Necklace point Pune and Bhatghar dam in Bhor

This post is about my solo road trip to Bhatghar dam and Necklace point near Pune city, in the middle of a pandemic. I had seen numerous pictures of the Necklace point Pune on social media, and it was on my list since the last monsoon. And Bhatghar dam was just a few kilometres ahead, so I added it to my trip. This blog post is based on a true-life story.

I was craving mountains and lakes, so I sneaked out on a Sunday morning, just a day before the heavy lockdown restrictions were going to be re-imposed in Pune and PCMC area. I do not recommend travel in the pandemic and lockdown. It is just that I needed this break. And I did it just before we were about to be caged once again in a long lockdown. In my defence, I chose a place that doesn’t have crowds. And I didn’t meet a single human being on this trip.

• Bhatghar Dam distance from Pune: 56 km
• Pune to Necklace Point in Bhor: 46 km

Crossing Jambhulwadi Lake and Katraj tunnel on NH48

I left the house at 6.30 am. I took the Sinhagad road, and then a left at Wadgaon Bridge, to join the highway NH48. Jambhulwadi Lake and the bridge is an extremely beautiful area. But I hate the human debris- not garbage, but buildings and new constructions sitting in between, obstructing my connection with nature – that is mountains and lakes.

Katraj tunnel although not the midpoint of the journey, felt like an achievement when I crossed it. There is something beautiful about being in the dark tunnel and watching the light at the end of the tunnel coming closer. Knowing that soon I will be out of the darkness and into the sunshine. Hope the same happens with coronavirus pandemic.

Normally we expect that light and warmth would go together. But not in the case of Katraj Tunnel, near Pune city. Here as soon as you leave the tunnel, fresh cold air hits you. First your hands then your face. You won’t get the same experience in a car. The air inside the mountain’s belly is always hot. And when you come out of the tunnel the cold refreshes you! I love that feeling.

Necklace Point, Pune

The Yelwanti river forms an Ox-bow or U shape at this place. And the necklace point of Pune is on the mountainside, from where the river’s twists and turns are clearly visible. It is located on a good tar road going towards Bhor. This makes it easily accessible by cars, bikes, strollers and wheelchairs, meaning anyone with eyes can see it. There is a small hut selling snacks near the Necklace point, Pune. But I didn’t stop, as I had my own tiffin and water.

Koyaji Bandal Samadhi

The samadhi of Koyaji Bandal is located on a hill that is just opposite to the Necklace point and the Yelwandi river. You have to climb a few steps ahead to the top of this hill. The views of the river from here are beautiful. And as you go inside you will find the samadhi which is small and beautiful. Koyaji Bandal was a brave and important soldier from the time of Chp. Shivaji Maharaj. Koyaji Bandal was a loyal soldier who fought valiantly against Shastakhan who had raided the Lal Mahal of Pune. The history is well preserved at his small samadhi in Bhor. But very few people visit it, despite visiting the Necklace point, due to the lack of information.

Bhatghar Dam, Pune

I balanced these stones near the shores. Actually the bottom 2 stones were already present, I balanced the remaining stones on the top. Pretty isn’t it?

Bhatghar Dam is built on the same river Yelwanti. I wasn’t sure if I would find a place where I can dip my hands in the dams waters. But I did find it! After going ahead from the Necklace point of Pune, Google maps shows a right turn, which goes towards the north side of the dam. From here the backside of the dam wall is visible. The road twists and turns, until you reach the place from where you can see the dam wall and all the water.

Here you have to go slow, looking carefully to the left. You will spot a tiny walkway going down to the dam waters. But make sure to gauge the water levels, and be careful in the monsoon. For me, it was a small hike down to the backwaters of Bhatghar Dam as it wasn’t full yet. The surrounding mountains were glowing in shades of green ranging from lime green to dark green to grey. There are numerous fields around this area. The waters were deep blue, as it was a sunny day. It was not just heavenly, it was and is heaven.

Bhatghar Dam road trip near Pune in Pandemic

First, it was time for some quick snacks and water. I had driven for almost 60 km which made me hungry. I sat on the rocks near the water, which were on a higher level than the dam’s water. While eating I was gauging the depth of the lake, watching the clouds roll and seeing the mountains light up.

What if the water rose suddenly?! Afterall the waters seemed very rough. And the dam wall was on my left, which meant the water could be very deep. I ended up going near the shores and dipping my hands in the cool and silky waters of Bhatghar dam. I don’t know if we could bath and swim here, the water was very muddy and with a few waves. As I went alone, and there was nobody around here, I had this place to myself. Just me and the natural conditions. The only sound here was the wind gushing in my ears and waves crashing on the shore. An occasional bird or two.

APPEAL TO TOURISTS AND VISITORS

There were many plastic bottles strewn across the shores of Bhatghar lake. These weren’t noticeable at the beginning. But as I walked along the shore I saw many. Then as I started to collect them, I found a large pile, the even larger piles around. It is sad that I couldn’t carry all the plastic trash, but I did my bit. If you visit the place, take at least one plastic bottle away from the shores of this lake.

Bhatghar Dam camping and glamping

Around the other side of Bhatghar dam, there are nuemrous resorts and camping grounds. A new type of luxurious camping called as glamping is also available here. This is the best area for spending a weekend near Pune city. And if you are short on time, you can do a quick road trip to explore the region. I was back home by 12 noon, after driving more than 120 km in a day!

Dams and Lakes in Pune

I never count the places that I have visited. But after coming back from this trip I just thought that I have visited all the dams in Pune. But Wikipedia was quick to hurt my ego. In the end, I found that I have seen just 8 dams in Pune district out of the total 27. The dams I have seen: Khadakwasla, Panshet, Varasgaon, Temghar, Pawna, Bhushi, Ujjani and now Bhatghar.

Update: I visited Thokarwadi dam in Maval after this trip.

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