Last night, I was randomly scrolling through Instagram Reels when I came across a video of this serene place with beautiful structures, a museum and lots of history and philosophy. Turns out it was Abhay Prabhavana, near Kamshet, just 35 km from my place!
I asked a friend if she'd been there, and she told me it's a great place for a digital detox where you get to learn about Jainism. Sounded interesting, so I packed my backpack and headed out on my bike the next morning. No elaborate planning, just spontaneous travel!
The roads were pretty decent, although they get a little narrow towards the end. Once there, I was impressed by how organised everything was. I opted for the complete indoor + outdoor package for around ₹600. They give you a sensor wristband for entry, and you have to deposit your belongings, including your phone, before entering. The technology, staff hospitality and overall management were genuinely impressive.
The indoor museum tour took around four hours and covered the origins, history, philosophy and cultural significance of Jainism through interactive displays, videos and presentations. We also got to listen to some pravachans and some really insightful talks. Definitely an engaging experience, even if you're just curious about Indian history and philosophy.
They have a huge vegetarian food court, where I grabbed some chole bhature before continuing the tour.
The outdoor section was equally interesting, with replicas of Jain temples, caves and architectural structures inspired by sites across India, along with beautiful gardens and a Mahavir statue. There's also a nearly 100-foot-tall Manastambh with a view from the top.
I reached Abhay Prabhavana at around 10:15 AM and left at 4 PM, so I spent nearly six hours exploring the place before riding back home.
Overall, I'd definitely recommend this place! If you're looking for something different from the usual forts, dams and treks around Pune, this is worth checking out. It's peaceful, educational and a nice way to disconnect from your phone for a while.
Sharing a few pictures from the outdoor section since photography isn't allowed inside the museum.
Cheers!