Neelkantheshwar

Neelkantheshwar is Siva temple situated on a hillock, which is over 900 mt above sea level (1000 ft above Pune) and around 40Km from Pune near Panshet-Varshgaon dam. This is a must trip with your family, friends and kids (However, remember 45 min steep climb).It is still a less known destination to many even being so close to Pune.





How to Reach?
There are three routes to reach Neelkantheshwar.
1. Exit NH4 at Varje Malwadi and travel straight towards Uttam Nagar - Kondhave Dhavde - NDA Gate. Stay stratight and cross Peacock Bay - Kudje Village - Khadakwadi - Mandvi village - Splendor Country Club - Make left before Katawadi village - Cross Katawadi Bridge - Make left towards Davje - reach Jambhali Village. At this junction, road towards your right will take you to the base of the Neelkantheshwar. Park your vehicle and walk for next 30-35 min to reach the top.
2. Exit NH4 at Sinhgad Road. Take left at Sinhgad Road away from Pune - Cross Dhayari Phata - Nanded City - Lokmat Office - Khadakwasla - Gorhe - Donje Phata for Sinhgad Fort - Khanapur - Rule Village. From here, you need to take a boat ride to reach the other bank of the river, walk another 2-3 Km to reach Jambhali Village & Neelkantheshwar base and then 40-45 min climb to the top.
3. Exit NH4 at Sinhgad Road. Take left at Sinhgad Road away from Pune - Cross Dhayari Phata - Nanded City - Lokmat Office - Khadakwasla - Gorhe - Donje Phata for Sinhgad Fort - Khanapur - Rule - Panshet - From here, take road towards Varasgaon. Once you cross the brodge, you will see small road on your right going towards Kuran Khurd - Jambhali Village / Neelkantheshwar base. This road is about 3-4 km and was in very bad state when I traveled.

About the climb - Nothing to worry about. Climb is on a 30 ft wide road (not tarred though) which will take you to the top. It has couple of hairpin bends and steep gradient at some place. Hence, vehicles are not allowed there presently. But looks like, long term plan is to build a motorable road to reach the top. Stairs are also being constructed along the road but work is not complete yet.
Tip - Don't start climbing between 11-4 Pm in hot afternoon (unless it is cloudy). There are no shades and You will get exhausted. However, there are small kids selling butter milk and nimbu pani on the route. Best time to start climbing is early morning Or after 4:00 PM. There are ample street lights on the road. So you can start climbing after 4 pm - reach the top by 5 pm - spend 2 hours - watch the sunset and then start climbing down.