Baneshwar, Nasrapur Trip with Arya, Yogesh, Mom and Dad

Mom and dad were at my house during the last weekend. I was getting bored at home and wanted Arya to roam a bit too, so I suggested going to Baneshwar. Dad had never been there.

We took off on Sunday the 15^th of June at 1 pm from Wakad. We crossed Katraj, Koparhol (where there is Prati-Balaji temple) and kept driving. Somehow we thought we lost the turn. After asking around, we found that we have driven farther from the temple. So we took a U-turn and went back.

We had to take the Shelar phata (crossing) near Nasrapur. Inside Nasrapur there is a cute and crowded marketplace. The roads are narrow too. About 2 kms from the Phata, we reached the entrance to the temple.

Like a switch of a button we noticed the change - the silence, the clear and fresh air, the greenery, were very inviting.

Baneshwar is a Temple of Lord Shiva at Nasrapur, located at about 40km from Pune. It was constructed by Nanasaheb Peshwa. It has an antique bell brought from Goa and put there by Chimaji Appa. The temple is located amidst lush greenery as it is a forest reserve. It has various species of trees, birds and butterflies. It even has a small river flowing at the back! But since we visited in June, it didn’t have much water. I think by August it will have a good flow.

In front of the main temple, there are 2 ponds filled with fish and turtles. It is a welcome attraction for the kids. Arya loved looking at them for a long time!
 


Arya and tortoises at Baneshwar pond

Baneshwar temple pond with fish






A view from the Baneshwar jungle
 




Garden and children's park in Baneshwar



Mom & Dad at Baneshwar Jungle

Baneshwar forest reserve

He came inside with us for darshan and sat inside for a few moments. The temple is clean and well maintained.
We bought jamuns from a vendor there (at half the price compared to Pune). In the gardens, Arya was totally his own man, all charged up and taking any road he liked. We followed him and kept clicking photos.


After looking at the river and the green surroundings, we went to the play park made there for kids. It started raining heavily and lasted for 30 mins. We enjoyed watching the rain from a shelter. I had my fill of sitting on a swing (in the rain!)

We left the playground and went to one of the 2 tapris (hotels) near the temple. It was fun to eat vada pav and drink a steaming cup of tea in the rains!

On our way back Yogesh showed us the Kailas bhel shop. I had been there with him about 5 years ago, when it was a small place. Now it is looks like a mall with so many options and so many things to buy from. The taste is still good.

We bought so many Figs and vegetables from the nearby vendors at such cheaper prices. That in itself would have made my day!

On our way back the traffic was a little heavy, but we reached by 7 pm.

Baneshwar, Nasrapur is a perfect one day picnic destination for families around Pune. Go prepared with toys for kids, mats to sit, and some eatables! Enjoy! 
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