Weekend Travels

Exploring the Wonders of Flamingos and Other Birds Watching at Bhigwan

Discover Bhigwan, a charming town located 100 Kms from Pune. Witness the stunning pink greater flamingos during migratory season from Jan to Feb. Bhigwan is situated at one end of the vast Yashwant Sagar reservoir, which forms the backwaters of the Ujain dam. This picturesque location is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and is a popular destination for bird enthusiasts. One of the main highlights of Bhigwan is the arrival of the pink greater flamingos during the migratory season. From early January to late February, this place is teeming with bird lovers from all over Maharashtra who come to witness the spectacular sight of these magnificent birds in their natural habitat. In addition to the flamingos, you will also get to explore the stunning natural surroundings of Bhigwan, including the Yashwant Sagar reservoir and the Ujain dam.

So, if you are a nature lover or a bird enthusiast, Bhigwan is the perfect choice for you. Plan your tour today and get ready to be mesmerised by the beauty of Bhigwan and its magnificent flamingos along with other birds.

Ancient Step Well [ Baramotichi ]

Baramotichi Vihir in Limb village off Nagewadi, Satara. This well was completed in 1646 by Sau. Virubhai Bhosale and was meant to be a water source to all the farms around. The well is octagonal in shape and was built to look like dug-out shivling i.e. a vertical column with an arm extending to the side. It is 110 ft deep and 50 foot in diameter. This was not a traditional step-well like the ones in Rajasthan. A step-well is just a well with steps all along the sides which lead you to the bottom of the well. Of course, the design of the steps range from “just steps” to “intricately carved designs”. This one had steps from one side leading to the middle of the well from where there were look-out galleries.

https://www.facebook.com/Weekendtravels.in

For more photos see link below
https://www.facebook.com/Weekendtravels.in

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.722944791156672.1073741998.359767254141096&type=1&l=7436404aeb

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.726513320799819.1073741999.359767254141096&type=1&l=4e85195767

Malhargad { Also Known as Sonori Fort }

Malhargad is just 35kms from Pune (Katraj). It is also called as Sonori Fort due to the village Sonori situated at its base. The fort has been named after the god Malhari and is the last fort built by the Marathas, 1775. It is also known as "Tarun Killa" (young fort) because it is the latest fort built in Maharashtra.

The fort is believed to be built to keep watch on dive ghat along the Pune-Saswad route. The fort was built during the period of 1757 to 1760. The fort was built by Bhivrao Yashvant and Krishnaji Madhavrao Panse, a Peshwa Sardar, who was the chief in charge of “Tofkhana” of the Peshwas. Citations of a visit of Elder Madhavrao Peshwe to the fort are available in historic documents. A palace, belonging to Panse, can be seen in the Sonori village though; much of it is in ruins.

The fort is in good condition. There are two temples constructed side-by-side: the smaller is of Lord Khandoba, and the bigger one is of Lord Mahadeva.

I have been to Malhargad many times. It is very beautiful and small fort. It takes one and half hours to reach Malhargad from Pune and less than one hour to see the entire fort.

Best time to Visit:

Best time to visit is from September to December to see greenery around otherwise one can visit this place in any season.

What to see?

Fortification, Water cisterns, Lord Khandoba & Lord Mahadeva Temple,

Water and Food

There is no water available on the fort so advice is to carry sufficient water.

Also no food is available on the fort.

Stay / Accommodation

There is no place to stay on fort.

Places around

Jadhavgad Fort, Saswad, Dive Ghat, Mastani Lake, Daulatmangal Fort (Bhuleshwar Temple), Purandar Fort

Approximate Distance from Pune