A Heritage & Nature Trail Near Bhor: Jijisaheb Suspension Bridge, Nageshwar Temple, Jivaji Mahale Samadhi & Kanhoji Jedhe Samadhi

 

If you’re looking for a quiet, meaningful road trip near Pune, away from crowded tourist spots, this heritage trail near Bhor is a perfect choice. The route beautifully blends Maratha history, ancient temples, riverside landscapes, and scenic viewpoints, making it ideal for a half-day trip.

This trail covers:

• Jijisaheb Suspension Bridge

• Nageshwar Temple

• Jivaji Mahale Samadhi

• Kanhoji Jedhe Samadhi

And depending on your timing, you can also include Bhor Necklace Point for a magical sunrise or sunset.

Jijisaheb Suspension Bridge – A Walk Between History and Nature

The Jijisaheb Suspension Bridge (locally known as the Hanging Bridge or Jhulta Puul) is a historic,,1936-built footbridge in Ambavade near Bhor, Pune district. Built by Raja Shrimant Raghunathrao Shankarrao Pandit Pant Sachiv to honor his mother, it is a popular, scenic heritage site with steel wire cables, though recent concerns have been raised regarding its maintenance. 

Key Details of the Jijisaheb Suspension Bridge:

• Location: Ambavade, near Bhor, Pune district, Maharashtra.
• Built Year: 1936 (Inaugurated in November 1937).
• Constructed By: Raja Shrimant Raghunathrao Shankarrao Pandit Pant Sachiv.
• Purpose: Built in memory of the Raja's mother, Jijisaheb Pant Sachiv.
• Structure: A,wire-cable suspension bridge (hanging bridge) that moves when crossed.
• Location Significance: Situated near the samadhi (tomb) of Shankarji Narayan, founder of the Bhor state.
• Status: In use, though frequently questioned for safety and maintenance due to,damaged iron rods.

The bridge provides a,picturesque,view of the surrounding,river and forest area, making it a popular tourist spot. It is often visited in conjunction with the adjacent Samadhi premises of the Bhor royal family. 

Nageshwar Temple – A Peaceful Stop by the Water

Located in the nature-rich village of Ambavade in Bhor taluka, which has been well-known since the pre-Shivaji era, the ancient and beautiful Nageshwar Temple stands as a significant spiritual and historical landmark. You can cross the suspension bridge and visit the temple, or take a route with your vehicle to visit. 

The temple is situated in a slightly sunken area along the banks of the Dhawalganga stream. Visitors must descend a stepped pathway to reach the temple. Surrounded by dense trees and creepers, this temple is the family deity (Kuldaiwat) of Sardar Kanhoji Jedhe.

Traditionally, most Shiva temples in Maharashtra face east. However, the Nageshwar Temple uniquely faces west. It is believed that the temple was originally built around 2,000 years ago by members of the Naga tribe. Historical records mention that the temple was renovated in 1767 by Shrimant Sadashiv Chimnaji Pant Sachiv, and later again in 1889 by Shankarrao Chimnaji.

The temple complex is enclosed by a protective stone wall and includes a spacious sabhamandap (assembly hall), water tanks, and stone verandahs (ovaris). There is also a dharmashala for devotees, which was renovated in 1889 during the tenure of Shankarrao Chimnaji. Built using finely dressed stone, the temple stands on a high stone plinth. The outer walls are intricately carved with figures of animals, birds, and lotus motifs, showcasing fine ancient craftsmanship.

Near the entrance stands a majestic stone Nandi, welcoming devotees. Architecturally, the temple consists of a sabhamandap and garbhagriha (sanctum). The six massive stone pillars in the sabhamandap are carved with serpent (Naga) motifs. Inside the sanctum, the Shiva linga is installed, and in a wall niche there is an idol of Suryanarayan (Sun God). Additionally, the temple houses two idols of Adimaya.

Adjacent to the temple is the sacred Panchaganga Tirtha. From the hills behind the temple, five natural water streams are channelled together and released into a stone tank through a carved stone cow’s mouth (Gomukh). At the centre of this tank stands a stone pillar carved with an elephant figure. A remarkable feature of this water source is that it never dries up throughout the year, nor does its flow increase or decrease. This sacred water is also known as “Panchmukhi water.” Behind the temple stands a stone Deepmala (lamp tower), and the surrounding area contains several finely sculpted ancient idols of various deities.

A grand festival is celebrated at Nageshwar Temple on Mahashivratri, attracting a large number of devotees from across the taluka. The temple also witnesses heavy footfall on Shravan Mondays. In addition, the temple परिसर is used for wedding ceremonies and other religious rituals, making it a living centre of faith and tradition.

Jivaji Mahale Samadhi – Honouring a Brave Mawala

The Samadhi (tomb) of Jivaji Mahale, the loyal bodyguard of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj known for saving him during the Afzal Khan encounter, is located in Ambawade near Bhor, in the Pune district of Maharashtra. This historical site is a tribute to the warrior who famously said, "Hota Jiva, Mhanun Wachala Shiva" 

Key Details About Jivaji Mahale Samadhi:

• Location: Ambawade, Taluka Bhor, District Pune, Maharashtra (PIN: 412206).
• Significance: It commemorates the warrior whose bravery ensured the survival of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Kanhoji Jedhe Samadhi – A Pillar of Swarajya

Adjacent to the Samadhi of Jivaji Mahale is the Samadhi of Kanhoji Jedhe, which is another important yet lesser-visited historical site on this trail. Kanhoji Jedhe was a respected leader who played a vital role in supporting and strengthening the Swarajya movement during its early days.

This place feels grounded and dignified. It may not be grand in scale, but it carries the weight of leadership, unity, and loyalty that shaped Maratha history.

Bhor Necklace Point – Optional Sunrise or Sunset View

You can easily include Bhor Necklace Point while going or returning, depending on your schedule.

• Early Morning (Sunrise):
  Start early from Pune and stop here first. Watching the sunrise over the water and hills is incredibly peaceful.

• Late Evening (Sunset):
  If you’re returning late, this viewpoint makes for a perfect closing stop. The water body curves like a necklace, especially beautiful in evening light.

This scenic stop adds a visual highlight to an otherwise heritage-rich journey.

More details can be found in my earliest blog post here.