BHANDARDARA/ WILSON DAM, MAHARASHTRA.

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Bhandardara, Wilson Dam

 

BHANDARDARA

 Scenic.  Reserves

 When it started raining, all the tourists remembered the scenic reservoir.  In the rainy season, the mind is completely sealed ... Rainy showers, white foamy waterfalls falling down from the cliffs.  At the same time, if you want to experience all this with nature, then definitely visit Bhandardara in Ahmednagar district.

 Bhandardara is situated on the banks of the river Pravara.  The place is full of natural beauty and waterfalls, mountains, reservoirs, green trees, pure and cool air add to the original beauty of the place.  Bhandardara Dam and Randha Falls are the main tourist attractions here.  Bhandardara has many beautiful places.  A unique form of this reservoir can be seen in the rainy season.  Along with the green shawl covered by nature, white clouds, thick fog, melodious sound of birds, colorful butterflies, dark bushes are refreshing to your mind.  Tells to breathe freely.  The following places in Bhandardara are waiting for you in this rainy season.

KALSUBAI PEAK

Kalsubai Peak

Kalsubai is the highest peak of Sahyadri in Maharashtra in Bhandardara area. It is a great place for trekking in the rainy season. It is a thrilling and unforgettable experience to come here in the rainy season and immerse yourself in the rain wind game. There is a temple of Kalsubai at the top of Kalsubai peak. The ascent to this peak starts from Bari village. Bari village is at a distance of 6 km from Bhandadarya. You can also use an iron ladder to climb this peak. The height of Kalsubai peak is 1646 km.

HOW TO GO

You can reach Ghoti station of Central Railway by train.  There is a bus from Ghoti station to Bari village.  It is 180 km from Mumbai and 80 km from Pune.  

UMBRELLA FALL

 

Umbrella fall

Umbrella fall is a large circular waterfall on the Wilson Dam itself, which is called 'Umbrella Fall' because of its characteristic umbrella-like shape.  Umbrella Falls can be seen from a great distance as the dam cycle begins.  However, this umbrella falls can be seen only during the months of July to October. 

RANDHA FALL

Rndha Fall

At a distance of 10 km from the village of Shendi, there is a huge waterfall called Randha Falls in the village of Randha.  Currently, the waterfall is only visible during the rainy season due to the hydroelectric project on it.  During the rainy season, the waterfall becomes very rainy.  Another waterfall can be seen on the right side of the main waterfall in the rainy season.  It is a thrilling experience to see both the waterfalls flowing at full capacity. Ratanwadi can be reached by boating from Bhandardarya. 

RATANWADI

Amruteshwar Temple

 There is an ancient Hemadpanthi temple of Amruteshwar at Ratanwadi.  The stone carvings on this temple are very beautiful and beautiful and it has a Shivling in the main temple, during the rainy season this Shivling is completely submerged in water.  There are many waterfalls in Ratanwadi area and 'Necklace Fall' which looks like a necklace is very popular. 

GHATGHAR

Ghatghar

Ghatghar is a village full of natural beauty 22 km west of Shendi.  The journey to Ghatghar from the side of Bhandardara dam is very pleasant.  Ghatghar village is very famous near Konkan and from here you can see the enchanting view of Konkan and Sahyadri mountains.  There are many waterfalls here and in the rainy season the whole area is lost in the fog.  Ghatghar gets a lot of rain so it is called Cherrapunji of Nagar district.

 Author - Charushila Bodhe

If you need some help while traveling, please tell us exactly how to get there. For the nearest bus station, train station, airport, accommodation, meals, etc. contact me on email parkhenandu1@gmail.com

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SINHAGAD FORT, MAHARASHTRA.

 

Sinhagad or Kondana is a pride of the southwestern region of Pune. This fort was the one to support Maharashtra during the ancient battles. Sinhagad battle of 1671 is the significant one. Bhuleshwar range of the great Sahyadris is the home to this historical monument.

 The fortress has an elevation of around 1312 m above the sea level. Sinhagad has got its own breakneck slopes to protect it from all sides. 

There are two entrances to this fort – one in the north-eastern region (Pune Darwaza) and another one towards the southeastern part (Kalyan Darwaza). The authenticity and the richness of Sinhagad fortress date back to around 1000 years.

This is evident from the carvings present on the walls of Kaundinya Eshwar temple there. Sinhagad is valued as a true sightseeing heritage.

To begin your sightseeing adventure, you have Rajaram’s tomb which is worth a visit. The fortress displays some of the adorable monoliths of Tanaji Malusare – one of the efficient safe-keepers of the fort from Shivaji Maharaj’s era.

Besides these crucial displays, the fortress has got its own military depot, a Kali temple, breweries, and a Hanuman effigy. 

Pune Darwaza, Kalyan Darwaza, Tilak Bungalow, Hawa Point, Kade Lot, Amruteshwar Temple, Tanaji Samadhi and Memorial raises the elegance of this fortress even today.

Summiting the fortress offers some stunning views of the Khadakwasla Dam from one end; while from its other side, you can see glimpses of Torna Fort.

HISTORY OF SINHAGAD FORT: 

Initially known as Kondana, the fortress of Sinhagad, this place has contributed a lot to the Battle of Marathas. Carving on the Kondeshwar temple walls indicates that the fort has been built around 1000 years ago.

Until the 14th century, the region was under the rule of a Koli king, Nag Naik. In 1328 A.D., this region was seized by Muhammad Bin Tughlaq. Later on, the responsibility of the administration of Pune came to Shahaji Raje Bhosale. 

It was during the same period when Shivaji (son of Shahaji) came ahead with the oath of establishing swarajya. He convinced the Adil Shahi Sardar, Siddhi Ambar that he wants to manage the Sinhagad fortress and safeguard it. Instead, the fort was taken over by him.

Meanwhile, Adil Shah imprisoned both Shahaji Raje and Siddh Amber.

Unfortunately, Shivaji had to hand over the fort in return for the release of his father. Within the next seven years, Shivaji Maharaj succeeded in capturing the fortress back again with pride.

Later, the fort even faced many attacks by the Mughals between the period from 1662 to 1665. 

Treaty of Purandar signed in the year 1665 forced Shivaji Maharaj to handover the fortress to Jai Singh. Immediately, Shivaji Maharaj conquered the fort and succeeded in managing it until 1689.

With Sambhaji Maharaj’s passing away, Mughals got a hold of the fortress.

It was back in the year 1693 that it was conquered by the Marathas. However, in 1703, Mughals once again succeeded in establishing their supremacy here. From 1706 to 1818, the fortress was under the management and supervision of the Maratha rulers. Later, Britishers succeeded in conquering it. 

The architecture of Sinhagad Fort: Sinhagad fortress is set atop a plateau of Sahyadri mountains with steep slopes. These steep slopes were meant to defend the fortress against the intruders.

This historic landmark has an elevation of 1300 meters above the sea level and rises high at 750 meters from the mountain’s base.

The ancient stone stairways of this fortress mark their presence even today. These stone stairways lead you towards the strategically located bastions, two entrances, and the walls that enclose this magnificent structure. 

There are two prime entrances to this fortress – one towards the northeastern region (Pune Darwaza) and the second one towards the south-eastern region (Kalyan Darwaza). There’s a famous Kali temple, some military sheds, breweries, the tomb of Rajaram Raje, and the tomb of Tanaji Malusare within.

 Besides, the fort also features a 350-year old memorial of Shivaji Maharaj’s brave military leader – Tanaji Malusare. 

Trek Route to Sinhagad Fort, Pune: Night trekking from Katraj to Sinhagad Fort is one of the critical adventurous activities to enjoy here at Sinhagad. Your adventure will begin from Old Katraj Tunnel Top and lead you through a mountain chain stretching along 16 kilometres distance.

The trekking route is blessed with ample sightseeing adventures such as hills and mountain ranges. Owing to its moderate difficulty, this adventure activity is ideal for both beginners and professional trekkers.

HOW TO REACH SINHAGAD FORT

Pune Airport is the nearest airport to the Sinhagad fortress. Once you get down, you can either travel via state-run or private buses or opt for private cab service to drive you to the Sinhagad fortress. Here are some other alternatives before you.

1. By rail: Pune Railway Station is the nearest of all the stations to get to the Sinhagad Fort. From here, you can either opt for a private cab service or choose for local bus transport to take you to the fort. 

2. By road: Your journey from Pune to Sinhagad will be for an hour and 15 minutes. You can opt for a private cab service or Uber cab service or Ola to drive you between the two points. 

3. By bus: Plenty of bus services are there to drive you between these two points. You need to visit the Pune Bus Stand to find the buses to prefer.

Alternatively, MSRTC also provides deluxe bus services from Pune Bus Stand to Sinhagad fortress. Besides, Sinhagad is also connected to Mumbai, other regions of Pune and Nagpur via state-run buses from MSRTC.

If you need some help while traveling, please tell us exactly how to get there. For the nearest bus station, train station, airport, accommodation, meals, etc. contact me on email parkhenandu1@gmail.com

INDIAN TOURISM, ELLORA CAVES, MAHARASHTRA.

 

ELLORA CAVES

 Caves of Ellora In the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, 34 rock-cut caves were built between 7th to 9th century at a place called Verul (Ellora), which has caves of Buddhists from 1 to 12 and Hindus from 13 to 29 and Jainas from 30 to 34.  The cave has 10 chaityagrhas dedicated to Vishwakarma, the craft deity.  The Ellora Guha temple was built during the time of the Rashtrakus.  The Kailasaguha temple of Ellora is the most outstanding among them, which was built by Rashtrakuta ruler Krishna I.

 MANUFACTURING PERIOD

 The caves of Ajanta and Ellora in Maharashtra are filled with sculpture and painting inspired by Buddhism and filled with their compassionate feelings, reflecting fine art knowledge and precious times in human history.  Ellora or Ellora is an archaeological site.  It is built by the rulers of the Rashtrakuta dynasty.  These caves, made by Buddhist and Jainism, are ornamented with ornaments.  Yet they reflect peace and spirituality and are full of divine energy and power.  Starting in the second century D.C. and the sixth century A.D.  Continuing in D.D.

 The cave temples and monasteries at Ellora are built by cutting the vertical part of the mountain, which is 26 km north of Aurangabad.  Influenced by Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism, these art forms depict mosaics elaborate in the mountains.  The 34 caves, arranged in a line, have Buddhist chaitya or chambers of worship, viharas or monasteries and Hindu and Jain temples.  Fifth and eleventh century AD spread over a period of about 600 years.  Among the oldest crafts here is 'Dhoomar Lena' (Cave 29).  The most impressive mosaic is undoubtedly of the wonderful 'Kailash Mandir' (Cave 16), which is the largest statue made of a single stone rock around the world.  Known as 'Verul' in ancient times, it has continuously attracted religious travelers from centuries to the present day.

 TOTAL CAVES

 There are 34 caves in Ellora and you should have enough time to see them.  These caves lie along the banks of the basaltic hills.  Hindu, Jain and Buddhist religions are available in these caves.  The cave number one is known as the Vishwakarma cave.  These caves are believed to have come into existence after 350 to 700 BCE.  The 12 caves on the south side are based on Buddhism and the 17 caves in the middle are Hinduism and the 5 caves in the north are based on Jainism.  In Hindu caves, a cave is made by cutting a single mountain.  The temple, elephant and two-story building in this cave are carved with chisel hammer.  When I saw this artisanship of the craftsmen, I fell in front of them.  Because to make a magnificent construction by carving with a chisel hammer is a work of patience and labor.  Looking at this, it does not appear that any human has done this work.  It seems that the owner of an infinite power or a great man has done the construction work.  It would have taken many centuries to cut and build the mountain.

 world Heritage Site

 After being declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1983, the paintings and sculptures of Ajanta and Ellora are considered excellent specimens of Buddhist religious art and have a profound influence on the development of art in India.  Ellora has preserved an artistic tradition that will continue to inspire and enrich the lives of future generations.  Not only is this cave complex a unique artistic creation, it is also an excellent example of technological use.  But it has been devoted to Buddhist, Hindu and Jainism for centuries.  They reflect the spirit of tolerance, which has been characteristic of ancient India.

If you need some help while traveling, please tell us exactly how to get there. For the nearest bus station, train station, airport, accommodation, meals, etc. contact me on email parkhenandu1@gmail.com