Baneshwar

Hidden away in the periphery of the lush foliage and resonating waterfalls of Baneshwar lies a Shiva Temple: pure, placid and tranquil. A sense of calm and serenity envelopes you as you step into the hallowed precincts of the ancient temple. The cold touch of the marble beneath your feet and the reverberations transport you to an era where time seems to stand still.

This Shiva temple was first built by a Peshwa, Shreemant Balaji Bajirav, in the 17th Century. Today the temple is maintained by the Baneshwar Temple Trust, who have looked after the temple, and also provided for basic amenities for visitors at the site.

Orientation

In all its beauty, Baneshwar is located just 35 km south of Pune on the Pune-Satara Road and a little less than 150 km from Mumbai; as a result of which it is easily accessible from both the cities. Once you turn off the highway to Naraspur, the 3 km stretch to the temple is picturesque.

Weather

The weather in Baneshwar remains comfortably moderate ? between 20°C and 28°C throughout the year.

The ideal time to visit Baneshwar would be during the rainy season, as the lush forests and the streams around the temple can be experienced in their true element. However, as the peak season it does tend to get too crowded. So for those who want enjoy a quiet day of solitude at the temple, there is always time during the rest of the year.

Getting There / Route Information

Distances from the cities:

Pune: 35 km
Mumbai: 140 km

Mumbai -> Pune -> (Pune-Satara Road) -> Naraspur -> Baneshwar

By Bus

Public and Private Transport ? State Transport Buses and Private Luxury buses from Mumbai to Pune are abundant. From Pune, buses heading to Naraspur Junction are available from the Swargate Bus stand. From Naraspur there are regular rickshaws and jeeps that transport visitors to Baneshwar.

Since the road from Naraspur to Baneshwar is a mere 3 km, it makes for a pleasant, scenic walk for all those walking enthusiasts.

Road Quality

Good till Naraspur, after which the 3 km stretch is bumpy mud road.

By Train

The nearest railway station is Pune, 40 km away. From there you need to switch to road all the way to Baneshwar

Pictures of Baneshwar

Things to See

The Temple

You will be awed by the breath-taking simplicity of this place. The Shivlings, the Idols of Devi Laxmi and Lord Vishnu, the Dharamshalas and the ancient bell induce a sense of tranquility and quietude as you soak in the silence of the temple; a silence that is broken only by the rush of the streams and the waterfall nearby.

The Waterfall

At a height, about 1 km from the temple, the luxuriant tree cover gives way a grand waterfall, always at its powerful best during the monsoons. The sheer force of the fall has always fostered a sense of awe and respect among whoever has seen it and been close enough to feel the cold spray on their faces. For generations this waterfall has been the poet?s muse, the artist?s picture and everybody?s pleasure.

Vital Tourist Information

There are no lodging and boarding facilities in Baneshwar itself. It is a great place to spend the day and head back to Pune for the night. There are a few small restaurants that serve Tea and hot food.

During rains, make sure you wear good footwear as the roads become muddy and slippery, and the rocks around the waterfall can get treacherous.