TUNGNATH Trek – The Highest Shiva Temple

Tungnath Temple:

Tungnath is one of the five ‘Panch Kedar’ temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is situated at an altitude of 3,680 meters (12,073 ft) and it is the highest Shiva temple in the world. It is said that the temple is over 5,000 years old and third in the order of the Panch Kedars; due to which it is also known as “Tritiya Kedar”.

Travel during Covid:

We know that Covid has affected everyone’s life but there was some positive impact as well. Being from Uttarakhand but never got time to explore due to job. Covid gave me an opportunity to work from home and that way we planned our trip to Tungnath this year in July 2020 while we were doing volunteering at a permaculture farm. We drove from Rishikesh to Mandal during Covid for our volunteering program.

We have heard and watched a few videos for Tungnath. While we were so near but did not realize the proximity to Tungnath temple, it was so funny as Chopta was just 25 km from the farm.

How to reach Chopta/Tungnath:

This was the first time when we both were clueless about such a famous place and apparently where we wanted to go but sometimes it happens. Finally, one fine day we made it. As it was a rainy season, so we waited for better weather conditions.

To visit Tungnath you can make your base point as Gopeshwar, Mandal or Chopta if you are travelling via Chamoli.

You can make Ukhimath as your base or Chopta, if you are travelling via Rudraprayag or Kedarnath. The distance from Haridwar to Chopta is 225 km and the distance from Ukhimath to Chopta is around 29 km. 

• 

  Bugyal on the Way to Tungnath

Route from Haridwar to Chopta

Haridwar – (24kms) Rishikesh – (70kms) Devprayag – (34kms) Srinagar – (33kms) Rudraprayag – (19kms) Agastyamuni – (10kms) Kund – (6kms) Ukhimath – (22kms) Duggalbitta – (7kms) Chopta.

Stay options in Chopta: 

There are few hotels and Oyo rooms within 1000-2000 per night for the families with a basic facility, do not expect any luxury here. Most of the trekkers stay in their tent as you can pitch the tent at a safe place by paying some fee to the locals or opt for a camping stay.

There are few dhabas just1-2 km before Chopta towards Mandal road, which also offer dormitory, or few rooms with the cost of 100 to 500 per person. So it’s better to reach early to get accommodation.

Tungnath Trek: 

We reached by 10 am at Chopta and started our first trekking for the highest Shiva temple in the world. Total trek for Tungnath is 4 km. Although the entire trek has a proper concrete road, but it is a little challenging due to steep climb. Any beginner who is physically fit can do this trek. You will find benches to relax and a few stalls for tea and quick snacks in between.

The entire way is surrounded by beautiful nature. You will see beautiful bugyals with pahadi goats, cows, and trees. Such a landscape view may give you a feel like you are in heaven. While enjoying nature, we covered the 4 km trek in 1.5 hours.

• 

  
  Tungnath Trek Entrance

• 

Stay option at Tungnath:

For those who wish to witness the morning aarti or special pooja, there are some places at the top as well, just before the temple. 

Tungnath is approachable throughout the year. During winters there are special guided tours organized by the locals and travel agencies for the trekkers. There is another trek goes from Tungnath to Chandrashila at another 1000mtr higher altitude, which is quite a famous location between the trekkers because of its view, calmness. 

Summit of Tungnath:

Chandrashila is a summit of Tungnath. The altitude of Chandrashila is 4000m(approx. 14000 ft.) and one may feel effects of (AMS) Altitude Mountain Sickness. So always keep water handy and in case of any distress, slowly trek back to Tungnath and take some rest.

Chandrashila Trek:

There is no proper way to trek to Chandrashila. It is quite a difficult trek for the beginners and trust me we did not get tired while trekking to Tungnath but this another 2 km trek tested our stamina and took another 1.5 hours to reach.

• 

  Trail to Chandrashila Summit

There is a small “Ganga Mata” temple at the peak and this peak provides views of the Himalayas, including Nandadevi, Trisul, Kedar Peak, Bandarpunch and Chaukhamba peaks.

• 

  Ganga Mata Temple at Chandrashila

• 

  Story About Chandrashila

The view gets clear by the noon and depends on the weather, as mostly you do not get the clear view here because clouds may obscure mountains. Hence it is recommended to reach Chandrashila as early as possible for a clear view of the peaks. The wind flows furiously here and you may feel freezing in few minutes. But with the sound of the bells, it makes a divine experience. An experience to behold and share, like I did in this blog post.

• 

  At Chandrashila Summit, Among the Clouds

• 

  Beautiful Views of Tungnath Trek

Advertisement

Famous Places to see in Mahabaleshwar

Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani are one of the most popular weekend destinations because of thrill and adventure activities like trekking, hiking, boating, bird watching, rock climbing, and cave exploring to thrill seekers. Mahabaleshwar is easily accessible from Pune and Mumbai, it is 120 km away from Pune and 285 km away from Mumbai. There are luxurious Volvo and state transport buses available from both the cities. Mahabaleshwar also offers lots of quiet, undisturbed places among stunning landscapes, peace and relaxation to nature lovers.

1. Arthur’s Seat

Winters View at Arthur’s Seat

Arthur’s point is at a distance of 13 km from Mahabaleshwar Bus Stand and 7 km from Old Mahabaleshwar, Arthur seat point is the most popular viewpoint in Mahabaleshwar for its grand canyon like views having Konkan on one side and Deccan on the other. Beware of Monkeys here as they can grab your food and water. Monkey grabbed our water bottle. Arthur’s Seat Point area has 6 points in total viz Arthur’s Seat Point, Echo Point, Hunter Point, Tiger Spring Point, Window Point and Malcom Point.

Timings 9 am to 8 pm

2. Babington Point

The path that leads up to this point provides a fantastic view of the land beneath. The Chinaman Waterfalls and the Koyna valley are two places that can be clearly seen from here. If you wish to spend some quiet time in Mahabaleshwar attaining peace and admiring nature, then Babington Point is the perfect place.

Timings 6 am to 6 pm

3. Bombay Point

Sunset at Bombay Point

Bombay point also famous a sunset point is at approximately 3 km distance from Mahabaleshwar bus stand. Bombay Point is the oldest point of Mahabaleshwar and named to its location on the old Bombay road. The place has a large open space with a bandstand. Sunset point here is very crowded because people can view the magnificent sunset over the valleys below at Mahabaleshwar. Many activities like Horse riding, Chaupati games are popular with the tourists at this point.

Timings 6 am to 6 pm

4. Connaught Peak

Misty Clouds at Connaught Peak

Connaught peak is located 5 km from Mahabaleshwar bus station. This peak was renamed as Connaught Peak after Duke of Connaught visited this spot, formerly it was known as Mount Olympia. This peak offers beautiful view of Venna Lake and Krishna Valley. This peak is also a vantage point for observing the Kamalgadh, Rajgarh and Torana in the north and Ajinkyatara in the south. You can see Panchgani and Pasarani Ghat in the east, while Pratapgad can be seen in the west. The nearby places that you can explore while visiting Connaught Peak are Helen’s Point, Venna Lake, Ram Mandir, Krishnabhai Temple, Falkland Point, Old Mahabaleshwar Temple, Wilson Point and Dhobi Waterfall.

Timings: 9 am to 6 pm

5. Elephant’s Head Point

The very famous Elephant head point during monsoon

Elephant’s head point is at a distance of 7 km from Mahabaleshwar Bus Stand. It is situated next to the Kate’s Point. The rock formations here are set in a way that they resemble an elephant’s head. Due to its appearance the point got its name as the Elephant’s Head Point.

Timings: 9 am to 6 pm

6. Lodwick Point

Memorial Pole at Lodwick Point

Lodwick point is at a distance of 4 km from Mahabaleshwar Bus Stand, it was previously known as Sydney Point. To honor General Lodwick’s achievement, his son erected a memorial pole of about 25 ft. There is a huge statue of Lord Lodwick situated here.

Timings: 6 am to 8 pm

7. Lingmala Falls

Lingmala Fall

Lingmala fall is located at a distance of 6 km from Mahabaleshwar bus stand and it is situated on the Mahabaleshwar – Pune Road and is sourced by the waters of Venna River. The forest bungalow of Lingmala is situated near the falls. Dhobi Waterfall and Chinaman’s waterfall are situated near the Lingmala waterfalls and best time to visit Lingmala falls is between July and December.

Entry Fee: Rs. 15 per person

Timings: 8 am to 4.30 pm

8. Wilson Point

Sunrise and Sunset at Wilson Point

Wilson point is at the distance of 2 km from Mahabaleshwar Bus Stand, its known as Sunrise point and one can experience the beautiful sunrise from this point. Wilson point is the highest point in Mahabaleshwar. The original name of the point is Sindola Hill. This point is named after Sir Leslie Wilson, the Governor of Bombay province. Wilson point is the only point in Mahabaleshwar where both sunrise and sunset can be seen.

Timings: 6 am to 8 pm

9. Dhobi waterfall

Gorgeous Dhobi Waterfall

Dhobi Waterfall is situated 3 km away from the main town of Mahabaleshwar. This waterfall is in between the lush green trails of western ghats. Best time to visit this waterfall is during monsoon otherwise the flow will be less although one can go in between and take a dip in cold water. The water streams down into the Koyna river and forms mists and rainbows magnificent gift from nature.

Timings: 6 am to 6 pm

10. Chinaman’s falls

Chinaman’s Falls is located at a distance of 2.5 km from Mahabaleshwar and are another set of waterfalls apart from the Dhobi Waterfalls that should not be missed. Chinaman’s falls offers a breathtaking sight with the water cascading down rocky mountains. This spot gives a spectacular view of the deep Koyna Valley. The best time to visit the falls is during the monsoon season.

11. Mahabaleshwar by Local Transport

Everyday government operated Mahabaleshwar Darshan bus runs at 02:30 PM to 07:00 PM covering around 13 famous points including strawberry farm. The bus is regular red bus (or sometimes semi luxury).

    Time: Every day at 02:30 PM to 07:00 PM

    Tariff: Rs. 155

    Boarding Place: Mahabaleshwar ST Bus stand (City Center)

    Booking: Max 1 day prior at Mahabaleshwar Bus Stand

    Tour Duration: 4.5 hrs

Sights covered:

    Kate’s Point, Echo Point, Needle Hole Point

    Arthur’s Seat, Window Point, Tiger Spring, Echo Point, Hunter Point, Malcom Point

    Elphinstone Point

    Old Mahabaleshwar

    Strawberry Farm

    Sunset Point (Mumbai Point)

12. Prepaid Govt Taxi Tours in Mahabaleshwar

Travelers can opt for prepaid govt approved Taxi from a taxi stand near to Mahabaleshwar bus stand. They have fixed rate packages and we found this is also a good option if you don’t have personal vehicle.

13. Stay in Mahabaleshwar

During our Airbnb Stay

There are many budget hotels and resorts available for stay. But mostly pocket friendly hotels have problem of damp walls and seepage issue due to heavy rainfall, so choose wisely. There are few good Airbnb options available for stay and resorts also, although most of the resorts are not pocket friendly, but we had a pretty good experience with cloud mist resorts. Location and views are amazing from this property and have lots of activity to do including infinity swimming pool with a view of Dhoom dam. If you are in a big group then Homestay cottages on hill top is a good option you can book it through Airbnb and other websites too.

14. Mahabaleshwar Market

Mahabaleshwar market is near to Mahabaleshwar bus stand. There is a 1 km+ road where both the sides you will find shops for handicrafts, Kashmiri blankets, shawl, leather products, footwear and many food joints in between the shops. You can buy fresh strawberries, Mapro and other companies squashes at the factory outlets rates, fruit candies, different flavored roasted chana. Nights are cold here and you can have relaxed nice time in CCD with a cup of coffee. CCD is near Mahabaleshwar bus stand.

Famous Vegetarian Street Food in Lucknow

Lucknow is known for its non-vegetarian food, you don’t hear much about its under-rated vegetarian food joints. We travelled early last year when we went to witness ardh kumbh in Prayagraj and adjoined by a trip to Banaras.

Our travel style is usually shoestring, and we try to use lots of cheap public transport and try street food wherever we venture out to explore a new city. This time it was Lucknow. Through some research, we had a grand food plan. The idea was to munch our way while immersing in the beauty of Lucknow. We had two full days for sightseeing and food tasting before heading to Banaras.

We have compiled a list of must-visit vegetarian joints in Lucknow area wise:

Vegetarian Street Food Joints in Hazratganj, Lucknow:

1. Bajpai ki Kachori

Bajpai ki Kachori

We started with breakfast at Bajpai ki kachori, this is an old joint which serves kachori with special spicy chole (Chickpea). So, the very first dish we tasted was Bajpai ki Kachori at Hazratganj.

It’s a very simple shop with a basic setup but this simplicity in making his pooris, kachoris served with aloo sabzi with choley, onion slices and pickle will turn into a mouth-watering delight. It is the spiciness of the sabzi, which we loved. We tried all the dishes; pooris, kachori and samosa, each dish was so perfect in the taste that you would like to have it again and again. This happened to us and we stopped by this joint twice or thrice during our travel. People queue up in front of his shop in great numbers every morning when the shop opens at 8 and you will find the crowd remains till it is closed in the evening.

Timings: 8 am to 5 pm

2. Shukla Chaat House

• 

  Aloo Tikki Chaat

• 

  Aloo Tikki

Shukla ji ki chaat is the best joint for the Indian Chaats, it is one of the jewels of our food trial in Lucknow. They serve mouthwatering Golgappe (known as Pani batashe), Dahi batashe, Aloo tikki and Matar ki tikki. It is a tiny roadside stall, no seating facility but the taste will remain in your mind for a long time. Although at first glance it will not attract you if you are a street food lover you must stop here and try all the items. The footfall is quite high so don’t be late 😊

Timings: 6 pm to 10 pm

3. Shukla Tea stall

• 

  Gol Samosa

It’s a pretty small shop just opposite to Shukla chat house, but it was crowded which drew me to the place. When we entered the shop it looks like a utensils store lots of kettles, mugs, vessels which shows how much tea he sells every day.

So very first famous “Gol Samosa”, I had it at Shukla tea stall and trust me I would say one of the best Gol samosas of Lucknow I have tasted here. Tea quantity is too much and within 10 Rs. I thought it would be too milky, but he boils the tea leaves in a separate container so if you want less milk you can ask for that too.

Timings: 8 am to 9 pm

4. Royal Café

• 

This place is famous for the Basket Chaat, although they served all variety of chat. Basket chaat they served in edible basket shaped made of potato thin flakes. If you are too hygiene cautious then this is the place for you. You can try gol gappas and other snacks too. But we found this place quite fancy and not so pocket friendly.

Timings: 11:30 am to 08:30 pm

Vegetarian Street Food Joints in Lalbagh, Lucknow:

1. Sharma Tea center/ Sharma ji ki chai

• 

  Gol Samosa and Chai at Sharma ji ki chai

A very famous place in Lucknow for chai and the kind of set up they have, says everything. Tea is good and to enjoy it more you can add bun-maska and gol samosa. They use homemade white butter to spread on the bun with raisins. You will find this place every time packed up, although I found gol samosa taste better at Shukla tea stall.

Timings: 7:00 am to 07:30 pm

2. Sardar Ke Choley Bhature

• 

  Sardar Choley Bhature

We were roaming in this area and suddenly we saw another crowded place – Sardar ke chole bhature. As the name says, this place is famous for Punjabi style chole bhature and you can try kulcha as well to have a full packed brunch. You can also try “Sooji ka Halwa” made in pure ghee.

Timings: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm

3. GPO Dahi Bada

• 

The next place in Lalbagh area is GPO dahi Bada. Enjoy the super tasty dahi Bada here which was so soft that it melts instantaneously.

Timings: 11:30 am to 10:00 pm

Famous Desserts to Try in Lucknow:

1. Makhan malai at Chowk

• 

  Malai Makhan

• 

  One Serving of Malai Makhan

Malai makhan is a special dish in Lucknow and Banaras which you will get during winters. A cream-coloured ethereal sweet-dish that melts in the mouth. The key to makhan malai preparation lies in exposing the milk to dew.

The process begins in the evening with boiling milk in a huge saucepan over a stove. Thereafter, fresh milk cream is added to the boiled milk and it is boiled again. Once the mixture cools down completely, it is filled in buckets and hung under the evening sky for six to eight hours and in the morning sprinkles sugar, and cardamom powder over the portion to mix the layers. That’s the reason you will get this dish during winters only.

Timings: -8:30 am to 11:00 am (Best time to have it)

2. Malai Gilori at Ram Asrey Sweets, Chowk

• 

  Malai Gilori

Ram Asrey sweets shop is famous for its sweets and the most famous one is Malai gilori or Malai pan. Ram Asrey have another outlet in Hazratganj as well but at chowk it’s the original one from where they have started this shop. This is where I have tasted their most famous Malai gilori. This sweet shop apparently invented the Malai Gilori in 1805. It is located in a quaint little lane very reminiscent of a Ban wali gali. Malai gilori is known with the name of Malai pan as well because of its shape of pan. As it goes in your mouth it melts instantaneously but I found it too sweet, so 1 piece is enough to taste. They sell this sweet on per piece basis and it costs around 25 -30 rs per piece. Although they have a variety of sweets available, I have tasted just Malai gilori which is their speciality.

Timings: – 9:00am to 10:00pm

3. Prakash kulfi, Amenabad

• 

  Prakash Kulfi Amenabad

Prakash Kulfi is quite a well-known place in Aminabaad. Although Aminabaad is famous for clothing shops, one of the oldest Kulfi shops of Lucknow is Prakash ki mashoor kulfi. It’s a faluda Kulfi and Many flavours are available to taste but if you want the true refreshing classic taste of Prakash Kulfi then you must try ‘Kesar Badam Pista Kulfi’. Space is a bit small, so if it is crowded you must wait for your turn.

Timings: – 10:00 am to 11:00 pm

After so much food tasting, we agreed to say Lucknow food is one of the best and delicious tastes that you can get in India. It is a myth that vegetarians can’t enjoy food in Lucknow since it is primarily known for Awadhi cuisine. But we would say that If you are a lover of local vegetarian food, Lucknow can be nothing less than a treat for you.

 

Famous Temples to Visit in Banaras

Varanasi/Banaras has more than thousands of big and small temples and that’s the reason this city is also known as “City of temples”. The city is located on the banks of two tributaries of Ganges, Varuna, and Assi, which merge here. 

We have already shared 9 things to do in Banaras

Varanasi is the city of Lord Shiva, as Lord Shiva is considered the ruler of the city from the beginning of the time. That’s the reason you will find there are a lot of Shiva temples in every corner of Varanasi.

Round up in a video

Here is the list of must-visit temples in Varanasi 

1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple:  

Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Kashi Vishwanath temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped here in the form of linga and is built 250 years ago. It is one of the most prominent Hindu temples and one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. Lord Shiva is represented as a fiery column of light in Jyotirlinga temples and hence no idol is worshipped. Kashi Vishwanath temple is believed to be here since ancient time and has been mentioned in Puranas too. The temple was destroyed and rebuilt several times. Aurangzeb last destroyed it in 1669 and constructed the Gyanvapi Mosque at its place, later the temple was constructed adjacent to the mosque. Over the years different structures were built around the temple. The most prominent of them are low-roofed colonnade with over 40 pillars in the Gyan Vapi precinct and a 7 feet tall statue of Nandi bull gifted by the king of Nepal. 

The 3 domes of the temple are covered with gold and that’s why people call it Golden temple of Kashi. Later on, many other temples were built around Kashi Vishwanath temple in the Lane, which leads to the Ghat.

Kashi Vishwanath temple opens at 03.00 AM in the morning remain open till 11.00 PM but it is closed in between for special aartis and rituals. These aartis and rituals can be booked online.

Best time to visit this temple is early morning like 4:00am or 5:00 am; otherwise, you will have to wait in a queue for the darshan for approx. 2-3 hours.

Kashi Vishwanath temple darshan tickets and aarti timing:

Mangala Aarti – 03.00 – 04.00 AM Booking cost: 350 INR

Bhog Aarti -11.15 AM to 12.20 PM Booking cost: 180 INR

Sandhya Aarti – 07.00 PM to 08.15 PM Booking cost: 180 INR

Shringar Aarti – 09.00 to 10.15 PM Booking cost: 180 INR 

Shayan Aarti – 10.30 to 11.00 PM

Note: Due to tight security mobile phones, camera, belts with metal buckle, leather belts & bags, cigarettes, lighters are not allowed inside the temple. 

You are allowed to carry offerings like water, milk, flowers, leaves, fruits or sweets inside the temple but a security check is done on these and only small portions are allowed. 

Other must-visit temples are situated in and around BHU campus. 

To visit BHU temple and others you can hire an auto. You will find autos with a package of 4 hours with the cost of 400 rs to 500 rs on the way from Dashashmedh ghat to Assi ghat. That auto driver will take you around all the temples including BHU – Vishwanath Mandir and at the end of the drive he can also take you to the factory outlet for Banaras saree in case you are interested.

2. New Vishwanath Mandir

New Vishwanath Temple

This temple is located inside the BHU campus. It’s huge and surrounded by clean gardens. It is also known as Birla temple. 

There are nine temples in the BHU campus of Shiva Lingam, Nataraj ji, Mata Parvati ji, Ganesh ji, Panchmukhi Mahadev, Hanuman ji, Mata Saraswati ji, and Nandi ji.

Birla Temple/New Vishwanath temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and it is the exact copy of the original Vishwanath temple. The centre of the temple has a Siva lingam and the walls of the temple have Hindu scriptures written. Birla Temple is made up of the marble and it opens all days a week from 4 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 9 pm.

Aarti timings are 4 am, 4.45 am, 10.30 am, 11.45 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, 6.45 pm, 7.30 pm, 8 pm and 8.45 pm. Every Monday, Rudrabhishek is performed from 7 am to 8 am.
It’s peaceful and clean and not too crowded. Also unlike other temples here, one can carry their mobiles and bags here.

Note: – Do not miss to have cold coffee at “Om cafe”, it’s a cafe just outside of the temple.

Cold Coffee

Om Cafe, BHU Campus

3. Baba Kaal Bhairav Mandir:

Kaal Bhairav Mandir

Baba Kaal Bhairav temple is 1.5 Km from famous Kashi Vishwanath temple. It is situated in a narrow lane. This temple is dedicated to the fierce form of Lord Shiva. It is believed that a visit to Varanasi is incomplete without visiting this temple. Kaal bhairav believed to remove the sins of his disciples and protect them from all problems. Bags with camera and mobiles are allowed inside the temple here.

4. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple: 

Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

Tulsidas Ji, the author of Ramcharitmanas established the temple of Hanuman Ji in the 14th century at this place and named it Sankat Mochan Hanuman temple.

The statue of Hanuman Ji is placed in a small open shaped sanctum. The idol of Hanuman Ji is covered with Kesari Sindoor and it is facing the idol of Lord Rama.

Beware from monkeys, although they don’t snatch the food packets from devotees there. The temple remains crowded on Tuesday and Saturday. Camera and mobile phones are not allowed inside the temple due to security, after the terrorist attack.

5. Tridev Temple

Tridev Temple

Tridev Temple

Tridev Temple

This is at 450 meters distance from Sankat Mochan Hanuman temple. As the name sounded this temple is dedicated to three gods Tridev (Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh). This temple does not have any historical records but Temple is beautiful and very interesting in design.

6. Shri Durga Temple:

Shri Durga Temple

Shri Durga Temple

Shri Durga temple is at a 750-meter distance from Sankat Mochan Hanuman temple. This is another very famous temple in Varanasi. It is believed that the idol of goddess Durga appeared itself here. It is also known that there was a temple at this place, which was demolished during Aurangzeb’s attack. A Bengali queen built the current temple in the 18th century. Temple is situated adjacent to a pond, which is known as Durga kund and painted in vibrant red color.

7. Shri Satya Narayan Tulsi Manas Mandir

Shri Satya Narayan Tulsi Manas Temple

This place is believed to be where Tulsidas has composed and sang Sri Ramacharita manas. Which is one of the holiest scripture in Hinduism. The temple is very beautifully made with marble and couplets of Ramacharitmanas are engraved on the walls of the temple.

8. Bharat Mata Mandir

Bharat Mata Temple

Bharat Mata Temple

Completed in 1936, it was created when we were undivided. Instead of idols, there is a huge map carved out of marble with very precise details of elevation of all the lands of what now we know as Pakistan, India and Bangladesh. This map depicts rivers, mountains, and oceans up to the scale.

Although it is in bad shape with almost no maintenance and fewer visitors, we found this place very interesting from the historical perspective. It is less than 2 km from Railway station and worth visiting.

9. Nepali Temple

Nepali Temple

This temple is located on Lalita Ghat of Ganga river. The temple is made of terracotta, stone, and wood. King of Nepal had constructed it at the beginning of 19th Century. The temple architecture is similar to temple structures found in Bhaktapur and Patan in Nepal. The temple is also dedicated to Lord Shiva and also known as Pashupatinath Mahadev Mandir Varanasi. Local Varanasi people also call this temple Kanthwala temple because wood is one of the main material used in the temple. 

10. Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple:

Ratneshwar Mahadev Temple

This temple is situated at Manikarnika Ghat. The Inner sanctum of this temple remains submerged in water throughout the year except for few summer months. It is situated in the bank of Ganga and there are several interesting stories associated with the submersion of this temple.

Necklace Point – A Day Trip near Pune

This was a long-awaited day trip for us after installing a dog box on our bike and we were very excited to take our dog “Jenny” on the bike. Since it was the very first ride for Jenny to ride in a dog box, we decided to go for a short ride to gain some confidence and her comfort for the longer rides later. For this destination, one side distance was 45 – 50 km.

This time the place we decided to go to was Necklace point. Necklace point is near Bhatgar dam in Bhor area, it’s a location where Nira river and Gunjawani river embrace each other at a prominent place and create a Necklace shaped meander. That’s how this scenic viewpoint got its name as the Necklace point. It’s a maximum 2 hours drive from Pune that can be reached via two ways – one through Saswad road and another is via Pune – Satara road.

This time we went there along with my biking club “Avenger Motorcycle Club – Pune” and all my biking friends were also very excited to see the dog box and meet Jenny over the ride. We started early morning at 6:30 am and reached the place by 9:00 am. We got a little late due to the big biking group but distance can be easily covered in 1:30 hours by bike or car. Roads are not bad and there is no off-roading, it’s a complete road till the scenic view.

There are many Bollywood and Marathi films which have been shot at this location. This is a place where you can go for nice photography, can also get a chance to see peacocks and different birds. If you are travelling with family, carry plenty of water and food as you will be tempted to spend an entire day in the lap of nature. You can also park your vehicle closeby and go for hiking as well.

The Avenger Motorcycle Club Squad

You can also go to Bhoreshwar temple, which is near to necklace point. It’s a very old temple dedicated to Lord Shiva which is carved out of stone with a huge Nandi Idol. Other areas of interest are in Bhor area – Kalubai Mandir Jogwadi, Bhatghar Dam, and Ketkawale Balaji temple. If you are coming from Saswad road then you can cover Narayanpur temple as well. The temples attract many tourists throughout the year and are also very popular among the locals. The Kalbubai Mandir is said to be especially auspicious and people go there to seek blessings, making it an interesting tourist places near Pune.