HOP-OVER DESTINATIONS
Formerly Known As: Poona
Also Known As: Queen Of The Deccan
Best Time To Visit: October To March
Baneshwar
Baneshwar is situated 30-km down south of the Swargate area in Pune. It's
an ideal spot for a one-day trip. The famous temple of Lord Shiva has been
built amidst a green forest. Since the temple is situated in 'Ban' -
Jungle or dark woods - hence it was named as 'Baneshwar'. The temple is
simple and lovely with a light stand, water tanks, and a big bell. The
feeling of tranquillity is enhanced by the gentle swaying of the huge
'Gulmohar' trees as you approach the temple. There are idols of Devi
Laxmi, Lord Vishnu and Lord Mahadev in the temple. There are five Shiva
Lingas here in trench, which can be easily seen with the help of light.
Shivthar Ghal
Shivthar Ghal is a small place near Pune, which is a must-see especially
in the rainy season. This Ghat is situated north of Varandha Ghat. The
caves situated here are famous because Saint Ramdas (Shivaji's Guru or
teacher) had written the famous "Dasbodh" here. It took almost
12 years to complete Dasbodh as Ramdas Swami dictated it and Kalyan Swami
wrote it down.
Karla
and Bhaja Caves
Karla and Bhaja Caves are the largest Chaitya Caves in India that date
back to 2nd century BC, which are situated near Lonavala. The Chaitya
among the caves is the biggest of its kind and well preserved. They are
the pinnacle of modern Maharashtra and were carved thousands of years ago.
Although as exquisite as the more, famous Ajanta and Ellora caves, these
caves are less crowded and make for an extremely pleasant outing.
Shree
Chintamani Temple At Theur
Theur is a village that lies along the river Mulamutha in Haveli Taluka
30-km away from Pune and is one of the most ancient areas of Maharashtra.
It is believed that at Theur, Morya Gosavi attained 'Siddhi' (knowledge)
and the Chintamani Ganpati temple was erected by Shri Daharnidhar Maharaj
Devji, son of Maurya Gosaviji.
Katraj
Snake Park
The Snake Park came into existence in the year 1986, with the active aid
of Pune Municipal Corporation. As on date, this reserve houses a
collection of a wide range of reptiles, birds, and others. The most
valuable one is the six-year-old; nine feet long King Cobra. A group of
beautiful temples of Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, Vishnu and Kartikeya, and
of Goddess Parvati makes it an increasingly attractive sight.
Khadakwasla / Panshet
Khadakwasla and Panshet are the two major dams providing water to the
entire Pune City. Khadakwasla dam was constructed in pre-independence
period in 1867. The dam is a major one and Puniites enjoy their holidays
here. It is one and half hour drive from Pune and two and half-hour drive
from Mumbai. The amazing view of Sinhagad and Peacock Bay is again a major
attraction of Khadakwasla.
Ballaleshwar
Vinayak Temple
Palicha Shree Ballaleshwar is situated 110-kms from Pune. It is one of
the Ashtha Vinayak temples dedicated to Ganapati who is known here as "Ballaleshwar".
This temple is named after a devotee 'Ballal' of Pali. Nana Phadnis
constructed the temple in the year 1770.
Moreshwar
Moregaon
Moregaon village is located in the Baramati Taluka of Pune district in
Maharashtra. It is at a distance of about 50-km from Pune and this region
is also known as the Bhuswananda. It gained prominence as it houses a
shrine of Mayureshwar Vinayak, one of the Astha Vinayak shrines. It is
considered, as the foremost shrine of Ganesha. Morya Gosavi built it in
the 14th century.
Mahaganapati
Temple At Ranjangaon
Ranjangaon is a small village located around 50-km from Pune on the Pune
-Aurangabad Highway, which houses a temple where the deity is known as
Mahaganapati because of the size of the statue. The statue has ten trunks
and twenty arms. It is believed that Mahaganpati was hidden to prevent its
destruction from non-believers. This temple is visited by thousands of
devotees during the Bhadrapad festival.
Bhimashankar
Bhavagiri is a small village 50-km north west of Khed, which houses
Bhimashankar (also spelt as 'Bhimashankara') is one of the 12
'Jyotirlingas' of Shiva. Nana Pandnavis constructed this beautiful temple,
which is located just 110-km away from Pune in the ghat region of the
Sahyadri hills. Bhimashankar is a very important pilgrimage place in
Maharashtra. Bhimashankar is also the source of the river Bhima, which
flows southeast and merges with the Krishna River near Raichur. 
Lonavala
& Kandavala
Lonavala and Khandala are two charming little hill stations on the
western slopes of the Sahyadris, 5-km apart, that straddle the Mumbai -
Pune highway at an altitude of 625m. Quite popular as health resorts and
blessed by the nature in bounty, the hill resorts have plethora of places
of Tourist Attraction such as beautiful Hills, deep green valleys, huge
lakes, historic forts, waterfalls etc. Lonavala and Khandala offer
breathtaking views of cascading waterfalls during the monsoon, and the
surrounding mountains of the plains spread out to the horizon. A trip to
these holiday resorts can be combined with that on the Karla, Bhaja, and
Bedsa caves, which are very near from Lonavala.
Lohagad
And Visapur Fort
Lohagad and Visapur Fort are located near to Malavali, 52-km away from
Pune. These majestic forts were built in the 18th century atop an
impressive hill. They are separated by a 1-km ridge and are ideal for
trekking and can be toured in a day from Pune.
Matheran
Matheran is a fascinating hill-station, 80-km east of Mumbai in Alibag
district and it is situated at an Altitude of 800m. This little hill
paradise has been left largely undisturbed, since the time when an
Englishman, Hugh Mallet, Collector of Thane, discovered it in 1850 and
declared it a fine place for shady walks. 
Shivneri
Fort
The Shivneri Fort is located at a distance of around 3-km from Junnar
(125-km from Pune). The prominent historical figure of the state of
Maharashtra, Chatrapathi Shivaji was born in this hill fort in 1627.
Panchgani
Panchgani is an idyllic mountain retreat in the Krishna valley. Tucked
away in the Satara district of Maharashtra, Panchgani is a well-known hill
station of Maharashtra on the highway to Mahabaleshwar from Pune. It
derives its name from the five hills around it. Situated at an altitude of
1334 m, the 18-km approach to the Panchgani is breathtaking, offering
heart-stopping views of the River Krishna on one side and the coastal
plains on the other. It is far from the noise of Pune and the endless
hustle-bustle and pollution of Mumbai metropolis. It is the first hill
town one reaches from Mahabaleshwar on the Pune road.
Jejuri
Jejuri is one the popular pilgrim centres of Maharashtra, located 38-km
away from Pune and 60-km away from Solapur. It houses a temple dedicated
to Lord Khandoba. Khandoba, popularly known as Khandobachi Jejuri, is one
of the important Gods worshipped by Dhangar, the oldest tribes in
Maharashtra. It is believed that Khandoba, is a god of Sakamabhakti i.e.
the God who fulfils all the desires of his devotees. Jejuri is popular for
its old Deep Mala.
Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar, Queen of all Hill Stations, is situated at an altitude of
1372m in the heart of Sahyadri Hills in Satara District. The hill station
has a legendary past. The name 'Mahabaleshwar' is derived from a temple of
Lord Mahadev and three Sanskrit words, Maha (great), Bal (power) and
Ishwar (God). But, some say that the name 'Mahabaleshwar', which simply
means very mighty God, seems to have a mythological past.
Rajgadh
Rajgadh fort is about 85-km from Pune, this fort has great historical
relevance, as it was Shivaji's favourite fort. Practically speaking, a
two-hour bus drive to Wazheghar, or Bhutonda or Pali are the three options
one is having that will take one right to the foothills of this legendary
fort.
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