Unfortunately, this year, the scenery has changed upside down. Though the weather is still pleasant, it is unsafe for us to go out on vacations. Monsoon is arriving and we are craving for getting out in the pitter-patter. As we continue to take care of ourselves and be safe inside our homes, a little future planning never hurts. Let us all hope the good old times are back again and keep our monsoon holiday plans ready. 

Hill stations of Maharashtra have been a famous tourist attraction all year round. But the demand for embracing the beauty of hills double up during the monsoon season. Plan you trip for a safe and refreshing abode out in the forest and mountain tops.

Lonavala – Khandala

• Location: 64 km from Pune
• Major Attraction: Groundnut Chikki, Imagica
• How to reach: Mumbai-Pune expressway, Lonavala railway station

Famous for being the weekend getaway destination for city hustlers of Pune and Mumbai. Lonavala and Khandala are very close to each in distance and serenity. The lush greens of these hill stations do not fail to attract tourists in large numbers especially during monsoon. 

Lonavala is a complete package for your monsoon getaway with foggy hills and beautiful sunsets at mesmerizing hill points. The town is famous for its groundnut Chikki as well as the extra – fun theme park, Imagica.

You can spend a little moment of bliss in nature with sunsets at Rajmachi point, Tiger’s point, Duke’s nose point and many more. 

Malshej Ghat

• Location: Thane – Ahmednagar Border
• Major Attraction:  Valley-views in Sahyadri ranges
• How to reach: By road, Kalyan Highway, Nashik Highway

Have you ever listened about the secret heavens hidden in the middle of nowhere? It is the perfect analogy of Malshej Ghats. A series of mountain ranges often create something beautiful and hide them in the valleys. One such valley is Malshej. Located between Thane and Ahmednagar borders, this hill station has an abundance of whatever nature has to offer. From beautiful blooms of green all year round to fauna extending its empire among the deep valleys, the ghats are home to all. And monsoon is the perfect season for you to accept the invitation from these ghats. Take a break from your routine and monsoon blues in the city, to spend a weekend in peace. It has special fond for bird enthusiast is you are one. August and September is the best time to visit as it is the time when we witness exotic flamingos in the valleys.

Mahabaleshwar – Panchgani

• Location: Satara 
• Major Attraction: Strawberries, Pleasant weather
• How to reach: By road from Pune, Satara or Mumbai

Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani are situated at a distance of 69 km from each other. Both being equally breath-taking destinations, Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani can be a combo you need this monsoon. Far far away from the urban chants, these destinations are highly famous for their pleasant weather. However, in monsoon season, the weather takes a turn and doubles up the pleasure of being on a holiday. Along with the cold weather, places like Venna Lake and Mapro Garden increase the charm of the tour. Massive mountains and waterfalls gushing down through them in a hurry to rock the hymns of nature will take your breath away.

Matheran

•  Location: Karjat
• Major Attraction: Toy Train
• How to reach:  By road from Mumbai, Horse Carts

Matheran is one of the smallest hill stations in India, yet one of the most beautiful ones. Matheran is situated at a height of 800 m above sea level in the district of Karjat with the town Neral surrounding it. The place is famous for being a small hideout among the hills. The major attractions of Matheran are its pathways studded with green lush and the evergreen toy train. You can have a jolly ride in the valleys of the western ghats and make beautiful memories alongside your loved ones.

 There are many places in Matheran to visit and adore like sunset point, paymaster park, charlotte lake, etc.

Bhandardara

• Location: Ahmednagar
• Major Attraction: waterfalls and forts
• How to reach:  Igatpuri Railway station

Situated near Igatpuri, this hill station has been enriched with nature as well as history. Many forts lie in this part of the state, one being the famous Ratangad fort. Other major attractions include Wilson Dam, Arthur Lake, Mahangad fort, Alang fort, etc. Mount Kalsubai, the highest peak in Maharashtra is also located in Bhandardara which makes it a huge attraction for trekkers. There is more to Bhandardara than just historical presence amidst it. Beautiful waterfalls are what this hill station is all about. Some of the most famous ones are reverse fall, Nhani Fall, Randha Fall and Necklace Fall.

Maharashtra has been home to beautiful sceneries since ages. And it seems like all of the nature’s gifts take rebirth and rejuvenate during monsoon season every year. Birds flap their washing the water away from their feathers and flowers bloom as if they want to collect dewdrops on them. Massive mountains become mothers and welcome one and all, including the tourists. Become a part of this fair, because it has a lot to offer in just one-weekend getaway.

Unfortunately, this year, the scenery has changed upside down. Though the weather is still pleasant, it is unsafe for us to go out on vacations. Monsoon is arriving and we are craving for getting out in the pitter-patter. As we continue to take care of ourselves and be safe inside our homes, a little future planning never hurts. Let us all hope the good old times are back again and keep our monsoon holiday plans ready. 

The most visited locations in monsoon season are the Ashtavinayak temples. Ashtavinayak is a Sanskrit word which means eight Ganpati. All the eight temples are of Lord Ganesha, the Hindu god of learning and prosperity. The Ashtavinayak yatra is considered very holy for all Hindus. The temples are situated around Pune and the yatra is usually a three-day trip. 

1. Mayureshwar 

• Location: Morgaon, Pune
• Distance from Pune: 66 km
• Major Attraction: Idol sits on a statue of a peacock

The first temple to be visited on Ashtavinayak yatra is Mayureshwar situated in Morgaon. The idol of Lord Ganesha in this temple is riding a peacock hence the name has been derived. There is an idol of Nandi in front of Lord’s idol which is usually found only in Lord Shiva’s temples. 

The temple walls are 5 feet high and have four minarets (pillars) at each corner making it look like a mosque from a distance. The architecture was built in such a way that the Mughals could not identify it as a temple and approach to destroy it.

The name Mayureshwar and Morgaon come from the belief that the village was home to hundreds of peacocks. Even the village’s outline is in the shape of a peacock. Mayureshwar is considered as the most important temple of Ashtavinayak and should be visited twice to complete the yatra. 

2. Siddhivinayak 

• Location: Siddhatek, Ahmednagar
• Distance from Pune: 98.9 km
• Major Attraction: Road is built by Maratha General, Haripant Phadake

Siddhivinayak temple in Siddhatek is considered as the second temple to be visited in Ashtavinayak Yatra. It is believed that Lord Vishnu fought the asuras Madhu and Kaitabha after establishing this temple.

Out of all the temples, the only idol with a right-sided trunk is found in Siddhatek temple. To complete one Pradakshina of the temple, pilgrims have to complete a round of the hillock the temple is situated on. The temple and lord’s idol face north in Siddhivinayak.

Apart from mythological history, the temple is connected to the Maratha Empire as well. The road to the temple was built by the Maratha general Haripant Phadake after he found victory in the war of Badami Castle. The road was built by the stones, Maratha general brought from the Badami Castle as a gift to the blessings he sought from Lord Ganesha in Siddhatek.

3. Ballaleshwar

• Location: Pali, Raigad
• Distance from Pune: 123.9 km
• Major Attraction: Built in the memory of devotee of Lord Ganesha

This temple has a mythological story bound to it. The temple was built in the memory of a devotee of Lord Ganesha named Ballala. He was beaten by the villagers and his father to be such a strict devotee of Ganesha. While the violence started increasing, it is believed lord himself came upon earth to save his devotee.

Ballaleshwar temple was originally constructed from wood which was later reconstructed from stones by Nana Phadanvis in 1760. The temple faces east and has two sanctums. Along with the idol of Ganesha, there is also a statue of Mushak (mouse) holding a Modak (Indian sweet). 

4. Varadvinayak

• Location: Mahad, Raigad
• Distance from Pune: 89.1 km
• Major Attraction: Idol originally found in a nearby river

The idol of Lord Ganesha in Mahad is called Varadavinayak, which means the giver of bounty and success. The idol which now resides in the temple with complete glory was originally found in a nearby river, half immersed. Hence the statue has a slightly weathered look. The trunk turns right of Varadvinayak idol. The idol was found by Mr Dhondu Paudkar in 1690 AD while it was established in the temple much later in 1725 ad by Mr Ramji Biwalkar. After the temple was constructed, the Subhedar of those days decided to establish a village around and thus the Mahad village came into being. There are multiple religious stories and miracles attached to the Varad Vinayak statue, usually spoken by the locals and pandits in the temple.

5. Chintamani

• Location: Theur, Pune
• Distance from Pune: 26.9 km
• Major Attraction: Diamond studded idol

After Lord Ganesha brought back the precious jewel called Chintamani from asuras for sage Kapila, The sage gifted two diamonds to the lord which now rest on his trunk. This incident took place under the Kadamba tree hence the village was also called Kadamb Nagar in old times. The wooden wall outside the temple is believed to be built by the Peshwas. The idol faces east while the entrance of the temple faces north in Chintamani temple.  

6. Girijatamaj

• Location: Lenyadri, Pune
• Distance from Pune: 100.6 km
• Major Attraction: Idol situated in Buddhist caves

This temple is the most unique temple of all. The temple is one of the 18 Buddhist complex caves and stands eighth in ascending order. The temple faces south while the deity faces north and his trunk is left-sided. The temple is carved out of one huge stone and has 307 steps leading to it. There is no electricity in the temple. Still, the temple is built in such a way that it is always lit during the day. There are no supporting pillars in the temple which still amazes the visitors. Even the statue is a bit different as compared to the others. It is not very well carved like the other Vinayaka. The famous Shivneri fort is at a distance of 5-6 km from the temple.

7. Vighneshwar

• Location: Ozar, Pune
• Distance from Pune: 85 km
• Major Attraction: Idol called as Vighneshwar Vinayak

The idol in this temple is called as Shri Vighneshwar Vinayak. The story behind this title of Ganesha is in the times Ganesha destroyed all that created obstacles in holy offerings. The asura Vighnasur was created by Lord Indra to disturb the royal offerings to deities. Lord Ganesha fought Vighansur and defeated him. He asked for a favour that his name should always be taken before the lord’s name. Hence the name came to be.

The temple is 20 feet long. It has a thick stone wall surrounding it. The trunk of Ganesha sides on the left and there are rubies as eyes in this statue.

8. MahaGanapati

• Location: Ranjangaon, Pune
• Distance from Pune: 128.3 km
• Major Attraction: Idol built by Lord Shiva 

Mahaganpati of Ranjangaon is the eight and last Ashtavinayak. This temple is believed to be established by Lord Shiva himself. When Lord Shiva set out to fight demon Tripurasura, he took blessings from Lord Ganesha in this temple. The town lord shiva set up around the temple was called as Manipura now known as Ranjangaon.

The idol of Lord Ganpati has statues of his wives Riddhi Siddhi seated beside him. His trunk turns left. It is also believed that the real idol is hidden somewhere in the vault behind. It is a common belief among the locals that the real idol has 20 trunks and 20 arms. But the belief is not yet proven. 

The temple was reconstructed by the Peshwas and Peshwa Madhav Rao looked after the well being of pilgrims visiting the temple.

Ashtavinayak Yatra is completed after a pilgrim visits all the eight Ganesha temples and pays his tribute one again at Mayureshwar. Ashtavinayak yatra is a popular religious tour choice in all the seasons. But, still the lush greens that decorate the outskirts of temples are heavenly sceneries to watch in monsoon and attracts more tourists. The pleasure of long drives and family vacations is the highest up in this religious tour. If you are planning to have a short family tour, this is a perfect choice. 

Many unknown pages of mythological history open as you linger around the walls of these beautiful ancient temples. It is a tour closer to our roots and far from the city hustle. Your trip can make memories that will never fade just like these temples and their stories! 

“Our culture is a shield protecting us from the seen and unseen,

Our culture is a horn carrying our divine given domain,

Binding the creeping blank ant to the majestic savannah baobab,

Binding an ancient stone to a running thought.”          – Yunus Hina Rafiki

Maharashtra is looked up as one of the most ancient lands biding with a rich cultural history.  It has seen the most number of cultural and local diversities into people, cuisines, folklores and princely rulers. Counting on prime cities of the state, Pune shines as the cultural capital of Maharashtra. From the very beginning of human history and tales rushing around with the winds, the land where Pune stands today has been on the headings of those tales. 

 A glance into the past.

Pune is considered as one of the oldest cities of Maharashtra as the record of events occurring on this piece of land goes to the 5 the century. The Kasaba Peth located in the heart of Pune was built back in the 6th century while the first human settlement shown by the archaeological studies is recorded in the 8th century. A city holding such ancient history is sure to have been named and renamed numerous times since the beginning of time. Starting with the name “Punnaka”, Punekavadi, Punevadi, Kasabe Pune were the popular names this city has witnessed. 

The cultural heritage of this city took up first place in the books of luxury during the reigns of Shivaji Maharaj, followed by Sambhaji Maharaj and Peshwa Bajirao. Always being the shining star in the eyes of Maharashtrian people, Pune till date receives a lot of love in the forms of festivals, fairs, and massive tourism. 

Relishing cuisines

Puneri Cuisine

It is always said that land full of colours and cultures, is a land abundant in delicacies. For a city to be a stop by for hundreds of diversities, each one of those has left a hint of deliciousness as a sweet offering for the city. The cuisine of Pune is dominated by a variety of Maharashtrian dishes such as Puran Poli(a sweet bread stuffed with pulses and butter), Amti(a sour and spicy curry of sprouts), Pithla Bhakri(hard bread of Jowar and semi-solid yellow curry) and much more. The king of all dishes in Pune is well known by the name of Missal Pav and is favourite of the locals. Similar to the common nature of the locals here, the popular dessert of Pune is called Mastani, which is savoury sweet. 

Pune offers more than just Maharashtrian cuisines.

As Pune has become an IT hub and home to people from a variety of cultures in the past few decades, we can find restaurants serving cuisines from all parts of Maharashtra here. The city never lags in taking care of its foreign residents and offers dishes from American, English, Asian and Italian cuisines as well. You will never run out of choices when it comes to serving your taste buds in Pune.

The parade of Festivals

1. Ganesh Chaturthi

As the cultural heritage goes long back in time, so does the history of celebrations. The festival with the most hustle bustle is called Ganesh Chaturthi, taking place for 10 days during the months of August-September. Ganesh Chaturthi was founded by the famous freedom fighter Lokmanya Tilak during the struggle for independence to bring harmony and happiness among the people. This festival gave birth to a miraculous form of music and religious rallies held by youngsters showcasing their skills and love for the art form called Pathak. People come from faraway lands to witness this celebratory event and feel the sparks in the air. The excitement picks up the whole city into the air of joy during this season.

2.Savai Gandharva

The second most famous festival in the city is called the Savai Gandharva festival, which is also the biggest classical festival in India. This festival showcases numerous classical art forms and a blend of Maratha cultures for 3 nights.

3. Shaniwarwada Music Festival.

Apart from these culturally rich festivals, the Shaniwarwada festival has more threads attached to history. The beautiful monument of Shaniwarwada itself being a magnificent backdrop for the performing arts, this celebration invites the most talented stars from the film industry to be the audience. Occurring during winter nights, the colours become the perfect contrast to the cold blue sky. Hence, the perfect blend of colourful warmth and comforting cool breeze at this open festival offers a hug of love to all its spectators. 

Pune being a welcoming home to all colours, casts and culture have become the favourite city to all it residentials and visitors. As soon as we enter the city, the fragrances of relishes and delights await to embrace us. How a city contains so much on the inside? Is a question that continues to woo thousands of people. Lush greenery decorates the city all year round. How can you ever miss out on a travel marvel like this one?

And how can love for Maharashtrian street food be neglected by its people and tourists? Maharashtra has always been a land of rich cultural heritage and superbly delicious food. The essence of the spices and flavours of street food here, have found their way and seeped into the veins of tourists as well as the locals here. Maharashtra has hence become a heaven for street foodies.

Just as many flavour-balls burst into your mouth when heard about street food, the same is the number of varieties available in delicacies here. The street food in Maharashtra has discovered regional diversities over the decades. Here are some prime ones presented to you briefly in a platter. Ready to get your mouth watering?

1.The Pav Parade.

  The variety of dishes involving the renowned Pav(bread) is astonishing as well as yummmm. Pav(bread) is involved in almost all yummy street food dishes and it can be said that it has become the staple for street food lovers here. The hierarchy of the Pav parade is here to stun you.

1.World-famous Pav bhaji.

Grab your gateway of Mumbai pav bhaji!

Pav bhaji is the best opener when people wish to try Maharashtrian street food. This dish does not have any haters. Pav bhaji is found all around Maharashtra in local restaurants as well as street food stalls. Pav bhaji usually consists of Pav(bread) roasted with butter and spicy mix veg curry cooked in butter as well. Sounds super delicious, doesn’t it?

2.The ultimate battle: Misal Pav vs Vada pav.

Searching for Misal Pav places? Find them Here!

Misal pav and Vada pav are one of the most famous dishes among the street food of Maharashtra. Although both the dishes are extremely tasty and alluring, these are known to belong to Pune and Mumbai respectively. Missal pav consists of pav and spicy sprouts curry seasoned with freshly cut onions and Shev(fried noodles). Whereas, Vada pav has a potato patty locally called Vada placed inside the pav(bread) served with fried green chillies. Both dishes are loved for the hot and spicy flavour.

3. Non-Vegetarian Pavs.

Here are some suggestions, where to find delicious kheema pav in Pune and in Mumbai.

Bhurji pav made from scrambled eggs and pav and kheema pav cooked from finely cut chicken or mutton also served with pav are the two non-vegetarian pav dishes which non-veg lovers drool on. Both are stars of Mumbai street food.

2.The famous Indian Chinese.

Want to know more about Indian Chinese food and its origins? Click here!

Indians have invented their version of Chinese food. Luckily, this experiment has turned out to give wonderfully tasty results. The Indian Chinese originates from the street food stalls and keep its track record of being consistently delicious. You can find a huge variety of Chinese food with Indian flavours including noodles, Chow Mein, Manchurian, Chop suey and much more. Moreover, Indians have created their Hybrid Chinese dish called as Chinese Bhel and Chinese Maggi. Both these dishes are attracting the limelight on the Chinese street food stage.

3. Land of Momos.

The best momo places are just around the corner. Haven’t you checked them out yet?

Wandering its way right from the northeast of India, Momos has become love for the locals of Maharashtra. Even the tourists visiting Maharashtra are stunned looking at the momos going viral here. The love for Momos has become a constant due to its exotic flavours. This delicacy is popular in the western parts of Maharashtra including Mumbai and Pune as the prime momo-serving cities. Momos, in some places, are also called dim sums and are available in a wide variety from veg momos to non-veg momos and paneer momos. These are steamed or fried dumplings with delightful fillings served with mayonnaise and Schezwan. Excited to get an entry ticket to the land of momos?

4.The Puri dynasty.

Chaats have been an all-time favourite dish for Indian foodies. Different types of chaats have delighted the taste buds of foreign tourists as well. Among different kinds of chaats, the dishes involving Puri have a special place in the hearts of street food lovers. Panipuri is considered as the king of chaats and is loved widely all over Maharashtra.

Still, counting the types of chaats that are there to yummy-fy your tastebuds? Try finding them here.

 Whereas, Sev puri and Dahi puri are also counted among mouth-watering dishes. Puri is a fried bread made out of whole wheat flour or Maida. In Pani puri, the puri (fried bread) is stuffed with spicy mint flavoured drink and boiled mashed potatoes. The Dahi puri has puri stuffed with Dahi (curd) and Sev puri with Sev(fried noodles). The famous SPDP served in the streets of Pune and Mumbai is an abbreviation of Shev Puri Dahi Puri.

5. Chaat Express 

The chaats further take on the trail with a wide range of chaats not involving Puris(fried bread). These groups of chaats include Ragda Patty, made of potato bread patties served with hot chana curry; Dabeli, a delicacy originated in Gujarat; Bhel, it is a mixture of stuff only Indians can decode out of which Bombay Bhel is very famous. Other varieties of chaat include Samosa chaat, Kachori chaat, Dahi chaat, etc. You can find varieties of chaat all over Maharashtra.

6.The DESSERT! (Kuch Meetha ho Jaye!)

Here’s a guide to show you the best Indian desserts of all time?

Every meal is incomplete without fulfilling your sweet-buds. The street food vendors follow the same rule. Maharashtra has a wide range of sweets and some are marking their way in the street food menus too. 

Some of these popular desserts are Malai Kulfi, Falooda, Pot ice creams, Lassi, Milkshakes, Ice Golas, etc. Malai kulfi is a milky popsicle and you can drool over the creaminess of it. Whereas, pot ice creams are ice creams served in earthen pots treating you with the coolest desi flavours. Lassi, a milkshake originating in Punjab, with a lot of creams and quirky sweetness. These delicacies are found all over Maharashtra with variations in flavours and cooking styles. Street food Vendors in Maharashtra make sure that foodies with a sweet tooth do not go disappointed. 

Until now, you might have mouth-watering daydreams. Why wait? Won’t you try and grab yourself with some yummy delicacies served here?  Are you ready to drool over the street food in Maharashtra?