Exploration - Trip to 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.

Abhijit More

Pune

Travel - Trip to Panshet Backwaters

Trip to Panshet Backwaters

After a month of our Baneshwar trip, we were off again on another crusade of our little family. This time it was Panshet backwater areas. We did not have a designated location to go and visit, but to generally visit the area and see nearby areas. The backwaters are located about 70kms from PCMC. We visited Dapkeghar, and Kuran areas.👋👊👌👍✌🚗🚗🚩

Backwaters of Panshet - waiting for the rains to fill in

Opening up to enjoy the day

Beautiful backwater areas

We carried some snacks with us which we enjoyed while waiting in the shade of our car. It was very humid that day. Hence the car too had overheated, so we also gave our car a little rest as well.

Enjoying the snacks in the car shades

Enjoying the view and the snacks

We also made a few videos of the road which was very scenic as well as full of turns all the way.

Enjoying the fruits of nature

While driving down the road, we also came across wild Mango trees where we gathered the raw and ready to eat Mangoes.

We waited at the cross roads of Panshet Dam, Dapeghar and Kuran as there is a MTDC hotel there. While we visited that hotel for some snack, it was unfortunately closed due to the mid-day break.

Kid enjoying the Bayan Tree Vines for playing

On the way back, we stopped along the road which also was kissed by the the Panshet backwaters. We had carried extra clothes for the kid as we were aware that the kid would definitely play in the water.

 

And with this we ended our day and returned back home, it was a very fulfilling and enjoyable trip.

Abhijit More

Pune

Travel - Trip to Baneshwar

Travelogue - Short Trip to Baneshwar

I had come to know of Baneshwar from my colleague. It was the beginning of May and the peak summer was just staring. We as family wanted to go out to a people friendly place so we chose Baneshwar. We packed our lunch and post breakfast were off to Baneshwar in our little Maruti Ritz.🚗🏡🚶🌞🌞

About Baneshwar

The thought of building a Shivalay in a forested area beside the river ShivGanga was that of Peshwa Nanasaheb and was built in the year 1749. Baneshwar is located 45 kms from Pune in the village Nasrapur and located on Latlong 18.34°N 73.47°E 🚩🚩and about 54kms from PCMC.

Entrance to Baneshwar Temple

Baneshwar Temple Placard

While photography was prohibited in the temple, I was able to take a few pictures outside the temple. When we visited the temple was under restoration for coloring as well as some minor repairs too were happening. There is a 18th-century Baneshwar Temple near Pune features a historic bell, captured by Chimaji Appa after defeating the Portuguese in the 1739 Battle of Vasai. Dating back to 1683 and marked with a Christian Cross, this bell signifies the Maratha victory and is one of several similar war trophies taken from churches during that era.

Portuguese Bell as a victory simple 

Nandi placed outside

Turtles taking a dip and balancing on the planks

Fishes and Turtles in the temple pond

Natural water getting added to the temple pond

There is a garden near the temple where you can walk to and spend some quality time. During the rainy / monsoon season the place is even better to visit and full of green landscapes all over. It is also famous to have a waterfall which obviously was not there as we visited in May.

Baneshwar Garden

The garden was good and you do get some basic food which is supplied by the vendors. The place also has some adventure activity games which one can pay and enjoy. Overall it was a very light and fulfilling trip.🚗🚘🚦🚩

Abhijit More

Pune