Footloose: 1. A trip to Panshet

Monday, July 30, 2012

1. A trip to Panshet

The monsoons are here! Finally that is! It is the time when Pune goes a little crazy - in a good way - because the weather and the surrounding hills are soo beautiful. So off we went to Panshet for a day trip. It was the weekend, so it appeared all of the city was headed that way, mostly on their motor-bikes. We parted company with most of them at Khadakvasala lake, where it was a real festive scene with people spread out everywhere and the 'bhhutta walas' doing brisk business. The Khadakvasala lake was full of water, so we wondered at the civic authorities claim of water shortage, but as we went higher up we saw the other dams , which at this time of the year is full of water almost dry.

Panshet, thankfully, had water, and I had a thrilling speed boat experience, the light drizzle adding to the fun.

The Varasgaon Dam was dry and rice nurseries were growing there - beautiful sight rice fields make.

Rajeev posing on the Varasgaon Dam railing.

Sinhgad Fort covered with clouds

A heron watching and waiting!

5th November 2013

A couple of days back, on Diwali to be precise, we went with Rita to Panshet again.The magic of the monsoons was gone but it was beautiful all the same. We decided to stop at the Okayama Garden popularly known as the Pu La Deshpande Garden which falls on the route to Panshet, on Singhgad Road. You will see it just after the Ramkrishna Math on the left side of the road while going from Pune city. The Garden built over 10 hectares, is the biggest Japanese style garden outside of Japan. We decided to come on a weekend and go for the guided walk to truly appreciate the concept.The Garden opens from 6 am to 10 am and 4 pm to 8 pm except on Wednesdays.

A guided walk on weekends at 7 am

The map of the Garden

After a short halt we proceeded to Panshet. Being Diwali, people were indoors in the early hours and we had a very pleasant drive. The Khadakwasla Dam had a few resident birds, the migratory season not having started yet.

Coots and grebes in the lake

A shag drying himself

A grey heron some egrets and a couple of cormorants.

A fisherman laying a fishing net

Crossing the lake

A private house - on the route

It was almost 9 am by the time we reached Panshet and famished we stopped first at the MTDC resort for breakfast. Sighted some birds and a Harvester Ant nest on the MTDC lawns which uplifted my mood.

Breakfast of 'Poha'

Harvester Ant nest

Don't miss the mesh made with sticks inside to prevent creatures like snakes from entering the nest!

A shrike keeping vigil

A yellow wagtail hopping around on the lawn

After a breakfast of 'poha' and tea, which is a safe choice anywhere in Maharashtra, we proceeded to the lake. The landscape was totally changed! The lake was full upto the ticket stall for boating. ( if you compare the pictures in the earlier post dated July 2012 you can see the difference). The stairs which Rajeev was dreading were gone! So he happily joined us for a speed boat trip on the lake.

The lake full up to the top

A lapwing strolling on the banks of the lake

The sun was rising in the sky so we finally said goodbye to this lovely place which for a change was isolated and totally at our disposal. I have bookmarked Diwali 2014 for a similar place away from the pollution of the city.

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15th July 2017

Here we are again in Panshet to enjoy the monsoon showers. This time a "Group of four adventurers" or GUFA as Rajeev named us. Alas there was no boating because the water levels are pretty high and dangerous so we did the next most dangerous thing - ate onion and potato bhajias in the popular stall on the lakeside. The place was as scenic as ever and we enjoyed getting wet.