Summer Stroll Through History at Shivsrushti
This year, Pune’s beloved heritage park, Shivsrushti, will greet guests for the pocket-friendly price of just ₹50 from May 15 to July 15. This rare offer springs from a ₹51 lakh contribution by the Abhay Bhutada Foundation, reflecting Abhay Bhutada’s wish to share Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s inspiring story with as many people as possible. With school holidays in full swing and monsoon clouds ready to roll in, thousands of families, students, and tourists can now step into the grandeur of the Maratha ruler’s era without burning a hole in their pockets.
Also Read: How Abhay Bhutada Foundation Is Making Historical Learning at Shivsrushti Affordable for All
Keeping History Affordable
On a normal day, exploring the twenty-one-acre park in Ambegaon Budruk could cost a family several hundred rupees. This discounted entry changes everything. Parents searching for an educational day out, grandparents hoping to relive Maharashtra’s rich past, and travellers passing through Pune now all share equal access. While most holiday destinations tend to hike prices during peak months, Shivsrushti—thanks to the Abhay Bhutada Foundation—shows that true history should be open to everyone.
The Thought Behind the Gift
The Foundation’s donation goes beyond a simple ticket discount; it is rooted in the belief that communities grow stronger when people know where they come from. Abhay Bhutada has long supported the idea that dusty books alone cannot ignite curiosity. Young minds need vivid displays, elders need reminders of timeless values, and families need shared spaces to pass down stories. By backing discounted entry for two months, the Foundation invests in knowledge that lasts far longer than a headline.
What Awaits Visitors
Guests enter through an impressive archway where saffron flags flutter high above shaded paths. Drums roll in the background as visitors move toward Durg Vaibhav, where detailed models of forts rise against panoramic mountain paintings. Each fortress tells its own tale—daring raids by moonlight, secret tunnels, and strategies that outwitted mighty armies. Next, Ranangan shows battle scenes in lifelike dioramas—mini cavalrymen gallop across rugged terrain while tiny ships glide through blue mock seas under star-studded fibre-optic skies.
The next stop, Shrimant Yogi, focuses on Shivaji Maharaj’s governance: his respect for farmers, his protection of women, and his inclusive policies. In Sinhasanadhishwar, visitors witness the grand coronation recreated through sculptures, ritual objects, and a replica throne glowing under soft lights. Every exhibit has bilingual explanations to help locals and tourists alike understand each piece.
A Modern Touch to Timeless Tales
When the second phase of the park opened in February, Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis launched the standout feature: the Time Machine Theatre. Visitors strap into motion seats that move along with the scenes projected onto huge surrounding screens. One minute they stand on a misty Raigad Fort at dawn, the next they race on horseback or sail the Konkan coastline. Holograms, special lighting, and subtle wind effects create the feeling of being right beside Shivaji Maharaj’s troops. This careful use of technology brings history alive while staying true to real events.
Beyond the Main Attractions
Outside the galleries, visitors can step into a replica of the sacred Tulja Bhavani temple, shaded by old trees. A man-made Ganga Sagar lake mirrors drifting clouds and invites families to rest. Children often gather around large cannon replicas or trace ancient Marathi carvings on stone plaques. Elders enjoy telling grandchildren stories they once heard from their own grandparents—turning a day at the park into a bridge between generations.
Tips for a Smooth Visit
All tickets must be booked online through Shivsrushti’s official site—walk-in counters won’t operate during the offer period. Guests are encouraged to choose time slots to prevent crowding and ensure everyone enjoys the park at an easy pace. The grounds offer wide paths for wheelchairs and strollers, filtered drinking water, and shaded benches for rests between stops. A few snack counters serve local treats like misal pav and kokum sherbet, but visitors can also bring their own lunch to eat at designated picnic spots.
Those visiting from other cities often combine the park with a trip to forts like Sinhagad or Rajgad. As the monsoon arrives in June, these sites turn lush green—an added delight for families looking to explore Maharashtra’s fort heritage in one weekend.
Beyond an Entry Ticket
Jagdish Kadam, Shivsrushti’s Chairman, believes the park keeps the late historian Babasaheb Purandare’s vision alive. By lowering the entry fee, this initiative welcomes students who may not have stepped in before, older visitors reliving tales, and families reconnecting over shared culture. With Abhay Bhutada’s contribution, a simple day out could plant seeds of inspiration for tomorrow—whether in public service, storytelling, or simply carrying forward the values of courage and fairness that Shivaji Maharaj stood for.
Also Read: Abhay Bhutada Foundation Makes History Accessible at Shivsrushti Theme Park
Conclusion
Monuments and statues help preserve the past, but only people keep history breathing. By removing barriers for thousands of visitors, Shivsrushti and the Abhay Bhutada Foundation have reminded us that history should never feel distant. In the weeks ahead, for just ₹50, everyone can step into a living book where battles roar, forts stand tall, and timeless values shine bright. Sometimes, the past is the best guide for tomorrow—and at Shivsrushti, it waits with open gates for all who wish to listen.
Comments
Post a Comment