With a packed week behind us, my husband and I decided on a peaceful, one-day road trip to explore the beautiful temples along the Pune-Solapur road, and of course, our loyal companion Sophie, our pet dog, was part of the plan. It was the perfect opportunity to enjoy a mix of history, spirituality, and some delicious food along the way. Here’s how our pet-friendly temple-hopping adventure unfolded!
Early Morning Start
The day began with an early morning start from our home in Pune, eager to beat the traffic and make the most of the cooler hours. Our first destination, Bhuleshwar Temple, was about 55 km away and typically a 1.5-hour drive. This Shiva temple is known for its stunning hilltop view and fascinating stone carvings. Plus, Sophie always loves the thrill of a scenic drive!
Brunch at Shree Leela World Cuisine Veg Restaurant
On our way, we made a quick stop at our go-to pet-friendly brunch spot, Shree Leela World Cuisine Veg Restaurant in Uruli Kanchan. This place has become a familiar stop whenever we’re on the Pune-Solapur route. The staff is always welcoming, and they allow pets on request, which makes it super convenient. Sophie, as usual, received her fair share of attention from fellow diners while we enjoyed a hearty vegetarian meal. Recharged and ready, we headed back on the road to Bhuleshwar.
Bhuleshwar Temple, Yavat
Our first temple stop, Bhuleshwar Temple, is not only a sacred site but also an architectural marvel. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this ancient temple stands on a hilltop with beautiful panoramic views. We explored the carvings, admired the peace of the temple, and Sophie loved stretching her legs after the drive. With a leash and water handy, she seemed just as taken with the surroundings as we were.
Exploring the Hidden Gems: Loni Bhapkar and Jawlarjun
Our next stop was the Shri Mallikarjun Temple and stepwell in Loni Bhapkar. This temple is one of those lesser-known gems, offering a blend of serenity and history. The adjacent stepwell adds a unique charm to the place. Sophie found this area particularly fun to explore, and it’s always rewarding to discover new places that welcome pets.
From Loni Bhapkar, we headed to Shri Pandeshwar Devasthan in Jawlarjun, an ancient shrine that’s steeped in history. The quietness and beauty of the temple offered a perfect spot to rest and recharge. For us, it was a peaceful interlude amidst our day, while Sophie had a nice time sniffing around the open areas.
Final Temple Stop: Shri Shankareshwar Mandir in Sakurde
Our last temple for the day was Shri Shankareshwar Mandir in Sakurde. The drive to this small, tranquil village temple was quite scenic, and the temple itself was a peaceful space to wrap up our tour. We spent some quiet moments here, taking in the rural landscape, before starting our journey back to Pune.
Evening Hi-Tea at Shivneri Misal
As we began our journey home, we couldn’t resist stopping at Shivneri Misal for a quick hi-tea break. This spot is known for its delicious Misal—a spicy, tangy Maharashtrian snack that’s perfect after a day on the road. While we sipped chai and enjoyed our snacks, Sophie took a well-deserved rest by our side, clearly as content with the day as we were.
This one-day road trip along the Pune-Solapur road turned out to be an ideal mix of culture, nature, and fantastic food, with each stop offering something unique. For pet parents like us, it’s always a pleasure to find pet-friendly locations along the way that make Sophie feel as much a part of the adventure as we are. If you’re looking for a pet-friendly day trip from Pune that offers both relaxation and discovery, I can’t recommend this route enough.
Where did we eat ?
Shree Leela World veg cuisine
Shivneri Misal