Life is a full circle, widening until it joins the circle motions of the infinite.
A circle is the reflection of eternity. It has no beginning and it has no end – and if you put several circles over each other, then you get a spiral. ~Maynard Keenan
Mankind is not a circle with a single center but an ellipse with two focal points of which facts are one and ideas the other. ~Victor Hugo
Never, never rest contented with any circle of ideas, but always be certain that a wider one is still possible. ~Pearl Bailey
Shrewsbury biscuits from Kayani Bakery
Shrewsbury biscuits are circular, made of butter, castor sugar, egg yolks and flour. They are packed in square, patterned blue color boxes which are sold out in minutes. They are very buttery and sweet. I enjoy having them.
They are available at Kayani Bakery in Pune, India. The bakery was started by Hormuz and Khodayar Irani in 1955.They had emigrated from Iran before 1947, along with a group of people, many of whom settled in Pune and began the business of bakeries.
Originally, Shrewsbury biscuit is a classic English dessert, named after Shrewsbury, the county town of Shropshire. They are made from dough that contains sugar, flour, egg, butter and lemon zest; dried fruit is also often added.
PS: You can also check my earlier post – Foodies Paradise for more details.
*/This post is inspired by Weekly photo challenge Circle , look for things around you with perfectly round shapes. Or, you might consider what this familiar shape represents: the cycle of life and death, infinity, perfection, and more. /*
Koregaon park plaza (Image source Koregaon park plaza in Pune, India Saniya motiwala- Wikimedia)
The city and its suburbs are full of restaurants that serve various cuisines from Indian, Thai, Chinese, Mexican, Swiss, German, Italian, French and American cuisine. If you are looking for Asian, European, or organic/health food then head to Koregaon Park has a lot of foreign tourists are at the Osho Commune.
Madinah Restaurant
Madinah Hotel, Bhavani Peth, Pune
If you like Mughlai food then this restaurant is situated near Pune College at Bhavani Peth, Pune. Great place for meat eaters in Pune. They serve good quality and very decent pricing as per Pune standards. The chicken seekh kebab and chicken cutlet are delicious and just melt in your mouth. Chicken leg biryani is brilliant.
Mahesh Lunch Home
It’s a famous restaurant located near MG road. This place serves the best sea food in town and with high quality. Little expensive but worth spending money for such amazing dishes. The fresh catches aren’t as fresh as you get in Mumbai, but still, worth a try. The surmai, the chicken sukha and prawns gassi are good. Appams are good too.
If you are a vegetarian, you could try paneer butter masala and tandoori rotis. Tandoori roti and sabzi both are amazing.
Badshah Restaurant
Badshah Falooda
This place is famous for its kulfi and falooda ice-creams. The Baadshah special falooda is an all-time favourite. This is a small place but serves good food. Falooda’s are a hot favorite. The staff is very attentive. The ambience is ok. Here, you can also try street food ‘chat’.
Shrewsbury biscuits from Kayani Bakery
Kayani Bakery– Kayani Bakery situated opposite Victoria Cinema on East Street is famous for its Shrewsbury biscuits. Locals and tourists throng this place for other goodies like ginger biscuits, walnut cake, brownies, cookies and other goodies from this renowned bakery.
Pune, referred as the cultural capital of Maharashtra, is situated around 560m above sea level on the western margin of Deccan Plateau. A hilly city, with its highest hill, Vetal Hill at around 800m above sea level. It is located at the confluence of Mula and Mutha rivers. It has many pilgrimage centres, heritage towns and leisure destinations. Pune being culturally active, there are programs of classical Indian or Western Music or dance and shows of Marathi Theatre at Bal Gandharva Auditorium.
Pune railway station (Image source -Wikipedia)
How to reach Pune?
Pune is well-connected by air, rail and road to major cities of India.
By Rail– Pune being a major junction is linked well with major cities of the country. If you are in Mumbai and you wish to board a train, then you have many options to choose. Deccan Queen, Deccan Express, Indrayani, Pragati and Shatabdi are regular trains that run between Pune and Mumbai every day.
By Bus/Cab– Government and private buses regularly ply between Mumbai and Pune. Buses can be taken from Pune junction bus stand or at Shivajinagar station/bus stand.Taxis/cabs can also be hired. Some other cities near Pune are Ahmednagar (115km), Aurangabad (215km), Nashik (210km), and Kolhapur (233km) which are accessible by road.
By Flight– Pune airport is located in Lohagaon area around 10kms. From the heart of the city. You can take a cab or a bus service to reach the city.
Pune airport (Image source- Wikipedia)
Tourist attractions in Pune
Empress Garden– located near Pune Race Course at Wanawadi, near Camp, Pune. History states that in the British era, it was known as ‘Garden of Dr.Don’ under the possession of Sir Charles Napier. Later, this botanical park was named ‘Empress Garden’ in the honour of Queen Victoria after she won the title of ‘Empress of India’. This garden became famous among British soldiers as they came for recreation purpose. In 1892, Empress Garden was bought by the Bombay Government. It was then handed over to Agri-Horticultural society of Western India.
Common Indian myna ((Acridotheres tristis) at Empress Garden in Pune by Amritadikpati- Wikimedia Commons
In contemporary times, it has become a favourite amongst locals and tourists who throng this garden for peace and serenity. The garden is open from 9.30am-6.30pm.
Bund garden in pune (Image source Babloo180- Wikimedia Commons)
The Bund Garden is among the most admired gardens of Pune. It is a strong symbol of Maharashtrian culture and lifestyle. The park is clean and has many flower beds and bushes. The tall coconut trees adjoining the centre of this place make the garden, attractive and stunning. The plants are exquisite and the bushes are well-trimmed.
Osho Ashram
If you are in Pune, do not miss out on a walk through the Ashram garden. It won’t require much time but worth an experience. The ashram is maintained very well, especially the garden. There is also a statue of Osho and artificial waterfalls to add a mystic touch to the place.
(WT-shared) Sanyambahga at wts wikivoyage -Wikimedia)
A very peaceful place… long stretches of green… great to walk around… no one to bother… peace and tranquillity!
Aga Khan Palace-This palace has five halls and large verandahs. The architecture is Islamic with hints of Italian art in its arches. It was built by Sultan Mohammed Shah, Aga Khan II.
AgaKhan Palace in Pune. Kasturbha Gandhi, wife of Mahatma Gandhi, died here (Image source http://www.djoh.netv- wikimedia)
It served as a prison to leaders like Mahatma Gandhi during Quit India Movement in 1942 and is therefore also known as Gandhi National Museum. It serves as a memorial of Mahatma Gandhi’s wife.
National War museum The museum built-in 1997 serves as a memorial for Indian soldiers who were martyrs of the nation. It is situated in Pune Cantonment. The museum has on display arms, uniforms and personal mementos.
Shinde Chhatri (Marathi : शिंदे छत्री), located in Wanawadi, a well known place in Pune, India, is a memorial dedicated to the 18th century military leader Mahadji Shinde who served as the commander-in-chief of the Maratha army under the Peshwas from 1760 to 1780. It is one of the most significant landmarks in the city and is reminiscent of the Maratha rule. It is a hall that marks the spot of Mahadji Shinde’s cremation on 12 February 1794. The three storied memorial bestows a daunting look of past splendour, representing the rich heritage of that era beautifully. The regal entrance gate made out of iron shines till date. The exterior is captivating and has intricate and detailed carvings (Image credit- Bikashrd-Wikimedia Commons)
Shinde Chhatri– The Chhatri or hall has carvings and painting along with a gallery in it. There are paintings and photos of Scindia family. It is a memorial for Maratha leader, Mahadji Shinde.
While in Pune, you could also travel to the heights and hues of Western Ghats to Khandala, Mahabaleshwar and Lonavala.
With the onset of monsoon, we planned a trip to the hill station. We decided to go to Lonavla in Maharashtra. The lush green hill station springs to life during the Monsoon season. Lonavla is blessed with waterfalls, lakes and greenery.
By Road
Lonavla is set on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and is well-connected to several towns in Maharashtra such as Karjat, Dabhade and Khopoli.
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By Rail
Lonavla is well-connected by train as well. Local trains from Pune stop over at Lonavla and trains plying between Mumbai and Pune also stop at Lonavala. The nearest railway station is the Karjat Railway station.
Lonavla is a perpetual favourite for those travelling from Mumbai to Pune or vice versa. This hill station is an ideal weekend getaway and is not too far from two big cities-Mumbai and Pune. Nestled in the Western Ghats, Lonavala is situated at a height of 625 metres above sea level and promises a truly unique, hill-station experience.
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Once in Lonavla, you have these picturesque sites. If you are the adventurous kind you can go trekking in these waterfalls.
‘Lonavla’ derived its name from ‘Len’ and ‘Avali’ that roughly translates to ‘the resting place of stones’. It is said that the Mughals used this beautiful hill-station as a strategic location against their rivals. In 1871, Lonavla and Khandala, another hill station were discovered by Lord Elphinstone.
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Little friend in Lonavla eating corn
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Our little friends on the side of the hill.
We also went to the Bushi dam which overflows in the monsoon. This hill station is also well-known for its production of hard candy (chikkis).
Assorted chikkis
We had these wonderful chikkis on our way back.
Chocolate fudge
Walnut chocolate fudge is simply amazing.
While returning home in the rains, we also sang this lovely song.
All, in all it was wonderful monsoon getaway.
*/Copyright images. Please do not use without permission.*/
