Travelogue: Pataleshwar Cave Temple in Pune

Pataleshwar Cave and Temple is situated in the Jangali Maharaj Road (JM Road) area of Pune. This ancient temple is carved out of single big rock and has unique architecture which appears similar to the Elephanta Caves near Mumbai. 

The temple was built in 8th century and is devoted to Lord Pataleshwar, the god of the Underworld. Temple deity is Lord Shiva and his vehicle Nandi ji can be seen carved in stone in front of the temple.  

Here are some of the pictures taken during my visit: 

There is no entry fee inside the area. Local students can also be seen studying inside the park, perhaps since the area is silent, peaceful and also shady because of the huge trees inside the campus. 

Pataleshwar Caves/Temple is situated so near to the hub of Pune city that often you could have passed right besides it and never noticed it. If you are staying in Pune, this 8th century old architectural marvel should be a must watch. 

- Rahul Tiwary | March 2019

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

Bing Wallpaper: 108 Shiva Temple at Kalna, Bardhaman dist, West Bengal

Know more about this place:

https://www.mapsofindia.com/my-india/travel/108-shiva-temple-at-ambika-kalna-west-bengal

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalna,_India

https://isharethese.com/shiva-temples-in-ambika-kalna-west-bengal/

- Rahul

Rediff Blog Post by Ajit Balakrishnan

We all know that Ajit Balakrishnan is the founder of Rediff.com . Rediff, at one time was called “Yahoo of India”. The Rediff portal is still surviving and so many of its features like Rediff Money and Rediff Cricket are doing well. Rediff Blogs are mostly out of flavor. In this time, I just found that Ajit has written a new book review blog post. And guess where? On Rediff Blogs!

Here it is:

https://blogs.rediff.com/ajitb/2019/03/06/goa-beyond-the-sun-beaches-food-and-feni/

Travelogue: Moving Around Pune (Part 2)

Sant Tukaram Bridge, Ravet, Pune

DY Patil International University, Akurdi, Pune 

Pimpri Chinchwad College of Engineering, Nigdi Pradhikaran, Akurdi, Pune

Besides a road on route to Nigdi

ISKCON - Sri Givind Dham, Nigdi, Pune

Pavana River as seen from Ravet Bridge

A vintage car parked in Moshi, Pune

A road with scenic beauty near Pimpri, Pune

- Rahul Tiwary | March 2019

Travelogue: Durga Tekdi in Nigdi, Pune

Durga Tekdi or Durga Devi Tekdi is a hill in Nidgi, Pune and Durga Tekdi Park is a public park over the hill. It derives its name from a Temple of Goddess Durga at the top of the hill. 

Durga Tekdi park is frequented by morning walkers, trekkers, travelers and wanderers alike. Visit to the park in the mornings are free of cost and the park is shut down between approx. 9 to 11 am and opens again at 11am. From 11 am to 5.30 pm, the park charges a nominal entry fee of Rs 10. 

It was amazing to visit the park. The park is huge; plus we have to climb the hill. Thereby, it can be understood that senior citizens won't be able to explore most of the park area. But the park is ideal for small kids and there are several rides and lawns where they play. At the time I was visiting, small kids of around 5 years of age had arrived in two big size school-buses and where playing ringa-ringa-roses and a lot of other games while their teachers watched over them. I could also see large families arriving for a picnic.

Important thing to note is that the park does not allow any plastic objects inside so if you need to take something inside, take steel or metal water bottle. Also, avoid taking eatables or carry small stuff.

Btw, Appu Ghar is an amusement park adjacent to Durga Tekdi. You can check out pictures of Appu Ghar on my next blog post here. 

So here are some of the pictures of Durga Tekdi from my visit:

Main entrance to the park (above)

Climbing up the hill

Children's play area at the top of the hill

From the top of the hill you can see far away but through dense greenery 

Beautiful flowers

Highest point is Ray-Band Point

Lake inside Durga Tekdi Park

White Ducks can be seen in the lake

Beautiful flowers (above)

Durga Mandir at Durga Tekdi Hill

Panoramic view of city from the Durga Tekdi hill

School kids returning to their buses after the visit (above)

- Rahul Tiwary | March 2019