Khadakvasla , Panshet & Varasgaon Dams : A Photo Feature

Khadavasla , Panshet and Varasgaon Dams are situated in vicinity to Pune. All this dams are located in close proximity to each other.

From Pune, one takes the Sinhagad road and comes across first at Khadakvasla dam at Khadakvasla village (around 20kms from Pune). It is built across the Mutha river.

Khadakvasla dam was constructed in 1879 at a height of 31.79 metres and a length of 1939 metres.

The Khadakvasla dam has also become a favourite picnic spot for the Punekars. 

Due to its popularity, several hawkers have gathered in its surroundings offering eatables and refreshments for the picknickers.

A road from the Khadakvasla dam also takes you to the Sinhagad fort, while a detour takes you towards Panshet-Varasgaon.

Enroute one comes across institutes like a NDA training facility, Veternary college,CWPRS etc besides several scenic locations.

The Khadakvasla dam was the first masonary gravity dam of its kind to be built. 

During the Panshet floods of 1961, the Khadakvasla dam had to be blown using dynamite to allow the flow of the flooded waters. But it was subsequently rebuilt.

As one drives around 30 kms further, you come across the Panshet dam.

Panshet Dam was constructed over the Ambi river in the late 1959. 

But in 1961, the dam developed ruptures resulting in the inundation of Pune city. 

A decade later the dam was reopened for usage. It was renamed as Tanajisagar dam after Ch.Shivaji's famed knight Tanaji Malusare.

The dam is 6356 mtrs in height and 1039mt in length. 

The green backdrop of the Panshet dam provides a picturesque view for the onlookers.

A little further from the Panshet dam is the Varasgaon dam constructed over the Mose river . 

This dam too has been converted into a picnic spot and provides even a boating facility for the picknickers besides hotels serving Maharashtrian delicacies.

The Varasgaon dam has been renamed as Veer Baji Pasalkar dam after another of the Chhatrapatis knights.

One can cover all these three dams in a day and enjoy their scenic locations.

Text and Photographs : Abhijit Rajadhyaksha

Raja Mantri Udyan, Pune : A Photo Feature

Raja Mantri Udyan is a garden managed by Pune Municipal Corporation and is situated near the Null stop, Erandawane, off Karve road.

Raja Mantri Udyan is a small but beautiful garden built on the lines of a Japanese garden.

It is complete with beautiful flower and decorative plants.

Bamboo plants also adorn the green lawns of the garden.

There is a Japanese style bridge constructed over a water fountain which adds to the charm of the place.

Then there is this gazebo with benches providing a resting space to the elderly.

Despite the small size of the garden, it is still a favourite haunt for the locals who cant seem to get enough of its beauty.

Additional Photographs :

Text and Photographs : Abhijit Rajadhyaksha