Pune : Indapur tehsil is fast becoming a magnet for tourists from across Maharashtra, India, and even abroad, offering a rich blend of natural beauty, religious sanctity, and historical significance. The region’s diverse attractions promise a fulfilling experience for all visitors.
Nature’s Bounty
Nestled between the serene flows of the Nira and Bhima rivers, Indapur tehsil is blessed with abundant natural beauty. The Ujani Dam, with a storage capacity of 117 TMC, not only quenches the thirst of Pune, Solapur, and Ahmednagar districts but also creates numerous commercial and industrial opportunities for the local population. The Pune-Solapur National Highway has further boosted Indapur’s prominence, making the Ujani reservoir area a prime attraction, especially for nature and bird lovers.
Since the Ujani reservoir began impounding water, it has become a haven for hundreds of species of migratory birds, both domestic and international. Large numbers of tourists flock here to witness this avian spectacle.
In December, the arrival of exotic flamingos at the Ujani reservoir is a major draw. These beautiful birds can be seen in abundance in areas like Dicksal, Kumbhargaon, Takrarwadi, and Dalaj within the Ujani region. The British-era pond in Bhadvalwadi is a popular spot for painted storks, and alongside them, several European bird species can also be sighted. Bhigwan, famous for its fish, attracts food enthusiasts from across the state, making the Ujani backwaters in Pune district an excellent choice for winter tourism.
Historical Legacy
Indapur tehsil boasts a rich historical heritage, with several ancient and historical sites captivating tourists. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s grandfather, Malojiraje Bhosale, shares a significant historical connection with Indapur. Historically, Indapur, Supe, Baramati, and Purandar were recorded as important “parganas” (administrative units).
Indapur city is home to several historical structures, including the Indreshwar Temple, Malojiraje’s Gadhi, Siddheshwar Temple, Ramves, and the battleground Khandobacha Mal. The restoration work of Malojiraje Bhosale’s historic Gadhi is currently underway, with substantial funds provided by the Minister of Sports and Youth Welfare, Dattatray Bharane, from the government.
Spiritual Allure
The Palasnath Temple at Palasdev, located on the Pune-Solapur National Highway by the Ujani reservoir, is believed by scholars to be approximately 1000 years old. After the construction of the Ujani Dam, the temple was submerged in water around 1978. Despite being underwater for many years, the temple remains in remarkably good condition, showcasing the beautiful architecture of its time. This site holds significant architectural and religious importance, drawing tourists when the water levels in the Ujani Dam recede.
Other prominent religious sites that attract visitors include the Lakshmi Narsingh Temple in Nira Narsinghpur, Vitthal Temple (replica of Pandharpur) in Vitthalwadi, Biroba Devsthan in Rui, Nandkishore Temple in Nirwangi, and Jodhpuri Baba’s Dargah in Lumewadi.
Tourism Driving Economic Opportunities
Indapur tehsil offers diverse opportunities for religious and natural tourism. The Ujani backwaters are ideal for winter tourism, while the religious and historical sites can be visited throughout the year. The significant increase in tourism in Indapur tehsil has opened up new avenues in the hotel industry. Bhigwan’s fish is establishing itself as a new brand in Maharashtra; just as people travel to Konkan for seafood, fresh water fish enthusiasts are now heading to Bhigwan and Indapur tehsil. Additionally, the vehicle rental business, boating, and other ancillary services are creating new employment opportunities for the youth.
