Ramdara Temple, Pune - Good place to spend 2-3 hours!!

If you’re looking for a peaceful escape close to Pune, Ramdara Temple is a hidden gem that beautifully blends spiritual charm with natural beauty. Located just a short drive from the city, this temple becomes especially magical during the monsoon season, when lush greenery, misty surroundings, and fresh air create a perfect setting for a relaxing day trip.

The best time to visit Ramdara Temple near Pune is undoubtedly during the rainy season. As the rains breathe life into the surroundings, the temple is enveloped in:

• Vibrant green landscapes 
• Cool, refreshing weather
• Peaceful and serene vibes perfect for unwinding

It’s an ideal spot for families, couples, and anyone seeking a quick nature retreat.

We had originally planned to spend a quiet weekend at home, but things took an unexpected turn when Aaravya saw pictures from his friend’s Diveagar trip. Instantly inspired, he started insisting that we plan a trip too!

Since it was a Saturday and we couldn’t explain work commitments easily, we decided to give in and plan a quick outing instead of spending hours convincing him.

At first, we were confused between visiting Ramdara Temple or Kanifnath Temple, but after a quick discussion, we finalized Ramdara as our destination mainly because of its accessibility and calming environment.

In the spirit of making it a wholesome family day, I quickly asked my in-laws if they would like to join us. Without hesitation, they agreed! After staying indoors for so long during the lockdown period, this seemed like the perfect opportunity for them to step out and enjoy some fresh air.

We were hopeful that the place wouldn’t be too crowded, so everyone including the elders could comfortably enjoy the trip without having to stay confined to the car.

We visited Ramadara Temple on 28^th November 2020. 

Ramdara Temple as seen from walkway

How to get at Ramdara?

Located around 30 km from Pune, Ramdara Temple is a serene and scenic destination easily accessible by road. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway or a peaceful spiritual visit, reaching Ramdara is quite straightforward with proper directions.

The most convenient route to Ramdara is via the Pune–Solapur Highway.

✅ Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Start from Pune and head towards Hadapsar
2. Continue further towards Manjiri and then Loni Kalbhor
3. After crossing the toll booth, you will encounter a bridge, cross it
4. Once you cross the bridge, slow down and watch for a right turn
5. Take the right turn towards the village road
6. At the next chowk (junction), take another right turn
7. Continue straight, and you’ll reach Ramdara Temple

📍 Travel Time: Approx. 1 to 1.5 hours from Pune depending on traffic

🚫 Avoid Phursungi route:

The road condition is poor, and there are very few signboards. GPS may also not work properly in certain stretches, making navigation difficult.

🛠️ Railway Crossing Diversion:

The road near the railway crossing close to Ramdara is sometimes under construction, so you might encounter a diversion. This may add a little extra travel time.

📱 GPS & Network:

Most mobile networks work well, and GPS generally shows accurate directions.

✅ Ample parking space available near the temple
From the parking area, you need to walk for about 5 minutes to reach the temple entrance

One of the most unique things about Ramdara Temple is that you won’t see it until the very last moment, it is beautifully hidden amidst lush greenery, hills, and dense trees, adding to its charm.

The first glimpse of Ramdara Temple is almost magical.

Set beside a calm lake and connected by a small bridge, the temple complex looks like it’s gently resting on water. The reflection of the structure in the lake, accompanied by surrounding trees and hills, creates a picture-perfect scene. 

The temple complex is dedicated primarily to Lord Shiva, along with shrines for Lord Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita, giving the place its name, Ramdara. It is very colorful as it has beautiful paintings of Indian mythology such as Lord Ganesh, Shri Krishna, Hanuman, Arjun, Sant Dnyaneshwar, Sant Tukaram etc.  There is a Royal Nandi that catches the attention so no one can stop themselves from taking photos. The area is very peaceful away from the crowds but still very lively. You can see a lot of birds there.

Bull (Nandi)

Lord Shankar and Parvati

Lord Krishna

Adjacent to the temple lies the  Ashram of Shri Mangalpuri Maharaj, also fondly known as Dhundi Baba. This serene ashram adds a spiritual depth to the Ramdara visit, offering a calm and meditative atmosphere for devotees and visitors alike.

One of the most captivating features of Ramdara Temple is the serene lake located right beside the temple, which enhances the overall beauty and tranquility of the place. The reflection of the temple and surrounding greenery on the calm waters creates a truly picturesque setting, making it a perfect spot for photography and quiet moments.

A well-laid walking trail around the lake allows visitors to stroll leisurely and soak in the natural surroundings. It’s an ideal place to relax, enjoy the peaceful ambiance, and connect with nature.

However, during our visit, the walkway was temporarily closed due to COVID-19 restrictions to prevent overcrowding and ensure visitor safety. Authorities were quite strict about managing the flow of visitors, once darshan was completed, a guard (priest) politely instructed everyone to move ahead and avoid gathering near the temple premises.

It’s advisable to carry your own food and water, as there are very limited dining options available nearby, hardly 2–3 small eateries in the area.

After spending about an hour soaking in the peaceful surroundings, we noticed the crowd gradually increasing. To avoid the rush and keep the experience calm and enjoyable, we decided to leave before it got too crowded. On our way back to the parking area, we came across a few local vendors selling fresh fruits and vegetables. It was lovely to see this simple village charm, and we picked up some fresh produce before heading back.

We wrapped up our trip with a delicious lunch at Hotel Vaishali in Manjari, and reached home comfortably by 4:30 PM, ending a short yet refreshing family getaway.

Thanks for reading my blog, hope you liked it.

Happy travelling!!

Highlights - 

Trip duration - 1 day (6 December 2020)

Distance travelled - 80Km

Budget - 3-4K