Fred Travels

Job satisfaction = better performance. Corporate employers have evolved in the era of keeping their talent acquisitioned team and employees happy and satisfied, thereby retaining them and providing them a sense of belonging.  Human resource experts believe that non-traditional, non-cash rewards can have a greater impact on the performance of employees. Thus, churning out the traditional cash bonus which employees received for good performance, Incentive Corporate Tours have begun making their mark in the travel world. Companies are trending to give out all expense paid trips as tokens of appreciation to their employees, thereby aiming to create a bond which goes beyond professionalism. These tours generally are announced in groups and involve various travel packages – both domestic and foreign tours. In result, organisations have noticed remarkable degrees of better performance and commitment to work from their personnel.

Keeping in mind, the trend of Incentive Tours, we at Fred Travels understand the laborious planning and co-ordinating that group travel packages entail. These tasks of managing group incentive excursions and events for employees can be time consuming and requires patience in dealing with operators, restaurants, hotels and other vendors in order to put together the program you desire. Fred travels does exactly this! We at Fred Travels can help you plan and execute your incentive programs and take the stress out of the experience.  Give us your budget, brief information of guests traveling and sit back to rely on us to give you the best travel experience.

Fred Travels organizes corporate and incentive tours in Mumbai, extended all over Maharashtra and Goa. Keep your worries at bay with Fred Travels, as we expertise in handling inbound tour services for all sizes of groups. Select from our specifically designed packages to explore Mumbai, Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka. Fred Travels also lets you customize your travel plans, considering your needs and budget. Find the best deals with us and we assure you to provide the best rewarding tour for your employees.

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Monsoon season is about to conclude and they say the monsoons come to an end with the celebration of Dassehra. Dassehra is celebrated with great fervor and pomp throughout India. Yet, during this time of the year, it is best to visit Mysore - the Palace city, because this festival is the ‘nadahabba’ (state’s festival) of Karnataka. This place displays a distinct tradition of celebrating this fiesta, an extraordinary pageant, that draws the attention of many.

Mysore, earlier named Mysuru or Mahishur, has extravagant roots spread deep into the mythical past. Legend has it that Goddess Chamundeshwari of Chamundeshwari Temple, assassinated Mahishasura- the sinful buffalo-headed demon, after a long fierce battle. It is his name from which the name Mahishur or Mysuru came into existence. While the festival of Dassehra denotes the victory of Good over Evil, the execution of Mahishasura shared the same inspiration. Hence, Dassehra aka Vijayadashmi is celebrated here with glory and gaiety.

The celebration in the city...

[caption id="attachment_294" align="alignnone" width="600"] Cultural Events In Mysore, Karnataka India[/caption]

The grandeur of this festivals includes different cultural activities and events. The celebration continues for 10 days, beginning with the first nine days of Navaratri (the worship of Goddess Durga for nine days) with Vijayadashmi (Dasahara - ten days) at culmination.

Navaratri

[caption id="attachment_303" align="alignnone" width="600"] Golden Throne at Mysore Palace, India[/caption]

On the first day of Navaratri, the king takes a ceremonial bath and performs various sacred rites in front of Goddess Chamundi,his family deity. He then enters the durbar and worships the throne as per the ancient rituals. He is then presented the royal sword after which the royal 21- gun salute is announced. Following this, the king attains his kingly throne and the magnificent celebration begins with music and dance performances, a parade of uniformed soldiers, etc. Local legend says that this throne is said to have been used by Vikramaditya, the famous King of ancient Ujjain.

On the day of Mahanavmi, the royal sword is worshiped paying respect to the family deity. This tradition, first started in the year 1610 by the Wodeyar King - Raja Wodeyar I, is still continued even today with the current scion of the Wodeyar family, Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar.

The puja 

[caption id="attachment_301" align="alignnone" width="600"] Goddess Chamundeshwari, Chamundeshwari Temple Mysore[/caption]

On the 10th day of Dassehra, before the procession begins, the royal couple worships the Divine Mother atop the Chamunda Hill in the Chamundeshwari Temple. They perform various sacred rituals with devotion and dedication. It is then the idol of the Divine Mother is taken out for the procession. This bronze idol of mother Durga in the form of Mahisasura-mardini is believed to be found in the 5th Century.

Jamboo Savari Procession

[caption id="attachment_291" align="alignnone" width="600"] Jambu Savari procession Mysore, Karnataka India[/caption]

Jamboo Savari - the traditional procession is held in the Mysore city. The highlight of this event is the idol of the Goddess Chamundeshwari, placed in a golden howdah on the top of a decorated elephant. Once the procession begins, music bands, dance groups, tableau from the history, parades performed by NCC Scots and armed forces, the royal identities, follows the magnificently decorated elephant. This event starts from the Mysore Palace and concludes at a place called ‘Bannimantap’. Here, the Banni tree is worshiped. Legend from the epic Mahabharata narrates that Banni tree was used by the Pandavas to hide their arms while they were on their exile of incognito (Agnatavasa). In the earlier days, the kings worshiped this tree before embarking any warfare, to achieve victory in the war. An event called as Panjina Kavayithu (torch-light parade) is held in Bannimantap culminating the festival.

Palace

[caption id="attachment_299" align="alignnone" width="600"] Mysore Palace During Dassehra, Karnataka , India[/caption]

The city of Mysore is worth visiting during Dassehra because of the self-boasting Mysuru Palace. It is a sight not to be missed when it is illuminated for the ten-days long Mysore Dassehra festival. It daily illuminates with nearly 100,000 light bulbs from 7 pm to 10 pm during the festival. To state a trivial, a whopping amount is spent towards the maintenance of its illumination alone every year, ₹10 million to be precise!

Various cultural and religious programs featuring the music, dance, and tableau of the State of Karnataka are performed in front of the illuminated Palace.

Cultural events

[caption id="attachment_304" align="alignnone" width="600"] Mysore Dasara Flower Show[/caption]

People from various parts of India come here during this period to attend the procession and events. Flower Show is organized by the Mysore Zilla at Kuppanna Park where important seminars regarding farmer’s issue and sustainable agriculture are also conducted. Dassehra Exhibition, another major attraction, is also a part of the on-going festive celebration.It takes place in the ground just opposite to the Palace that continues untill December. Eatables, cosmetics, kitchenware, plastic items, clothes etc. are sold in this exhibition. Kusti Spardhe- is one of the many attractions of the festival where wrestlers from various parts of India come and participate. Other events include Dassehra Kite Festival, Yuva Sambhrama, Sports, and many more.

  http://www.fredtravels.com/blog/mysore-dassehra-the-nadahabba-of-karnataka/

The Mumbai streets are fully overjoyed in anticipation of someone coming home for 10-days!! Someone so special, so close to heart that every devotee is busy planning their best to welcome Him - Lord Ganesha! It is His birthday and so people of all faiths and beliefs are gearing up to celebrate it. This 10-day-long Ganeshotsav or Ganesh festival is the best time of the year to visit Ganesh festival . While the festival is celebrated with much pomp and joy, the unity and energy of this city is reflected.

You will see that every single neighborhood will have its own Ganpati Mandal with a beautiful Ganesha idol crafted by its skilled artisans. These pandals often have a mythological story-telling theme and beautifully exceptional decoration which changes every year.

So while you take some Pandal-Tour during these 10 days, you cannot miss visiting these famous pandals in Mumbai and Pune.

Lalbaugcha Raja

[caption id="attachment_260" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Lalbaugcha Raja, Mumbai[/caption]

This iconic idol in Mumbai, the King of Lalbaug, was founded in the year 1934. It is known as ‘Navsacha Ganpati’ which means ‘the one who fulfills every wish’ and hence, it draws massive crowd coming from various places to offer prayers. The most attractive part of the idol is that it feels like the Ganpati is looking at you with so much affection.

 

GSB Seva Mandal

[caption id="attachment_263" align="alignnone" width="858"] GSB Seva Mandal, Mumbai[/caption]

Mumbaikars best know this Ganpati as 'Gold Ganpati', it is because the idol is adorn with 60 kg of gold. This mandal was founded by Gowd Saraswat Brahmin community from Karnataka in the year 1954. The sight of this magical idol will definitely leave you awestruck.

 

Khetwadicha Raja

[caption id="attachment_280" align="alignnone" width="600"] Khetwadicha Raja, Mumbai[/caption]

This place is known for its creative themes and beautiful idols in Mumbai. The award-winning pandal was founded in the year 1959 but saw a growing popularity in the masses in 2000. The all-time favorite themes like Sheesh Mahal, Deep Mahal, Swarg Mahal, Raj Mahal, etc. never cease to impress the countless devotees.

 

Andhericha Raja

[caption id="attachment_265" align="alignnone" width="854"] Andhericha Raja, Mumbai[/caption]

Another remarkable place that every devotee must visit is Andhericha Raja. First started by employees of Tata Special Steel in 1966, today this mandal is managed by Azad Nagar Sarvajanik Utsav Samiti. This Ganpati is not only famous for its mesmerizing idol with the entire decoration, but also for the infamous reputation of fulfilling wishes and frequent visits by celebrities, like Lalbaugcha Raja.

 

Girgaoncha Raja

Girgaoncha Raja, Mumbai

 

Girgaoncha Raja, one of those Eco-friendly Ganesh idols in the city, is made of clay. A distinct feature of this pandal is that every year they make an idol that is over 20 feet high. Go and visit this Pandal and witness a unique but beautiful theme idol.

 

Kasba Ganpati

[caption id="attachment_267" align="alignnone" width="800"] Kasba Ganpati, Pune[/caption]

Kasba Ganpati Mandal is considered as the most important Ganpati idol in Pune. The first idol was install by the great Shivaji Maharaj in 1893 and since then it is known as ‘gram daivat’ - the deity of the city.

 

Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati

[caption id="attachment_268" align="alignnone" width="1600"] Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati, Pune[/caption]

Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati, one of the richest in the state, stands 7.5 ft high adorned with 80kg of gold. The trust running the mandal is one of the wealthiest in the country taking care of several social initiatives.

 

Guruji Talim Mandal

[caption id="attachment_269" align="alignnone" width="640"] Guruji Talim Mandal, Pune[/caption]

This magnificent idol is third in line, in terms of popularity and respect, out of the five main Ganpati in Pune. This was the very first Ganpati Mandal, even before the Tilak’s movement, that was started in Pune by both Hindu and Muslim community.

 

Tulsi Baug Ganesh Mandal

[caption id="attachment_270" align="alignnone" width="375"] Tulsi Baug Ganesh Mandal, Pune[/caption]

Tulsi Baug Ganesh Mandal was started in 1901. The idol gets the fourth honor off the prominent five in Pune. This Ganpati is famous for its unique theme which changes every year. The idol stands 15ft high, the tallest in Pune and has a 125kg silver-coated fist.

 

Tambdi Jogeshwari Ganapati

[caption id="attachment_271" align="alignnone" width="1600"] Tambdi Jogeshwari Ganapati, Pune[/caption]

The idol of this Ganpati is red (Tambdi) in color and is located in Jogeshwari temple, hence the name Tambdi Jogeshwari temple! It is the oldest in Pune and local legend says that even Shivaji visited the temple because he believed this Ganpati to be auspicious. Many devotees pay a visit to this one and so this one should be on your list too.

Now that you have the list you know where exactly to go. Visit these beautifully decorated mandals, seek blessing from this cute looking God and scream Ganpati Bappa Morya! (Hail Lord Ganesha)

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The Ganapati Festival is an awaited time of the year for everyone – kids to grandparents. The divinity and grandiosity of the Ganapati Festival makes it to the bucket lists of travelers in India and abroad alike. This festival marks the celebration of the birth of the beloved elephant God – Ganapati, also known as Ganesh, Bappa and many other names. This 11-days carnival is a beautiful festival which marks pompous spectacles on the first and the last day.

Celebrated by the whole Hindu community, this festival is majorly popular in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Goa, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The most spectacular celebration to watch take place primarily in Mumbai and Pune. Visiting Mumbai during the Ganapati festival is a true delight for travelers to experience its unique warmth and festive streaks of this vibrant city.

Fondly known as the cute elephant God; Ganesh is considered as a symbol of auspiciousness and wisdom and is worshipped for new beginnings and prosperity. Every festival celebrated by a Hindu poses a first worship to this deity; he is also remembered before people undertake a new journey or venture. He is the most popular of Hindu Gods – a favourite of many too!

Although this religious festival was always celebrated in little temples of people’s homes, it became a community affair only after Lokmanya Tilak, a great freedom fighter of India shaped the traditions of Ganesh Chaturthi to make it a public annual affair of celebrations. Hence this occasion became a more popular public event from a pious religious homely one. Today, one can see huge idols placed in tents called – pandals, organized by certain ‘mandals’ – group of people. A few famous pandals are so popular that the entire city gathers up to seek blessings of the Lord here. These pandals are huge, ornately decorated with unusual themes – sometimes telling a story or giving a message, there are queues of visitors, mayhem of positivity, culture, religion, tradition and sheer joy of visiting the elephant God! A few famous ones in Mumbai are – Lalbaug cha Raja, the G.S.B Mandal’s Richest Ganapati, Girgaum cha Raja and many more. In Pune, the Dagdusheth Halwai’s Ganapati celebrations are beautiful and grand, visited by thousands of devotees.

 

Visiting Mumbai during this pompous carnival can give you a burst of experiences – emotional, cultural, traditional, colourful and at the same time feel calm, serene and divine! Make sure not to miss the first and last day of this festival. The first day is celebrated with the Lord’s arrival with a lot of music, drum beats, songs, fire crackers and traditional pooja performances. While the last day has a bittersweet ending – the Lord is bid adieu with a heavy heart, but joyfully expecting his return soon the next year. The last day is known as – Visarjan day when these idols of Ganesh – whether from people’s homes or the big pandals are immersed in water – usually a lake, river or the sea. A procession takes place to take these idols to their immersion spot where the air is filled with celebratory music, songs and cries of Ganapati Bappa Morya ! The visarjan taking place at Girgaum Chowpatty is a must visit during this festival as the whole of the city’s Ganeshas say Good Bye and people return home feeling content of having served their favourite God, awaiting him the nest year.

http://www.fredtravels.com/blog/spectacular-arrival-lord-ganesha/

Celebrated in the months of August/September, this festival marks the celebration of the birth of Lord Krishna – Janmashtami. The Dahi Handi ritual is based on the legend of the child-god Krishna stealing butter along with his friends; hence the festival derived its name - dahi: curd, handi: earthen pot. The tradition involves making a human pyramid and breaking an earthen pot filled with curd tied at a height. Later Dahikala (ingredients in the pot) is distributed among everyone. Dahi Handi celebration encourages working in a team, thus signifies the importance of team work. This festival is a way of reliving the mischief and pranks played by Lord Krishna.

A very popular festival in Mumbai, the city is filled with a joyous ambience for this festival as it is a wondrous and amusing event enjoyed by everyone – children to adults. In schools, it is a lovely sight to see little boys and girls dressed up as Lord Krishna and Radha to mark the celebration of this festive time. People play games and people perform dances depicting the various events in Lord Krishna's life. Also known as Gokulashtami, this is the best time of the year to visit and marvel the festivities in the versatile city of Mumbai. Celebrations take place at hundreds of locations across the city with a huge number of people gathered to make the human pyramid and break the clay pots. Several others join in for encouragement and hurrah.

Religious rituals include people observing a fast on the first day of the festival until midnight, as it is believed to be the time when Lord Krishna was born. People offer prayers, singing, and reciting his deeds. At midnight, a traditional prayer is offered and the birth of Krishna is celebrated. Special baby cradles are installed in temples and a small statue placed in them. The most elaborate rituals are performed at Mathura, where Lord Krishna was born and spent his childhood. The huge ISKCON temple complex, in the beach side suburb of Juhu, also has a special festival program.

Handis are set up around the city, and groups of youngsters, called Govinda Pathaks, travel around in trucks trying to break as many handis as possible during the day. Janmashthami celebrations in Mumbai have become an annual big business affair with prizes running into crores of rupees, mega-sponsors, intense competition among various groups, mostly backed by politicians and political parties, attracting millions of locals, domestic and foreign tourists. One of the biggest Dahi Handi competitions (Sankalp Pratishthan Dahi Handi) takes place at the Jamboree Maidan on G M Bhosle Marg in Worli. Bollywood celebrities often make appearances and perform there. The Maharashtra government has decided to accord the status of 'adventure sport' to the centuries old traditional 'Dahi-handi' celebrations that mark Janmashthami every year.

Absorb this exhilarating experience at Mumbai’s Dahi Handi celebrations. Plan your next trip to Mumbai for this pompous festival of frolic with its unique sacredness and divinity!

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Mumbaikars often complain about the city’s plight in terms of transport, pollution, crowd and the daily rustle-bustle. But in their hearts, is the sheer love of how the city comes alive during the monsoon. Visiting Mumbai during the monsoon can be splendid! As the rain washes the city anew, here’s a list of places to visit in Mumbai during Monsoon to enjoy Mumbai’s rains to the fullest!

1. Marine Drive:

Visiting Marine Drive is on the top of travelers’ list on a trip to the financial capital. This place is the place to visit during monsoon - phenomenal! A promenade along the Queen’s Necklace (as it’s fondly called), indulging in the wave lashes a little and a cup of Mumbai’s hot steaming cutting chai, is a romance you won’t want to miss.

2. Gateway of India:

A boat ride across Bombay Harbour during the rains is delightful. The view of the Taj Hotel and the Gateway of India are truly mesmerizing. This heritage structure stands tall in its glory as the rain gushes over it. Visitors could also ride along a Victorian style horse carriage around the Fort area to feel its endearing charm.

3. Worli Sea Face & Bandra Bandstand:

With a picturesque backdrop of the Haji Ali Dargah, Worli fort and the Bandra-Worli sea-link, it is known for its high tides that manage to soak anyone standing near the promenade. You can also take a drive on the beautiful Sea link which is lit up magnificently at night which will take you to the western suburb of Bandra. An alternative to Marines, the restructured Bandstand Promenade has the vast expanse of the Arabian Sea and homes of the who’s who of Bollywood. You can also check the ‘Walk of Stars’ which showcases the hand prints of famous Bollywood stars here.

4. Juhu Beach:

Warm food in the rains and a stroll by the beach, this is one of the best places to visit in Mumbai during monsoon. The chaat corner at the entrance of the beach has almost every kind of street food you could ask for. Spiced ‘bhutta’ or corn on the cob is a must have here during monsoons!

5. Powai Lake:

Located in the northern suburbs and surrounded by hills, Powai Lake is an artificial lake in city. Nestled in lush greenery and ample flora and fauna, it is an excellent place to visit in Mumbai during Monsoon for a quiet walk in the rains. You can also enjoy boating and soothing scenery. Likewise, you can relax at the Powai Lake Garden and get some hot snacks to enjoy the rains with.

6. Aarey Milk Colony:

Situated in Goregaon East, the colony has lakes, restaurants overlooking lush green gardens and space boating options. The maximum cover of green Mumbai has in one location is this area. The Chhota Kashmir Park, known for being the backdrop of many Bollywood songs, is a great family destination. This place has attractive gardens, pretty and colorful flowers, a lotus pond, and plenty of cozy niches to relax and laze around.

7. Sanjay Gandhi National Park & Kanheri Caves

The only national park Mumbai can boast about, the Sanjay Gandhi National Park is a delight for photographers and nature lovers. Getting an early morning short trek during the monsoon in the park and up to the Kanheri caves is a day well spent amidst nature. Exploring these caves sprinkled with Buddhist inscriptions on basalt walls and walking back with wildlife, birds and numerous plants is exciting for children and adults alike.

http://www.fredtravels.com/blog/must-visit-places-around-mumbai-monsoon/

The versatile city of Mumbai has a lot to offer. Never disappointing tourists with varied tastes, history enthusiasts can explore the city’s caverns with even more culturally rich narratives. Read on to know more about lesser known caves in Mumbai to plan your next visit.

ELEPHANTA CAVES

Year: Between 5th and 8th Centuries B.C
Built By: King Krishnaraja
Location: Elephanta Island
The Elephanta Caves are a great tourist attraction in the vicinity of the large Mumbai. The Portuguese renamed it Elephanta, after they found a large stone elephant near their landing place. These caves have ornate displays of the most important collections of the culture of Shiva. The island on which the caves are built was originally known as Gharapuri. Elephanta Island is quiet and picturesque, with light-green foliage and monkeys scampering. A spectacular dance festival is held at Elephanta Island every February, hosted by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC).

 

JIVDHANI CAVES

Year: 3rd Century B.C
Built by: Pandavas 
Location: Virar
Situated about 2000 steps above the ground, on a hill that forms a part of the Satpura Range in Virar, this cave has a Goddess who rests in a temple here. The fortifications have some very old looking caves and cisterns and are said to be the work of the Pandavas. They are believed to be used as Vihara-s (residential cells) mainly in the rainy season as ‘Varshavasa' by Buddhist monks.

 

JOGESHWARI CAVES

Year: 2nd Quarter of 6th Century A.D
Location: Jogeshwari

The Jogeshwari Caves are some of the earliest Hindus and Buddhist cave temples sculptures located in the Mumbai suburb of Jogeshwari. It is known to be the first and largest Hindu temple cave in India. Caves have a Hanuman temple and a Ganesh temple. The temple also has impressions of foot prints of Goddess Yogeshwari. They are thought to be the work of Buddhist monks and Hindu priests, and they contain ornate sculptures.

 

KANHERI CAVES

Year: 2nd Century B.C
Built by: Buddhist 
Location: Borivali

The Kanheri Caves are also known as the 'lungs of Mumbai', because this is the only place in the city with the maximum amount of greenery. The cave gets its name from the Sanskrit word Krishnagiri - where Krishna means "black". Most of the caves are used as the Buddhist viharas, meant for living, studying, and meditating. Located in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park at Borivali, Kanheri caves offer picnickers a getaway, especially during rainy season with several beautiful waterfalls formed in the Kanheri hills.

 

MAGHATHANA CAVES

Year: 6th Century A.D
Built by: --- 
Location: Borivali
Magathane is a small hamlet, about four miles to the south-west of Kanheri, a place well-known for its several archaeological relics, which was carved during 6th century A.D. An existing temple has been built out of the materials from the monastery. Magathane are popularly known as the Poinsar. It is in a soft rock about a mile and half in the outskirts of the Borivali Station. They are hardly discernible from the natural surroundings, as the ground level of these caves is much lower than the surface of the earth.

 

MAHAKALI CAVES

Year: 1st Century B.C. 
Location: Andheri
Mahakali Caves are 19 rock-cut caves, built between the 1st century BC and 6th century AD. These caves are locally known as Mahakali caves. These were referred as Kondivite or Kondivti caves by J M Campbell as these caves were near Kondivti village. Mahakali caves are a Buddhist monastery. The road leading to the caves is known as Mahakali Gufa Road. There are total of 19 caves, fifteen on southeast face of the hill and four on the northwest face. These are situated on Mahakali hills in Mahakali region of Mumbai. They are cut in black basalt. Unfortunately this material here has not been too persistant and many of caves have collapsed. They are also known as viharas or cells for monks. The Mahakali Caves are one of the finest specimens of rock cut Buddhist monastery. The cave no. 9 is the largest of the caves which have images of Lord Buddha engraved on them but they are not clearly visible as they have become mutilated.

 

MANDAPESHWAR CAVES:

Year: 1st Quarter of the 6th Century A.D 
Location: Andheri
Situated in Mount Poinsur, Borivali, these caves are named Mandapeshwar which means Mandap Pe Eshwar (Hall of painting of Lord). These lesser known caves have ruins of an old Portuguese-built church stand on top of the caves. This cave has seen through time, World war (when the soldiers used it); Initial Portuguese used it as a place of prayer.

http://www.fredtravels.com/blog/historic-caves-to-visit-in-mumbai/

Pune the education capital of India! Located south of Mumbai, Pune attracts travelers for its unique blend of history and modernity. Being called ‘the education capital’, Pune boasts a huge population of students from various parts of the world, who along with the traditional and modest Punekars form a mélange in an exotic melting pot of cultures. The rich Maratha culture, remains of Shivaji Maharaj’s reigning era, forts, temples and adventure spots – tourists here are spoilt for choice!

Aga Khan Palace 

The palace with a heritage structure is an architectural marvel constructed in 1892. Known for its history of where Mahatma Gandhi was imprisoned along with his wife, during the freedom struggle. This place also boasts of sprawling gardens where visitors can stroll around.

Pataleshwar Cave Temple

A historic temple from the 8th century, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Pataleshwar temple has its significance of being carved out of a single piece of basalt rock resembling the Ellora caves in design. This temple also houses statues of other Hindu Gods and Goddesses.

Osho Ashram

Widely popular among foreign tourists, this ashram known after its founder is a spiritual center with an adjacent Zen garden called Osho Teerth, full of lush green flora - ideal spot to relax in. Also known as Rajneesh Ashram, it is one of the frequented places to visit in Pune. One can tour the premises to view the Meditation hall and Osho Samadhi besides opting to undergo a meditation session there.

Pu La Deshpande Garden

 

The Pune-Okayama Friendship garden or more popularly called the Pu La Deshpande garden is inspired from a garden in Japan’s Okayama. The huge grounds host landscaped gardens and intricately trimmed lawns along with a children’s play area. This place must be visited to unwind with green locales to feel refreshed and rejuvenated.

National War Museum

Standing 25 feet tall, the main structure at this war memorial is dedicated to those army personnel who sacrificed their lives in defense of the country in post-independence India. This museum is also swanked by a MIG aircraft on display here. The USP of this museum – it was funded by residents of Pune in memory of the heroes of Indian army.

Peshwa Udyan

This garden is a perfect for families since it has a zoo besides a mini-train and park for children, which makes it quite popular with young visitors. On a picnic to this garden one can also look forward to going on animal rides and boating or simply relax amid its picturesque surroundings.

Shaniwar Wada Palace

Standing near the Mula-Mutha River, this is one of the historic places to visit in Pune. Once housed by the royals of the Peshwa rulers, this palace has a unique blend of Mughal architecture and Maratha craftsmanship. Despite being ravaged by a fire in the early 19th century, one can still view the splendid gardens and the remaining structures besides attending the sound and light show conducted every evening within the premises.

Katraj Snake Park

Also known as Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park and one of the most frequented places to visit in Pune, the Katraj Snake Park initially housed only snakes and other reptiles. However, it is now a full-fledged zoo with a lake within its premises where one can enjoy a round of boating after touring the park. A mini-train runs through the zoo which appeals to young visitors.

Shinde Chhatri

Exhibiting exquisite architecture, this monument was built is Rajasthani style as a tribute to Peshwa commander. With a Shiva temple in the complex, this place also has a three-storied memorial.

Parvati Hill

A popular hillock for little treks, Parvati hill is located in southern Pune at about 2100 feet above sea level. Dedicated to a Hindu temple at its summit, there is also a small museum with artefacts dating back to the rule of this Maratha dynasty. Upon climbing 100 steps, one can view the skyline of Pune as well as the scenic hilly backdrop.

Saras Baug

Another very popular place to visit in Pune, the Saras Baug temple is iconic. Located at the foot of Parvati Hills, it was resided during the Peshwa and Maratha rules. The 25 Acre complex of the temple is also called ‘Talyatla Ganpati’ meaning the Ganpati (A Hindu Elephant God) in the lake. However, do not be fooled by the history of religious offerings at the temple, it was also the site of military discussions between Maratha empire to fight the Nizam and the East India Company. At that time, the Mula- Mutha River was the only source to approach to the temple and the leaders used to travel by boats. The temple is especially spectacular during the days of Diwali as thousands gather here for the ‘Deepotsav’ i.e. Festival of lights and the lawns and temple premises are decked up with thousands of glittering lamps.

Khadakwasla

Located on the Mutha River, the Khadakwasla Dam is one of the most popular places to visit in Pune. A much loved picnic spot, this dam was built in the masonry fashion in 1879, and was the first of its kind in the world. This dam was The dam’s walls sprawl to a length of almost 1939m and rise to a height of 32.90m. The road around the dam further leads to popular weekend getaway destinations such as Peacock Bay, National Defence Academy and the twin dams of Varasgaon and Panshet as well as the villages of Kudje and Neelkantheshwar. The area surrounding this structure is lined with various food stalls with street fare in pure Puneri style!

Vetal Tekdi

Getting its name from the ‘Vetala Temple’ at the summit, this hill is a popular spot amongst young and old of the city to escape the hustle and bustle. Bordered by Pashan suburbs, Symbiosis Society campus and the temple and hills of Chatuhshrungi, this spot gives the ‘City of Hills’ another attraction to get-away from the pollution clogged city. It is the highest point within the city limits and rises to an elevation of 2,600ft. The campus of automotive Research Association of India is also located on the hills. The jungles are of a semi deciduous and dry variety, but truly deck during the monsoons and winters.

Dagdusheth Halwai Temple

 

The most significant and important temples of the city, one cannot miss visiting the Dagdusheth Halwai Temple. Popular all over Maharashtra for its prosperous and benevolent idol of Lord Ganesh, the Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Temple has pulled in a huge number of devotees and tourists alike, to its pious halls ever since its inception. The temple houses a lovely deity and the premises are serene regardless of being amidst city's first and busiest market streets.

Get-Aways around Pune

 

Jadhavgadh Fort (Distance: 30 Kms)

The Jadhavgarh fort flaunts its strong influence of the Peshwa reign and is named after a Maratha general. This heritage structure now has a five-star hotel running on its premises. The historic structure has closeted inner structures including a Ganesha temple as well as a small museum. The massive fort, with now converted to a hotel, standing atop a hill appeals to everyone. Take a walk around the fort area, go for a bullock cart ride, enjoy the Ghazal night held every Saturday or visit the museum to see the old exhibits on display.

Sinhagad (Distance: 37 Kms)

Visiting the Sinhagad fort is synonymous to ‘picnic’ for Puneites. Popularly known as the ‘lion fort’, this spot attracts tourists for its history as well as the scenic route – be it a drive or a short trek uphill. Situated situated on the Bhuleshwar range of the Sahyadri Mountains, this fort allows visitors to take in the scenic landscape, looking ornate during the monsoon.

Panshet Dam (Distance: 42 Kms)

A favoured spot, this dam built in the early 1900s is not only a source of water for Pune, but a weekend outing with family and friends. Recently, the introduction of water sports like wind surfing, kayaking, speed boating and pedal boating on the River Mutha is keeping visitors ravished. Ending the day with a spectacular view of the Sahyadri Mountains is icing on the cake.

Kamshet (Distance: 48 Kms)

Renowned for paragliding, the scenic hill-town boasts of quaint little villages, cave temples and a hill fortress, making for a perfect weekend getaway. Located on the Western Ghats, accessible from Lonavala and Khandala, visitors can also visit the picturesque waterfalls along the Vadivali Lake, a large waterbody at a height of 2200 ft, about 12 kms from Kamshet. Kondeshwar temple and Vidveshwar temple, Karla, Bhaja and Bhedsa caves are other tourist attractions in Kamshet. Trekking and exploring the nearby caves, paragliding, rock climbing and rappelling are organized by several adventure camps located here.

Rajgad Fort (Distance: 50 Kms)

Raigad fort has a prestigious history as it was a former capital of the Maratha Empire. Atop the Murumbadevi Mountain, this spot has many tales since the famous warrior Shivaji resided here for many years. Located southwest of Pune, this fort hosts palaces, water cisterns and caves thus attracting several history enthusiasts. One can also look forward to hiking up to this destination. Trekking to the fort followed by indulging in some sight-seeing around the fort is a delight for tourists.

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