Pune is a place full of nature’s delight in and around. There are many destinations around Pune that have unbelievable natural scenic beauty but still not that well known to all. Let me take you one such place that may force you to visit on a weekend. It is Baeshwer. It is not very far but just 40 kilometres in the south of Pune. One can enjoy a day’s outing with family and friends. As the name suggests Baneshwar, ban means jungle and ishwer means god that is god in the jungle. Baneshwer is situated in dark woods and has one old Lord Shiva Temple. The temple is old but beautiful with other idols of Devi Laxami, Lord Vishnu along with the Lord Mahadev. There are five Shivlingas that can be seen with the help of light. It has one gomukh, one big bell and one pond with tortoises. What makes Baneshwer different is the green patch. It is rare now to see such dense green woods so near to Pune.There is a big garden behind the Shiva temple that is surprisingly well maintained and very beautiful. There are many walkways that designed beautifully. There is one big children’s play area with slides, and swings where kids can spend time and enjoy. There is one small water fall just half kilometre from the temple that adds the beauty and joy to the visitors. There are rocks where one can sit to enjoy the water fall. Near the water stream there is one tea shop where you can enjoy afternoon tea with friends. If people behave responsibly (not spit or not throw pouches in and around the area) that is not seen here, then the place can be more attractive and admirable. It can be a great picnic spot with full day fun that too free of cost. One thing to mention here is I didn’t find any washrooms here as it happens in most of the places in India. One in the garden is just disgusting and not recommended to use by me. There are many small shops outside the temple that can provide snacks, cold drinks and tea/coffee.How to reach Baneshwar from Pune ?• One can go by car/personal vehicles by taking Pune Satara National highway.• One can take bus from Swargate PMT and ST stand.Photos of Baneshwer
Ruchi Mahajan