Dive Ghat and Mastani Lake in the monsoon: Long Drive near Pune

If you are in Pune in Monsoon and have a couple of hours on hand Dive Ghat near Pune is the place you just have to visit for the most pleasant experience.

Dive Ghat Pune

Choose a rainy day and drive south through Pune city, at almost 23 km away towards Saswad this small mountain pass has a view of the entire nearby area which includes the famous Mastani Lake of Pune.

With its winding roadways and beautiful views, this area has a lot more to offer than expected. Especially during the monsoon ( ie. late June to Sept in Pune), the clouds blow so low that you can touch them as you ride through. Not to mention the natural treatment of greenery and random little waterfalls all along the way. If you are fortunate enough you can even see clouds gathering in the valley below and then the rains on top of this lake. Moreover, you will encounter minimum traffic once you reach Dive Ghat and can have the most peaceful natural experience. All in all, a must-visit for the best place to experience in Pune in Monsoon.

• How to get there: Drive south towards Saswad via Hadapsar.
• Best time to Visit: On a rainy day in monsoon (ie. June to September)
• What to See: Amazing Views into the Valley, Waterfalls, Greenery and Peace.

Fort JadhavGadh Resort

If you want to dip yourself in the Sahyadris along with some luxury then this resort is the best place near Dive Ghat. It is just 9 minutes from Dive Ghat, 29 km or an hour away from Pune city. JadhavGadh is a fort turned into a luxurious resort. The fort is a heritage property rich with history and is well equipped with modern facilities like – outdoor pool, spa and wellness centre, air-conditioned rooms, etc.

Witness Pandharpur Palkhi in June

पंढरपुरची वारी or Pandharpur Palkhi is an annual pilgrimage, with a palanquin and processions from the towns of Dehu and Alandi in Pune district to the temple of Lord Vithoba in Pandharpur, Maharashtra. All the people walk through Cities and Ghats for 21 days to reach Pandharpur. They go through the scenic route of Dive Ghat near Pune. After that, the Waari or Palkhi reaches Pandharpur on the auspicious occasion of Aashdi Ekadashi. The people from the Palkhi carry the पादुका or Padukas or Footwear of the saints. This pilgrimage takes place in the months of June or July.

Two main Palkhi’s are – Saint Dyaneshwar’s Palkhi which starts from Alandi and Saint Tukaram’s Palkhi that starts from Alandi. Numerous other Palkhis join these two important Palkhis. While the women carry Basil or Tulsi plants on their head. The men carry टाळ or Taal – a pair of small hand cymbals and make high-pitched percussion sounds and sing Bhajans all along the way. The Pandharpur Palkhi is a happy event with a celebration of our life and God Vithoba.

The Pandharpur Palkhi stops for the night in Pune city. You can join them on their way to Pandharpur. Or you can help provide food and accomodation to them in Pune. Alternatively, you can just take the दर्शन or blessings of the Palkhi, when it arrives and stays for a day in Pune. Whole Pune city prepares and helps for welcoming the Pandharpur Palkhi up to its departure. This ritual of Pandharpur Palkhi is being performed every year for more than 700 years.

Mastani Lake

This Mastani lake or Mastani Talav is an eye-catcher in the Dive Ghat Valley. As you go along the winding routes of the Ghat, the Mastani lake in the valley will keep you company. The place has a unique historical touch. The lake was constructed by Mastani – Peshwa Bajirao’s mistress, dancer or wife. It was made to solve the problem of scarcity of water. It is the most beautiful place in the monsoon and winter, as it is full of water and that is the best time to visit it. There are channels through this lake through which nearby farms get water. Matani Lake is also the best place for camping near Pune. Moreover, you can pack your picnic lunch with you and have it here. There is also an old temple nearby called as Mastaneshwar Temple.

Other Places to Visit Near Dive Ghat

Malhargad or Sonori Fort, Purandar Fort, Vajragad Fort, Ramdara Temple, Jejuri Temple, Narayanpur Prati Balaji Mandir.

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