Baneshwar

Baneshwar is an old Shiva temple, 36kms from Pune, situated in the Nasarapur village. It is a simple and beautiful temple with medieval architecture, which was built by Peshwa Nanasaheb in 1749. The name is simply because of the location of its deity(ishwar) in dense forest (Ban). The entrance is marked by a bell of Portugese origin and idols of Lord Vishnu, Lakshmi and Mahadev are placed within the temple. The unique feature is the 5 lingas that are kept 1 foot deep inside the main Shivalinga.

Apart from the devotees, this place is popular as a pleasant picnic spot. Ample walkways, open garden areas and a scenic waterfall behind the temple are a crowd puller. Not only this, a variety of birds can be seen here. Very aptly it has been declared a small bird sanctuary which houses the Crowned Hornbills. Avoid visits during summers as the place looks dry and dull. The waterfall half a kilometer behind the temple is magnificent during the monsoons.