Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Vetal Tekdi : Photologue


Pic: stone quarry


Vetal Tekdi is a hill range lying in the heart of Pune, dividing its areas viz. Kothrud , Prabhat road, Chaturshrungi and Aundh. It is a favourite trekking destination for Punekars (young and old alike), many of whom frequent in the early morning and evenings.
The hill takes its name from the Vetal baba temple in its vicinity. There is also a Hanuman temple in the area. Next to it is a mini gymnasium of sorts which attracts health conscious folks. Many can also been seeing jogging or brisk walking around the place.
Vetal tekdi is quite near to ARAI (automotive research institute), though access to it appears restricted.
The hill also has a huge stone quarry that today lies unused. Small water bodies in its midst attract some birds (shikras,kites,jungle crows, cuckoos,mynas,bulbuls,babblers etc) / waders (egrets, cormorants, pond herons).



Its dense trees are also home for peacocks. Though it is rare sighting them but there calls are quite unmistakably common.
In monsoons and winter the area is very green, but in summers the trees shed of their leaves leaving a rather arid appearance which can be seen as beautiful in its own unique way.
The hill can also be accessed by a tar road that goes further to ARAI. Enroute there is a huge open space where people park their cars and then move inwards for a stroll or a jog.






Pic: shikra

Pic: Jungle crow






Pic; grey babbler
Pic: Lemon pansy
Pic: Spotted owlet
 Pic: Small minivet
Pic: Tickells blue flycatcher







Pic: peacock





Text and photographs by Abhijit Rajadhyaksha

3 comments:

  1. hi, can you pl give me the route to reach this hill (i.e. the place where one can park and then climb the hill)? tx

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    Replies
    1. reach kothrud via nalstop . you ill find a hotel named tiranga exactly opposite to it you will find a way up into a chal . Thats our way to the hill

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    2. reach kothrud via nalstop . you ill find a hotel named tiranga exactly opposite to it you will find a way up into a chal . Thats our way to the hill

      Delete