Sury Parvat Aug_2020

We the Trekking Paltan Group visited in June 2021

Paltan members - Amol Gore, Shrirang Gorse, Friend, Pradeep Patil, Dr. Milind Gaikwad, Kumar Khunte, Khandu Akshay Sapkal and Khandu Dayal 

How to Reach - It is about 50 km from Pune which may take about one and half hours. It is located opposite to Purndar fort.  Google map will show different routes. Better you search for Samurdi Village on the map which is base village. 

Pune - Shindewadi - Khed Shivapur - Left turn to Saswad raod - Mariaai Ghat - Warwadi - Garade - Turn on Samurdi road- Samurdi Village - Parking 

Google Map Link - https://goo.gl/maps/ct4yhihqyW9Wukp18

It is a simple trek of about 40-50 minutes. Trail is visible. 

The Sury Mandir situated on the top which is a small pinnacle. 

After 40-50 Mins hike

The Surya Mandir

Ramdara Temple Pune Dec_2019

'Ramdara' temple is beautiful temple near Pune. Most of people unknown about the temple. It is situated in the small pond. as the name indicates, it is Lord Ram temple. It is peaceful and spiritual place. It is a kind of remote and isolated from crowdy places, so very pleasant. Good place for family too. 

How to Reach : 

It is near Pune city. It is about 25 km from Swargate-Pune.

Nearest town is Loni-Kalbhor. 

Ramdara is about 15 to 17 km from Hadapsar bus stand. Hadapsar is suburban city of Pune. 

There are two three ways to reach the temple. But other routes are from the urbanized area so lots of traffic there and also you will have to ask on many spots about the direction. To avoid rush and confusion follow the route I recommended. 

I recommend the way from Solapur highway which will take about 40-50 minutes to reach.  From Pune - Hadapsar bus stand (Gadital) - Solapur highway - Loni Kalbhor - take right turn from Aai Jagdamb hotel  - Stay on main road - cross the cannel - cross the railway track - Ramdara temple.

The place is marked on the Google map, so you can reach here comfortably. just inquire whenever you have confusion especially in Loni Kalbhor town.

Google map from Hadapsar to Ramdara 

Temple in the middle of a pond

Entry - There is no entry Fee.

Parking- Parking is free. ample place to park bus, car bikes etc.

Food - There are some restaurants in near the temple. Maharashtrian snack like Vadapaw, Kandabhaji, Pohe etc. available. Also full meal , tea, cold drinks and water are also sold.  

There are many families who bring tiffin and eat in the garden. There is a kind of park developed around the temple.

Rituals : There are religious shops where all 'puja smagri' are available. 

Follow the guidelines to keep the place clean and neat. 

Remember it is a religious place, respect the sentiments and beliefs of the people.  

Eco friendly surrounding 

View of the Temple from different sides

inside the temple 

the park 

Neelkantheshwar

Neelkantheshwar
(Based on latest visit in November 2017)

Nilkantheshwar is a popular religious place for Hindus. It has a temple of Lord Shiva, called 'Nilkantheshwar'. Late Shri. Shankarao Sarje mama started the development of the temple.
The hundreds of statues of Indian Mythological Gods are the main thing of attraction e.g. Ramayan, Mahabharat, Purana etc.

How to Reach :

About 40 km from Pune. It would take apprx. 100 mins. to reach because last 8-20 km road condition is not good.

Pune-Warje-Shivne- OR- Pune - Sinhgad road- Dhayri - Nanded city - Kirkitwadi - Khadakwasla village- take right turn to dam wall - NDA road 
Then - 

- NDA-Peacock bay (15km)- parallel to Khadakwalsa dam back water -Kudje-Mandvi-Splendor country-Sangrun- Bahuli -Katawadi-take left turn board (25km) - cross a small bridge (its very rough road) - then take trun left - Davaje- take right turn from Jambali (35 km)- its little ascend- then after village little rough road- parking of Nilkantheshwar.

Parking : 

The paid parking place is available for buses, cars, bikes etc. A restaurant, wahsroom and Sarje mama paduka temple situated at the parking place.

 

Food and Stay : 

Small restaurants are there at the parking and on the top too. Parking restaurant open only on Sunday and religious days. Veg food, pakode, poha, tea, bottled water etc. are available. The vast shades are built near the temple for big groups especially for school students to eat tiffins. Stay facility is available for pilgrims. (Dharmashala). Many local people come to this place on special occasions.

About Trek :

Its a small trek of 30/40 minutes. Kids and senior citizens can ascend on it easily. The trekking route is well shaped and broad unlike forts. 

   

What to See :

You need at least 2 hours to see the temple, statues and surrounding view.

The temple of Lord Shiv named Nilkantheshwar is well maintained. It is situated on the top of the hill which is surrounded by the forest especially of Neelgiri trees.

Many statues of Hindu Gods are constructed telling stories from Hindu mythology from Puranas, Ramayan, Mahabharat etc.

You can see Panshet Dam, Varsgaon dam, Khakwasla dam,Confluence of river Mutha- Ambi river and Ambi-Mose rivers, Sinhgad fort, Torna fort and Rajgad fort.