Ignited Minds - Trip to Science Park and Museum

Trip to PCMC Science Park and Museum for Ignited Minds

Kid was bored and wanted to go to a place where he could spend his energy and what other place than a trip to the science museum located in PCMC. I thought the science museum will help trigger the kid and make him curious. When I was young I had a very rare opportunity to meet and see Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. Meeting him in the younger years triggered the necessity to explore science and the same had come back in the form of triggering the young minds of my kid. "Ignited Minds" with this thought in mind, off we travelled. 

Science Park Center in PCMC

So we bought all the show tickets and entered the science park from some fun. This was my 1st kids visit to something completely different and encouraging them to think.

Exploring MiG-23

As soon as you enter the science park you are greeted a hello from the MiG-23. The flight on display has been a war-veteran and was used during various missions in the yester years.

Kid started asking various Qs as to what all aspects of the aircraft meant and what was defined as Air-Force. The displayed plane can be touched and photographed and there is no restrictions on the same.

Kid exploring the plane

Exploring the Science Park

Once we were done exploring the MiG-23, we entered the main building. Since it was a weekend and rained heavily the other night, there was a good rush of people visiting the Science Center. The Science Center is divided into 4 areas. As you enter, at the ground floor, you will find the automobile section where the center has various artifacts which explain the various parts of the automobile and how the industry works.

PSLV Experiment

Trying to understand Linear Motion for a Circular Object

The very first Mercedes Benz ever crafted

Exploring the first steam engine

Exploring how a truck works

Exploring Tires

Tickets Showcasing the various shows

Exploring the Tarangan
The 2nd part of the building contains the Tarangan or Space Center. Here we had a 30 mins show which showcased the current stars in the sky even during the day as well as a video film on the theme of that day.

Space Center

Post exploring the science center we moved to the upper floor which contained various physics and solar experiments.

Science Lab for kids to explore

Indian Minds which inspired the World

Lantern Making Activity

That day at the Science Center there was Lantern making activity which was simplistic in nature and was without the use of sticky gums. It was which paper cut outs and rubber bands and the kids were put to task for creating one for themselves.

and with that activity it was a wrap for the science park. Due to rains and muddy outfield, we could not take a look at the garden which also have various science experiments. Overall a good day to spend with kids to trigger their minds and start asking the correct science questions.

One can explore the science park by visiting their website here --> https://www.pcsciencepark.org/

Visit Shivsrushti - Historic Theme Park in Pune

 Shivsrushti

I was in office when one of my colleagues talked about Shivsrusti. I asked him what was it about and he mentioned that I visit rather than him discussing and letting me know more about it. All this discussion stemmed from the fact that I was into trekking and liked travelling and was curious about history and historical places.

Discussed the same with my family and they too were ready to visit along with me. It was decided that we would visit on the weekend of 23rd June. So we set the map to Shivsrusthi and off we went. From PCMC, Shivsrusti is located on 18.49° N, 73.83° E which is around 30 kms. Its located on the Pune-Katraj by-pass road that connects directly towards Katraj bus-stop or Katraj Zoo.🚩🚩🚩🚗🚗🚗

Entrance to Shivsrusti

We reached Shivsrusti post lunch, there is ample space for parking and while walking towards the entrance, you get to see this beautiful entrance as if you are entering a different era altogether.

Outer wall of the the Shivsrusti Wada

Beautiful Scenic View inside the Wada

While the family team was buying the tickets, I was busy clicking some pics. The tickets cost are as follows. You can also visit the website --> https://www.shivsrushti.com/ for more details

Post the purchase of tickets, we entered the inner wada walls and were amazed to see how beautifully the theme park was designed.

Padma Vibhushan Babasaheb Purandare

As mentioned on the Shivsrusthi website, the vision and mission of the organization is as follows:

"At Maharaja Shivachhatrapati Pratishthan, we are dedicated to linking contemporary society with its historical roots. Our mission is to preserve, propagate, and share the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the rich Maratha culture. We aim to engage people from all walks of life in a meaningful exploration of this heritage.

We are committed to deepening understanding of the past and applying it to the present and future. By educating and advocating for Maratha history, we strive to create a greater appreciation for Maharashtra’s cultural legacy. Our efforts reflect a fundamental obligation to leave our community and the world in a better state for future generations.

Through interactive and sustainable initiatives, we seek to inspire a passion for this bygone era, fostering a strong sense of community and belonging. Our goal is to ensure that the vibrant heritage of the Marathas continues to enrich and inspire future generations."

What awaits you at Shivsrusti

There are planned shows of which 4 shows were of operational nature as the entire theme park is being built. The 4 shows consists of

1st - Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Escape from Agra

This show is about the escape made from Agra and the documentation of the same done

2nd - Raigad 3D tour

Here we get to see the 3D drone video of Raigad the capital of Maratha Empire

3rd - Durga Vaibhav: The Majestic Forts

4th - Shrimantyogi 

This show is very emotional and explains why Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj established the Hindavi Swaraj. Here we emotionally see Shivaji Maharaj speaking to us to continue the thought process.

We understood that this was a complete half day tour as it take about an 30 mins per show while the visit to the various 3D forts takes more time as it was story behind each one of them.

Fort Show

The first show that we visited was the most important forts of Maratha Empire and the various valor stories surrounding the same.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Kundali on display

Treaty of Purander Discussion shown with Raja Jai Singh I

Depiction of the forts which were handed over during the Treaty of Purander

The Battle of Purander

Sacrifice of Murarbaji Deshpande during Battle of Purander

Veer Bajiprabhu Despande during the dramatization of Panhala to Vishalgad

Torna as per the British Era Maps

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj depicted as Narsimha

Sindhudurg

Foundation of Indian Navy laid down by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

Also showcasing the various types of ships that were built by the Marathas during the era.

Shastra Dalan

Post visiting and experiencing the forts, we were off to the museum of armory. In this we would get to see various weapons of the era. This is very well explained by the very learned staff of Shivsrushti.

The personal weapons of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

Gallery of Enemies of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Marathas

The coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

At the end

Me with the kid 

Travel Itinerary

1. Travel via bus to Katraj and then via Rick to Shivsrushti

2. You can also bring you personal vehicle. The parking is free of cost and there is ample space to park

3. Expect to spend 3-4hrs at the location, would recommend listening and attending all the shows first and then going back for quick photos or do it while going through the tour.

4. You can carry your own food and have it at the basement canteen. There are less to no options for food at the place. May be in the future the place may have a good canteen.

5. Avoid any specific holidays to peacefully visit and enjoy the tour.

6. Early tour time would be better.

7. Do visit their site for booking

Until next trip, happy travelling.