Affordable way to travel to Pune City

What is Pune

• Pune spelled Poona (during British rule) is the second largest city in the Indian state of Maharashtra and the seventh most populous city in the country.

• Situated 560 metres (1,837 feet) above sea level on the Deccan plateau on the right bank of the Mutha river,Pune is the administrative headquarters of Pune district and was once the centre of power of the Maratha Empire established by Shivaji Maharaj.

• In the 18th century, Pune was the political centre of the Indian subcontinent, as the seat of the Peshwas who were the prime ministers of the Maratha Empire.

• Considered to be the cultural capital of Maharashtra,Pune is known as "Oxford of the East" due to the presence of several well-known educational institutions in the city.

(Source : Wikipedia)

(Source : GoogleImages)

How to reach

• By train: Many trains travel from Mumbai to Pune or Shivaji nagar railway station. Normally 3 hours journey costing between Rs.75* for second seater class to Rs.200* sleeper class per person. (Most recommended and affordable).

• By Bus: Using MSRTC buses called 'Shivneri'. Normally 4 hours journey costing between Rs.415* to Rs.550* depending on departure and arrival location. (Slightly less affordable).

• By Air: 1 hour journey costing Rs.2000* single trip. It is a very costly affair (not recommended).

(* prices may vary as per season)

Where to stay

• There are many hotels, lodges in and around the Pune or Shivaji nagar railway station.

• Best would be to stay in and near an area named 'Swargate' for the reason, it is densely populated with great amenities and also it is near to Pune or Shivaji nagar railway station and Swargate MSRTC bus depot.

• One of the hotel is 'Hotel Pranav executive' medium-ranged hotel with basic amenities.

• It would cost you between Rs.750* to Rs.1000* for 1 day 1 night stay.

• Search from 'goIbibo' website and app for best hotels and their deals.

(* prices may vary as per season)

What to see

• Pune is famous for it's rich cultural heritages, monuments, plateaus and wide variety of food and books.

• Best thing to travel which would help there is 'Ola Auto' which is affordable, convenient and easy to get.

• There are PMPML buses available too for travelling .

• Most of the site visits are near from Swargate, you can travel to and fro from Swargate to site visits.

• Most of the below site visits are at walking distance from each other.

• Start with 'Shanivaar Vada', it is the most magnificent palace left in there. There is Rs.25* as entry fee to roam inside the palace.

• It has a stone-carved plates with the 'Peshwa' family-tree engraved on it both in English and Marathi. You can get good knowledge of history from it.

• Next visit 'Kasba Manacha Ganpati' which is said to be the oldest and first renowned Ganpati of Pune city.

• Next visit 'Vishrambaug Vada', it was the oldest palace of Peshwa family, which is now very under-maintained. You can just get the glimpse of it. Nothing much to explore.

• Next visit 'Lal Mahal', it is one of the oldest museum and library related to 'Shivaji Maharaj's' and 'Peshwa's' family.

• Next visit to the most famous and star attraction which is 'Dagduseth Halwai Ganpati Mandir'. Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganapati Temple in Pune is dedicated to the Hindu God Ganesh. 

• The temple is popular in Maharashtra and is visited by thousands of pilgrims every year.

• Next visit to 'Rajadinkar Kelkar Museum', it contains all the ancient antiques and materials since mankind. Those with historic interest must visit it. There is Rs.100* as entry fee and Rs.200* for photography session there.

• Next you can visit to 'Parvati Hill', a hilly area located about 5 kms from 'Rajadinkar Kelkar Museum'.

• Parvati Hill is a hillock in Pune, India. The hillock rises to 2,100 feet above sea level. Atop the hillock is the Parvati Temple, one of the most scenic locations in Pune. The hill has 103 steps, which is the way to the top of the hill.

• If you got more time and can travel a little too further then you can visit 'ISKCON NVCC temple' which is about 12 kms from Dagduseth Halwai Ganpati Mandir.

• ISKCON New Vedic Cultural Center (NVCC) is a temple of Radha-Krishna located in Kondhwa about 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) south of Pune. It is a pleasant and calm place in the outskirts of the city of Pune.

(* prices may vary as per season)

Conclusion

• If you are looking for relaxation from your hectic and monotonous life you can visit Pune.
• Good destination for weekends travel.
• Historic, magnificent and clean.
• Awesome, helpful and down to earth people.
• Approx. total cost would be around Rs.1-2k/person (inclusive of travel,accommodation and food).

Additional Information

• If you need additional information about the tour, please comment in the comment section below.
• Do like, share and subscribe the blog.

Happy traveling !!! Cheers !!!

Affordable way to travel to Gokarna

What is Gokarna

• Gokarna is a small temple town on the western coast of India in the Kumta taluk of Uttara Kannada district of the state of Karnataka.
• The main temple and deity is Lord Shiva, who is also known as Mahabaleshwara. This temple houses what is believed to be original image of Lord Shiva's linga (Atmalinga).
  There are many other temples all over this small town. 
• Ankola and Kumta on National Highway 17 are the main towns near Gokarna and Bhatkal and Karwar are the main cities near Gokarna where almost all trains stops.

(Source : Wikipedia)

 

(Source : GoogleImages)

How to reach

• By train: "Matsyagandha Express" from Thane(Mumbai). Nearest station is "Gokarna Road".  (Approx. 13 hours journey and Rs. 950/person sleeper class ticket)
• Prefer night journey so that you can rest in a train (provided you have done reservation) and also journey would b completed before you get bored as you would be sleeping during most of the journey time
• After reaching "Gokarna Road" station, walk towards the engine-side and turn towards left-hand side from the platform. Walk about 5 minutes to get to the main road from where you would get "NWKRTC" buses that would drop you to 'Gokarna bus depot'. (Approx. 20 minutes journey and Rs.15/person)

Where to stay

• There are many hotels, lodges around the 'Gokarna bus depot'. Prices may vary as per season.
• I would prefer what is called as "Zostel :www.zostel.com". If you want to live or re-live the life of hostel and dorms, this is the best and "zara hatke (in hindi)" place of accommodation.
• Zostel Gokarna is very near to Gokarna beach and the view is awesome and mesmerizing.
• It has dorms, common area (relaxation/games/get-together), cafeteria, common lobby, common washrooms and the cherry on the cake are shacks for staying.
• For dorms, approx cost is 655/person/night and for shacks, approx cost is 950/person/night. (only accommodation).
• For food they have their internal cafeteria at Gokarna named "Anand Cafe" which serves both veg and non-veg foods at rate little higher than local hotels.

What to see

• Basically Gokarna comprises of trekking to beaches by crossing mountains one after the another.
• From Zostel we went to 'Gokarna beach' then we traveled back to zostel road.
• From Zostel road take right to 'Kudle beach' and then trek to the most popular 'Om beach'.
• Om beach is in the shape of word "Om (in devnagari script)". The image on the blog above is of Om beach.
• There is a famous cafe called "Namaste Cafe" on Om beach. The cafe is famous for it's authentic sea-foods which also serves both veg and non-veg foods at rate little higher than local hotels.
• From Om beach, we were not allowed to travel to 'Paradise beach' as it is prohibited beach in monsoons and high tides.
• So we trekked to the most secluded and untouched 'Half-moon beach'. As the name suggests it is in the shape of half-moon.
• Trek to half-moon beach is the most tedious one. It's better to ask people or be with someone who has already visited it or follow Google Maps (but be cautious).
• But once you reach the half-moon beach, trust me you would feel like being on heaven and that you have actually achieved the entire purpose of Gokarna tour.

Conclusion

• If you are looking for relaxation from your hectic and monotonous life visit Gokarna.
• Good destination for weekends+2 days travel.
• Peaceful, serene and clean.
• Awesome, helpful and down to earth people.
• Approx. total cost would be around Rs.2-3k/person (inclusive of travel,accommodation and food).

Additional Information

• If you need additional information about the tour, please comment in the comment section below.
• Do like, share and subscribe the blog.

Happy traveling !!! Cheers !!!