane means 'coin' and ghat means 'pass'. It is one of the most famous Malshej Ghat tourst places.

The ghat is famous for a huge cave with Middle Indic inscriptions in Brahmi script. These inscriptions have been dated between the 2nd and the 1st century BCE and attributed to the Satavahana dynasty era. There is a temple of Ganesha on the other side of the pass. One can also see a huge rock-cut pot which was used presumably to collect coins from the traders passing by. There are many rock-cut water cisterns along the pass. The entire path of the Nane Ghat has stone ...

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At a distance of 2 km from Naneghat and 32 km from Malshej Ghat, Jivdhan Fort is a hill fortress located near Malshej in Maharashtra. Situated near Naneghat, it is one of the historical forts in Malshej Ghat and among the popular trekking places near Pune.
Situated at a height of about 3,757 feet in the Sahyadri Mountain range, Jivdhan Fort is a part of the 'Famous 5' forts near Pune. The other four being the Chavaand, Hadsar, Shivneri, and Naneghat. As per the history, Jivdhan Fort dates back to the Satavahana era and has been a significant fort throughout history due to its proximity to the historic Naneghat. Jivdhan Fort guarded this route, which was a strategic location for many kingdoms. The Mughals imprisoned Murtaza, the last ruler of Adilshahi of Ahmednagar, at Jivdhan Fort. In 1635 Shahaji Bhosle, the father of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj freed him from the prison and declared him the king of Ahmednagar. The fort was sacked and plundered by the British upon siege between 1815 and 1818.

Although the fortifications have crumbled down, one can see a huge storehouse or Kothi, which has was used to store grains. Besides the storehouse, there are several interesting ruins and remnants, including a few water cisterns and a temple dedicated to Goddess Jivai, who is supposed to be the patron deity of the fort. The fort's Northern bastion is in a pretty good condition even today. One can also see a few cisterns and remnants of old buildings near this bastion. From this ...

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At a distance of 35 km from Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), earlier known as Borivali National Park, is a large protected area near Borivali in the northern part of Mumbai. It is one of the prominent places of wildlife in Maharashtra, and among the must include places in Mumbai tour packages.

The park was named Krishnagiri National Park in the pre-independence era. At that time the area of the park was only 20.26 sq. km. In 1969, the park was expanded to 104 Sq. km by acquiring various reserve forest properties adjoining the park and was renamed as Borivali National Park in 1974. In 1981, it was re-dedicated as 'Sanjay Gandhi National Park' in memory of Sanjay Gandhi, the son of ex-Prime Minister of India Indira Gandhi, who was killed in an air crash in 1980. It is one of the famous places to visit in Mumbai.

The park is known for its dense forests, vast birdlife, butterflies, and small population of tigers. The Kanheri Caves in the center of the park were an important Buddhist learning center and pilgrimage site sculpted by Buddhist monks between the 9th and the 1st centuries BCE. They were chiseled out of a massive basaltic rock outcropping. There is a Jain Temple with three huge carved idols is situated on the way to the caves. Besides, the ...

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At a distance of 73 km from Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Vasai Fort, also known as the Bassein Fort, is an ancient fort located at Vasai in the suburbs of North Mumbai. The fort, overlooks the confluence of the Ulhas River, is one of the top places to visit in Mumbai.

Vasai was known as a place for ship building in the 15th Century. Bahadur Shah, a Mughal Emperor had built the Bassein Fort in the 1530s. The fort covers an area of around 110 acre. The Portuguese conquered and destroyed most of the fort a year after it was built. The Portuguese remodeled the fort into a flourishing city by building a citadel inside. The fort was under the Portuguese control till 1739 AD. In the 18th century, the fort was raided and overtaken by the Maratha army under Chimaji Appa. They stood strong for 3 long years, and then the British took over the fort in the First Anglo-Maratha War.

Once a strategic place on the Western coast of India, this fort has now mostly turned into ruins. Despite the fort is so old and in the condition of ageing, there are many remains, which are still livens the wonderful architecture of the olden days. Three chapels inside the fort are in the condition, which can be easily recognized. The southernmost chapel has a well-preserved barrel vaulted ceiling and the walls are covered with tree roots and palm groves. Many of the watchtowers still stand so strong, with secure staircases. Surrounded by sea on the three sides, it is a favourite location of ...

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At a distance of 54 km from Pune, Rajgad is an ancient hill fort situated in the Pune district of Maharashtra. It is one of the top tourist places in Pune and also one of the popular places of trekking in Maharashtra.

Rajgad Fort is one of the grand forts of the Sahaydris and lies at an altitude of 1400 m (4, 600 feet). Formerly known as Murumdev, Rajgad Fort was the capital of the Maratha Empire during the rule of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj for 25 years, before moving the capital to Raigad Fort. The Rajgad Fort was built with the treasure found on the adjacent Torna Fort. This was one of the favourite forts of Shivaji Maharaj and he stayed the most in this fort. Many historical events took place in this fort, such as the birth of Shivaji's son, Rajaram Chhatrapati, his queen, Saibai's death and Afzal Khan's head is buried in the fort.

The fort is divided into four parts, Padmavati Machi, Suvela Machi, Sanjeevani Machi, and Balekilla (small fort). The fort is an example of splendid design and construction. The diameter of the fort at the base is 40 km making it difficult for anybody to lay siege to it.
? Sanjeevani Machi: The three layer fortification of Sanjeevani Machi is simply a marvel and is located on the southwest end. This extends approximately for 2.5 km along with many cisterns. The lower layers of the fort were separated by fortified bastion along with gate in order to defend independently. There is also an underground escape route which leads directly ...

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At a distance of 94 km from Pune Junction, Shivneri Fort is an ancient fort situated near Junnar in Pune district of Maharashtra. Shivneri Fort is one of the most magnificent as well as historically rich forts of India. It is a famous trekking destination and also a popular weekend picnic destination near Pune. It is also one of the top tourist places in Pune visiting.

The Shivneri Fort was built during the time of Satavahanas. After the Satavahanas, the Shivneri Fort was occupied by the Shilaharas, the Yadavas, and the Bahamanis. In 1599 AD the hill fort was granted to Shivaji's grandfather, Maloji Bhosale and passed down to Shahaji. Jijabai (Shivaji's mother) spent the days of her pregnancy here and this was the birth place of Shivaji, the famous Maratha warrior who was born in 1630 AD. Shivaji spent his childhood in Shivneri Fort and also undertook his military training here.

Shivneri is a triangular shape hill fort and has its entrance from the South-West side of the hill. Apart from the main gate there is an entrance to the fort from Eastern side called locally as the chain gate, where in one has to hold chains to climb up to the fort gate. The fort extends up to 1 mi with seven spiral well-defended gates. There are mud walls all around the fort. The fort also exhibits a small water pond named Badami Talav, located in the center of the fort. Close to the pond lies the idol of Jijabai along with her son Shivaji. Shiv Janmasthan, Ambarkhana, Kadelot Point, Ganga ...

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At a distance of 48 km from Pune Junction, Jejuri is a town and municipality situated to the southeast of the Pune city. The town of Jejuri is renowned for one of the most pious temples in Maharashtra known as Khandoba Temple and is one of the popular tourist places in Pune.

Jejuri Khandoba Temple is dedicated to Khandoba, who is also known as Mhalsakant or Malhari Martand in the region. Khandoba is the important god worshipped by Dhangar, the oldest tribes in Maharashtra. It is believed that Khandoba is a god of Sakamabhakti, the god who fulfills all the desires of his devotees. Jejuri is popular for its old Deep Mala.

The Khandoba temple in Jejuri is built on a hill and offers good views all around. One has to climb a series of almost 200 steps to reach the sanctum sanctorum. There are various stone images of elephants on either sides of the main gateway of the temple. The entire flat plateau above the hill is surrounded by a stone pavement in the center, of which stands the Khandoba shrine. The whole courtyard is surrounded by arched aisles on sides, from which highly ornate balconies with cypress pillars and cusped arches project out. This enclosure has three gateways and the temple faces east. The outermost portion is an arched portico- consisting of a square mandapa and a garbhagriha.

The idol of Sri Khandoba enshrined inside the temple is simply beautiful. There are three weapons housed in Jejuri Temple, a sword, a damaru and a paral. They are very ...

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At a distance of 30 km from Nashik, Sinnar is a town and a municipal council in Sinnar taluka of Nashik district in Maharashtra. Sinnar is mainly famous for Sri Gondeshwar Temple and Gargoti Museum. It is one of the famous places to visit near Aurangabad.

Gondeshwar Temple is situated about 2 km from Sinnar Bus Station and it represents the best example of the Hemadpanti style of architecture. The structure was constructed using the locally available black basalt stone and lime. The temple's origin dates back to 12 - 13th century during the Yadava dynasty. Some sources claim that Raj Govinda of the Yadava dynasty built this great temple. Yet another tradition assigns the building to Govindaraja, another Yadava king who ruled about the beginning of the twelfth century AD.

It is a Shaiva Panchayatan or a group of five temples within a large enclosure. The central shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva and the remaining four temples are dedicated to goddess Parvati, Sri Ganapathi, Surya Bhagwan, and Lord Vishnu. This is the largest, most complete, and best-preserved example of the medieval temples of the Deccan of the Indo-Aryan style.

The temple is an astonishing display of stone carvings and sculptures portraying the stories from the Puranas, Mahabharata & Ramayana. Sculptures of Gods, Goddesses, Apsaras, Yakshas, Kinnaras, and Gandharvas adorn the entire complex. The temple of Lord Shiva is beautifully ...

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At a distance of 52 km from Pune and 11 km from Yavat, Bhuleshwar is an ancient Hindu temple situated on a hill near Malshiras in Pune district of Maharashtra. It has been declared as a protected monument and is maintained by Archeological Survey of India.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and was built in 13th century during Yadava Rulers. It is believed that the temple was ruined by Muslim invaders and reconstructed later because the entrance of the temple is hidden like Gaimukhi Buruj construction of Shivaji's time. The fort on which the temple is situated is called as Daulat Mangalgad Fort.

The temple is unique because of its architecture. Black basalt rock was brought to construct this temple which is different as compared to surrounding brownish color basalt rock. From outside it appears to more as a mosque than a temple due to its resemblance to Islamic architecture like circular domes and minarets. There are classical carvings on the walls.

The temple contains five Shivlingas in its sanctum. Owing to their being hidden in a trench, these Shiva Lingams can be seen in light. Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Vishnu and Lord Mahadev are also housed in this temple. The temple also has an idol of Ganesh in female attire and is popularly called as Ganeshwari or Lambodari or Ganeshyani.

This temple gets huge crowds during Mahashivratri. There is a local belief, when a bowl of sweet is offered to Lord Shiva, one or more of the sweets disappear. A little further ...

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At a distance of 50 km from Pune, Sri Maha Ganapati Temple is situated at Ranjangaon in Shirur Taluk of Pune district. This is one among the Ashtavinayak temples in Maharashtra and also one of the popular places to visit in Pune.

The stone pillars of the temple indicate that the temple was built during the 9th or 10th century during the rule of Peshwas. Madhavrao Peshwa made a room in the basement of the temple to keep the idol of Lord Ganesh. Later on Sardar Kibe of Indore renovated it. Nagarkhana is situated above the entrance gate. According to the legend, the village Ranjangaon is considered to be the place where Shiva himself sought the blessings of Ganesh and ultimately destroyed Tripurasur.

The temple faces east and has an imposing main gate which is guarded by two statues of Jaya and Vijay. The temple is designed in such a way that during Dakshinayan, the rays of the sun fall directly on the idol. The idol of Lord Ganesh is seated on a lotus with his consorts Siddhi and Riddhi on both sides. He is facing east in a cross legged sitting posture with broad forehead and the trunk turned towards the left. It is said that the original idol is hidden in the basement, having 10 trunks and 20 hands and is called Mahotkat. However, the temple authorities deny existence of any such idol.

The temple celebrates a special 6 day festival on the occasion of Ganesh Chathurti, during which Mahabhog is offered to the temple deity on the fifth day. During this festival, ...

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At a distance of 2.5 km from Mahabaleshwar Bus Stand, the captivating Chinaman's Waterfall lies towards the south of the Koyna Valley in Mahabaleshwar. It is one of best waterfalls in Maharashtra and among prime place to visit on a Mahabaleshwar Trip.

The waterfall cascades down from a height of 500 feet in to a deep valley. The waterfall flows from two different points and merges in to a single stream. Positioned at the top of the Venna Valley, the calm surroundings and the exotic waterfalls render a perfect holiday spot.

The falls can be witnessed from Babbington point and one can also reach the top of the falls from Valley View Resort (around 2 km). Visit to Mahabaleshwar is not complete without a view of astounding cascade of Chinaman's Waterfall. In the past the gardens close to the falls were looked after by the Chinese. Thus the waterfall got its name as Chinaman's Waterfall. Best time to visit waterfall is during monsoon season.

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At a distance of 96 km from Pune, Junnar Caves are ancient rock cut caves situated at Junnar in Pune district of Maharashtra. Junnar has the largest and longest cave excavations in India. These are the ASI protected monuments and also one of the popular Pune tourist places.

Junnar has over 200 independent excavations spread over four hills. All the excavations belong to the Hinayana phase and are datable from mid-3rd century BC to late 3rd century AD. The presence of largest number of rock cut excavations and a large number of inscriptions enabling a paleographical study makes Junnar a prominent site for the study of rock cut architecture. Here there are 24 inscriptions, which provide useful paleographical data for the relative dating of the caves.

Junnar Caves are classified into various groups depending upon the location of these excavations. They are Tulja Caves, Manmodi Group of Caves, Shivneri Group of Caves and Lenyadri or Ganesh Lena Caves. The Lenyadri or Ganesh Lena Group is the main group and located 6 km north of Junnar across the River Kukdi. The hill is variously known as Sulaiman Pahar and Ganesh Pahar. There are nearly 40 caves in this group of which the main group of 30 caves are located in a line and stretch from east to west, all facing south and overlooking the Valley of Kukdi River. Among them Cave 6 and 14 are chaityagrihas and the remaining are viharas. Of which Cave 7 is the largest and also houses the image of Ganesh. It is one of the Ashtavinayak ...

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At a distance of 53 km from Pune Junction Railway Station and 46 km from Lonavala, Mulshi is the name of a major dam built across the Mula River located in Mulshi Taluk of Pune district in Maharashtra. Flanked by the deep forests of Sahyadri ranges, Mulshi Dam is among the most visited places near Pune.

The dam was constructed in 1927 AD, however, commercialization of the place has been done recently. The water from Mulshi Dam is used to produce electricity at the Bhira Hydroelectric plant, operated by Tata Power. Mulshi Dam is one of the most important electricity generating plants in Maharashtra. It is indeed the source which supplies the maximum electric power to Mumbai. Water from this dam is even used for irrigation purposes.

Mulshi Lake is formed in the catchment area of Mulshi dam and is primarily a tourist attraction near Pune. It attracts several visitors during monsoon season. The lake offers different activities like camping, bird-watching, trekking and photography. There are several farm houses in the area and a resort has been developed for the convenience of the visitors. The beauty of Mulshi Lake and Dam can also be well observed from a nearby village called Valanewadi, which is 6 km away from Mulshi.

The Dam is a perfect spot for picnics, with its scenic surroundings, unexploited Sahyadri hills, lush green forests & some ancient forts like Koraigadh and Dhangad in the vicinity. The Raigad Fort is another major attraction near Mulshi Dam. There ...

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At a distance of 45 km from Pune, Panshet Dam, also called Tanaji Sagar Dam, is an earthen dam built across Ambi River at Panshet in Pune district of Maharashtra. This is one of the most popular places to visit near Pune.

The dam was constructed in late 1950s for irrigation purpose and it supplies drinking water to Pune city. The height of the dam above its lowest foundation is 63.56 m while the length is 1,039 m. The volume content is 4,190 km3 and gross storage capacity is 303,000 m3. Panshet Dam burst in its first year of storing water on 12th July 1961, when the dam wall burst, causing massive flooding in Pune.

Panshet Dam is nestled in the lap of Sahyadri mountain ranges and is surrounded by lush green hills streaked with numerous waterfalls. Panshet, one of the famous picnic spots near Pune, attracts many visitors from Mumbai. Water sports are the primary attraction in Panshet apart from trekking. There are facilities for kayaking, boating and few rides like banana ride and water scooters. Camping can also be enjoyed in the adjoining areas of Panshet Reservoir.

Varasgaon dam is another dam located near Panshet Dam. Built on the Mose River Varasgaon dam is also called Veer Pasalkar dam. Panshet and Varasgaon together with Khadakwasla form the major water reservoirs near Pune supplying water to the city. Sinhagad Fort is located at an altitude of 1316 m and is considered as one of the chief attractions of Panshet.

Boating Charges: Motor Boat- Rs. ...

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At a distance of 17 km from Jejuri and 65 km from Pune, Sri Moreshwar temple, also known as Sri Mayureshwar Temple, is a Hindu temple located at Moregaon in Pune district of Maharashtra. This temple is considered to be the first temple among the Ashta Vinayak temples of Lord Ganesha and also one of the popular places of pilgrimage in Pune.

The exact date of construction of the temple is unknown, though the Ganapatya saint Morya Gosavi is known to be associated with it. The temple flourished due to the patronage of the Peshwa rulers and descendants of Morya Gosavi. The temple is built with black-stone and has four gates. The temple has four minarets and a 50 feet tall wall around it.

The presiding deity of this temple is Lord Mayureshwar (Lord Ganesha) also called as Lord Moreshwar, made of alloy of five metals, with his trunk towards left. Ganesha is depicted armed with a spear, while a cobra encircles his head. Lord Ganesha is flanked by his consorts Riddhi, and Goddess Siddhi. The other important deities of this temple are Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Lord Vishnu, Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, Lord Vignesha, Chintamani, Lord Brahma, Nagna-Bhairava and Nandi. The entrance of the temple contains a 6 feet mouse, the vehicle of Lord Ganesha and the temple also houses the image of peacock. The assembly hall of this temple contains 23 idols of Lord Ganesha, each depicting different forms of Lord.

Timings: 5 AM to 10 PM.

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At a distance of 28 km from Mahabaleshwar, Tapola, famously called the Mini Kashmir of the West, is a rural hamlet with a magnificent Shivsagar Lake in the Satara district of Maharashtra. It is one of the famous tourist places to visit near Mahabaleshwar.

Tapola is situated at the convergence of the rivers of Koyna and Solshi. The primary attraction in Tapola is the Shivsagar Lake, a 90 km long water body infact the reservoir of the Koyna dam. The Koyna Dam is one of the biggest in Maharashtra and the Koyna Hydroelectric Project is the largest completed hydroelectric power plant of India. The lake offers boating, water scooter rides, kayaking and swimming.

Jungle treks from Tapola are very popular with trekkers. There are many unknown forts in the dense forest around the lake in Tapola like Vasota and Jaygad. Tapola is also the base village to the Vasota fort famous for the arduous jungle trek. Vasota located within the Koyna wild life sanctuary is cut off from civilization and can be reached only in a boat. The permit for the trek can be procured from Bamnoli.

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At a distance of 21 km from Panchgani & 97 km from Pune, Dhom Dam is an earth fill and gravity dam situated near Wai in the Satara district of Maharashtra. It is one of the popular places to visit as part of Panchgani tour packages, and among the well-known places to visit near Pune for one day trip.

Built on the Krishna River, the construction of the dam was started in 1976 and completed in 1982. It is one of the largest civil engineering projects in India at that time and also the first dam to be built on the Krishna River in Maharashtra. The main purpose of the construction of the Dhom dam was to ensure adequate water supply for industries in the region, for agricultural activities and to supply potable drinking water to the populace of Panchgani, Mahabaleshwar, and Wai regions. The dam is also the chief source of water supply for farmers of Koregaon, Javli, and Khandala taluks of Satara. It is one of the popular places to visit in Panchgani.

The Dhom dam stands 50 feet tall from the lowest foundation and runs a length of 2,478 m. The water capacity of the lake is 14 TMC while the basement electricity house of the dam is designed to generate 4 MG of electricity. The Dhom Lake is formed by the backwaters of the dam and is about 20 km in length. The Dhom dam attracts tourists in large numbers ...

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At a distance of 13 km from Panchgani, 35 km from Satara & 88 km from Pune, Wai is a small town situated on the banks of Krishna River in Satara district of Maharashtra. It is one of the ideal places for one day trip near Pune.

Wai has some historical prominence; two important Maratha Brahmin queens Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi and Rani Gopikabai, wife of Nanasaheb Peshwa were born here. Wai is the place referred to as Charanpur in the hit film Swades.

Wai is famed for its seven Ghats, including Gangapuri, Madhi Aali, Ganpati Aali, Dharmapuri, Brahmanshahi, Ramdoh and Bhimkund. It is also known for numerous beautiful temples near the ghats. Brahmanshahi ghat contains several temples including Kaunteshwar, Chakreshwar, Kaleshwar and Chimneshwar. Menavali ghat is the most popular sightseeing destination in Wai apart from the backwaters of Dhom dam and the famous Dholya Ganpati temple.

The temple of Dholya Ganapati, built in 1762 by Raja Bhoja, is located on the banks of Krishna River. The temple is made out of finished stone with a spacious inner sanctum and a huge hall in the front. The idol of the deity in the temple is carved out of a monolith, and is about 10 feet tall and 8 feet wide. The deity acquired its name Dholya Ganapati from its sheer massive size.

The temple of Mandhradevi Kalubai, Mahalaxmi temple in Dharmapuri and Pandavgadh Fort are the other popular attractions in Wai. Besides being ...

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At a distance of 18 km from Lohagad Fort (3 km by Walk) and 24 km from Lonavala Railway Station, Visapur Fort or Visapoor Fort is a hill fort near Visapur village in Pune district of Maharashtra. It is part of the Lohagad-Visapur fortification. It is one of the popular trekking places in Lonavala and also one of the important places of interest in Lonavala.

The fort has an elevation of 1084 m above sea level. It was built during 1713-1720 CE by Balaji Vishwanath, the first Peshwa of Maratha Empire. Visapur fort was built to guard the Lohagad Fort and it has an impressive fortification and plateau at its top. Making use of its higher elevation and proximity to Lohagad, the British troops set up their cannons on Visapur and bombarded Lohagad, forcing the Marathas to flee. Thus, in 1818, Lohagad and Visapur were taken over by the British.

Visapur Fort is larger and at a higher elevation than Lohagad fort. The fort is famous for its protective walls and intricate designs. The fort has several structures like caves, cisterns of water and the ruins of a large stone built house known as the Peshwa's palace. In addition to a huge carving of Hanuman, and several temples scattered all over the place. Hanuman was likely the patron deity of Visapur fort. Presently the fort is in ruins and not many structures left in the fort. The scenic surroundings ...

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At a distance of 21 km from Lohagad Fort, 25 km from Lonavala, 53 km from Pune, 135 km from Mumbai and 22 km from Tung Fort, Tikona Fort, also known as Triangle Fort, is a dominant hill fort located in the Maval region of Lonavala in Maharashtra. The fort is one of the top places for trekking near Pune and also one of the popular tourist places near Pune & Mumbai for day trip. Renowned as Vitandgad Fort, Tikona Fort is located at an altitude of 3633 feet above sea level.

This mighty Fort lacks historical information unlike the many other forts present in the state. The Nizam Shahi dynasty conquered the fort in 1585 AD and annexed it to the Nizam territory. In 1657 AD, Shivaji Maharaj brought the whole of Konkan, which had been Nizam territory, under his control when he conquered Tikona along with the forts of Karnala, Lohagad, Mahuli, Songad, Tala, and Visapur. Tikona fort was surrendered to the Mughals according to the Treaty of Purandar signed on 12th June 1665 AD, but it was later recaptured by the Shivaji Maharaj in 1670 AD.

Built in a triangular shape, the fort is small and is located near Pawna dam. The fort comprises of numerous tanks and lakes, which served as the main source of water in earlier days. The fort also encloses within it the famous Trimbakeshwar Mahadev temple along with enchanting Buddhist and Satvahan caves.

Tikona Peth is the nearest ...

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At a distance of 24 km from Lonavala, 67 km from Pune, 121 km from Mumbai and 31 km from Lohagad Fort, Tung Fort is an ancient hill fort situated near Pawna dam in Pune district of Maharashtra. It lies at an altitude of 1075 m and is one of the best Lonavala attractions. It is also among well known Pune places to visit.

Tung fort is also named as Kathingad fort. It is one of the well known forts around Pune. The word Kathin in Marathi means difficult. While climbing, one can experience the difficult challenge of reaching this fort. Tung Fort was built by the rulers of the Adilshahi dynasty before 1600 CE. However it was later occupied by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj of the Maratha Empire. It is a small fortification and supported around 200 soldiers only. This fort served as a watchtower in the past because the site offers a panoramic view of the Maval region of Pawna and Mulshi valley. The Dhamale family, one of the Deshmukhs from the Maval region, was charged with ensuring the security of Tung Fort. During invasion, it served to provide a temporary distraction for invaders. Thus, the major forts of Visapur and Lohagad would have time to prepare themselves to meet the invading army.

The fort is conical and consists of strongly fortified walls, ramparts and also has several bastions. It ...

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At a distance of 16 km from Tung Fort, 25 km from Lonavala and 32 km from Lohagad Fort, Korigad, also called Koraigad, is a hill fort in Pune district of Maharashtra. Situated at an altitude of 929 m, Korigad is one of the popular forts near Lonavala and also one of the famous weekend getaways from Pune and Mumbai, well known for trekking.

Its date of construction is not known but likely predates 1500 AD. This fort was taken over into his kingdom by Chhatrapati Shivaji along with the forts of Lohagad, Visapur, Tung and Tikona in 1657 AD. Later in 1818 AD this fort went under the British reign. The fort is in good condition and well maintained. There are many cannons, temples and small caves on the fort.

On the top of the fort is a huge plateau. There is temple of Goddess Korai Devi on the fort and the idol of Korai Devi is around 4 feet. This temple has been renovated recently. There are many bastions on the Southern side of the fort. There are 6 cannons and two more temples on this fort. Of these, the biggest cannon named Laxmi lies next to the Korai Devi temple. There are also two lakes on the top of the fort and ahead of them are two caves. Here visitors can see the idol of lord Vishnu holding the Conch, Discus, Mace and Lotus flower. One can enjoy beautiful view of Aamby Valley city developed by Sahara Group from the fort.

The base village of the fort is Peth Shahpur or Ambivali, which is about 1 km north ...

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At a distance of 5 km from Lonavala Railway Station, 93 km from Mumbai & 71 km from Pune, Khandala is a hill station situated in Western Ghats of Pune district in Maharashtra. It lies at an altitude of 625 m at one end of the Bhor Ghat, a major ghat on the road link between the Deccan Plateau and the Konkan plain. Khandala is among popular weekend getaways from Mumbai & Pune and also one of the best hill stations near Pune & Mumbai.

Lonavala and Khandala are the twin hill stations located near to each other and are very popular monsoon getaways in India. Lord Elphinstone, who was the Governor of the Bombay Presidency, developed Khandala along with Lonavala in 1871.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.

Khandala is known for its panoramic beauty, deep valleys, lush greenery, waterfalls and lakes. It is situated at the end of the Bhor Valley and serves as a popular hiking destination. Duke's Nose, Rajmachi Fort, Visapur Fort, Korigad Fort, Tung Fort, and Tikona Fort are the major trekking places in Khandala. Amrutanjan Point, Ryewood Park, the Bushy dam, Valvan dam, Kune Falls and Rajmachi Point are the some other tourist places in Khandala.

It is also well known for various cave temples like Bhaja ...

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At a distance of 28 km from Bhandardara, and 61 km from Igatpuri, Karoli Ghat is a mountain ghat located near Bhandardara. It is one of the most scenic monsoon treks in Maharashtra, and among the must-include places in Bhandardara tour packages.

Karoli Ghat serves as a route connecting Samrad Village to Dehne Village, utilized by locals for trading purposes during both winter and summer seasons. This picturesque trail boasts numerous small and large waterfalls, enchanting jungle paths, river streams, and other breathtaking natural sights. Running parallel to the base camping area of Sandhan Valley, this ghat offers a unique experience to those who traverse it.

Sandhan Valley, a 200-foot deep and 3-km long water-carved valley near Samrad village, lies on the western side of the stunning Bhandardara region. The valley remains inaccessible during the monsoon due to the risk of flooding caused by heavy water flow in its narrow confines. The allure of this valley during the rainy season remains largely unexplored, akin to a hidden mystery. Visitors can witness a 700-foot reverse waterfall from the top and later while descending through Karoli Ghat.

Embarking on the Karoli Ghat Trek presents one with an adventurous journey, especially during the monsoon in Maharashtra. Satisfy your thirst for adventure in the valley by engaging in activities such as river crossing, rappelling, rock climbing, and cliff jumping. ...

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At a distance of 60 km from Pune,and 109 km from Lonavala, Lavasa is a picturesque planned hill resort located in the Pune district of Maharashtra. It is one of the most preferred weekend getaways for people in Maharashtra, and among the must-include places in Pune tour packages.

Spreading across 7 hills, covering an area of 25000 acres in the Mulshi Valley, Lavasa is a perfect blend of beauty and infrastructure that is being developed by HCC. The plans for this private township were unveiled by Ajit Gulabchand in 2006, and is claimed to be India's first planned hill station since independence. Modeled on the Italian town of Portofino, this modern day hill station is an enjoyable retreat for all its visitors and has a lot to offer to its tourists from picturesque sceneries to an extremely well-developed infrastructure including hotels, resorts, educational institutes, malls, residential property, IT companies etc.

Lies at an altitude of 640 m, this incomplete city has been controversial for multiple reasons including procurement of land, harm to the environment, and loans acquired through political corruption. In late 2010, the Indian Environment and Forests Ministry ordered that construction cease because the project violated environmental laws. As of 2023, a resolution plan has been approved by the National Company Law Tribunal, with Darwin Platform Infrastructure Ltd being declared as the successful bidder responsible ...

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At a distance of 61 km from Lonavala, and 79 km from Pune, Tamhini Ghat is a mountain passage located between the villages of Mulshi and Tamhini in Maharashtra, India. It is one of the stunning mountain passes in Maharashtra, and among the most scenic places to visit as part of Pune 2-Day Trip.

The Tamhini Ghat road cuts through the Sahyadri range to connect Mulshi to Tamhini, offering an enchanting route in Konkan from Pune. Spanning approximately 15 km, this captivating mountain pass is renowned for its picturesque and leisurely drives. While still a hidden gem, Tamhini Ghat is steadily gaining popularity as a weekend retreat from Mumbai and Pune.

Tamhini Ghat is celebrated for its stunning surroundings, expansive panoramic views, charming waterfalls, scenic lakes, and dense forests. This breathtaking mountain pass transforms into a lush green paradise during monsoon, adorned with numerous waterfalls and streams. Driving along the roads with sweeping vistas in the backdrop promises an unforgettable experience for visitors to Tamhini Ghat.

The captivating Tamhini Waterfall stands as the highlight of this mountain pass. Also known as the Valse, it tumbles down from considerable heights, forming a serene pool at its base. In addition to trekking, sightseeing, and picnicking, visitors can indulge in swimming or refreshing dips in the water. Andharban is one of the many viewpoints situated in the area, ...

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At a distance of 11.5 km from Alibaug and 13 km from Mandwa Beach, Kihim Beach is a beautiful beach situated at Kihim village on Mandwa - Alibag road in Raigad district of Maharashtra. Kihim Beach is one of the popular beaches on the Konkan coastline and also one of the top places to visit in Alibaug.

Kihim beach is one amongst the most popular Alibaug Beachs with a long stretch of clean sandy beach intermittent by rocky stretches. The beach has soft fine sand and is black in colour. The northern part of the beach is rocky and the southern part has a long stretch of sand.

The waters at Kihim are as inviting but those venturing to swim have to take caution of the rocks strewn across the beach. The Khanderi and Underi forts loom over the horizon from the Kihim shores and along with the rocky stretches offers one of the most beautiful views of the setting sun in this part of the Konkan beaches. Kihim also offers a rustic lifestyle along with a variety of seafood and typically Konkani cuisine.

A good way to relax at Kihim is to stay in a sea facing resort and observe the sight of colourful boats venturing out into the sea early morning for a daily catch of fish. The best time to visit Kihim is in the months of December to February when the weather is cool and pleasant. There are many accommodation facilities available in and around ...

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At a distance of 5 km from Revdanda, 12 km from Kashid Beach, and 22 km from Alibaug, Korlai Fort is a Portuguese fort situated at Korlai in Raigad district of Maharashtra. It is one of the best places of sightseeing in Alibag and also one of the popular historical places near Mumbai.

Korlai Fort, also called Morro or Castle Curlew, was built by the Portuguese in 1521AD under the permission of Sultanate of Ahmednagar. It was built on Morro de Chaul Island which secures the way to the Revdanda Creek. It was meant as a companion to the fort at Chaul. The Portuguese built this fort as a strategic decision to defend their rule from Bassein to Korlai.

In 1521 AD, taking advantage of the confusion in the aftermath of the death of the Burhan Nizam the Portuguese tried to take over the fort but the Ahmednagar sultanate occupied the island. However in 1594, the Portuguese won the fort but not having enough men to stand guard there chose to destroy it leaving only the central tower and a battery intact. The fort was taken by the Marathas who held it from 1739 - 1818 CE.

A huge and tall fortification surrounds the entire fort area, which is of a length of 2828 feet and width of 8 feet. There are 11 large gates, of which four are outside and the remaining 7 are inside. All the gates exhibit the ancient Portuguese inscriptions. The area within the fort walls is divided into three enclosures by two lines of bastioned fortifications. The outside fortification has 305 parapets ...

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At a distance of 5 km from Murud - Janjira Fort and 48 km from Alibaug, Murud Beach is located on the shores of Arabian Sea at Murud in Raigad district of Maharashtra.

Murud Beach is a vast expanse of black sand with clear bluish waters stretching almost 1.75 km along the coastline. This is one of the famous beaches of Maharashtra and also one of the top places to visit in Alibaug. The Murud Beach is the charming destination, where stretches of sand is surrounded by hills on three sides. Rocky outcrops flank it to the north and south, while to the east lies the Murud Town and the hills beyond.

The view of the sunset is extremely beautiful and the adjoining island forts Janjira and Padmadurgad add to the beauty of the beach. The beach boasts of gentle and soothing breeze round the clock, this helps the tourists have a relaxing time tanning themselves. The beach has watersports and numerous boat trips in the area. This attracts many tourists and water sport lovers to the beach.

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