2 Days in Shivneri
2 Days in Shivneri
Day 1
Day 1
Begin your day early with a climb up Shivneri Fort, exploring its seven gates, water cisterns, and the Shivai Devi temple. After descending, visit the Shivneri Caves and the Junnar Museum to learn about the region's history. In the evening, relax at a local guesthouse or take a stroll through Junnar town.
Activities
- Climb Shivneri Fort (approximately 400 steps) and explore the gates, bastions, and Shivai Devi temple
- Visit the Shivneri Caves, ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves at the base of the fort
- Explore the Junnar Museum for artifacts from the Satavahana and Maratha periods
- Evening walk through Junnar town to experience local life
Meals
- •Breakfast at hotel
- •Lunch at a local restaurant in Junnar
- •Dinner at hotel or a nearby eatery
Day 2
Day 2
Spend the morning visiting the nearby Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Center and the historic Lenyadri Caves, a group of Buddhist caves that includes a Hindu temple. After lunch, explore the ancient Tulja Caves and the Nane Ghat pass, offering panoramic views of the Sahyadri hills. Return to Junnar by evening.
Activities
- Visit Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Center (open 9 AM to 5 PM, closed on Mondays)
- Explore Lenyadri Caves, including the Girijatmaj Ganpati temple
- Discover the Tulja Caves, ancient Buddhist caves with sculptures
- Drive or hike to Nane Ghat for scenic views and historical insights
Meals
- •Breakfast at hotel
- •Lunch at a local dhaba near Lenyadri
- •Dinner at hotel or in Junnar
Detailed Timeline
Day 1
8 activities
Morning
Breakfast at hotel
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel in Junnar. Most hotels offer a complimentary breakfast or a paid option for around ₹150–₹250. Fuel up for the climb ahead.
Climb Shivneri Fort
Begin your ascent of Shivneri Fort, approximately 400 steps. The climb takes 45–60 minutes; carry water and wear comfortable shoes. Entry is free, but parking may cost ₹20–₹50. Explore the seven gates, bastions, water cisterns, and the Shivai Devi temple at the top.
Explore Shivneri Caves
After descending, visit the ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves at the base of the fort. These caves are free to enter and offer a glimpse into early Buddhist architecture. Spend about 30–45 minutes here.
Visit Junnar Museum
Head to the Junnar Museum to see artifacts from the Satavahana and Maratha periods. The museum is small and can be covered in 30–45 minutes. Entry fee is nominal, around ₹10–₹20. Check timings; it may close between 1 PM and 2 PM for lunch.
Afternoon
Lunch at a local restaurant in Junnar
Enjoy a traditional Maharashtrian thali at a local restaurant in Junnar town. Expect to pay ₹100–₹200 per person. Try local specialties like pithla bhakri or misal pav.
Rest at guesthouse
Return to your hotel or guesthouse for some rest during the hottest part of the day. This is a good time to recharge and plan the evening. Most accommodations offer comfortable rooms with basic amenities.
Evening walk through Junnar town
Take a leisurely stroll through Junnar town to experience local life. Visit the bustling market area, interact with locals, and perhaps try some street food like vada pav or bhajji. This is a free activity and a great way to immerse yourself in the culture.
Evening
Dinner at hotel or nearby eatery
Have dinner at your hotel or a nearby restaurant. Options include local thalis or North Indian cuisine. Budget around ₹150–₹300 per person. After dinner, relax and prepare for the next day.
Day 2
8 activities
Morning
Breakfast at hotel
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before heading out. If your hotel doesn't offer breakfast, there are local eateries in Junnar serving poha, upma, or misal. Budget ₹50–₹150.
Visit Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Center
Drive to Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Center, about 10 km from Junnar. The center is open from 9 AM to 5 PM and closed on Mondays. Entry is free, but donations are appreciated. Observe leopards and learn about conservation efforts. Spend about 1–1.5 hours.
Explore Lenyadri Caves
Head to Lenyadri Caves, a group of 30 Buddhist caves that includes the Girijatmaj Ganpati temple. The climb involves about 300 steps and takes 30–45 minutes. Entry is free. The temple is one of the Ashtavinayak shrines. Spend 1.5–2 hours exploring.
Afternoon
Lunch at a local dhaba near Lenyadri
Have lunch at a nearby dhaba or restaurant. Try local Maharashtrian fare like bhakri, chicken curry, or vegetarian thali. Cost is around ₹150–₹250 per person. Rest for a bit before continuing.
Discover Tulja Caves
Visit the Tulja Caves, ancient Buddhist caves with sculptures, located about 5 km from Junnar. These caves are less crowded and free to enter. Spend about 1 hour exploring the rock-cut architecture and carvings.
Drive or hike to Nane Ghat
Head to Nane Ghat, a historic mountain pass offering panoramic views of the Sahyadri hills. You can drive most of the way and then take a short hike. It's a great spot for photography, especially during sunset. No entry fee. Spend about 1–1.5 hours.
Evening
Return to Junnar
Drive back to Junnar, which takes about 30–45 minutes. Enjoy the scenic countryside on the way. Upon arrival, you can freshen up at your hotel.
Dinner at hotel or in Junnar
Have dinner at your hotel or a restaurant in Junnar. Reflect on the day's adventures. Budget ₹150–₹300 per person. After dinner, rest and prepare for departure or the next day's journey.
Food Recommendations
Hotel Shivneri Restaurant
MaharashtrianMust Try: Puran Poli, Bhakri with Pithla
₹200 - ₹400 for two
Junnar Food Corner
Street FoodMust Try: Vada Pav, Misal Pav
₹100 - ₹200 for two
Sahyadri Family Restaurant
Multi-cuisineMust Try: Chicken Thali, Veg Thali
₹300 - ₹500 for two
Transportation Tips
- Shivneri Fort is about 3 km from Junnar town; you can hire an auto-rickshaw or walk if you're up for it.
- From Pune, take a bus or drive to Junnar (about 95 km); buses run frequently from Shivajinagar ST stand.
- Local transport in Junnar includes auto-rickshaws and shared jeeps; negotiate fares beforehand.
- For visiting nearby attractions like Lenyadri and Manikdoh, hiring a private cab for the day is convenient.
Budget Breakdown
Total Estimated Per Person
₹2600 - ₹5500 for two days
Accommodation
₹800 - ₹2000 per night for budget to mid-range hotels
Food
₹500 - ₹1000 per person for two days
Transport
₹1000 - ₹2000 per person for local travel and transfers
Miscellaneous
₹300 - ₹500 for entry fees, guides, etc.
More Itineraries
Explore other pilgrimage durations and special trips.
Explore More of Shivneri
Destination Hub
Shivneri Overview