August 16, 2015

My TripAdvisor Review No.112: Shri Girijatmaj Temple, Lenyadri, Maharashtra.

“Holy Ganesh Mandir in an Ancient Buddhist Cave”
5 of 5 starsReviewed 15 August 2015NEW
This temple is one of the eight Swayambhu (self existent) Ganeshas which devotees include in their holy ‘Ashtavinayak’ trip. The idol is an integral part of the stone wall of a cave. This one is also known as the ‘Girijatmaj Ganesha’. It is believed that Ganesha was born to Parvati here at Lenyadri. These caves are a set of about 30 ancient Buddhist caves dating back to between the 1st and 3rd century AD. Cave No.8 is the beautiful Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The other caves are mainly for prayer and meditation, and as monk dwellings.

These caves are set in a hillside at Lenyadri about 5 km from Junnar town and about 100 km from Pune city. The route from Pune is via Pune Nashik highway (NH50) up to Narayangaon, from where a left turn after the ST bus stand takes you to Junnar and Lenyadri. Rickshaws, Jeeps and buses can be hired from Junnar to the foothills. As you approach Lenyadri you will be greeted by the beautiful hill range on which these rock cut caves are clearly visible from a distance. During monsoons the hill may be shrouded in a blanket of clouds.

You have to climb more than 300 steep steps to reach up to the caves. For the old and unfit palki services can be hired for Rs.700 to carry you up from the bottom of the hill. Holy offerings are available at the shops lining the entrance at the foothill. There are some snack stalls as well as some shops where you can buy local raisins and other rural produce at wholesale rates. There is an entry fee of Rs.10 per vehicle and ample parking space at the foothill.

The Girijatmaj Ganesh Mandir is a must visit for the devotees of Lord Ganesha, as well as for the natural beauty that surrounds it. The view of the River Kukadi, green fields and hills around are indeed mesmerising.
Visited July 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

August 15, 2015

My TripAdvisor Review No.111: Lenyadri Caves, Junnar, Maharashtra.

“Ancient Buddhist Caves with a Holy Ganesha Temple”
5 of 5 starsReviewed 14 August 2015NEW
These caves are a set of about 30 ancient Buddhist caves dating back to between the 1st and 3rd century AD. Cave No.8 is a beautiful Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. In fact, it is one of the eight Swayambhu (self existent) Ganeshas which devotees include in their holy ‘Ashtavinayak’ trip. The idol is an integral part of the stone wall of the cave. This one is also known as the ‘Girijatmaj Ganesha’. It is believed that Ganesha was born to Parvati at Lenyadri. The other caves are mainly for prayer and meditation, and as monk dwellings.

These caves are set in a hillside at Lenyadri about 5 km from Junnar town and about 100 km from Pune city. The route from Pune is via Pune Nashik highway (NH50) up to Narayangaon, from where a left turn after the ST bus stand takes you to Junnar and Lenyadri. Rickshaws, Jeeps and buses can be hired from Junnar to the foothills. As you approach Lenyadri you will be greeted by the beautiful hill range on which these rock cut caves are clearly visible from a distance. During monsoons the hill may be shrouded in a blanket of clouds.

You have to climb more than 300 steep steps to reach up to the caves. For the old and unfit palki services can be hired for Rs.700 to carry you up from the bottom of the hill. Holy offerings are available at the shops lining the entrance at the foothill. There are some snack stalls as well as some shops where you can buy local raisins and other rural produce at wholesale rates. There is an entry fee of Rs.10 per vehicle and ample parking space at the foothill.

Lenyadri caves are a must visit for its religious and historical significance, as well as the natural beauty that surrounds it. The view of the River Kukadi, green fields and hills around are indeed mesmerising.
Visited July 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

August 13, 2015

My TripAdvisor Review No. 110: Reddy's Restaurant, Kalyani Nagar, Pune.

“Excellent Tandoori Chicken”
4 of 5 starsReviewed 12 August 2015NEW
We visited this al fresco restaurant to taste their Tandoori Chicken. Reddy's is already famous in Pune for their tandoori items. We were quite happy to know that we were not far wrong in our judgement and quite enjoyed the perfectly marinated tandoori chicken, and delicious biryani.

They also serve other non and veg Indian preparations both dry and with gravy, and at fairly reasonable rates.

They have a nice garden sit out dining area, with beach umbrellas, and air coolers. They also do home delivery for nearby localities.
  • Visited June 2015
    • 5 of 5 starsValue
    • 4 of 5 starsService
    • 5 of 5 starsFood
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

August 11, 2015

My TripAdvisor Review No.109: Shivneri Fort, Junnar, Maharashtra.

“Birthplace of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Founder of the Maratha Empire.”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 August 2015 NEW
This impressive fort is located in the Junnar district of Maharashtra, about 100 km north of Pune. It is situated on top of a 300 metre high hill which is clearly visible as you approach Junnar town. There is a 5 km motorable road that climbs steeply up to the Fort entrance from Junnar. After that you have to trudge up the stone staircase that takes you to the top. The ascending path to the top is defended by seven gates, the fifth one being armoured with anti-elephant spikes. There are more than about 400 steps to be climbed and it can take an able bodied fit person about 20 to 25 minutes to reach the top. The climb is not recommended for the aged or weak of heart.

For keen trekkers and hikers the fort, and the areas around it, is a wonderful and rugged destination for a day long trek. The steps take you past some beautifully landscaped gardens, and of course the view from the top is indeed breathtaking and sufficient reward for the trouble.

There are mud and rock walls all around the fort. Inside the fort the major buildings are the prayer hall, the tomb and a mosque. There are statues of Jijabai and young Shivaji in the temple inside. Shivaji is said to have been born at this site on 19 February 1630. The fort has several rock hewn cisterns and ponds which have water throughout the year. There are also some Buddhist caves in the hillside below which the fort stands, but this may not be easily accessible unless you are equipped with proper trekking gear.

Shivneri Fort is one of the iconic forts of Maharashtra. It is a must visit if you are anywhere near Junnar town. Entry to the fort is free and the timings are from 6 am to 5 pm.

The other nearby tourist spots is the Lenyadri Buddhist caves and Girijatmaj Ashtavinayak Ganesh Mandir, about 8 km away. Malshej Ghat, well known for its monsoon scenery is about 30 km further towards Kalyan. From Pune the route is via Bhosari, Chakan, Rajgurunagar and Narayangaon on the Pune Nashik highway (NH50). At Narayangaon you have to take a left turn after the ST bus stand to Junnar town.
Visited July 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

August 4, 2015

My TripAdvisor Review No.108: Malshej Ghat, near Pune.

“Monsoon Magic at Malshej”
4 of 5 starsReviewed 3 August 2015NEW
Malshej Ghat is a paradise for nature lovers, especially those who enjoy dancing in the rain. It lies on the Kalyan Ahmednagar Highway (NH222), about 155 km from Mumbai. From Pune it is about 130 km. Take the Pune Nashik highway (NH50), turn left at Narayangaon and proceed to Junnar (SH111). From Junnar town, Malshej is another 25 km ahead. You will pass the beautiful Pimpalgaon Joga Dam on the way. You will know that you have reached Malshej Ghat (during monsoon season) when you see the clouds rising above the hills and then swooping down menacingly to engulf you. It will look scary at first but then you have to move ahead, albeit at a reduced speed, till you are entirely engulfed in the mist. Visibility is minimal and it is advisable to switch on all the lights of your vehicle.

After another few kilometres you will come across a multitude of waterfalls, big and small, and at some places you will see some food stalls serving baked corn, wada pao, and egg bhurji, as well as hot cups of tea. Travellers stop here for refreshments and to enjoy a shower under the falls. It is advisable to avoid the weekends, as the heady combination of natural beauty and holiday revelry can cause more than just a few traffic problems.

As you proceed ahead towards Mumbai you will pass a tunnel at the end of which are some more huge waterfalls, one of which falls directly on to the road with a lot of force. It is quite a thrill to drive your car under this one, and get a free car wash in the bargain!

The MTDC Resort is located at a vantage point at Malshej Ghat. Sushant Resort situated next to the Pimpalgaon Joga Lake is another hotel surrounded by natural beauty. Junnar town, about 25 km towards Pune has a handful of stay options. One can also visit the famous Shivneri Fort, birthplace of Shivaji Maharaj, and the Lenyadri Buddhist caves near Junnar.
Visited July 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC