Baneshwar, the site of an old Shiva temple, is located about 40 km from Pune.
We headed to Baneshwar on a Saturday morning. The small charming temple is surrounded by a forest, and hence the name ‘Baneshwar’. In the temple premises, Junior was drawn to a couple of tanks and their inhabitants (turtles and fish).
Outside the temple, several walking paths trace routes through the green environs; one of these paths leads to a waterfall. The tall trees provided a cool cover from the heat and we enjoyed a pleasant stroll. Junior loved the abundance of open space here and engaged in one of his favorite activities – climbing trees. You can climb the watchtowers at various locations for a view of the surrounding areas and the hills in the distance.
Unfortunately, when we visited, the waterfall was almost completely dry and ready to receive this year’s monsoon showers.
We spent a couple of hours walking around and exploring the children’s park, several picnic spots, a garden, a nursery, and a small museum with information about the flora and fauna of the region.
If you are looking to spend a few hours at a serene location, add Baneshwar to your list!
Useful Information:
– Baneshwar is situated about 40 km from Pune (approximately an hour by car). To reach Baneshwar, take the Pune-Satara highway and turn (right) at the village of Nasarapur. The temple is located approximately 1.5 – 2 km from the highway.
– A nominal fee is charged for entry to the surrounding forest area.
– Bring a picnic lunch if you’d like and enjoy it at one of the tranquil green spots.