Panshet
Well, if you spent hell lots of time in office and feel to run away from the workaholic environment of Pune, Panshet is one of the good choices. A small village from which one could see three beautiful water-harvesting dams (Panshet, Varasgaon and Varasgaon -extension). Besides, on the way to Panshet (from Pune), another dam called Khadakwasala is also popular tourist attraction, however too much near to Pune and seems to be crowded on week-ends. Therefore, for romantic couples, Panshet stays cool choice.
In history point of view Khadakwasla dam was constructed in 1873 A.D. in order to fulfil the need of water. Further, with perfect geographical conditions, in late fifties Panshet dam was constructed. It is a step above Khadakwasala dam and constructed for water harvesting irrigation. In 1961 it became famous when the dam collapsed (yes it was big accident !!) and the entire water grabbed Pune city. The historical references say water level touched the wall of Shaniwar wada (an ancient palace of Maharathas) up to 12 feets. In late sixties the dam was reconstructed and renamed as Tanaji Sagar.
In Sahyadri ranges the fortes are built up at heights. King Sivaji used to travel from one fort to other. The least resistive path is the gap between two mountains. In marathi language, it is referred as 'Khind'. Khind me a narrow passage. People used this passage not only to make travel easy but also to trap enemy. 'Kadave-Khind' is one of such narrow passage near to Panshet. This passage had tactical importance as it connects three forts Sinhgad, Torana and Raigad.
Panshet
District: Pune
Set in an idyllic location, between Panshet Dam and Varasgaon DAM, Panshet offers you a holiday option that's radically different. There are water sports galore! Kayaking, Windsurfing, Exciting rides in speedboats and on water scooters - all planned to excite the child in you. besides, you can see Sinhagad Fort and Sinhagad National Park, Khadakvasla and the forts Torna and Raigad.
Getting There
By Air : Nearest airport is Pune, 45 kms.
By Rail : Nearest railhead is Pune.
By Road : Mumbai - Pune, 170 kms. Pune - Panshet, 45 kms. [Pune - Khadakvasla - Sinhagad - Panshet].
Accommodation
Government as well as private rest houses are available. Water Sport facilities are available (Except during Monsoon).
Rambling around the Panshet
- by Dhananjay Joshi
Well, it was nice morning that we started from Pune at 0630 hrs. Our plane was to visit Panshet Dam. Our bikers team consists of me, Bhalchandra, Manish, Chaitanya, Chinmay and his friend Sachin. Its not that great ride till Khadakwasala Dam, as the roads were poorely maintained. As soon as we crossed Khadakwasala dam, about 20-25 Km from Pune, it was real fun to ride a bike. Unlike straight highways, the roads were challenging our skills while biking. Its a mountain rod and therefore we followed lots of ups and downs. Backwaters of Khadakwasala follows you till Panshet and that makes your journey more romantic. Once could see lots of vegetation farms and small industries.
It took us about one hours to reach base of Panshet. It was wide view from which we could see huge Panshet Dam and adjacent Varasgao Dam.
Left: Panshet Dam Right: Varasgaon Dam
We decided to see Panshet Dam first.
Panshet Dam is built in more protective manner. As I told you above, in 1961, huge rains had broke the dam and washed away many villages and part of Pune city. The huge wall gave us great confidence that the dam is very well rebuilt and safe. Well, we also saw the pilers of old dam as well !! It reminded us the dark rainy night followed floods in the morning. After spending couple of minutes, we came out from those memories and looked around. Life was pretty beautiful. It was a time when monsoon rains stopped a week back and it was bright sunny day. The dam was full of water and hills are green. Lots of wild flowers and butterflies invited us to enjoy the beautiful views. We all pleased with the backwater views and spent some time here.
Meanwhile, the Sun played hide and seek game with us made the view more beautiful !!
Here we find a beautiful structure of an ant colony; we call it "lotus shaped ant colony"!
From Panshet Dam we moved toward Kadve Khind. You may see a 'v'-shaped passage between two mountains. This referred as Khind.
The riding bikes on these roads is big challenge. First of all, it is not a straight road and it is not a tar-road. Although, it is relatively straight road, but some of the turns are really challenging.
With great biking efforts, we reached to the Kadave Khind. Again, history opened all those old chapters and told us how difficult it was to travel from one fort to another. Kadave Khind is also another narrow passage. Enemy could be easily trapped here. We
spent some time on this passage. It was great backwater view from here. Panshet and Varasgaon, both are beautiful. Well, we were not prepared well with cameras and photography, therefore, regretted for a while as the beautiful nature gave as glimpse and we were not able to store with us. Anyways, thats the nature. It always give us something unexpected !!!
Yee, it was a memorable visit with Bhalu, Chinu, Manya, Chaty and Sachin. We started back to Pune in the afternoon.
Fun time on the ways back !!!
Without cricket, India is incomplete !! School Boys play cricket in Panshet Village :-)
