Travelogue: Shaniwar Wada, Pune

Shaniwar Wada is a historic fortification in Pune, built in 1732 by Peshwa Bajirao I, serving as the seat of the Peshwas rulers of the great Maratha Empire. 

- Rahul 

Travelogue: Parwati Hills, Pune

Parvati Hill is located in the southern part of Pune and stands at an altitude of approximately 2,100 feet. It is one of the oldest heritage sites in the city, featuring a temple complex that includes the Devdeveshwar Temple, dedicated to Shiva Parvati family, along with other temples for deities like Vishnu and Kartikeya. The hill is accessible via stone steps and offers panoramic views of Pune and its surroundings. The area is rich in history, associated with the Peshwa rulers of the Maratha Empire, and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

Peshwa Museum :- 

View of Pune from the Parvati Hill top :- 

Shri Dev-Deveshwar Mandir, a historic temple established by Nanasaheb Peshwa:- 

Samadhi of Shrimant Balaji Bajirao and Nanasaheb Peshwa:- 

= Rahul 

Travelogue: Some Pictures from Pune

 

Nature: Mimosa Tree / Pink Silk Tree

 

Place: Pune, India 

- Rahul Tiwary

Travelogue: Pune Local Train System

Local people will be aware but many of us do not even notice that like Mumbai, Pune also has a local train network. It may not be as extensive, but still for the areas it touches, it is pretty good and helpful. I recently had a chance to use a local train boarding at Pune Junction and I was highly impressed with how efficient and time saving the service is. 

Below is a scene from a local unreserved train bogie:  

The local trains have separate reserved bogies for women as well as physically disabled. The trains start at fixed time and reach each station at their designated time. Most of the local stations are small and less crowded and give an "old world" feeling, which is a luxury these days. 

Below is a screenshot showing some of the stations, as taken from NTES website: 

I have travelled in a local train on a weekend and hence I am not aware of how the traffic is during the weekdays which are working days for the employed. 

During the years I was in Mumbai, being a student as well as afterwards, I used the local train network extensively. These trains are not designed for comfort but are highly efficient and time saving mechanism. 

While traveling through a local train in Pune, I noticed that a parallel Metro Rail line was almost getting completed. I do not have information if local train network will be dismantled after Metro lines are fully operational on the same routes, but it is not a bad idea to do so.

And I must add that I travelled about 10 kms on the local train and the train fare was "₹5"! I could not believe my eyes if someone can still travel 10 kms for ₹5 in today's India.  

I won't say that I recommend local trains to anyone, because these days such rugged experiences are frowned upon by the status conscious society, but if you appreciate varied experiences or want to have a feel of old world of Railways today, you can give it a try some day.  

- Rahul Tiwary 

Travelogue: Cognizant Campus in Pune

 

- Rahul Tiwary 

Ganesh Puja 2024: Preparation in Pune

 

- Rahul 

Travelogue: A Walk in the Park in Pune

 

- Rahul