Chaturshrungi Temple Pune: A Perfect Unwinding Destination

In the competitive world, we end each of our days stressed and frustrated. And to add to high working pressures are the never ending traffic jams, pollutions and relationship problems. Sometimes we so need our own personal space where we can sit in peace. However, with the growing city boundaries finding a place of solace is one of the difficult tasks. Fed up with the issue life had to offer and searching for my place of solace, I came across the Chaturshrungi Mata Temple on the Senapati Bapat Road (S B Road). Located on a verdant hillock, the temple is an ideal place of spirituality and tranquility. 

Dedicated to Goddess Chaturshrungi, also known as Ambreshwari, the temple has the best environment you can get. Lush green trees, calm surroundings, spiritual air and the melodious chirping of birds just take care of your stress, depression and frustration. To add to this environment lays a small hillock that offers you soothing panoramic views of the city. However, more to the ever expanding concrete jungle, this hillock also offers to serene view of the Pune University and the Agricultural College. 

Today, the Chaturshrungi Mandir has become one of the best tourist attractions in Pune. You can see families gathering here to worship Goddess Chaturshrungi and spend some time with each other in the enthusiastic vicinity of the temple. Moreover, located on the S B Road, the temple is at a commutable distance and well connected with almost all modes of transport. You can even try out some of the best dining restaurant and shopping arcades on S B Road to boast yourself up. Hence, people looking for some good destinations in Pune that would offer them some peace of mind, Chaturshrungi Mandir Pune is a perfect unwinding destination for all. 

5 worth visiting forts near Pune During and After Monsoons

It is often said that no particular season is required if you have special carving towards travelling. However, if you actually want to experience Mother Nature, monsoons is the best season to explore. Pune, a wonderful city, insulated within the mesmerizing Western Ghats, offer some of the awe-inspiring tourist attractions during and after the rains. Enriched with the lush green landscapes and dense woods, the Western Ghats are simply adorable during and after monsoons. Within these misty mountains are some of the amazing forts that have been constructed from time unknown. Their masculine bastions, well planned fortifications and other necessary aspects leave us spellbound about the knowledge out forefather dwelled. Following are five worth visiting forts near Pune during and after Monsoons.

Sinhagad: Located around 30 kilometers south-west of Pune, Sinhagad was one of the most important forts during olden days. Elevated 1312 meters above the sea level, one can reach this fort by trekking as well as by road. A one day outing at Sinhagad turns out realy well soon after the rains. The delicious Kanda Bhaji and chatni, Zunka Bhakar and curd further add spice to your visit at this awaited destination.

Rajgad: The first capital of the Maratha Empire, Rajgad is an outstanding fort located around 50 kilometers from Pune. Rising 1394 meters above the sea-level, one has to trek numerous rock patches to reach the top of this fort. Once on the top, there are several worth seeing destinations like the Padmavati Tank, Padmavati Temple, Rameshwaram Temple, Old Palace Ruins, Pali Darwaja, Gunjavane Darwaja, Padmavati Machi, Sanjivani Machi, Suvela Machi, and more.

Torna: Close to Rajgad, Torna is one of the 5 worth visiting forts near Pune during and after Monsoons. Initially known as Prachandgad due to its massive size, Torna is believed to be the first fort captured by Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Rising 1403 meters above the sea level, this fort is the highest elevated fort in the Pune district. One has to trek to reach at the top. There are several worth seeing spots on this fort like the Kothi Darwaja, Bini Darwaja, Hanuman Bastion, Zunjar Machi, Budhla Machi, and more.

Lohagad: Located 52 kilometers south-west of Pune on the route to Lonavala, Lohagad is one of the major tourist attractions near Pune. Elevated 1052 meters above the sea level, Lohagad is a mesmerizing tourist destination for nature lovers. Cocooned within the dense woods and soothing backwaters of Pavana Dam, Lohagad offers the best of the nature to its visitors. Easy to climb, Lohagad has several worth seeing destinations including the Ganesh Darwaja, Vinchukata Machi, strong bastions, stairs and walls, Maha Darwaja, 16 koni tank, Lakshmi Kothi, etc.

Visapur: An adjacent fort to Lohagad, Visapur is an equally huge fort with an elevation of 1084 meters above the sea level. One gets to see rich strong fortifications and several other attractions like caves, cisterns of water, gateways with decorated arch, an age-old lake believed to be built by Pandavas, and many more.

The above mentioned are the best five worth visiting forts near Pune during and after monsoons. These forts in Pune ensure to cherish you in every possible way and offer you the best of the nature. Wish you a happy and safe tourism. 

3 worth visiting Ghats near Pune after Monsoons

Nothing can be as mesmerizing as a tranquilizing drive through the misty verdant Ghats surrounded around the dynamic city of Pune. Cocooned within the Western Ghats, Pune has several awe-inspiring Ghats that are one of the best tourist destinations during and after the Monsoons. A few hours of drive through these Ghats would take all your stress away and rejuvenate you within just a fraction of time. Covered by lush green trees, these Ghats offer you amazing views of Mother Nature. Following are three worth visiting Ghats near Pune:

Tamhini Ghat: Enriching the western corridor of Pune, Tamhini Ghat is situated around 70 kilometers from the Pune Railway Station. Amazing even during the summers, Tamhini Ghat is adorable during and after the rains. Acting as a route to Kokan, this Ghat sprawls around 15 kilometers and offers you breathtaking views of misty mountain ranges, deadly cliffs, and never ending valleys. Moreover, the loud gushing waterfalls and soothing backwaters of Mulshi leave no chance in making your drive a memorable one. You can reach Tamhini Ghat taking the following route:

Route to Tamhini Ghat:

• Take the Paud Road and reach Chandani Chowk
• From Chandani Chowk, take the left road which leads to Mulshi
• Follow the straight road till you cross the Mulshi Dam
• Following the Dam comes the Tamhini Ghat
• Climbing and down climbing this Ghat will take you to Mangaon, Kokan

Tips:

• Avoid driving through this Ghat during nights
• Do not miss a spot where the three mountains meet each other in the valley
• Ensure that your vehicle is in a good condition

Malshej Ghat: Enriched with hundreds of different kind of flora and fauna, Malshej Ghat is located 130 kilometers to the north of Pune. Nestled in the lofty rugged hills of Western Ghats, Malshej Ghat is one destination on earth where, one having a special carving for nature must visit. The mesmerizing views of deep valleys, dense woods and numerous species of animals, make your visit to this Ghat truly fulfilling.

Route to Malshej Ghat: To reach Malshej Ghat from Pune:

• Take the Pune Nashik Highway
• Then at Alephata, take a left on Kalyan Ahmednagar Highway towards Kalyan
• On the route lies the adoring Malshej Ghat

Tips:

• Do not forget to take your camera
• Look out for numerous species of birds
• The Ghat is covered with dense clouds so ensure you drive slowly
• Often police check your vehicle documents so make sure you carry them with you
• Visit the Flamingo Resort by MTDC
• You can also plan a trip to nearby forts Harishchandragad and Shivneri (cannot be done in 1 day though). Also, you can visit Lenyadri – an ancient Ashtavinayak Temple carved out in rocks

Varandha Ghat: Another mountain passage that takes you to Kokan, Varandha Ghat is one of the stunning Ghats near Pune. Located around 108 kilometers from Pune, this Ghat stretches around 10 kilometers and offers you a route to a place called Nature’s Paradise. The lush green mountains, roaring waterfalls, hypnotizing valleys, back waters of Nira-Devghar Dam and captivating small villages, Varandha Ghat is a place that has been truly crafted by God for sheer indulgence.

Route to Varandha Ghat:

• Take the Pune Satara Highway
• Take right at Bhor Phata and take the Neera-Devghat Dam route
• Ask for the Varandha Ghat road once you reach Bhor village

Tips:

• A difficult Ghat which is usually covered with dense fog during monsoons
• Do not miss the waterfalls
• You can also visit Shivtharghal, a cave temple dedicated to Samarth Ramdas

The above mentioned three worth visiting Ghats near Pune before and after monsoons ensure that you are completely relaxed.