A view of Shivneri, the birth place of the Maratha king Shivaji, from Lenyadri.
A view from Lenyadri.
A view of the caves of Lenyadri.
The caves of Lenyadri.
The Caves of Lenyadri. This is the only temple of the eight Ashtavinayaks that's on a mountain. You have to climb about 300 steps before you reach some ancient 3rd century BC Buddhist Caves. The Ganapati is housed in one of the caves. This is supposed to be the birthplace of Ganapati. "Lenya" literally in Marathi means Caves.
Cliff face of Lenyadri.
We had stopped for breakfast in a small hotel opposite this farm, on our way to Ranzangaon from Lenyadri. This is near Narayangaon which is home to the the Giant Metre-wave Radio Telescope (GMRT) -- the biggest radio telescope in the world at the moment. On a different note, the misal-pav that I had at the Pyaare Gokul Hotel here, is the best in the world.
The Forecourt of the lovely temple of Ranzangaon near Pune. The forecourt is made of teak.
The wooden forecourt of the Ranzangaon temple.
The Ganapati idol of Ranzangaon.
Basic Maharashtrian rustic fare cooked over wooden fires this side of the bank in Siddhatek. You place an order with one the kitchens, cross the river for the temple and by the time you are back a yummy, piping hot meal is ready. A meal consists of fresh jowar/bajra bhakris, spicy pithala/zunka, a vegetable, rice, varan (dal). Raw onions and a "thecha" made of green chillies are served with the food. Truly awesome and it is unlimited. A meal costs Rs. 25-30.
The river at Siddhatek.
To reach the temple of Siddhatek you have to cross a river. This one. There's a road too (a 30 km detour) to get to the temple, but this way is more fun. Siddhatek is the only Ganapati of the eight ashtavinayak's that has its trunk curving to the right.
The Mumbai-Pune Expressway. Picture taken while we were making our way towards Mahad.
A view of a hill seen from Pali. There's an old fort atop this mountain.
Karmadhe: Sweet and sour juicy fruit to be had with a dash of salt and dry chilli powder. Tasted them for the first time in Pali, near Khopoli.
