On a distance of only 25 kms from Pune University is a place which can unwind you and make you fell fresh. Situated on the old mumbai-pune highway near Dehu police station.
This small mountain is not only covered with lush green trees but also has caves which are said to be built by the Pandavas. A mall climb of about 45 minutes considering you walking slowly while enjoying the nature around. Climbing should not be a problem as there are steps throughout.
Once you reach the top you’ll find a tap on your right. The water is good and can be used for drinking. As you move forward you’ll find a large tree and then two paths. First one going straight and the second going towards right.
The straight path will take you towards caves out of which a lot are small in size and the largest one has be converted to a temple of lord Shiva. There is a small hunaman temple out this cave.
Now if you have a strong heart and want some adventure then you can take a small path next to the hanuman temple. Within minutes you’ll find yourself walking on steps carved on rocks. After climbing down a bit and walking straight for a few minutes you’ll find yourself climbing a rack patch of about 12 feet. Though it’s not risky. But if you are not used to such climbing, it can get a bit scary.
Once you reach the top of the rock patch you’ll find a second Shiva temple which is more authentic than the first one u saw earlier. But what really is beautiful about this place is the view of the mumbai – pune express highway. It feels so silent and heavenly that than even while you describe this beautiful place to yourself, you fell as if you are actually talking to yourself loudly. Such is the silence. Even the sunset here is very beautiful and worth watching with mountains around and the highway cutting through them. It’s pure pleasure.
A path on the right side of the temple goes towards the top of the mountain about which we shall describe in the next paragraph.
Remember the path that goes towards the left from the tree which I described earlier ?. This path leads to more caves but which are occupied by the pujari of the temple. But before these caves you will find a path going upwards which will take you to the top of the mountain. After a walk of about 20 minutes you’ll find yourself on the top which is a plain wide stretch. This place can be used for camping, cooking etc. Mind you there is no shelter though.
And for all my friends who don’t like to visit temples or to climb, there is a solution. While climbing the stairs you will find a lot of path going towards the right , which will take to the other side of the mountain which is also good for relaxing and having a good time with beautiful nature around.
How to get there?
You can either take the old route towards Mumbai (shivajinagar – chinchwad - dehu) or take the mumbai banglore bypass which I would recommend as the traffic is less and you kind of enjoy the drive. Both the routes meet at the Dehu police station from where the location is only a kilometre towards Mumbai on the left side of the road. You can even get there by train. All the locals going to Lonavala and Talegaon stop at a station called Badadewadi. From here the location is at a walking distance.
Though there is a small so called hotel at the foot of the mountain its better you carry your own meal as it can only provide you with a few snacks only.
My Recommendation
Start from university road at about 3 pm and take the Mumbai Banglore bypass. Enjoy the drive and have a cup of tea on the way near Indira College. Reach the site by 4.30 pm. Start climbing and reach the caves or hault anywhere in the middle and enjoy the view. Climb down by dark and while going back have a nice dinner at any restaurant (Sayaji, Soul curry) on the highway. Just perfect.
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