The Shaniwar Wada, built in 1732 CE is one of the greatest identity of modern Pune which embarks the glorious past of the Peshwas, the rulers of the Maratha empire in 18^th century. The monument today stands still despite the trauma it has suffered in the past. The palace was constructed by Bajirao I in the 1730. One of the buildings in the Shaniwar Wada was 7 storied. There is a story told about why this place was chosen for the construction. The Thorale (Elder) Bajirao once saw a rabbit chasing a dog at this place. Inspired from this Shaniwar Wada was built, a place which would never see defeat. It used to be the headquarters of the Peshwas and it symbolizes Pune's culture even today. Looking at the construction one understands how the structure was built giving highest priority to the security. The main entrance is known as 'Delhi Darwaja', others have named like Ganesh, Mastani, Jambhal, Khidki. There is a statue of Bajijrao I riding a horse in front of Shaniwar Wada. This statue is prominently seen from the main street as well. Inside the Shaniwar Wada, one can see the Ganesh Mahal, Rang Mahal, Aarsa (Mirror) Mahal, Hasti Dant (Elephant Tusk) Mahal, Diwan Khana, Fountains. Currently renovated and also have a light & music show. The main part left is Nagarkhana which gives glorious inside view. This is an expansive palace with its impressive fountains and gardens. The palace was the seat of the Peshwa power which was later destroyed by a fire in 1828. Today’s remains of this great monument are the walls that fortified this palace, with their sturdy doors, studded with spikes for added protection. Nearby is a street where the Peshwas unleashed elephants to trample dissidents to death. This palace is today managed by the Archaeological Survey of India and the tourist visiting hours are between 8 am to 5 pm. I had visited the Shaniwar Wada earlier at an entry fee of Rs. 5/- but now the visit fees have been increased to Rs. 15/- and that made my total spend for the day to Rs. 35/-. Kids below the age of fourteen are allowed free of cost.

The visit to the historic Shaniwar Wada brought be closer to the era of the Peshwas. Reading through information scribbled about the palace, it really brought be closer to these historic men and women. I spent some time at the Mastani Darwaza (door) which was the door meant for the beautiful second wife of the Bajirao Peshwa I. My thoughts wandered and imaginations went on and on. It was a divine feeling to experience standing on the land where these rulers of the past once stood and stayed. 

View of the Bajirao I Statue from the Delhi Darwaza depicting the glorious history of the Peshwas

Opposite to the Shaniwar Wada, there stands the Lal Mahal which is worth a visit too. At a two minute walking distance from Shaniwar Wada, there is this famous Ganesh Temple - Dagdu Sheth Halwaai Temple which was buzzing with bands, crackers and horns of the passing vehicles. But this temple never ceases to provide peace to every devotee, every passer by. After this closer look into the history of the Peshwas, I decided to head towards the deeper dive and decided to walk towards the Parvati, hill temple. I headed towards the Bajirao Road which starts from the Shaniwar Wada and ends at the Saras Baug (Saras Garden). The Peshwas and developed several gardens across the city of Pune and the Saras Baug is one of the prominent ones. While walking on the Bajirao Road, I decided to grab a quick sugarcane juice at the Shanipar joint. I ordered a one large glass of sugarcane juice costing Rs. 20/- which was enough to provide me enough glucose to rejuvenate me to walk a few more miles. Then I headed towards the Tulsi baug, off the Bajirao Road which is a place known for one of the famous Ganesha in Pune and busy shops for ladies and kids. The whole atmosphere was filled with the devotion towards this Great God of Knowledge and the remover of all obstacles.

Later, I spent some time at the Saras Baug. Watching the fish inside the beautiful pond in this garden is a very serene experience. There is a beautiful Ganesh temple right in the center of the garden. Beside the temple there is a small museum which has a beautiful collection of various antique Ganesh Idols. This museum has no entry fee. 

Reaching the top of the Parvati Temple from Saras Baug was a bit tiring experience. I managed to reach the Parvati temple without a halt which gave me a sense of accomplishment but really made me feel hungry. To my amazement there was a small canteen on the top of the Parvati temple which came to my rescue. I grabbed a couple of Wada Paav (famous Indian Burger - Rs. 12 each) and a bottle of water - Rs. 20/- which made my spending for the day to Rs. 99/-

Besides the Parvati temple, there is a beautiful Peshwa Museum. This palace where this museum is built in was originally built by Shrimant Peshwa in 1795 CE. Part of the same has been converted into Peshwa Museum. Being a lover of antiques and being a numismatist myself, I visit this museum every time I visit Parvati temple. It is a great collection of Peshwa Paintings, old coins, weapons, toys, clothes, utensils and documents. The entry fee to this museum is presently, Rs. 10/- per adult. Near the museum is situated the Samadhi Sthaan of Shrimant Nanasaheb Peshwa, who died here due to the intense grief experienced by him when his son Vishwasrao  and elder brother Bhausaheb lost their lives in the historic war of Panipat. The Peshwa Museum has been built using part of the Peshwa's Mansion, using many old carved wooden pieces and displays a collection of items belonging to the Peshwa Era. The museum contains paintings of all Peshwas, Maratha Sardars, their family members along with the arms, articles and coins which were in use in Peshwa era. The entire palace of Sardar Bhuskute of Burahanpur (M.P.) has been installed in the museum. The rare collection is displayed in the museum and hence treated to be the most important museum connected with the history of Pune and Peshwa Raj. Samadhi Sthan of Shrimant Nanasaheb Peshwa is now renovated and converted into sabha mandap where the paintings relating to various battles fought by Marathas are on display. Some of the beautiful paintings of Peshwas are also displayed in the hall. 

In city life we stay & travel in cement jungle. We can not experience true nature and its love. We always think for go to outstation to relax, to stay from busy & hectic life. But it’s not always possible to get away from city within two-three days of time. Where Matheran is really such amazing place where nature is playing active role with you and where you can enjoy every breath with nature within in the weekend time.

Matheran is a most famous and coolest Hill Station situated in Karjat Tahsil, Raigad District of Maharashtra, India. Matheran is the smallest hill station of India. It is located on the range of Western Ghats at height of 800 m (2625 Feet) above sea level. The name Matheran means either ‘Forest on Top’ or ‘Woodland overhead’. 

Matheran is located around 90 km from Mumbai, 120 km from Pune and about 320 km from Surat. 

Matheran is awesome place for to spend weekend.     

A local Matheran Villager heading back home

Matheran as a Hill Station was discovered by a British, Mr. Huge Mallet, the then Collector of Thane, in 1850.

Matheran is an eco-sensitive region, declared by the Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of India. It is one of the few places in the world where vehicles are not allowed, which makes the place different from others. Matheran takes you over a hundred years back in time when there were no vehicles. Because of vehicles being banned in Matheran, the place is quite peaceful despite the thousands of lakhs coming to visit throughout the year.

There are lots of lookout points that provide spectacular views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Matheran has a reasonably dense forest cover.

Matheran was discovered by Hugh Poyntz Malet, the then district collector of Thane district in May 1850. Lord Elphinstone, the then Governor of Bombay laid the foundations of the development as a future hill station. The British developed Matheran as a popular resort to beat the summer heat in the region.

Matheran is connected to the town of Neral which lies at the base of the hills. A tar road connects Neral to Dasturi Naka which is 9 km (5.8 miles) from Matheran. In order to maintain Matheran's uniqueness,no vehicles are allowed beyond this point. The other mode of transport is a 2 ft  (610 mm) gauge narrow gauge railway, which links the town to Neral. Neral also has a broad gauge station which is on the busy Mumbai-Pune route. Neral is well connected by railway line with Karjat being the nearest Junction. The Matheran Hill Railway was built in 1907 by Sir Adamjee Peerbhoy and covers a distance of 20 km (12.4 miles), over large swathes of forest territory. The Matheran hill railway had been inspected by UNESCO world heritage site officials in the last week of October 2009. The official declaration of its status as UNESCO world heritage site like other hill railways of India like Kalka-Shimla, Darjeeling hill railway & Nilgiri mountain railway will be declared by July 2010. The railway officials are very hopeful of getting the UNESCO world heritage status from the views expressed by the inspecting officials. The heritage status will boost the tourist activities in the area.

In the floods of July 2005, around 70% of the railway lines were damaged and did not reopen until April 2007 after repairs at a cost of Rs 2-2.5 crore.

Matheran has been declared an ecosensitive region by the Union Environment Ministry and can be called a Health Sanatorium in itself. The only form of automobile allowed in Matheran is an ambulance operated by the Municipality. No private automobiles are allowed. Within Matheran transport facilities available are horses and hand-pulled rickshaws.

Matheran is one of the popular getaway for people from Mumbai and Pune, it is a quiet hill station located on the Sahyadri range. Matheran, Meaning 'forest on top', was discovered in 1850, by a district collector of Thane, Hugh Poyntz Malet, and the foundations for its development was laid down by Lord Elphinstone, the then Governor of Mumbai. Matheran has been listed by the Union Environment Ministry as an eco-sensitive region and is connected to the closest town of Neral by a narrow gauge railway, operating since 1907. As no vehicles are allowed in Matheran, one has to drive up to Dasturi Point, 11 km ahead of Matheran, from where you could reach the main bazaar either by foot or on pony.

Matheran lies in an elevated region, enjoys a cooler and less humid climate which makes it popular during the summer months. Temperatures range from 32 °C (90 °F) to 16 °C (61 °F). Matheran has a huge number of medicinal plants and herbs. The town also has a large monkey population, including Bonnet Macaques and Hanuman Langurs. The nearby Lake Charlotte is the main source of Matheran's drinking water.

The North Indian Food has been an identity of India for ages and nothing can beat the taste of Delhi's street food. Delhi's Parathe Wali Gali viz. Delhi's Paratha Avenue in Chandani Chowk has been serving hungry food loving souls for decades or probably centuries. This place is situated right besides the Gurudwara Sisganj Sahib in Delhi. I traveled explicitly to this place from the New Delhi Railway Station by a local taxi. 

A Paratha is essentially made of whole wheat flour and traditionally stuffed with vegetables like Potatoes, Paneer (a milk product), Vegetables viz. Raddish, Methi etc. Apart from the traditional flavors of Parathas, in modern days, there are more than 20 varieties of Parathas available here. The prominent ones being the Kaju (Cashew) Paratha, Chilli Paratha and Papad Paratha. 

Parathas are traditionally served with sabji (vegetable curry) or curd (yogurt). Other servings accompanied with Parathas may include sweet tamarind chutney, mint chutney, mixed vegetable pickle, paneer and potato curry, potato and fenugreek curry, and a sauteed mash of sweet pumpkin. The curry essentially consists of vegetables such as muttar (green peas), Aaloo (potatoes) and so on. The banana chutney which was served to us added to our amazement. 

Kulchas, a type of leavened bread are similar to Parathas but the main ingredient in it being Maida (fine wheat flour). In the state of Punjab it is also known as Amritsari Naan. The Parathe Wali Gali served us a delicious dish of butter filled Kulchas with Boondi Raita (Yogurd Dish) and Curries.

Although the place is known for Parathas, it was amazing to see several other delicacies served here. The Raj Kachori is something that really caught my attention. The mouth watering huge Kachori looking like the famous Pani Puri (Golgappa) but had a huge diameter. It was stuffed with traditional chat ingredients, curd, sabji, slices of potatoes, sweet sauce etc. 

Rabri was another notable dish I really enjoyed at the Parathe Wali Gali. This dish made from milk is not for the calorie cautious or a weak hearted. Rabri is a famous North Indian sweet dish made with dahi / curd (yogurt), flour, and a combination of bajra floor. Flour of Pearl millet (Bajri) is mixed with buttermilk to make a thick sauce which is kept in the sun to ferment. After about 3 to 4 hours, it is cooked by boiling until the flour is cooked properly.

The Parathe Wali Gali has been well-known for serving old traditional vegetarian food since long. Some of the shops here are as old as a couple of centuries. The owners of these shops are mainly Brahmins by caste and do not use Onion and Garlic in the food they prepare and sell. This may be an added motivation to Jain families who prefer a confined and very picky vegetarian food. 

There is a thin line of separation between adventure and craziness and a real vagabond and a good trekker knows this limit. The thrill lies in knowing this boundary yet attempting to test one’s limits thereby redefining this line of separation resulting in expansion of one’s adventurous space. Our trek to the Bagini Glacier in the Uttarakhand region of India was indeed one such experience. The summit was hosted by Grand Adventures India in May 2015 and was led by Rajender Singh (Raju), the Managing Director of Grand Adventures India. The 12 day event was an amalgam of fun, adventure and wilderness.

Towards The Bagini Glacier With Mr. Rajender Singh

The Bagini Glacier trek was approximately 8 day event which included travel from Haridwar to Jyotirmath (lately Joshimath), Joshimath to Bagini Glacier via. halts/camps at Jumma, Ruing and Dronagiri villages and back to Haridwar via Joshimath. The 12 day of expedition includes rail travel from Mumbai to Haridwar via. New Delhi. There are several rail and road options available to reach Haridwar from New Delhi and back. Several trek organizers provide packages from Haridwar to Haridwar. Our decision to trek with the ever enthusiastic team of Grand Adventures led by Raju undoubtedly turned out to be the best decision. Our excursion team included a team of 8 novice trekkers, 2 cooks, 4 helpers and 6 mules to carry our material and supplies.  

Journey from Haridwar to Jyotirmath (Joshimath), Uttarakhand

Although the journey towards Haridwar was a long and tiring one, the mesmerizing view of the mountains and the curvy roads kept us awake and alert. This 9 hour journey made us realize that we were actually traversing through the land chosen by the Gods. We felt the sense of accomplishment as we crossed each milestone of our this journey viz. Rushikesh, Rudraprayag, Srinagar, Karnaprayag, Devprayag, Pipalkoti etc. Watching several small teams queuing for river rafting at the river in Rushikesh was a beautiful experience. All these small towns were well established across the river flowing down from the various Himalayan peaks and we were quite aware of the fact that reaching Joshimath would be just the beginning of our adventurous climb of the Gadvaal Himalayan ranges.

Jyotirmath got it’s modern name viz. Joshimath from the Indian Army men. This is the last town where you could buy supplies and equipments needed for your trek. Joshimath is believed to be amongst the 4 major maths (institutions of religious teachings) established by Adi Shankaracharya. During my course of stay at Joshimath, I visited the Jyotirmath and witnessed that sanctity of the Kalpavriksha (Immortal Tree) where Adi Shankaracharya is believed to achieve enlightenment. The math today is a home for few Sadhus who take care of an ancient Shankaracharya seat with a deer skin on it. We met one of the Sadhus who encouraged us to donate something for the ashram. Later, we also had a chance to visit the Lord Narsimha temple which is just a 10 minutes walk from the Jyotirmath.

We reached Joshimath early evening and rested at the Birla Guest House, inaugurated by the first President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad in 1960. The place was one of its kind with a majestic view of the snow capped mountains and various species of flowers waiting to welcome every visitor of the place. After almost 10 hour of our journey, a place like Birla Guest house was all that we longed for to have a hot water bath and a good night’s sleep.

Joshimath to Ruing Village (via. Jumma)

The very next day was the first day of our trek and we started early morning at 7 o’ clock after a quick breakfast and a clean bath. We knew that this would be the only proper bath we could have for another 6 days. The earlier night we spend few hours in buying small yet crucial things that we would need for our trek at Joshimath. The most crucial amongst them was a battery operated torch. We were about to reach a place which was not trespassed by the urban dirt – the place that lacked even basic amenities like electricity.

Joshimath to Jumma village is approx. 45 kms. travel by road. We took a couple of gypsy vehicles that carried our food supplies, clothes, tents, sleeping bags and cooking equipments. I am grateful to our 6 mules who selflessly accompanied us all throught our trek. Their owners, however charged us Rs. 200/- per day for each extra bag. The road to reach Jumma is well built by the Border Roads Organization (BRO) except a few patches that may need some repairs. After reaching Jumma, each one of us got equipped with their shoes, walking sticks and much required high spirits and will power.

Towards Ruing Village: Crossing the Iron Bridge at Jumma Village

The journey from Jumma to Ruing village begins by crossing a big metallic bridge built across the river Bhagirathi (Ganga). The sheer view of this bridge was so adventurous that it was enough to give us a glimpse of the kind of time we were going to have in the next few days. The winds blowing across the bridge was so powerful that it could have easily swept away a toddler if he had attempted to cross it. With much effort and calmness of mind, each one of us was successful to cross this bridge which marked our first accomplishment.

Camping At The Ruing

A Breathtaking View from the Ruing Village Camp

At Ruing: Is That Just a Ray Of Light Or The God Himself!

We had never expected such a beautiful plain grass land to camp amidst the mountains. The glorious view of Mother Nature, the mountains, the sky wide open and the coniferous trees and the cool breeze blowing from the Himalayas was enough to make us fall in love with Ruing.

With The Local Kids Of The Ruing Village

Ruing To Dronagiri Village - 11,800 feet

The Most Challenging Patch (landslide) At Dronagiri

A Sense of Accomplishment Engulfed Us As We Headed Towards Dronagiri

The Dronagiri Villagers I Spoke With!

Majestic View Of The Valley On The Way From Dronagiri To Bagini

Looking Back: Success Is The Time To Review Our Past Mistakes

As old as a mountain – the simile seems so apt after one visits the ancient caves of Lenyadri. In the local language of Marathi, Leni means Caves and Adri in Sanskrit means a Mountain or a Rock. For past centuries, there are several Hindu myths and stories about these mysterious caves which date around the 1st century to 3rd century AD. However, the origin of these mountain caves relate to Buddhism. It was around 2500 years from now when Buddha Shakyamuni the originator of Buddhism gave his teachings to the masses. The human society then was very different from the one we see now. People truly cultivated themselves in religion and meditated for days and months. Several cultivators went to the mountains and carved caves where they cultivated for months. In fact, there are several such caves in certain corners of the world which are even today not trespassed and unknown to modern men.

The town of Junnar in Pune District of Indian State of Maharashtra is enriched by a series of hills on all sides. These hills consist of numerous Buddhist rock-cut caves. This is the largest number of caves at one place in the whole country, numbering over 200, spread over these hills All the caves belongs to the Hinayana (Theravada) phase of Buddhism They are date-able from mid 3rd century B.C. to late 3rd century AD. The Junnar cave complex is divided into various groups according to their locations in various hills, like Tulaja caves, Manmodi which is further divided into Bhimashankar, Amba-Ambika and Bhuta Linga - this name is derived from Buddha Lena, Shivaneri and Ganesh caves.

Mentioned as 'Kapichita' i.e. beloved of the monkeys in the inscriptions, the Lenyadri group is also known as 'Sulaiman Hill' or 'Ganesh Pahad'. This is one of the major groups at Junnar. There are nearly 40 caves in this group, out of which the main group of 30 caves is located in a line and are numbered from East to West, all facing South and overlooking the valley of river Kukadi. Out of these 30 caves, the caves 6 and 14 are the 'Chaityagrihas' (Prayer Hall) and the remaining are the 'Viharas' (residences of the monks) of which cave 7 is the largest. The rest of the caves are small residential caves for the monks that have two or three cells. They range in date from 1st century A.D. to 3rd century A.D. Cave 6 is the main Chaityagrihas in this group. It consists of a pillared veranda and an upsidal hall divided into three parts by two rows of pillars. The Stupa representing Gautam Buddha, is at the end of the hall. The ceiling has vaulted shape. A donator inscription, date-able to 2nd century A.D. is carved on the back wall of the veranda above the doorway. It records the donation of the Chaityagriha by Sulasadatta, son of a Goldsmith from Kalyan. Cave 7 is a huge Vihara and the largest cave at Junnar. This Vihara consist of a large hall with the cells on three sides. Entry is provided by a central door from a pillared veranda which is approached by a flight of steps. There are 20 cells in total with varying dimensions. Two central cells in the back wall have been converted into one at a later date and at present a Ganesh image is worshiped. Cave 14 is also a Chaityagriha, but with a flat roof and rectangular hall. It also has a pillared veranda and the inscription of the donor carved in the veranda. The inscription mentions that it was donation by a devotee 'Anand' who was the son of Tapasa and grandson of Kapila. This cave can also be dated to 2nd century A.D.

There are more than 30 prominent caves at Lenyadri that are carved with different architectures. Most of the pillars form an octagonal design and are a wonder to watch. Today, the entire hill is governed by the Archaeological Survey of India and the place esp. the cave no. 7 has been transformed into a Ganesha temple. There are several stories in Hindu mythology about the birth of the Hindu Lord Ganesha who was supposed to be born to Parvati (Girija), the wife of Lord Shiva. Hindus believe that Lord Ganesha was born to Girija who herself is believed to be a daughter of the mountain. Lord Ganesha as per Hindu mythology is known by several names based on his many reincarnations. His reincarnation in Lenyadri is popularly known as the Girijatmaja i.e. Born to Girija. There are prominently 8 such reincarnations of Lord Ganesha recognized by the Ashta Vinayaka i.e. Eight Ganeshas. The Girijatmaja temple at Lenyadri is one of the 8 Ashtavinayakas. 

Today, the caves continue to amaze every visitor visiting it. Knowing all the secrets of History, the Lenyadri hill looks so mysterious when one looks at it from the foothills. The caves, right at the center of the mountain look so much like windows on an aircraft or of that of a huge ship. I really wonder, how hardworking ancient men were. They had an amazing sense of architecture and dedication towards what they did. Although, the footsteps towards the caves seem to have been built lately, the Buddhist cultivators are believed to climb the mountain using a rope and cut down these ropes after they reach the cave until they reached enlightenment or failed and died of starvation or a disease. 

The way to reach to the caves is a bit tiring and may be tiring for people with heart diseases and old men and women. As you continue your climb uphill, have a moment to turn back and observe the scenic view of the other mountains at the horizon. The view is much more beautiful if you visit the place sometime in August or September. I just can’t forget the greenery all around during my recent visit this year to this place. Cave no. 7 is well maintained and devotees of Lord Ganesha turn up here everyday. During the two days viz. Lord Ganesha Jayanti and Ganesh Chaturthi, festivals are observed at Lenyadri. These are the two days when devotees turn up at Lenyadri in large numbers. 

Throughout the course of history, several rulers including the Muslim and Hindu rulers have governed this land. Every ruler had his own vested interest and perspective towards these icons of history. Hence, there may be even more stories about these caves that may be a result of someone’s political interest. In such a scenario, I would like to go by the facts I see. The mighty hill of Lenyadri stands upright there as if screaming to tell me something un-understood. I could hear these caves talking. Something that can be only heard if we could just have a fresh outlook towards the universe around us.