Pune To Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar Bike Trip
Every year, I make a plan for a solo trip outside Maharashtra to explore a place that I have never visited before 🏍️. Traveling alone gives me a different kind of peace. It allows me to disconnect from daily routine, think clearly, and experience places in my own way. This year, my plan was to visit Khatu Shyam 🙏. I tried multiple times to book tickets, checked different dates, and even tried alternate routes, but somehow nothing worked out. It felt like the journey was not meant to happen.
At that time, I truly felt that maybe God had a different plan for me ✨. Instead of forcing the Khatu Shyam trip, I decided to listen to that inner feeling and choose another destination. That is when the idea of visiting Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga came to my mind 🙏. Since it is located near Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, I decided that this would not just be a temple visit but a complete two-day bike journey from Pune to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar 🗺️, where I would explore important places around the city.
While planning the route on Google Maps for my Pune to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar journey, I noticed something interesting. The road I was going to take passed near the area where my friend Shubham lives. Whenever I travel and post photos on social media, he always complains, “Why don’t you call me when you go on trips?” 😄 This time I didn’t want to hear that again. Without thinking much, I called him and asked if he wanted to join.
Since both of us are married, I knew convincing family for a two-day trip would not be easy. But there are some struggles that only married men understand 😅. After some effort, requests, and a little emotional negotiation, he finally got permission. And just like that, my solo trip turned into a friends’ journey for this Pune to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar adventure.
The Adventure Begins 🚀
As planned, I started my ride at 9 AM from my home and began my Pune to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar bike trip 🏍️, heading toward Shikrapur, where Shubham was waiting. After picking him up, we officially began our journey toward Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar. Since we were meeting after a long time, the ride quickly turned into a beautiful mix of old memories, life discussions, and nonstop conversations. The excitement of the journey and the joy of riding together made the beginning of our trip even more special.
Our first spiritual stop during the journey was Ranjangaon Ganpati 🙏, one of the famous Ashtavinayak temples. Since we had a long distance to cover and wanted to reach before sunset during our Pune to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar ride, we decided to take quick blessings and continue our journey. The peaceful atmosphere of the temple gave us a positive start and the energy we needed for the long ride ahead.
After riding for about an hour, we reached Shirur, where we decided to take a short break. During long road trips, small stops become the best moments of the journey. There is truly nothing better than hot vada pav and strong tea ☕ during a long Pune to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar road trip. That simple snack break refreshed us completely, relaxed our bodies, and gave us the energy to continue our ride with the same enthusiasm.
Aliyanagar Off-Road Adventure: Sponsored by Potholes & Patience🕳️
As we approached Aliyanagar, the road condition suddenly became terrible — large potholes, broken patches, and dust everywhere. Riding required constant zigzagging to avoid deep craters, and our backs and shoulders started protesting. The dust from passing vehicles made visibility difficult, turning a smooth ride into a real test of patience and endurance.
At one point, we joked, “Nitin Gadkari sir is promoting ethanol petrol everywhere these days… Sir, while you’re boosting fuel innovation, please also boost this road innovation near Aliyanagar! After all, you are the Road Minister of India 😄.”
Honestly, this stretch reminded us that long-distance bike travel always comes with its challenges. Carefully navigating this obstacle course, we finally continued our Pune to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar bike trip, tired but proud of conquering one of the toughest stretches.
Blessings at Shani Shingnapur 🙏
After crossing the rough road stretch near Aliyanagar and finally getting some relief, our next destination was the famous Shani Shingnapur Temple. This was my first visit to this sacred place, and I was quite excited because I had heard many unique things about this village.
Shani Shingnapur is known across India as the land of Lord Shani (Saturn), and what makes this place special is that the temple does not have a traditional structure. Instead of a building, the idol of Lord Shani is a self-manifested black stone (Swayambhu) placed on an open platform under the sky. Devotees believe that Lord Shani himself protects this village.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Shani Shingnapur is that many houses and shops in the village do not have doors or locks. It is believed that anyone who tries to steal or do wrong here is punished by Lord Shani. This strong faith and trust make the village truly unique.
We parked our bike 🏍️ and walked toward the temple area. Even though it was a regular day, there was a good crowd of devotees waiting for darshan. The atmosphere felt powerful yet peaceful. Many people were offering oil, black sesame seeds, and prayers to reduce the negative effects of Shani in their lives.
One interesting thing I observed was about devotees who wanted to offer oil directly over Lord Shani. To do this, they had to take a special pass costing ₹500. Those who didn’t take the pass could still offer their prayers and blessings from a distance, pouring oil into a tank-like container, which temple authorities later use for the ritual. Personally, I felt this system could be unfair to devotees who cannot afford the fee, because ideally, every devotee should have equal access to perform their rituals and receive blessings, regardless of money. Spiritual experiences, after all, should not come with a price tag.
After taking darshan and spending a few quiet moments there, we felt a sense of calm and positivity. With the blessings of Shani Dev, we resumed our Pune to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar bike journey, ready for the next stop.
Exploring Devgad Datta Mandir 🛕
As we continued our Pune to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar bike trip, something unexpected caught our eyes near Devgad village — a large, beautifully designed entrance gate. From the highway itself, it looked majestic, and our traveler curiosity immediately took over. Without much discussion, we decided to take a small detour to explore this hidden gem.
After riding about 5 kilometers inside the village, we reached the serene campus of Devgad Datta Mandir, dedicated to Lord Dattatreya — the combined incarnation of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. The temple is considered a significant spiritual center for devotees of the Datta Sampradaya, attracting visitors seeking peace, meditation, and spiritual rejuvenation.
The temple complex is spacious, clean, and well-maintained, providing a calm contrast to the usual hustle of popular pilgrimage spots. Open pathways, natural surroundings, and simple yet elegant architecture create a soothing atmosphere. Many devotees come here to meditate, offer prayers, and spend quiet time reflecting on spiritual teachings.
Historically, Devgad has been an important location for followers of Lord Dattatreya, and the temple maintains the tradition of spiritual learning, devotion, and calm reflection. Walking through the campus, it was easy to see why the place has a reputation for serenity.
We took blessings of Lord Dattatreya, explored the campus, and captured some photos, especially near the impressive entrance gate. Sitting in this peaceful environment for a while gave us a refreshing break from the long ride and prepared us mentally for the rest of the journey ahead.
With our hearts calm and spirits renewed, we got back on our bikes and continued our Pune to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar bike journey, eager for the next destination.
Visiting Bibi Ka Maqbara – The Mini Taj Mahal of the Deccan 🕌
After a long day of riding nearly 300 kilometers, we finally entered Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar around 4 PM. Our bodies were tired, our clothes were covered with dust, and our stomachs were completely empty. But before heading for dinner, we decided to visit one of the city’s most famous landmarks – Bibi Ka Maqbara.
This monument is often called the “Mini Taj Mahal of the Deccan.” It was built in the 17th century by Prince Azam Shah, son of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, in memory of his mother Dilras Banu Begum. Though it resembles the Taj Mahal, it was constructed with limited resources, reflecting the simpler architectural approach of Aurangzeb’s era.
We parked our bikes and walked toward the entrance. Since it was a Friday, the monument was bustling with visitors — many school students had come for picnics, adding a lively energy to the place. Outside the structure, tea and snack stalls tempted travelers like us. Exhausted from the ride, we stopped for a strong cup of cardamom tea — our favorite traveler’s energy booster — and instantly felt refreshed. ☕
At the ticket counter, I was pleasantly surprised to see online booking available. This made the process quick and saved us from standing in a long queue.
As we entered, the beautiful white structure stood tall in front of us. A long pathway flanked by gardens on both sides led to the main dome, creating a majestic view. Even though the fountains were not operational, the monument exuded elegance and serenity.
Inside the maqbara, we admired the detailed carvings, delicate designs, and marble work. Many visitors were throwing coins and money near the tomb, a cultural practice we observed with curiosity.
The most magical moment came during sunset. The golden rays illuminated the white structure, making it glow as if it were lit from within. The surroundings looked enchanting, and we couldn’t resist capturing multiple photos to preserve this memory. 📸
After spending some peaceful time there, we left Bibi Ka Maqbara and continued our journey toward dinner, reflecting on the beauty and history we had just experienced during our Pune to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar trip.
Dinner at Shelke Mama – A Local Food Experience 🍲
A close friend of mine, Kedar, who lives in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, had given strict instructions that we must eat at Shelke Mama Hotel. So after leaving Bibi Ka Maqbara, we rode straight to this famous local eatery.
A close friend of mine, Kedar, who lives in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, had given strict instructions that we must eat at Shelke Mama Hotel. So after leaving Bibi Ka Maqbara, we rode straight to this famous local eatery.
The restaurant is well-known for its authentic Maharashtrian non-vegetarian food. We ordered the famous Kalya Rassa Chicken Thali. After a long day of riding, that spicy and flavorful meal felt like a true reward. The food was fresh, traditional, and completely worth the money. Our hunger was finally satisfied, and our energy was back, ready for the next leg of the journey. 😋
The Hotel Struggle Near Grishneshwar 🏨
Since it was a long weekend, the area near Grishneshwar was crowded with tourists and devotees. Finding a room became a real challenge. Many hotels were asking for extremely high prices, ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹7,000 for a basic room.
After searching for almost an hour and feeling completely exhausted, we finally found a hotel with a funny coincidence – its name was Hotel Grishneshwar. We managed to get a room for ₹3,500. Although still expensive, considering the situation, we had no other option.
After checking in, we didn’t waste any time. Our bodies were tired from the long ride, so we went straight to sleep. The plan was to wake up early for the main purpose of our journey – Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Darshan.
Early Morning Darshan at Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga 🕉️
Our alarm rang at 3:00 AM. After quickly getting ready, we left for the temple, thinking we were early. But when we reached there, we were surprised to see that many devotees had already been standing in line for hours. The devotion and faith of the people itself created a powerful spiritual atmosphere.
After waiting for about one hour, we finally entered the temple.
Grishneshwar is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and holds great spiritual importance. This darshan was the main purpose of our Pune to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar journey. The present temple structure was rebuilt in the 18th century by the great Maratha queen Ahilyabai Holkar. The temple is built using red volcanic stone and is decorated with beautiful carvings that depict stories from Hindu mythology.
This was my 8th Jyotirlinga out of 12, and standing in front of the Shivling filled my heart with gratitude, peace, and a deep sense of fulfillment. At that moment, all the tiredness from the long ride felt completely worth it.
After the darshan, I video-called my wife and mother so that they could also take blessings of Mahadev. It was a simple moment, but emotionally very special, making our Pune to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar bike trip even more meaningful.
Bhadra Maruti – The Sleeping Hanuman Temple 🙏
After the divine darshan at Grishneshwar, we continued our journey and rode about 10 kilometers to visit the famous Bhadra Maruti Temple, located in Khuldabad, an important spiritual stop during our Pune to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar trip.
Since it was Saturday, the temple was quite crowded with devotees. After waiting for around 30 minutes, we finally got darshan. Outside the temple, volunteers were distributing hot rice as Prasad. We were already hungry after the early morning temple visits, and the simple Prasad tasted extremely satisfying. In fact, I ended up eating four bowls.
Since it was Saturday, the temple was quite crowded with devotees. After waiting for around 30 minutes, we finally got darshan. Outside the temple, volunteers were distributing hot rice as Prasad. We were already hungry after the early morning temple visits, and the simple Prasad tasted extremely satisfying. In fact, I ended up eating four bowls.
Nearby, there was also a Shani Temple where we offered oil, and under a large banyan tree, a sacred Shivling was installed where we offered our prayers.
Before leaving the area, we stopped for another cup of hot tea. That small break refreshed us and gave us the energy to continue the next phase of our Pune to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar journey.
Visit to Aurangzeb’s Tomb – A Moment of Mixed Emotions
While riding back, we saw a banner near Bhadra Maruti mentioning “Aurangzeb Kabar – 4 km.” As a traveler, my curiosity hit me hard and I decided to visit the place.
But my friend Shubham was angry. He said, why should we visit the grave of the person who brutally killed our Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj?
I told him that as travelers, we should explore every historical place and understand history from every perspective. I also believe every Maratha and every Indian should visit this place at least once and realize the truth of history.
Aurangzeb’s tomb is located in Khuldabad, and it is surprisingly very simple. It is just a small grave covered with a white cloth. The man who once called himself Alamgir, the ruler of Hindustan, and who came to destroy the Maratha Swarajya, is now buried here in such a simple grave in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
Standing there brought heavy and mixed emotions. The ruler who tried to wipe out the Maratha Empire is now lying quietly in the soil, while the Maratha legacy is still standing tall and strong.
Today, people don’t even know where the descendants of Aurangzeb are, and the Mughal Empire has turned into dust. But the Maratha pride, the history of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, is still alive in the hearts of people.
The biggest irony is this — the man who brutally killed Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj is now resting in the soil of Sambhaji nagar.
The place was clean and well maintained, but it was shocking to see people coming there and offering respect to Aurangzeb. For a moment, it really disturbed me — how can people respect someone who was so cruel and who executed our Sambhaji Maharaj?
That moment made me remember the sacrifices of our Maratha warriors once again. Empires rise and fall, but courage and Swarajya live forever.
After spending a few minutes there, we left the place and returned to our hotel to collect our luggage.
Exploring Ellora Caves and Kailasa Temple
After checking out from the hotel around 10 AM, we headed toward the world-famous Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and another major highlight of our Pune to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar trip.
Before entering the caves, we first visited the historic Ahilyabai Holkar Kund, an ancient water structure built by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar for pilgrims. The place still carries a peaceful and spiritual vibe. 🙏
Once inside Ellora, the most breathtaking attraction was Cave 16 – the Kailasa Temple.
This temple is considered one of the greatest architectural wonders in the world. It is the largest monolithic structure, carved entirely out of a single rock. Instead of building it piece by piece, ancient craftsmen cut the mountain from top to bottom and removed massive amounts of stone to create the complete temple. ⛰️
The temple was built in the 8th century during the Rashtrakuta dynasty and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. 🕉️
This temple is considered one of the greatest architectural wonders in the world. It is the largest monolithic structure, carved entirely out of a single rock. Instead of building it piece by piece, ancient craftsmen cut the mountain from top to bottom and removed massive amounts of stone to create the complete temple. ⛰️
The temple was built in the 8th century during the Rashtrakuta dynasty and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. 🕉️
The carvings inside the temple are simply extraordinary. We saw detailed sculptures from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, the Dashavatar of Lord Vishnu, and the famous artwork of Ravana lifting Mount Kailash. Every wall, pillar, and corner reflects incredible craftsmanship and devotion. ✨
One interesting fact is that the image of this temple is also printed on the ₹20 note. We even clicked a photo holding the note in front of the temple — a small but memorable moment. 📸
I spent nearly an hour just sitting there, admiring the symmetry and thinking about how such a magnificent structure was created more than 1,000 years ago without modern technology. It truly makes you feel proud of India’s rich history and engineering brilliance.
After Kailasa Temple, we also explored the Buddhist caves, especially Cave 12, a three-story structure where many visitors sit quietly for meditation. The calm and peaceful environment gave a perfect and relaxing ending to our Ellora exploration
Return Journey – Back to Pune 🛣️
Around 1 PM, we left Ellora Caves after a quick Wada Pav and a cup of tea, and began our return ride after successfully completing our Pune to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar bike trip. ☕🏍️
The return journey felt longer and more tiring because our bodies had already covered hundreds of kilometers over the last two days. However, mentally we felt relaxed and satisfied. The memories of Grishneshwar Mahadev darshan, the peaceful moments at temples, and the breathtaking beauty of the Kailasa Temple kept our minds fresh throughout the ride. 🕉️
We rode steadily, taking short breaks whenever needed. By the time we reached back home, our bike’s odometer showed nearly 600 kilometers covered in total. It was physically tiring, but the feeling of completing the journey safely and successfully brought a deep sense of satisfaction and happiness.
This was the perfect end to our Pune to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar travel experience — tired bodies, dusty clothes, but hearts completely full of memories. ❤️
Final Thoughts 💭🎯
This Pune to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar journey was more than just a bike trip — it was a perfect mix of adventure, faith, history, and emotions. The rough roads tested our patience, the long rides tested our endurance, and the spiritual places filled our hearts with peace and positivity. Visiting powerful places like Shani Shingnapur, Devgad Datta Mandir, Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, Bhadra Maruti, and Ellora Caves made this journey truly meaningful. 🙏🏍️
A special thanks to my friend Shubham, who joined this journey without a second thought. His company, conversations, and energy made this trip memorable and enjoyable. Honestly, without him, this ride would not have been this much fun. True journeys become special because of the people who ride with you. 🤝
Traveling on a bike makes you feel every kilometer, every change in the road, and every moment of the journey. It reminds you that the real beauty of travel lies not in comfort, but in the experiences, challenges, unexpected moments, and memories created along the way. 🏍️🌄
What started as a simple ride turned into a journey of gratitude, learning, and a deep connection with our history and culture. Some trips end when you reach home, but this one will stay in my heart forever.
Travel more, live more. Every journey teaches something new and adds another beautiful memory to life. I hope this experience inspires you to plan your own ride. Let’s meet again in another travel story very soon. ✨
Jai Maharashtra! 🚩
How To Reach Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar
Reaching Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar is easy as the city is well connected by road, rail, and air. Depending on your budget, time, and travel preference, you can choose the most convenient option.
By Road (Best for Bike and Car Travelers) 🏍️🚗
The most popular way to travel is by road, especially for those planning a Pune to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar journey. The distance is around 240–260 km, and it usually takes 5 to 6 hours depending on traffic and breaks. The route via Ahmednagar is the most commonly used and has mostly good highway conditions, although some patches may be rough. Regular MSRTC buses and private buses are also available from Pune, Mumbai, and other major cities.
By Train 🚆
Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar Railway Station (AWB) is well connected to major cities like Pune, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Nagpur, and Delhi. Several express and superfast trains run daily. Train travel is a comfortable and budget-friendly option, especially for families and solo travelers.
By Air ✈️
The city has its own airport – Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar Airport, which connects to major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bangalore. From the airport, you can easily hire a taxi or auto to reach the city center or nearby tourist places.
Pune to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar Bike Trip: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the total distance for the Pune to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar bike trip?
The total distance from Pune to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar is approximately 240 to 260 kilometers one way, depending on the route you choose. If you include local sightseeing like Grishneshwar, Ellora, and nearby temples, the full round trip can easily reach 550 to 600 kilometers. This makes it a perfect short long-distance bike ride experience. 🏍️
2. What is the best time to start the journey?
For a comfortable Pune to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar road trip, it is best to start early in the morning, ideally between 5 AM and 7 AM. Starting early helps you avoid city traffic, ride in pleasant weather, and reach your destination before sunset, which is always safer for long-distance riders.
3. How are the road conditions on this route?
Most of the highway on the Pune to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar route is smooth and good for riding. However, some patches, especially near areas like Aliyanagar, may have potholes, broken surfaces, and dust. Riders should stay alert, maintain a controlled speed, and be prepared for a few rough stretches during the journey.
4. Which places can be covered during the trip?
During the Pune to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar bike trip, you can cover several important spiritual and historical places such as Ranjangaon Ganpati, Shani Shingnapur, Devgad Datta Mandir, Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, Bhadra Maruti Temple, Ellora Caves, Kailasa Temple, and Bibi Ka Maqbara. This makes the journey a perfect mix of spiritual, historical, and travel experience.
5. Is one day enough for this trip?
Although the distance can be covered in a single day, it is highly recommended to plan a 2-day trip. A two-day plan allows you to ride comfortably, explore important locations without rushing, take proper rest, and truly enjoy the Pune to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar travel experience.
6. What is the best time to visit Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga?
The best time for Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga darshan is early morning, usually between 3 AM and 6 AM. Reaching early helps you avoid long queues and allows you to experience a peaceful and spiritually satisfying darshan. 🙏
7. Are hotels easily available near Grishneshwar?
Hotels and lodges are available near Grishneshwar and Ellora, but during weekends, holidays, or long weekends, rooms get filled quickly and prices may increase. It is always better to book your stay in advance if you are planning a weekend trip.
8. What is special about Ellora Caves?
The highlight of Ellora Caves is the world-famous Kailasa Temple (Cave 16), which is the largest monolithic rock-cut structure in the world. The entire temple is carved from a single rock, and its detailed carvings from the Ramayana and Mahabharata make it one of the greatest architectural wonders in India. 🏛️
9. Is this trip suitable for beginner riders?
Yes, the Pune to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar bike trip is suitable for beginners, but proper planning is important. Riders should maintain a comfortable speed, take regular breaks, stay hydrated, and avoid riding continuously for long hours without rest.
10. What essentials should be carried for the bike trip?
Before starting the journey, make sure to carry all necessary items such as helmet, riding gear, bike documents, basic tool kit, water, snacks, power bank, and some extra cash. Proper preparation ensures a safe and smooth long-distance riding experience.
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