27 December 2020. Pune is a beautiful city in the state of Maharashtra. Its is accessible by road, train and flight.
The year 2020 has been a year without any travel plans or outings, so the last weekend of the year we plan to go somewhere. Lonavala, Matheran, Mahabaleshwar are the typical options for Mumbaikars to get a breath of fresh air. And these are very crowded during the holidays, hence we choose Pune. Here we choose to book the Taj, Hinjewadi.
The standard sight-seeing places in Pune are all shut. So, we do what we are well-known for:- explore the unexplored and follow the path less followed. Thus, we visit the Vetal Hills. It is also known as Vetal Tekdi or MIT tekdi (Maharashtra Institute of Technology) or ARAI Hill (there is the building of ARAI – Automotive Research Association of India, located on this hill).
Ways to reach the top of the hill – It is a small hill accessible from both sides (Paud Phata and Law college road). There is even a trekking option available to climb up the peak. However, we have senior citizens with us who are not in a position to climb a mountain, hence we take the car till the parking lot, and then take a walk on the hills. Near the parking lot there is a small garden keeping in mind the entertainment of kids, and lots of seating area in case anyone wants to simply sit and enjoy the freshness.
We feel the fresh breeze of the hills already. The walk is simply amazing with mesmerising views and freshness and positivity all along. One can go all the way down till the water quarry as shown in the picture.
Mornings here are simply out of this world, and you could choose trekking or walking. Sunrise is one-of-a-kind experience here. Evenings would be a relaxed walk and enjoying the sunset. This is a place which is not to be missed.
Traveller Tips – Just ensure that you are not alone in odd hours, there have been cases of mugging. However, when you go at peak hours of sunrise and sunset, there would be many taking a walk. But to be on a safer side, get company while climbing on top of the Vetal Hill.
