Travelogue: Bird Valley Park in Pune

Bird Valley Udyan (Park), is a wonderful lake-park in Pimpri-Chinchwad, Pune. You can find it on Maps here. Here are some of the pictures taken during my visit:

(Above) Status of Chhatrapti Shiva ji Maharaj fighting a lion with bare hands; at the entrance of the park

(Above) Scenic view of the lake and area around it

(Above) Visitors enjoying boat ride. There are two types of boat: motorized which will take you around come return along with others; solo ride (smaller boats) which you need to drive by paddling yourself. You can roam around personally and with privacy on the boat and then return within a time limit. 

(Above) Beautiful ducks in the lake. You can feed the ducks by throwing cracked corn or other allowed items and they will readily grab and eat

(Above) A white duck dives

(Above) Hello! Anyone inside? :) A duck is inside the ripples. 

(Above) People roaming around the lake in solo boats

(Above) Ducks would do the talking

(Above) Why are you hiding mate? Dipping inside the water to bring out food!

(Above) Ducks of all colors

(Above) Natural beauty

(Above) At far distance; you can see a demon-like mascot oozing out water from his mouth

(Above) Want to say something? Reaching out!

(Above) I loved this duck the most; he is standing tall on two legs as if he is a small man or boy! 

(Above) Sculpture of a large eagle at one end of the lake

(Above) Sculpture of workers at the main entrance of the park

(Above) Outside the main gate

(Above) People coming out of the park

(Above) I could find an old bird; her feathers have all fallen. I am not sure if she was sick; but she was along with the healthy birds and hence I could sense that she should not be sick. Thankfully she was only one of her kind and there were no other suffering birds. 

A few general suggestions: 

The park's opening time is 12 PM to 7 PM. It is really a nice place to visit in the evening; but you must have 1-2 hours to enjoy properly.

Entrance fee for the park is only Rs 10 per person. There is parking available near the main gate and it appears to be free. 

You can take your camera or phones inside and there is no restriction or fee. Boat rides are of course charged. 

You may need minimum 2 hours to enjoy the visit properly. Main attraction of the park is the lake and its boat ride. Even if you choose not to ride the boats; you may stand or sit near the lake side and enjoy watching the ducks and the scenery. 

There is a walking path all around the lake; it must be long stretch (may be 2 km). If you decide to follow the path; you should be prepared to find some couples sitting there in objectionable state (PDA: public display of affection); hence be prepared to ignore or else do not go much further and return to the area where ducks are and boat platform sooner.

This is a wonderful lake and park and a must visit for all if you like waterbody and ducks. 

- Rahul Tiwary

Travelogue: Gyanjyoti Savitribai Phule Udyan (Garden), Jagtap Dairy, Pune

Gyanjyoti Savitribai Phule Udyan (Garden) at Jagtap Dairy, near Pimple Saudagar, Pune is a wonderful new park developed by Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation. It was inaugurated by MLA Mr. Laxman Jagtap. A few years ago, this area was not developed and it is wonderful to see this splendid park come up.

The park is named after Savitribai Phule (3 January 1831 – 10 March 1897) who was a social reformer, educationalist and poet from Maharashtra. Along with her husband, Jyotirao Phule, she played an important role in improving women's rights in India during British rule.

The park is very popular and is flocked by visitors (above)

Park has this hill like areas where children can climb as if climbing a small mountain. They can also be seen tumbling down or running down the slope and certainly small kids enjoy this slope too much (above)

Kids and elders alike can be seen playing all over the park (above)

There is a separate playing area with lots of wonderful rides for kids (above)

Planted saplings can be seen (above)

Nearby buildings make an impressive scene from the park (above)

Flowers! (above)

There is an open amphitheater, perhaps still under development (above)

Amazing hilltop (above)

Beautiful flowers in the park (above)

Outside the park gate "horse rides" and "camel rides" are available for kids (above)

In the evenings, the park opens at 4 pm till 8pm. There is nominal entry fee of Rs 10 for visitors above 12 years of age. 

The park is very well maintained and is used for morning/evening walkers as well as those visiting for fun or having relaxing time. 

If you are around, this is certainly a much recommended place to visit!

- Rahul Tiwary | March 2019