Khadakwasla / Panshet ( 'Chowpati' and 'Boating' near Pune

If one asks about the 'Chowpati' in Pune, the Puneits will go for Khadakwasla. Khadakwasla Panshet and Varasgaon are the three major dams near Pune which provides water to entire Pune city. Khadakwasla dam was constructed in pre-independence period. The dam is big one and many people enjoy their Sunday and holiday evenings here. The amazing view of Sinhagad and Peacock Bay is again a major attraction of Khadakwasla. Village Khadakwasla is just 12 kms away from Pune to the way to Sinhagad. It has a military importance as National Defense Academy (NDA) here is very famous in Indian Military History. Panshet is one of the popular places near Pune for picnic lovers. Panshet dam was built in late 50's. It became famous in 1961 when the dam collapsed and the entire water grabbed Pune city. Now a days, Panshet is popular because of Water sports here. One can have a nice road to Panshet surrounded by dark green woods. Panshet and Varasgaon dams now a days are Popular because of water sports here that includes Speed Boats and Water Scooters etc. Truly Khadakwasla, Panshet and Varasgaon not only are water storages for Pune but also developing as new picnic spots near Pune.

Malshej Ghat( Kulu - Manali of Maharashtra )

Apart from Lonavala -Khandala, Matheran and Mahabaleshwar this is one of the developing hill station in Maharashtra. Malshej Ghat is situated on the borders of Pune , Thane and Ahmednagar districts. A very popular place as it is close to both Pune and Mumbai. Malshej Ghat is vital place in Sahyadri hills and really very attractive when it is under dark clouds and heavy fog. Heavy fog and amazing waterfalls are the spatiality of Malshej Ghat especially in monsoon.Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation ( M.T.D.C. ) has its rest house in Malshej. It is situated in hill station's platue between HarishchandraGad and the other hill ranges. A nice view of valleys is one of the major attraction here. One of the beauties here are many waterfalls in the hilly regions. Various waterfalls from small up to the huge ones are really worth to see.Malshej Ghat is for also famous for dark woods and the animals inside. These animals includes tigers , leopards , rabbits and peacocks etc. But truly a famous place near Malshej Ghat is Khireshwar which is 2/3 kms from rest house. The place is famous for Hemingo birds. These birds comes here every year from Siberia between July and September. Its really an amazing view. Through Khireshwar village, one can visit the famous Harishchandragadh also.Truly, Malshej Ghat is one of the popular hill station in Maharashtra because of the beauty of nature, huge ranges of Sahyadri, amazing view of Harishchandragad and many other forts.

Bhuleshwar( A Temple of Pandav Era )

Just about 50 Kms. from Pune. Bhuleshwar is a nice and cool place to visit. Bhuleshwar is famous for the temple of Lord Shiva. The temple situated on a hill, was built during the era of Pandavas. Originally , it was a fort called as 'Mangalgadh'. The temple was built in 13th century. Here beautiful carvings dominate the walls from the beginning enhancing it's stone structure. Bhuleshwar has historical significance as it is the place where Devi Parvati danced for Lord Shiva and after they went to Kailas and get married. Thus this place is very important both historically and mythologically. Though this is place is having such importance, Bhuleshwar is one of the ignored places in Pune region. This is place is crowded in Shrawan and Mahashivratri only. You can see Jejuri on south and Purandar on south-west and Dhavaleshwar on West. Truly Bhuleshwar is a place worth to visit and spend a day.