Potholes in Riverbed ~ Magic In Asia

Ever since we heard about Nighoj, we had keen interest to see this wonder in Asia. Best part is, this moon-land is very close to Pune but not many people knows about this amazing place. This is famous for potholes in riverbed, one of its kind in Asia. We found out few more interesting places to see around Nighoj. It was summer weekend and we took up Pune-Nagar highway. This time we decided to go by Alto.
Our day began with sacred darshan of Mahaganapati of Ranjangaon. Ranjangaon Ganesh is one of the eight holy Ganapatis i.e. Asthavinayak. Ranjangaon temple is in Shirur district and on main highway at 52 Kms from Pune. There is beautiful garden developed outside the temple. We had a quick tea break here and then proceeded towards Nighoj. As road is widened now, the journey is more pleasant. Fianlly at 11am we reached Nighoj.
The entire bank of Kukdi River is turned into moon land of huge pot holes. The phenomenon behind its formation goes back to more than thousands of years. The river flow wears out the vesicular basalt’s upper layer and compact basalt layer of the rock. Then small hard pebbles vigorously swirl in these wear out areas due to flow of the water to create circular pot holes. There is huge gorge or canyon created in the river due to the whirl effect of stones for the ages. These are believed to be the largest natural pot holes in Asia. It is very amazing and interesting place. You just have to see this miracle with your eyes to believe it. There is small temple of “Malganga” on the bank on this river.
Best time to visit: Summer (March-April). May month will be extremely hot. Summer is best time to visit this place. As water level goes down, pot holes are easily visible. In monsoon, you merely can view gigantism of pot holes. It is said to be approx. 100 feet deep and 3 kms long. Besides, it can be very dangerous to experience their gigantism otherwise.
We took as many snaps as we could and also some live clippings of whirl effects for our folks. We started back and it was already time for food. We found a shady place and unwind mattresses. We enjoyed home made food and relaxed for some time. We had way to go……

How to reach Nighoj :
Approx Distance from Pune 85kms

Take Pune – Nagar Highway and drive upto “Ghodnadi” river bridge.
Take immediate left turn after crossing the bridge. This is “Nighoj Phata”.
Drive approx. 25 Kms to reach Nighoj village.
From village travel 3 Kms more to reach “Kukadi” river where you can see pot holes.

On the way one can also visit a famous place for Pickocks, called as 'Morachi Chincholi'.

Weekend Gateway - Bhuleshwar (An Ancient Place of Lord Shiva Temple)

As weekend was approaching, this time myself and Tushar decided to visit an ancient place near Pune, i.e Bhuleshwar, Famous for Lord Shiva Temple on hilltop. We started early morning by Alto. Weather was pleasant. On the way we took haut for breakfast at Urali Kanchan. This is the place famous for grapes. We purchased fresh grapes and started our journey onwards. There is a small ghat section on the way to Bhuleshwar Temple. The temple hilltop is huge and there is lot of parking space available for tourist vehicles. Bhuleshwar temple is built in 13th century and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It was previously a fort called “Mangalgadh”. The devastated evidences show that this temple must have been ruined by invaders and reconstructed again. The entrance of temple is very interesting. It is called “Gaimukhi construction” which dates back to Shivaji Maharaj’s era. The walls of temple are decked with beautiful carvings right from entrance.
There is mythological story that after Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati had fight and angry Shiva came here to meditate. Devi Parvati, dressed as “Bhilla” woman danced to fascinate Shiva. Her beauty seduced him. They went to Kailas from here and got re-united. The place got its name from this story. “To sedate” means “bhul” in Marathi. As Shiva was seduced by Paravati, hence he is also called “Bhuleshwar”.
There was huge Nandi inside the temple along with Ganapati idol in woman form. It is believed to be only such idol of Ganesh. Also there is huge spectacular bell outside the temple. We climbed upstairs and the view was beautiful.
Bird watching is also popular in the mountains near Bhuleshwar. Tawny eagles and other migratory birds are often seen here during the winters. To reach the mountain valley for the bird watching site, one needs to drive on the Pune-Solapur road upto four kms ahead of Yavat where one must take a right turn and pass the Deccan Explosives factory to drive upto the mountain and see the valley on the left. This historic place in Maharashtra is also one of its most ignored. There are crowds here only during the month of Shravan or on the occasion of Mahashivaratri. However, Bhuleshwar is worth visiting any time of the year and a good place for a day’s trek. We had a wonderful time on hilltop and at around 4pm we started our back journey. It was truly a memorable outing.
To reach Bhuleshwar –

Take Pune – Solapur Highway and drive approx. 30-35 Kms.
2 Kms. before Yavat village, take right turn along eastern bank of canal.
You will see sign board “Bhuleshwar”.
Drive approx. 8-10 Kms to reach Bhuleshwar Temple. Regular buses are available from Swargate and Pune Station ST Stand to Yawat and PMT Buses from Pune Station, Poolgate and Swargate to Theur. As you begin, you will start getting view of Bhuleshwar temple located top on mountain. The road is in OK condition.
Caution: On this way, there is a ghat stretch on around 3-4 Kms. and the road is steep so make sure that vehicle break is in good condition. There is a very steep turn while climbing as you approach near the temple. You can see Jejuri on south and Purandar on south-west and Dhavaleshwar on West.

Trip to Tirupati

As in monsoon, we have covered all nearby trek places near Pune, this time we decided to visit any pilgrimage place. In company we have colleagues coming from different parts of India. You can say it’s a true reflection of national integrity. One can learn more about different cultures within our own country. One of our friends is from Tirupati, so we immediately decided to go for Lord Balaji darshan. So our destination was ‘Tirupati’.
As the things were moving smoothly we got leaves and also the confirmed tickets for Tirupati. Our friend Tiru already booked accommodation in ‘Srinivasam Complex’ which is run by TTD (Tirumala Tirupati Devastanam). On friday evening we gathered at Pune railway station. We came to know that train is late by 3 hours. So we had some snacks and also spent quality time in group photo session. Finally at 9 pm we headed for Tirupati. First time we, L&T Infoknites were going for a long trip so all were truly enjoying. Finally at 2pm on next day we reached Reniguntha station. This is the place from where we can get buses for going to Tirupati. For those who don’t know, Tirupati is a place where you get down in the bus and Tirumala is a place seven hills up where Lord Venkateshwara temple is in. After having lunch, at 3pm we reached at ‘‘Srinivasam Complex’ in Tirupati. We took rest for some time and in evening we covered nearby temples. ‘Eskon Temple’ is a place really worth to see. Our friend Tiru invited us for dinner at his home. His parents were very happy seeing all of us. Tiru’s family is very hospitable. We enjoyed typical south Indian food cooked by his mother. We never ate that much ‘rice’. On next day early morning we decided to go for Lord Balaji Darshan. Although buses were available from Tirupati to Tirumala, we decided to go by walk. We started early at 6am after having a cup of tea. People pray Lord Balaji that if you get my wish done, i will climb your seven hills by bare feet. So many people were walking along with us. Climbing the stairs was difficult because most of them are not inclined to 45 degree but are almost 60 degrees angled. So you can easily feel that your thighs are locked and they become so tight that you must take a break and sit beside. On the way we took breakfast. After 3 hours we reached at the top. From there we can see amazing view of Tirupati. We could see people from all over the world were coming there. We get peace of mind at such holy place. As were having passes, within 1 hour we got Lord Balaji Darshan. The tirupati laddoo is a very popular prashad. So yummy and tasty. Later we covered nearby temples and around 6pm we came back to Tiru’s home. Next day our train for Pune was at 2pm. Tiru’s father came with us to Reniguntha station to say bye. Those 2 days were truly memorable days in our life. We got lots of love, hospitability which we can never forget. On monday we reached Pune with sweet memories of Tirupati.

How to go : One can go by Mumbai – Chennai Express and get down at Reniguntha Railway station. From there buses are available to go Tirupati. Journey time is 30mts.
Another train which goes directly to Tirupati is Mumbai – Kanyakumari express. Advance booking needs to be done.

Best Season : Except September and October. These are the months when Tirupati is heavily crowded for ‘Brahmotsavam’.

Accommodation : Many hotels lodges are available near Tirupati bus stand. One can get accommodation in ‘Srinivasam Complex’ which is run by TTD (Tirumala Tirupati Devastanam). We can also do online booking.
For more information visit http://www.tirumala.org