Weekend Drive Around Pune - Balaji temple, Narayanpur

Balaji Temple 

Best Route -

Route1 :: Katraj - Kondhwa Road - Bopdev Ghat - Saswad (Take Right, ask for Narayanpur Road or Purander Fort) - Follow the road post Narayanpur Village to Shri Venkateshwar temple (The Balaji Temple) 

Other Possible Route -

Route 2 :: Pune - Mumbai Bangalore Highway (NH4) - Kapurhol - Take Left - 4.2 Kms to Shri Venkateshwar Temple (The Balaji Temple ) 

Best Season -

365 Days (Summers get too hot, due to Marble flooring)

Road Condition -

Route 1 - Average , Low on Traffic (except weekends) 

Route 2 - Very Good, High Traffic 

Timings -

Daily Pooja schedule and timings from Monday to Sunday

05.00 am to 05.30 am : Suprabhatam
06.30 am to 08.15 am : Morning Pooj
10.00 am to 11.15 am : Afternoon Pooja
06.00 pm to 07.15 pm : Evening pooja
08.00 pm Onwards : Shuddhi, Ekantseva

Darshan close timings (approximate)

07.30 am to 08.15 am : Daily Naivedyam
10.30 am to 11.15 am : Daily Naivedyam
09.00 am to 09.30 am : Saliampu - Netradarshan (Thrusday only)
05.00 pm to 05.30 pm : Poolangi Seva (Thrusday only)
08.15 am to 10.15 am : After Abhishekam (Friday only)

Friday special programe
07.30 am to 08.00 am : Abhishekam
05.00 pm to 05.45 pm : Unjalseva

On days of Special functions Pooja timings may alter
There is Annachhatra facility at 12am to 2 pm and evening 8pm to 9 pm. 

http://instagram.com/p/Y75WlGLdkJ/

A quick hour drive from Pune takes you to the miniature replica of Tirupati Balaji temple, with a long queue of devotees one could easily guess the possible popularity it has gained in recent years. Bald heads, hand full of ladoos, the south Indian tune makes you believe your visit as dutiful as it would had been in Tirupati.

http://instagram.com/p/Y8JML8LdvB/

Beautifully constructed in the same pattern as its inspiration, the interior of the temple is completely made up of stone. One is not allowed to carry his or her camera & cellphone within temple premises. During summer, it turns out to be a hard run once you leave your slippers for a walk on marbles towards the temple.  If reached early, a small queue leads you to the main deity, but occasionally (usually during evening or weekends) the queue gets never ending. Once inside temple, you are made to rush away from the main statue so that the queue could move on. With other deities surrounding the main temple, it takes around half an hour to enjoy the beautiful sculptures and other carvings upfront. While returning one is given Ladoos or Khicda while returning (Take only if you could eat it, you can always refuse a prasad or ask for less. People are frequently throw it in dustbin) 

Rumour goes, that the main statue is an actual part of Tirupati Balaji which was bought here by the priests who actually are from Tirupati. The Temple is completely carved out of stone which is its beauty.

On an average it takes around 2 hour to completely enjoy the vicinity.

It is better to plan your weekend as ::

Katraj - Bopdev Ghat - Kanifnath Temple - Saswad - Purander Fort - Balaji Temple - Kapurhol - NH4 - Pune 

So, as to cover all major points on a single drive. 

PS:: Do not confuse Narayanpur with Narayan Gaon , Narayangaon is on Nashik Highway .

Pune to Raigad Fort by bike

RAIGAD FORT 

Best Route -

 Pune - Kothrud - Paud Road - Mulshi - Tamhini Ghat - MIDC - Nizampur - Pachad Road (After a sharp left) - Raigad Fort .

Best Season -

July - February

Road Condition -

Mostly Poor / Average  

Its been almost a month since I last visited Raigad. 

This is the second time over the year I visited Raigad fort , this fort has a huge sentimental value for the locals, with Raigad being capital of Shivaji the Great for a large period of time, This fort is the heart to Maratha empire. 

Situated on a low height of 2700 ft above sea level, this fort is surrounded by at least eight different forts in the visible range. Being the capital of Maratha empire, this is one interesting fort to visit. 

My visit to Raigad was, where once in month of July, the latest was in month of March. I can assure you that March to June (Until the sky pours down) is one of the worst seasons to travel in Maharashtra, where on one side you only see yellow grass and burnt out fields, the other side has dry waterfalls and lakes. 

The Route 

Like other places there are atleast 3-4 other common ways to visit Raigad, but I believe the one mentioned above should suits one interest in a better way.

If one starts early from Pune (not before the Sunlight), he/she could spent a good time at Mulshi Lake. The road around the lake has mesmerizing beauty. 

After Mulshi you enter Tamhini Ghat, it is said to be one of the best ghats for scenic beauty around Pune (which I personally completely disagree). The road after the Lavasa turn on the Paud Road is drastically bad (Last visted March 2013, with no construction in progress), which shatters down your dream to enjoy the beauty while driving, one may spend his hours riding on the patchy road. This phase lasts almost 40kms until one reaches MIDC. 

MULSHI LAKE

TAMHINI GHAT

The road gets slightly better from MIDC, post MIDC when one reaches Nizampur he can take a left to Pachad Road (This route had been recently updated on Maps), the route through this way is completely isolated with patchy tracks, avoid until ain't in large groups. The benefits lies in the 25kms lesser traveled. The Pachad road takes you straight to the foothills of Raigad fort. 

PACHAD ROAD DURING SUMMER

While returning one can take the Road to Mahad,& on the way make sure you visit Shivaji Museum as soon as you leave Raigad to Mahad. From Mahad get on the Mumbai - Goa highway, & after the toll, take first left to Bhor. 

The Bhor highway is single lane state highway, with slightly better road to travel. Remember there is no petrol pump over a distance of 72km from National Highway to Bhor. The route is much beautiful when compared to Tamhini Ghat with evening giving it a color of yellow, red and purple towards the sunset. One travels all the way around circumference of Nira Deodhar dam to take a beautiful views. The ghat lengths for around 42kms, with no major steep but continuous slope. AT Bhor again take a left, and after around 13kms run, one meets the Pune Bangalore Highway. 

Nira Deodhar Dam and around

Make sure one travels safe on the Tamhini Ghat, cause it is famous for robbery and chain snatching. 

At Raigad, one can trek around from the base, the trek takes around 1.5 Hours, with several eateries on its way. The other option is the Rope way, where the last price checked was Rs.190 To and Fro charge.  

At the fort Takmak Tok, Horse back shopping arena, the tomb of Shivaji is the must visit place. The fort itself takes around 2 hours to be covered entirely. The best way is to take a rope way while going up and stairs while descending. 

TAKMAK TOK

From Pune if one takes the above suggested route it takes around 3-4 hours by Bike, and around 3 by a car.  

PS:: If you had frequently visited Mughal Forts, do not expect the grandeur of those forts. But Raigad has its own historical importance and is of great sentimental value to the people. 

Pune to Ratnagiri via Ganpatipule by Bike

      While surfing over internet I never found a proper information for a bike ride from Pune to Ganpatipule or Ratnagiri, either no one ever tried it or none paid the heed to share their information. Being back from the same, I decided to just put a small guide for the information I attained during my journey.

           As far as routes are concerned there are N number routes to reach Ganpatipule/Ratnagiri from Pune, where each of these routes joins Mumbai – Goa highway at some or the other point. So, the major choice is to decide through which part you would be crossing the valley to be on NH4 and move onward.

          Below I would be sharing information about the 4 tested routes, which shorten up the distance and are pleasure to drive.

                 Route 1 – Pune – Mahad – Ganpatipule - Ratnagiri

Pune – Shirwal (Turn Towards Bhor)-Bhor – Mahad – NH4 –Khed – Chiplun – 3 Kms After Sangameshwar Railway station (Before a Small Bridge) Turn Left – Follow Asurde Dingani Road to Chafe – From Chafe Turn Right for Ganpatipule - Ratnagiri

The left turn at Sangameshwar saves about 22kms, the roads are ok with few patches, better for a two wheeler drive. Make sure you frequently consult the villagers regarding the turns, even when Google navigates it perfectly. 

The Pune – Mahad route is the least enjoyable of all the routes I would be describing with no large valleys, but it is good in terms of frequent traffic which does not hurdle up your speed but ensure safety.

               Route 2 – Pune – Paud – Mangaon – Ganpatipule - Ratnagiri

     Pune – Paud Road – Mulshi Dam – Mangaon – Mahad– NH4 –Khed – Chiplun – 3 Kms After Sangameshwar Railway station (Before a Small Bridge) Turn Left – Follow Asurde Dingani Road to Chafe – From Chafe Turn Right for Ganpatipule - Ratnagiri

LAVASA CITY

Route 2 is one of the most beautiful routes on this particular trip if travelled during rainy season, the only disadvantage is its too deserted even during day. 

     The Paud road throughout until Mangaon is full of blobs which actually block your vision from nature to tar on road. 

    If on schedule you can spare few hours for LAVASA CITY, or could just turn your ride to see the beautiful Mulshi Dam. Where Lavasa may take some time, due to its large size and several entertaining factors, Mulshi could be covered in an hour or two max. 

This is a suggested route during monsoon, but make sure you are traveling in a group or have proper safety kits with you.

        Route 3 – Pune – Mahabaleshwar- Ganpatipule - Ratnagiri

Pune – Mahabaleshwar – Pratapghad – Poladpur - NH4 –Khed – Chiplun – 3 Kms After Sangameshwar Railway station (Before a Small Bridge) Turn Left – Follow Asurde Dingani Road to Chafe – From Chafe Turn Right for Ganpatipule – Ratnagiri 

MAHABALESHWAR

       

 One of the most commonly followed route by four wheeler drivers, this route takes you to one of the most famous hill station of Maharashtra (Mahabaleshwar), and then Pratapgarh fort. Mahabaleshwar itself being a tourist spot has more than 20 major points to be covered, which may consume your entire day, so plan it well. Pratapgarh Fort is beautiful and could be well covered in 2 hours time. 

             Where these 2 major tourist points increases the gravity of this route, what it brings is increase in number of Valleys (or Ghats) which take lot of time to be covered & due to high on tourist sometime one may be stuck in traffic jams for hours. 

 

            So, if one is planning to move through this route it’s suggested to leave the city early and try to reach Mahabaleshwar by sunrise, the route is completely safe and the distance could be well covered on Pune – Bangalore highway at good speed.

PS: Mahabaleshwar & Pratapgarh gets really hot during summer, which may bring tiredness. So plan well.

              Route 4 – Pune – Koyna Dam - Ganpatipule- Ratnagiri

Pune – Satara – Turn before Umbraj on Umbraj Patan Road to Chiplun – Koyna Nagar (Koyna Dam) – Chiplun - 3 Kms After Sangameshwar Railway station (Before a Small Bridge) Turn Left – Follow Asurde Dingani Road to Chafe – From Chafe Turn Right for Ganpatipule – Ratnagiri 

KOYNA DAM

              This route takes you to Maharashtra largest dam on the Shivsagar Lake, the Koyna dam. While moving from Umbraj to Chiplun a change in route of 4 kms take you to Koyna Dam which is worth the fuel and time. Of all the routes this one had the best roads since last visited, with very few patches on Umraj – Patan Road. The Khumbhrali Ghat after Koyna is one of the most beautiful Ghats on the routes. 

If you are following Google Navigation do not turn left after Khumbhrali Ghat before Chiplun for a shortcut, the road is a dead end. Travel all the way to Chiplun and then follow the Mumbai – Goa Highway .

Of all the, Route 4 takes the shortest time to reach the destination.

               In all the routes I have suggested to visit Ratnagiri via Ganpatipule whereas your map or device may suggest you some other routes. The reason very obvious is Ratnagiri – Ganpatipule is a 20kms run, on the coastal line of the district, where you drive with beach on your one side. It’s beautiful and a surely a must have experience of life.

There are several other routes which divert through various other places, but had not been tested over the time. And any help & suggestion for such routes and trips would be most welcomed. 

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“A Good Ride needs a Good Bike”

                  How powerful should be my bike for a long drive?? 

Question: “A Good Ride needs a  Good Bike”.....What exactly is a Good Bike??

Answer:    A Good Bike is a like a Perfect man, a MYTH.

                   A maintained bike is what is truth.

Question:  Then why do certain biking communities have a bike criterion for the trip?

Answer:     No Community says that a person with low power bike cannot ride; it’s just a standard               they had               set for their particular group, like for example – where an 110cc bike would run for an hour on 70km/hr,      a 500cc  bike would go on through entire journey on that speed. So at times if majority of people own a powerful   engine it will be cumbersome for them to slow down for one.

One can take step forward to make community for rider like his own.

Question : So that means I cannot ride for long distances because my speed would be low?

Answer : When had been riding about breaking records of highest speed or distances, it had always been enjoyment. If you are so passionate to ride, you would definitely know that it’s the moment which gives the thrill not the speed.

Question: So what amount of distance should I start with?

Answer : A rider best know his ability, if you regularly ride for kms,  go on for a longer one next time if not start with smaller distance get comfortable and gradually increase the duration. The important part is knowing your ride well, falling in love with it.

Question: How should I plan my trip?

Answer: I agree that trips could be both random and planned, but what is essential is availability of your riding kit. Even if the distance is small, make sure you are well geared up with all safety gadgets, cross check your bike before you leave for destination.

Question: My job does not permit me to make trips?

Answer: Why does one need a 5-10 days leave to go on a trip, a gentle reminder that ‘ You earn to live, not live to earn’ so, how tough your job may be you get at least a day off in week, take your ride, go out spend an hour with it, that will make you as well as your love both happy. Stop making excuses to self.

Question: So, Can I cover 500kms a day on my 110cc bike?

Answer : Yes, may or may not, No its not to demoralize you, the point is it completely depends on the route you take and one’s ability to ride for that distance. At times either the route is so beautiful that you halt down to enjoy the beauty & at times routes are too busy or roads are full of patches to hurdle up your speed. So it’s good to have a destination in your mind but do not make it an objective, enjoy your ride.

Lastly,

Remember it doesnot matter whether you ride a 250cc or 125cc bike, whether you ride at 170km/hr or 70km/hr in the end its your zeal to ride what matters.

So stop reading just move out.