Monday, May 7, 2012

Goa


Place:  Goa
Route from Pune: Pune > Shirwal> Kolhapur > Nipani > Amboli > Sawantwadi > Bonda > Goa
Distance from Pune: 415 kms (Approx).
Places to eat: various places on the highway
Places to stay: countless.
Best time to Visit:  Anytime. You may not be able to enjoy the beaches during monsoon.

Experience: Beaches of Goa and night life are well known and need no introduction. Goa also offers examples of amazing portuguese architecture for those who look for something in addition to exciting Calangute and Baga beaches.

Basilica of Bom Jesus
Church of St Francis of Assisi  & Museum
Dona Paula

                                            Church of our Lady of the Immaculate Conception

Amboli

Place: Amboli & Sawantwadi
Route from Pune: Pune> Shirwal > Kolhapur > Nipani > Amboli > Sawantwadi
Distance from Pune: Amboli: 350 kms, Sawantwadi: 380 kms (Approx)
Places to eat: Hotels on highway
Places to stay: MTDC resort (Amboli), Shilpagram resort (Sawantwadi)
Best time to Visit: Anytime except Summer
Experience: The places are full of natural beauty in monsoons. Just enjoy the drive. You can also proceed to Panaji, Goa which is 60 kms from Sawantwadi.

Amboli

Amboli


Kaas

Place: Kaas Plateau
Route from Pune: Pune> Khed shivapur> Shirwal > Satara > Kaas
Distance from Pune: 85 kms (Approx)
Places to eat: Hotels on highway till Satara
Places to stay: -
Best time to Visit: September

Experience: These beautiful flowers fill up the Kaas plateau for approx. 3 - 4 weeks every September. Locals say that number of tourists have increased many folds in last few years. Forest department was considering closing down the area since people walk over /pluck the flowers. I think it may still be possible to view it from the road. Check for fresh updates before visiting.



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Hedshi

Place: Hedshi 
Route from Pune: Pune> Pirangut > Paud > Hedshi
Distance from Pune: 35 kms (Approx)
Places to eat: Hotels enroute. A small snacks center outside temple
Places to stay: -
Best time to Visit: July - October

Experience: A very nice place. Very clean and peaceful. Amazingly beautiful during monsoon.



Friday, September 10, 2010

Bhandardara

Place: Bhandardara
Route from Pune: Pune> Chakan > Rajgurunagar > Manchar > Narayangaon > Bote > Brahmanwada > Bhandardara
Distance from Pune: 175 kms (Approx)
Places to eat: Hotels on highway till Bote, MTDC resort
Places to stay: MTDC resort
Best time to Visit: July - October
Experience: Bhandardara is awesome. Full of natural beauty. Not many options to stay/eat. MTDC resort is disappointing.














Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Sangameshwar (Tulapur)

Place: Sangameshwar (Tulapur)
Route from Pune: Pune > Alandi > Markal > Sangameshwar (Tulapur)
Distance from Pune: 28 Kms (Approx.)
Places to eat: Various places enroute, A small hotel at sangameshwar.
Places to stay: -
Best time to Visit: Anytime
Experience: Sangameshwar is the place where three rivers Bhima, Bhama and Indrayani meet and hence the name. Boating facility is also available.

Besides the famous Sangameshwar temple, the place is also known for Samadhi's of Sambhaji maharaj and Kavi Kalash.
I had not expected such a clean and peaceful environment but it was surprisingly very pleasant. Worth one more visit…..

Monday, December 28, 2009

Chokhi Dhani Village

Place: Chokhi Dhani village
Route from Pune: Pune- Nagar highway @ Wagholi
Distance from Pune: Shivaji Nagar to Chokhi Dhani - 15 kms (Approx)
Places to eat: Chokhi Dhani
Places to stay: -
Best time to Visit: Anytime (except monsoon)
Experience: ‘Chokhi Dhani’ is rajasthani translation of a ‘Fine Hamlet’. It offers an insight into Rajasthani village culture including the traditional dances, music, handicraft and food. The first ‘Chokhi Dhani’ was started in Jaipur in 1989 and since then has opened up other branches at Delhi, Mumbai and Pune.

Map of Chokhi Dhani


Chokhi dhani in Pune is a little smaller in size than the one in Jaipur but provides almost equivalent entertainment. The place is open from 5 pm – 11 pm. Coporate discounts are offered on the entry fee (INR 350/-) for some select few companies. Do not forget to your company ID to avail the same.
A very nice Rajasthani experience……….