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Mumbai, often referred to as the "City of Dreams," is a bustling metropolis that never seems to rest. Its vibrant energy and fast-paced lifestyle sometimes leave its residents and visitors yearning for a peaceful escape. If you're searching for a tranquil weekend getaway to rejuvenate your senses, look no further than Bhor. This hidden gem, located just a few hours from Mumbai, offers the perfect respite from the city's chaos.
Bhor Rajwada (Bhor Palace)
A significant site for history enthusiasts, the new palace was constructed to replace the old Wooden Palace, destroyed in a fire during Ram Navami festivities in 1869. Built by Chimnaji Rao III, the ninth ruler of Bhor, it cost INR 2 lakh at the time. This palace served as the royal residence and is known for its unique blend of European Renaissance-style architecture while preserving the traditional 'wada' design. Interestingly, the palace is frequently used as a filming location for Marathi and Hindi movies.
Rohida Fort
The Rohida fort, known as Vichitragad and BiniKillailla, is situated south of Bhor. It's a fort from the Yadav Era, built during their rule, later becoming part of Shivaji Maharaja's Swarajya. The Mughals captured the fort in 1666, but couldn't be held for long. Shivaji Maharaj regained control of it in 1670 from the Mughals.
The fort doesn't have many structures but is well-known among small trekking groups from Pune and Mumbai. On the fort, you can find the Rohideshware temple, various bastions, a Darwaja, water cisterns, and greenery, all of which make for a perfect capture.
Baneshwar Temple
In 1749, Balaji Baji Rao established the Baneshwar temple. "Ban" signifies forest, and "Ishwar" means ruler (God) in Marathi, translating the name to "God of the Forest." The temple features a Nandi mandap, sabha mandap, and the primary citadel (gabhara) with a standard structure. The 'sabha mandap' is supported by 16 pillars, and paying respects to the intricately carved Nandi before entering the citadel area is customary. Next to the temple is the Sardar Khanderao Dabhade memorial.
Bhatghar Dam
The Bhatghar Dam, formerly known as Lloyd Dam, is among the earliest dams in Maharashtra. It was built by the British and is situated on the Yelwanti River. It was officially opened to the public in 1928. In the monsoon season, the area provides a scenic view of the water body surrounded by greenery, making it an excellent spot for picnics.
Necklace Point
Necklace Point is where the Nira and Gunjawani Rivers meet, creating a bend that resembles a necklace. It's a great place to enjoy the beautiful views and an ideal destination to shoot movies. Several Marathi and Bollywood films have reportedly been shot here.
This small town also offers a variety of adventure parks like Prathamesh Resorts, Adventure Plus and Adventure Park. These parks provide thrilling activities such as rope walking, rappelling, climbing, rifle shooting, archery, and kayaking. These resorts are ideal for families who enjoy engaging in adventurous and fun activities together.
Visitors can choose from budget-friendly options like Zostels to bungalows that provide comfortable and affordable stays. These accommodations typically offer basic amenities and a peaceful atmosphere. For those looking for more luxurious options, nearby private hotels and resorts provide a wide range of services.
October to February is considered the ideal time to visit this scenic place.
To reach Bhor, you can start from the Pune city centre. Bhor is approximately 60 kilometres from Pune, and the journey takes around 1.5 to 2 hours by car, depending on traffic conditions. Alternatively, you can also opt for public transportation by taking a bus from Pune to Bhor. Several bus services operate this route, and you can inquire at the Pune bus station for the latest schedules.
