Moon...without ZOOM
Moon...2 days before Kojagiri 2008
Another mood of Moon
These pics are taken from Shailu's H50
This was on Kojagiri 2008
This was also on Kojagiri 2008
Moon - 1
Moon...without ZOOM
Moon...2 days before Kojagiri 2008
Another mood of Moon
These pics are taken from Shailu's H50
This was on Kojagiri 2008
This was also on Kojagiri 2008
Sunrise and Sunset - 2
.JPG)
A rising sun in Katraj Ghat
.JPG)
A sunset from my Terrace
.JPG)
Katraj Ghat again
.JPG)
Khadakwasla Lake
A Lake near Narayan Pur - Purandar
On the way to Mangaon
Dive Aagar
Sunset at Dive Aagar
Sun is setting in Dive Aagar My Clicks - 2
Is caption required?
Ghungaru....but of a bull
A window...but of a Loo
Lotus in Mangaon
can you see the Danger Sign?..my first illusion
Birds on the beach
"Tal" in Shivai Temple
A Cave on Shivneri
On the way to Shivneri
A bed....of nature
A "Kali" on the way to VajragadHarihareshwar, Shrivardhan and Dive Aagar
(History)
There is not much history available about these places except that Harihareshwar is the place of temple of Shri Harihareshwar which is “Kul-Daivat” of “Peshwa” and there is birthplace of “First Bajirao” (one of the Peshwas) very close (about 5 Kms) to “Shrivardhan”. You can see some old temples at all these places and the beach at these places is just awesome as it is still untouched by flood of humans.
(Reach there)
These places are about 200 Kms from Pune and the tour can be completed in one day very easily. If extended to one more day, one can visit “Murud-Janjira” also which very famous sea fort. It would be better to go by a hired/owned car as there could be many spots in tour that one can not resist to stop and watch. If you are leaving from Pune, Plan the trip in sequence of Pune-Harihareshwar-Sheivardhan-Dive Aagar (and Murud-Janjira for 2 day trip)-Pune. I would suggest, leave very early in the morning (about 3-4 AM) so that you can reach the destination before sun raises too high and you can have best view from Tamhani Ghat also. The route is quite simple as follows – Pune - Chandani Chauk - Paud - Mulshi - Dongarwadi - Tamhini Ghat (here you can have a break and catch some pictures as it might be foggy climate all around) – Vile (turn left from here) - Nijampur – Mangaon (it is NH-17) - Lonere Phata (after Mangaon ST Stand, go about 500 meter towards Mahad, you will reach Lonere Phata, here, turn right to go on SH-97 for Mhasala) - Goregaon – Mhasala (turn right to come on SH-98) - Arathi Road Junction (from this junction, you can either go to Harihareshwar or to Shrivardhan. I would suggest, go to Harihareshwar first as these places are in one line and Shrivardhan is in middle so you would then move upside.) – Harihareshwar. Watch and read the sign boards installed on road throughout the tour as they help to find the destination a lot.
(Harihareshwar and sightseeing)
Harihareshwar is known as Kashi of Southern India. The hill near the seashore at Harihareshwar is also known as 'Harihar' or 'Pushpadri'. Once you reach Harihareshwar, anybody can guide you to show the way towards Harihareshwar Temple. Park the vehicle and get yourself ready for feast of Konkan. I would say, have some sun skin lotion so that tanning can be avoided. The temple and beach are standing face to face. Take the blessings from Kal-Bhairav, Harihareshwar, Hanuman and Ganesh idols as these all temples are in one campus only. You can see the strange shape of Shiv-Pind here, the wooden work on the polls of temple is just amazing and Dipmal is also quite different than the usual one. Before going to beach, its better to review your plan for the day and order the breakfast or lunch in any hotel or home. Note that you can get good sea food both in hotels and homes too; there are many families who run this as their business. The water in the beach of Harihareshwar is not safe for swimming and playing too. Plan the day, order the meal and go to the rocks around beach. You can see some strange shapes formed naturally on this rock, the rock is huge and spread in huge area, you can walk along on it and enjoy the scene. There is nothing other than this group of temples and a beach in Harihareshwar. I would suggest, just an hour and half is sufficient for this place.
(Shrivardhan and sightseeing)
Shrivardhan is 18 Kms from Harihareshwar towards Mumbai/Dive Aagar. A curvy but simple road would take you here in about half hour. This is a Tahasil/Taluka place in Raigad district. The city is small but very cool and calm in the lap of nature. You can visit Somjai/Sonjai Temple and another Shiv Temple here. You can again ask anybody for the way to go to these temples and beach. Also ask the localites about the way to go to Dive Aagar in advance, so that you can take the road from beach itself. The beach is real blasting place, totally untouched by outer world, its clean and long one. One can not resist but go in the water and have some great time with friends and family. It is a C shaped long beach. There is also boat service between Harihareshwar and Shrivardhan so one can get this experience also. After this beach you can visit the birthplace of “First Bajirao” which is 5 Kms from Shrivardhan.
(Dive Aagar and sightseeing)
The best way to go to Dive Aagar from Shrivardhan runs along the seashore and one would never want to miss this opportunity, so even if you go to birthplace of first Bajirao, come back to Shrivardhan and take this road too go to Dive Aagar. There would be some small towns coming in the way. There is no need to ask anybody about the direction and turn for destination as it’s a single road without any subways and all. In an hour you would reach the Dive Aagar. While you enter the city, you will see the Suvarna Ganesh Temple and Kedareshwar Temple (these temples have their stories, ask it to the local peoples so that the secret is not out here only). After this, you can reach the beach. It is about 6 Kms long beach and the cleanness around the beach keeps our mouth open. On the other end of beach, there is Rupnarayan/Sundarnarayan Temple which is a best piece of designing. The idol is the best example of sculpture. The four hands of the idol along with their accessories Shankh (Shell), Chakra (Wheel), Gada (Weapon), Padma (Lotus) are carved in such a manner that when seen in clockwise direction, it shows 24 different appearances of Lord Vishnu. The long beach continues at the back side of this temple.
(Come back)
While coming back to Pune, one has to come to Mhasala (ask somebody from Dive Aagar as there are few right-left turns while going to Mhasala from Dive Aagar), then to Mangaon and so on as per earlier route (but in reverse order and directions). See to it that you have some companion while coming back via Tamhani Ghat in night because it is said that, It could not be so safe traveling alone through this Ghat (we had few more cars around us and found some two wheelers too, so I am not sure about this but lets be cautious) I am posting some of the pictures taken by me when I visited these places in October 2008.
There is not much history available about these places except that Harihareshwar is the place of temple of Shri Harihareshwar which is “Kul-Daivat” of “Peshwa” and there is birthplace of “First Bajirao” (one of the Peshwas) very close (about 5 Kms) to “Shrivardhan”. You can see some old temples at all these places and the beach at these places is just awesome as it is still untouched by flood of humans.
(Reach there)
These places are about 200 Kms from Pune and the tour can be completed in one day very easily. If extended to one more day, one can visit “Murud-Janjira” also which very famous sea fort. It would be better to go by a hired/owned car as there could be many spots in tour that one can not resist to stop and watch. If you are leaving from Pune, Plan the trip in sequence of Pune-Harihareshwar-Sheivardhan-Dive Aagar (and Murud-Janjira for 2 day trip)-Pune. I would suggest, leave very early in the morning (about 3-4 AM) so that you can reach the destination before sun raises too high and you can have best view from Tamhani Ghat also. The route is quite simple as follows – Pune - Chandani Chauk - Paud - Mulshi - Dongarwadi - Tamhini Ghat (here you can have a break and catch some pictures as it might be foggy climate all around) – Vile (turn left from here) - Nijampur – Mangaon (it is NH-17) - Lonere Phata (after Mangaon ST Stand, go about 500 meter towards Mahad, you will reach Lonere Phata, here, turn right to go on SH-97 for Mhasala) - Goregaon – Mhasala (turn right to come on SH-98) - Arathi Road Junction (from this junction, you can either go to Harihareshwar or to Shrivardhan. I would suggest, go to Harihareshwar first as these places are in one line and Shrivardhan is in middle so you would then move upside.) – Harihareshwar. Watch and read the sign boards installed on road throughout the tour as they help to find the destination a lot.
(Harihareshwar and sightseeing)
Harihareshwar is known as Kashi of Southern India. The hill near the seashore at Harihareshwar is also known as 'Harihar' or 'Pushpadri'. Once you reach Harihareshwar, anybody can guide you to show the way towards Harihareshwar Temple. Park the vehicle and get yourself ready for feast of Konkan. I would say, have some sun skin lotion so that tanning can be avoided. The temple and beach are standing face to face. Take the blessings from Kal-Bhairav, Harihareshwar, Hanuman and Ganesh idols as these all temples are in one campus only. You can see the strange shape of Shiv-Pind here, the wooden work on the polls of temple is just amazing and Dipmal is also quite different than the usual one. Before going to beach, its better to review your plan for the day and order the breakfast or lunch in any hotel or home. Note that you can get good sea food both in hotels and homes too; there are many families who run this as their business. The water in the beach of Harihareshwar is not safe for swimming and playing too. Plan the day, order the meal and go to the rocks around beach. You can see some strange shapes formed naturally on this rock, the rock is huge and spread in huge area, you can walk along on it and enjoy the scene. There is nothing other than this group of temples and a beach in Harihareshwar. I would suggest, just an hour and half is sufficient for this place.
(Shrivardhan and sightseeing)
Shrivardhan is 18 Kms from Harihareshwar towards Mumbai/Dive Aagar. A curvy but simple road would take you here in about half hour. This is a Tahasil/Taluka place in Raigad district. The city is small but very cool and calm in the lap of nature. You can visit Somjai/Sonjai Temple and another Shiv Temple here. You can again ask anybody for the way to go to these temples and beach. Also ask the localites about the way to go to Dive Aagar in advance, so that you can take the road from beach itself. The beach is real blasting place, totally untouched by outer world, its clean and long one. One can not resist but go in the water and have some great time with friends and family. It is a C shaped long beach. There is also boat service between Harihareshwar and Shrivardhan so one can get this experience also. After this beach you can visit the birthplace of “First Bajirao” which is 5 Kms from Shrivardhan.
(Dive Aagar and sightseeing)
The best way to go to Dive Aagar from Shrivardhan runs along the seashore and one would never want to miss this opportunity, so even if you go to birthplace of first Bajirao, come back to Shrivardhan and take this road too go to Dive Aagar. There would be some small towns coming in the way. There is no need to ask anybody about the direction and turn for destination as it’s a single road without any subways and all. In an hour you would reach the Dive Aagar. While you enter the city, you will see the Suvarna Ganesh Temple and Kedareshwar Temple (these temples have their stories, ask it to the local peoples so that the secret is not out here only). After this, you can reach the beach. It is about 6 Kms long beach and the cleanness around the beach keeps our mouth open. On the other end of beach, there is Rupnarayan/Sundarnarayan Temple which is a best piece of designing. The idol is the best example of sculpture. The four hands of the idol along with their accessories Shankh (Shell), Chakra (Wheel), Gada (Weapon), Padma (Lotus) are carved in such a manner that when seen in clockwise direction, it shows 24 different appearances of Lord Vishnu. The long beach continues at the back side of this temple.
(Come back)
While coming back to Pune, one has to come to Mhasala (ask somebody from Dive Aagar as there are few right-left turns while going to Mhasala from Dive Aagar), then to Mangaon and so on as per earlier route (but in reverse order and directions). See to it that you have some companion while coming back via Tamhani Ghat in night because it is said that, It could not be so safe traveling alone through this Ghat (we had few more cars around us and found some two wheelers too, so I am not sure about this but lets be cautious) I am posting some of the pictures taken by me when I visited these places in October 2008.
Sand on Shrivardhan Beach
A ship leaving the seashore
Golden water and Golden boys
Dive Aagar beach, close to sunset
Harihareshwar
Live Fishing on Harihareshwar Beach
Suvarna Ganesh Temple, Dive Aagar
Kedareshwar Temple, Dive Aagar
Rup Narayan Temple, Dive Aagar
A click on the beach
Look at the sun light and object
Tamhani Ghat
Picture taken from running car
This sunrise was taken while the car was on its wayShivneri
(History)
Shivaji Maharaj was born on this fort in 1630 and was here till 1632, then this fort was won by Mughals in 1637. Maharaj attacked this fort for four times but could not succeed. This fort was never in “Swarajya” till about 1720 when “Shahu Maharaj” (grandson of Shivaji Maharaj) won it from Mughals. After that Shivneri was with “Peshwa” till British took over the Maratha Empire. Two kilometers away from this fort there are the “Lenyandri Cave” which is one of Ashtavinayak Temple in Maharastra. Closer from here, there is another fort named Jivdhan which is famous for trekking.
(Reach the base)
It is about 100 Kms from Pune. Junner (or say Kusur) is the base village for this fort. It's a Tahasil in Pune district. Better way is to go by ST from Pune to Junner (92-95 Kms) as first bus is at 6.00 AM from Pune and the last one is at 4.00 PM in the evening. Once you get down at Junner, enquire about the last bus going to Pune so that you can take maximum time to see the fort and sites nearby fort, like “Ozar” and “Lenyandri”. These three places can be covered in one day trip, if moved a little fast. From the bus station, you can see “Kamani Majjid”, “Birthplace of Shivaji Maharaj” and “Kadelot Point” along with the caves which are carved on the fort. Take the lrft turn from bus station and reach Shivaji statue (Shivaji Chowk), from here you take the left turn and walk upto 2 Kms to reach village “Kusur”. You will see a college on right hand side while going to “Kusur”, note this as landmark as you will come directly here while coming back. You can also take the bus running between Junner-Kusur but its frequency is very low so better to walk 2 Kms. From “Kusur”, take right turn which will take you on the fort.
(Reach the top)
While walking through the road to top you may observe the well maintained road, road barriers and fortification too. One has to pass through 7 main doors to reach the top of the fort. The names of these doors are as follows in the sequence they come – Maha Darwaja, Ganesh Darwaja, Pir Darwaja, Hatti Darwaja, Shivai Darwaja, Mena Darwaja and Kulup Darwaja. Another small door cum window is at Kadelot Tok called Kadelot Darwaja. There are number of gardens created, street lights installed and sign boards fixed on the way to fort. At first and second door, you can have a good view at both top and down side of the fort as you are at mid height. There is one more “Kaman” before third door, it is broken now but still you can see the ruins of its walls. You can go atop of third door and can again have some great views of nature and gardens on the fort. The distance between third and forth door is maximum amongst all doors and there are few rock cut steps also. Forth door is in the best condition, it has its wooden doors with great piece of craft on it. Big nails are fixed into it along with a small sub-door. You can have few minutes rest here as the cool wind and the chillness below the door roof temps you. One can even have few clicks from camera too. Once you pass this door, you can now go to Shivai Temple to take the blessings from Shivai Devi (on her name the “Raje” was named “Shivaji”) by passing through Shivai Darwaja. From the temple you can either go directly on fort or can choose to go to caves and then to fort. There are some good carvings in the rock that one can not afford to miss. I would suggest go and have a look at these caves, while coming back from there (again through Shivai Darwaja) take right side and keep moving up to reach the sixth door. It’s a double layered and low heighten door. After few more steps you reach the seventh and last door while reaching the top.
(About fort and sightseeing)
There is one more garden after seventh door on both sides and you may found few stalls too selling Lime Water, Butter Milk etc. You can take few minutes rest here and reach the “Ambarkhana” towards the right side. It was the place used to store grains on fort. It is in good condition, as one can go inside and on top of it to have better look at it. From here you can go on the top of a small hill to see the mosque and come back on the main road to head towards main fort. On this way, you will find the iron bars fixed on the deeper side of the road and you can also see the nice view of “Janmasthan”. After waking a bit, you will reach “Ganga-Jamuna Tanks”. These are twin water tanks with very good construction inside. There is one more tank beside these tanks. You can see the “Shiv-Kunj” beside these tanks, where the statue of Shivali Maharaj (as a child) and his mother Jijabai is kept in their memory. Note that there is a way beside “Shiv-Kunj” which will take you to down via some thrilling route, amazing caves and rock cut steps. Just ahead of “Shiv-Kunj”, is the “Kamani Majjid” and “Kamani Tank”. Moving ahead, you come to the ruins of “Royal Palace” which are in good condition. The bathroom having facility for preparing hot water and bathtub is just amazing, moreover the painting and crafting inside the bathroom is still in better condition. Beside this, is the “Birthplace of Shivaji Maharaj” (“Shivjanmasthan’). It is two storied building in very good condition. You can go inside this building and even on the first floor as wel. It is pleasant view from the top. One can have as many pictures as he/she wants here. Leaving this place behind, you come to see the “Badami Lake”. It is called so due to its “Heart Shape”. From here you have to walk some distance and reach the “Kadelot Point” where a small door is build called “Kadelot Darwaja”. This is the other end of fort. Go back to “Shiv-Kunj” from here and take the earlier mentioned route (The line saying…“Note that….”) to go down.
(Come down)
While going down, keep you balance towards the rock and towards the downside because it is quite dangerous at some point, but its still enjoyable patch for a trekker. After you cross the iron bar, go ahead instead of going down and have a look at one of the best cave in the world. You will be amazed by the carving and digging. You can see the window carved in a single/uncut rock and that giant door of the cave. Notice the “Ganesh Murthi” carved in the rock just when that iron rod’s patch ends. See the caves but don’t go more further and deep in greediness of getting more out of the trek, it could be hazards as the route and trees are not that good, so I suggest you all to be cautious. While coming down, you can see the “Teak Wood” trees as the base of “Shivneri” comes under reserved forest area. Cross the compound wall of forest safely and you are now near the college that came in midway while going to “Kusur”. From here, reach the bus station and either go to Lenyandri or go to Pune as per the time constraint. I am posting some of the pictures taken by me when i visited Shivneri in October 2008.
Shivaji Maharaj was born on this fort in 1630 and was here till 1632, then this fort was won by Mughals in 1637. Maharaj attacked this fort for four times but could not succeed. This fort was never in “Swarajya” till about 1720 when “Shahu Maharaj” (grandson of Shivaji Maharaj) won it from Mughals. After that Shivneri was with “Peshwa” till British took over the Maratha Empire. Two kilometers away from this fort there are the “Lenyandri Cave” which is one of Ashtavinayak Temple in Maharastra. Closer from here, there is another fort named Jivdhan which is famous for trekking.
(Reach the base)
It is about 100 Kms from Pune. Junner (or say Kusur) is the base village for this fort. It's a Tahasil in Pune district. Better way is to go by ST from Pune to Junner (92-95 Kms) as first bus is at 6.00 AM from Pune and the last one is at 4.00 PM in the evening. Once you get down at Junner, enquire about the last bus going to Pune so that you can take maximum time to see the fort and sites nearby fort, like “Ozar” and “Lenyandri”. These three places can be covered in one day trip, if moved a little fast. From the bus station, you can see “Kamani Majjid”, “Birthplace of Shivaji Maharaj” and “Kadelot Point” along with the caves which are carved on the fort. Take the lrft turn from bus station and reach Shivaji statue (Shivaji Chowk), from here you take the left turn and walk upto 2 Kms to reach village “Kusur”. You will see a college on right hand side while going to “Kusur”, note this as landmark as you will come directly here while coming back. You can also take the bus running between Junner-Kusur but its frequency is very low so better to walk 2 Kms. From “Kusur”, take right turn which will take you on the fort.
(Reach the top)
While walking through the road to top you may observe the well maintained road, road barriers and fortification too. One has to pass through 7 main doors to reach the top of the fort. The names of these doors are as follows in the sequence they come – Maha Darwaja, Ganesh Darwaja, Pir Darwaja, Hatti Darwaja, Shivai Darwaja, Mena Darwaja and Kulup Darwaja. Another small door cum window is at Kadelot Tok called Kadelot Darwaja. There are number of gardens created, street lights installed and sign boards fixed on the way to fort. At first and second door, you can have a good view at both top and down side of the fort as you are at mid height. There is one more “Kaman” before third door, it is broken now but still you can see the ruins of its walls. You can go atop of third door and can again have some great views of nature and gardens on the fort. The distance between third and forth door is maximum amongst all doors and there are few rock cut steps also. Forth door is in the best condition, it has its wooden doors with great piece of craft on it. Big nails are fixed into it along with a small sub-door. You can have few minutes rest here as the cool wind and the chillness below the door roof temps you. One can even have few clicks from camera too. Once you pass this door, you can now go to Shivai Temple to take the blessings from Shivai Devi (on her name the “Raje” was named “Shivaji”) by passing through Shivai Darwaja. From the temple you can either go directly on fort or can choose to go to caves and then to fort. There are some good carvings in the rock that one can not afford to miss. I would suggest go and have a look at these caves, while coming back from there (again through Shivai Darwaja) take right side and keep moving up to reach the sixth door. It’s a double layered and low heighten door. After few more steps you reach the seventh and last door while reaching the top.
(About fort and sightseeing)
There is one more garden after seventh door on both sides and you may found few stalls too selling Lime Water, Butter Milk etc. You can take few minutes rest here and reach the “Ambarkhana” towards the right side. It was the place used to store grains on fort. It is in good condition, as one can go inside and on top of it to have better look at it. From here you can go on the top of a small hill to see the mosque and come back on the main road to head towards main fort. On this way, you will find the iron bars fixed on the deeper side of the road and you can also see the nice view of “Janmasthan”. After waking a bit, you will reach “Ganga-Jamuna Tanks”. These are twin water tanks with very good construction inside. There is one more tank beside these tanks. You can see the “Shiv-Kunj” beside these tanks, where the statue of Shivali Maharaj (as a child) and his mother Jijabai is kept in their memory. Note that there is a way beside “Shiv-Kunj” which will take you to down via some thrilling route, amazing caves and rock cut steps. Just ahead of “Shiv-Kunj”, is the “Kamani Majjid” and “Kamani Tank”. Moving ahead, you come to the ruins of “Royal Palace” which are in good condition. The bathroom having facility for preparing hot water and bathtub is just amazing, moreover the painting and crafting inside the bathroom is still in better condition. Beside this, is the “Birthplace of Shivaji Maharaj” (“Shivjanmasthan’). It is two storied building in very good condition. You can go inside this building and even on the first floor as wel. It is pleasant view from the top. One can have as many pictures as he/she wants here. Leaving this place behind, you come to see the “Badami Lake”. It is called so due to its “Heart Shape”. From here you have to walk some distance and reach the “Kadelot Point” where a small door is build called “Kadelot Darwaja”. This is the other end of fort. Go back to “Shiv-Kunj” from here and take the earlier mentioned route (The line saying…“Note that….”) to go down.
(Come down)
While going down, keep you balance towards the rock and towards the downside because it is quite dangerous at some point, but its still enjoyable patch for a trekker. After you cross the iron bar, go ahead instead of going down and have a look at one of the best cave in the world. You will be amazed by the carving and digging. You can see the window carved in a single/uncut rock and that giant door of the cave. Notice the “Ganesh Murthi” carved in the rock just when that iron rod’s patch ends. See the caves but don’t go more further and deep in greediness of getting more out of the trek, it could be hazards as the route and trees are not that good, so I suggest you all to be cautious. While coming down, you can see the “Teak Wood” trees as the base of “Shivneri” comes under reserved forest area. Cross the compound wall of forest safely and you are now near the college that came in midway while going to “Kusur”. From here, reach the bus station and either go to Lenyandri or go to Pune as per the time constraint. I am posting some of the pictures taken by me when i visited Shivneri in October 2008.
Door 8 - Kadelot Darwaja
A cave on the way to fort
A window carved in uncut/single rock
The way, it was damn HOT
Shivai Devi's Temple
Door 7 - Kulup Darwaja
Door 6 - Dindi/Mena Darwaja
Shiv-Janm Sthan
Birthplace of Shivaji Maharaj
Door 1 - Mahadarwaja
Door 2 - Ganesh Darwaja
Door 3 - Peer Darwaja
Door 4 - Hatti Darwaja
Door 5 - Shivai Darwaja
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