Kaas Bamnoli - Useful Travel Information

Summary:

1. Maharashtra's Valley of Flowers. Millions of tiny flowers blossom after the monsoon.

2. Shivajisagar Lake - An enormous lake with boating.

Click here for detailed Travelogue

Routes:

When you reach the tunnel at the base of the Ajinkyatara mountain in Satara, do not cross the tunnel and take a right turn before that. You are on your way to Kaas. The road from Satara till the end is in good condition.

Place Km Time

Satara - 000 - 10:15
Kaas plateu - 022 - 11:10
Bamnoli - 037 - 15:23
NH4 Highhway - 079 - 17:15
Pune - 184 - 19:00 

View Kaas - Bamnoli in a larger map

© Paras Doshi, 2009.

Sajjangadh: Useful travel information

Useful Travel Information about Sajjangadh:

1. Samadhi of Swami Samarth Ramdas

2. Spectacular view of the mountains around and Urmodi Dam.

3. The gates to the fort close after Sunset and open after Sunrise. So, it will be better to reach there accordingly.

Detailed travelogue on Sajjangadh

Routes:

When you reach the tunnel at the base of the Ajinkyatara mountain, cross the tunnel and take a right turn after that. You are on your way to Sajjangadh and Thoseghar. The road from Satara till Sajjangadh is narrow and typical village roads, but motorable.

Place Km Time

Pune    000  14:10
Sajjangadh   128 17:15
Sajjangadh   128 18:35
Satara  144 19:30

Map:

View Sajjangadh in a larger map

Links:

http://www.shrisamarthsevamandal.org

© Paras Doshi, 2009.

Mahabaleshwar: Useful Travel Information

Mahabaleshwar is very popular hill station which is visited by over a million people every year. So, most people know about this place. There are numerous packages that are offered to visit it. There are hotels of all ranges, from simple to the most luxurious variety available.

Best Time to visit:

This is a frequently visited place, so if you want to have the best of weather and lesser of crowd, then go sometime in August / September. Only disadvantage at this time is that you won't be able to see or taste strawberries. For that, the best time is after December.

Here are some useful must do activities:

1. Points: Don't miss these points. Wilson Point, Bombay Point, Elephant Head Point, Arthur Seat Point, Parsi Point and Kate's Point.
2. Indoor Swimming Pool: The hotel Valley View has an indoor swimming pool which is best for the Mahabaleshwar weather. They also have a package through which you can only use the swimming pool which can be helpful for people staying in other hotels.
3. Mapro: Shop at Mapro. Their products are really good and they bring new innovations. However, if possible avoid having lunch or dinner over there, as they only offer Pizza and Sandwitches and that to too expensive.
4. OnWheelz Amusement Park: This is really a must do if you have kids with you. The rides are meant for kids and are not of full size. So, adults will not enjoy them as they would in a full amusement park.


See below the map of important points in Mahabaleshwar.


View Mahabaleshwar in a larger map

© Paras Doshi, 2009.

Useful travel information to visit Morachi Chincholi

Click here for the detailed travelogue on Morachi Chincholi

Summary:

1. Peacocks, peacocks and lots of peacocks in natural habitat
2. Excellent tourist center with lots of activities for children
3. Friendly village people

Routes:

There are two good routes to reach there.

1. Via Shikrapur on Pune-Ahmednagar Highway (approx. 60 km)
2. Via Rajgurunagar(Khed)/Pabal on Pune-Nashik Highway (approx. 81 km)

Click here for the route map on Google Maps


We took the Route 2 via Pabal to reach and took Route 1 to come back to Pune.
The condition of the roads throughout was excellent except for about 5-10 kms between Rajgurunagar(Khed) and Pabal which wasn’t too bad either.

Place   Km  Time*
Pune    000  9:45
Pabal   068 11:45
Pabal   068 13:45
Morachi Chincholi  081 14:15
Morachi Chincholi  086 18:33
Pune    144 20:30

(*Time includes few breaks and traffic.)

Best time to visit:

It is best to visit between 5:00 AM to 7:00 AM and 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM as that is the time the peacocks would come out in open. Monsoon months from June to August are the best as Peacocks are at their best due to the rains. Their feathers fall during the months of September to November. So, the time after that you will find peacocks but without their feathers. The months of April and May are best to see them at the tourist center, as they get the food and water they need easily over here during these summer months.

Links:

www.morachichincholi.com - The tourist center at Morachi Chincholi
www.chincholimorachi.com - Another tourist center at Morachi Chincholi
An excellent blog entry on Morachi Chincholi.

Request:

Please respect local habitat including the peacocks, the village and the people who live there. Please protect this place as if you will protect your personal treasure.