After our summer break, now it’s time to gear up for Monsoon picnics. Before monsoon hits Pune area, I thought of visiting Panshet Dam - a nearby half day picnic spot. June around the corner, clouds over the sun and some cool breezes is the nature's way of telling us the advent of monsoon.
About Panshet Dam:
Panshet Dam is one of the most popular places near Pune. It is situated around 44 km southwest of a Pune city. Panshet Dam, also called Tanajisagar Dam, is built over Ambi River. This Lake is nested in the lap of Sahyadri mountain ranges and surrounded by lush green hills streaked with numerous waterfalls. It supplies drinking water to the city.
There are two ways to reach Panshet Dam. One is Kothrud, Pune – Rajaram Bridge – Take a right turn at the end of bridge – follow the main road – (Do not turn at national highway bypass flyover, follow Sinhagad road only) – Khadakwasla - Donaje Phata – Take a right to reach Panshet Dam.
Another route is Kothrud, Pune – Warje Malwadi road – Uttam Nagar – Near Khadakwasla Dam there is a junction – Take left (Straight road will take you to peacock bay) for Khadakwasla - Donaje Phata – Take a right to reach Panshet Dam.
About Panshet Dam history, it was built in the 50s. Panshet Dam burst in its first year of storing water on 12 July 1961, when the dam wall burst, causing massive flooding in Pune. Although this caused a significant loss of property, there was little to no loss of human life. Between June 18 and July 12, 1961, the recorded rainfall was 1778 mm. The rain caused such a rapid rise of the reservoir water level that the new embankment could not adjust to the new loading condition.
There are lots of local restaurant on the way to Sinhagad from Panshet Dam. One of my favorites is “Hotel Shetkari”. Pithle-Bhakri, Baingan Masala, and Gavran Chicken Handi are the most selling item on their menu. You can have your food on owner’s farm under the tree. After some food, we decided to have lunch at Sinhagad fort.
The road to reach the top of the fort is really in bad condition. Last 3-4 km road patch is just renewed. There is a lot of parking space at the top but as it is one of the famous picnic spots, you rarely get a chance to park your vehicle. It takes about half an hour to drive to the top.
We went there for lunch so we skipped sightseeing of the fort. Best time to visit this place is Monsoon or just after Monsoon. We had wonderful lunch at the top which includes Pithle-Bhakri, Baingan Masala, Kanda Bhajji, Buttermilk and curd from Mataka. After heavy lunch, we started our return journey by 4.30 PM. Sinhagad fort is on my list for Monsoon so will write detail blog on Sinhagad fort soon.
Contact details:
Shetkari Hotel: Tushar Gorhe - 8605350707, Vishal Gorhe 9405014429. (For weekdays and large group size, Need advance booking)
If you are planning to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city lives on a weekend exploring these beautiful sites then for what you are waiting for.
Happy traveling.
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| Panshet Dam Wall |
About Panshet Dam:
Panshet Dam is one of the most popular places near Pune. It is situated around 44 km southwest of a Pune city. Panshet Dam, also called Tanajisagar Dam, is built over Ambi River. This Lake is nested in the lap of Sahyadri mountain ranges and surrounded by lush green hills streaked with numerous waterfalls. It supplies drinking water to the city.
There are two ways to reach Panshet Dam. One is Kothrud, Pune – Rajaram Bridge – Take a right turn at the end of bridge – follow the main road – (Do not turn at national highway bypass flyover, follow Sinhagad road only) – Khadakwasla - Donaje Phata – Take a right to reach Panshet Dam.
Another route is Kothrud, Pune – Warje Malwadi road – Uttam Nagar – Near Khadakwasla Dam there is a junction – Take left (Straight road will take you to peacock bay) for Khadakwasla - Donaje Phata – Take a right to reach Panshet Dam.
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| Panshet Dam |
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| Panshet Dam |
3rd June 2012: Panshet Dam – Varasgaon Dam and Sinhagad fort for Lunch (Distance traveled: 98km)
We started our journey at around 8.30 AM on a Sunday morning. The journey to the dam was very pleasant. Without taking any break, we headed to Panshet Dam. It is one of the most popular places around Pune for picnics. This Lake is nested in the lap of Sahyadri mountain ranges and surrounded by lush green hills streaked with numerous waterfalls (Monsoon waterfalls). There are two water sports centers - one at the Varasgaon Dam called Dolphin Aqua sports and the other at the Panshet Dam named Panshet Boating Club operated by a private operator. We enjoyed Speedboat ride and Kayaking. Costs of rides are decent. There is one restaurant at the Panshet dam where you can enjoy local food. View from the restaurant is stunning; you can see entire Dam from the restaurant. We had tasty Kanda Bhajji (Onion Pakoda) and Misal-Pav. After heavy breakfast, we went to see Varasgaon Dam. It is another Dam which supplies water to Pune city. There was no water in Dam so we decided to move ahead from there. |
| Panshet Boating Club |
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| Panshet Boating tariff |
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| New MDTC resort in Panshet area |
There are lots of local restaurant on the way to Sinhagad from Panshet Dam. One of my favorites is “Hotel Shetkari”. Pithle-Bhakri, Baingan Masala, and Gavran Chicken Handi are the most selling item on their menu. You can have your food on owner’s farm under the tree. After some food, we decided to have lunch at Sinhagad fort.
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| My favorite Restaurant: Shetkari |
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| Sinhagad Fort |
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| Road to sinhagad fort |
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| Fort Map |
The road to reach the top of the fort is really in bad condition. Last 3-4 km road patch is just renewed. There is a lot of parking space at the top but as it is one of the famous picnic spots, you rarely get a chance to park your vehicle. It takes about half an hour to drive to the top.
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| Mango |
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| Karwande - Jungle fruit |
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| Pithle-Bhakri |
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| Mataka Curd and Buttermilk |
We went there for lunch so we skipped sightseeing of the fort. Best time to visit this place is Monsoon or just after Monsoon. We had wonderful lunch at the top which includes Pithle-Bhakri, Baingan Masala, Kanda Bhajji, Buttermilk and curd from Mataka. After heavy lunch, we started our return journey by 4.30 PM. Sinhagad fort is on my list for Monsoon so will write detail blog on Sinhagad fort soon.
- Car petrol for trip: INR 500-600/- (approx. 7 lit: INR 79/lit)
- Speed Boat: INR 100/- per head for long ride
- Kayaking: INR 100/- per person for 30 min ride
- Breakfast at Panshet restaurant: approx. INR 50-60/- per person
- Sinhagad road toll: INR 50/- per car (INR 20/- for Bike)
- Kanda Bhajji: INR 25/- per dish (Rates hikes in monsoon)
- Pithle-Bhakri: INR 20/- per Bhakri including Pithle(Roti)
- Mataka Curd: INR 15/- per Mataka(small clay pot)
Contact details:
Shetkari Hotel: Tushar Gorhe - 8605350707, Vishal Gorhe 9405014429. (For weekdays and large group size, Need advance booking)
If you are planning to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city lives on a weekend exploring these beautiful sites then for what you are waiting for.
Happy traveling.
Regards,
Pritesh Kulkarni
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