Ghoravadeshwar Caves — Attraction in Maharashtra

Ghoradeshwar is located on Pune Mumbai old highway on left side. From Nigdi bus depo, by road it takes 20 to 30 minutes to reach till Shankarwadi the place name at the foothills of Ghoradeshwar temple. I took PMPML day pass for Rs. 70/-. Travelled from Pune to Nigdi. From Nigdi took bus no. 305 Wadgaon Maval & got down at Shankarwadi bus stop i.e. foot hill of Ghoradeshwar temple.

The other route is by local train to reach upto Begedewadi railway station. Then it will take 15 minutes walk upto foothills of Ghoradeshwar temple.

The initial trek consists of steps then natural slope followed again by steps & then near to horizontal road till the temple. The complete trek route is neat & clean. I have taken photos of trek routes at different locations do see it. Various stops at the trek routes does provide good views around.

For normal physically fit people, less than 30 minutes to reach upto the temple.

On reaching temple location, you will see:

Right side road with hand railings. It leads to main Lord Shiva temple & caves at a very short distance

Left side road. It leads to Vithal Rukmini temple at a very short distance

Center road leads to top of hill leading sequence wise to:

a) 1 more Lord Shiva temple located above the main Lord Shiva temple Visitors are unaware of it.

b) Maharaj’s Mattha (A house like shade) Ignore it, nothing to see. A family was staying in it.

c) Topmost point of hill Provide good panoramic views all around including a nice view of Gahunje Stadium from top. One can watch a cricket match with a high quality binocular from top.

Further important tips:

i) There is 1 more Lord Shiva temple above the main temple. Visitors are unaware of it. It has 2 routes.

a) Scary Narrow Slippery Very Steep Route: From main temple, go straight further in the direction of Gahunje Stadium for a more than 20 meters then climb up the steep hill & take left U turn & you are in front of a temple. Only trekkers will feel at ease to use this route. I used this route.

b) Easy route: From center road climb up for a short distance of 15 meter or so & then go right in the direction of main temple. If in doubt ask any 1 in the house like shade on top. After visiting this temple come back again & climb up to the topmost point of hill passing the house like shade.

c) Top most point of hill: It is a near to horizontal plain plateau of 75 meter wide & 200 meter long having a artificially created pond to store rain water. During my visit I experienced very strong current of air or wind at top most point

Please see the attached photos with this review to get the feel of this place.

I can say, Ghoradeshwar temple has become a week end picnic spot. Worth visiting, if nothing is planned on week end as roads are having less traffic on Saturday & Sunday being off day for many industries...

A Spiritual Journey Back in Time

During my recent visit to Pune, I had the opportunity to explore the Ghoravadeshwar Caves, also known as the Mahadev Temple. Nestled amidst the stunning hills of Pune, this ancient cave temple offers a unique blend of natural beauty and spiritual tranquility.

As I approached the cave complex, I was immediately struck by the serene atmosphere that enveloped the surroundings. The lush greenery and the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape set the stage for a memorable experience. The caves, carved out of the rocky hills, exude an air of mystery and antiquity.

Upon entering the caves, I was greeted by the awe-inspiring sight of stalactites and stalagmites that adorned the interiors. The sound of softly echoing chants and the aroma of incense created a sacred ambiance, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the spiritual energy of the place. The caves are dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the intricate carvings depicting various mythological scenes added to the temple's beauty and historical significance.

Navigating through the narrow passageways and ascending the stone steps, I reached the inner sanctum, where a magnificent Shiva Linga, the central deity of worship, stood majestically. The sense of peace and tranquility that washed over me was indescribable, as if I had stepped into a realm beyond time. I couldn't help but offer my prayers and feel a deep sense of connection with the divine.

The Ghoravadeshwar Caves also offer stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. From the hilltop, one can witness the beauty of Pune city and its outskirts, creating a mesmerizing backdrop for contemplation and reflection. The caves are a perfect spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers seeking to capture the breathtaking vistas.

One aspect to note is that the caves can be a bit challenging to reach, especially for individuals with mobility issues. The ascent involves steep steps and uneven pathways, so it's important to wear comfortable footwear and take necessary precautions.

In conclusion, my visit to the Ghoravadeshwar Caves was a spiritually enriching experience. The blend of natural beauty, ancient history, and devotional ambiance created a unique journey back in time. If you're in Pune and seek a spiritual retreat or a place of historical significance, I highly recommend exploring the Ghoravadeshwar Caves and allowing yourself to be transported to a realm of serenity and...

Ghoradeshwar Caves are situated close to the old Mumbai-Pune Highway, near Talegaon Dabhade. It is a serene and beautiful hilltop site that offers both a spiritual experience and panoramic views; it looks down over some of the busiest roads in the area below. Therefore, it attracts persons who are very much interested in nature and also those who like to find some by getting far away from the city's chaos. More than the caves on the hill, which have a Shiva temple, in fact, it is perfect for a small trek or for complete silence.

There are two main paths that reach the top. The first is a staircase that starts from the bottom of the hill right by the old Mumbai-Pune Highway. This pathway to the top is easy as it gently lifts you up amidst all the greenery. It has just started at the base, and by the time you reach the top, you can notice the lush green cover around, a calming cool breeze and chirping birds it is really serene.

The second route is a quick hike of about 25-30 minutes that starts from the Gahunje stadium gate near the expressway. This hike, though a little steeper, is not difficult and enjoyable, letting the trekkers notice the natural scenery and inhale the fresh, cool breeze.

Once on top of the hill, a full panoramic view presents itself, nothing short of awe-inspiring. The grand vastness of rolling hills spotted with patches of green forests lay right before your eyes. the view reaches into the distant hills and mountains as they shape the of the region. They contrast strikingly with the intense greenery of the plains down below. surrounding countryside in the distance it adds to the charm of the place. On clear days it reaches as far as the eye can see, providing a truly tranquil and meditative experience.

The contrast between the serene environment at the top and the busy highways below is striking, making the hill a great place for those looking to reconnect with nature. The tranquil setting, combined with the natural beauty that surrounds Ghoradeshwar, makes it an ideal spot for both early morning and evening visits. The cool breeze, combined with the stunning vistas, creates an atmosphere of calm and peace, perfect for introspection or simply soaking in the beauty of the landscape. Whether you are a hiker, a nature lover, or someone seeking a break from the noise of the city, Ghoradeshwar Caves offers an unparalleled...