| Taljai | |
|---|---|
 View of Pune taken from the top of the hill of Taljai | |
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 2,000 ft (610 m) |
| Coordinates | 18°28′32″N 73°49′41″E / 18.4754554°N 73.8279674°E / 18.4754554; 73.8279674 |
| Geography | |
  Taljai Pune, Maharashtra, India
| |
| Parent range | Western Ghats |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Through the Shivaji Maratha College campus |
Taljai is a hill located in the heart of Pune, India that has been designated as a wildlife reserve. The road to this hill passes through the Shivaji Maratha College campus with a picturesque mountain path, with sharp turns. Near the entrance of the forest is a temple to the hill's namesake Taljai mata; a Hindu goddess.
The reserve attracts migratory birds and is home to peacocks. The location is therefore popular with amateur bird watchers and ornithologists. A recent study concluded that the lake at Taljai is dying due to dumping of plastic waste, facing issues to maintain its original form due to urbanization. Several organisations are running campaigns to raise the issue. The park is open for visitors from 5:00 to10:00 in the mornings and from 4:30 to 7:00 in the evenings. Vehicles are prohibited in the area.
References
- Kakodkar, N.H., 2013. Bio-Diversity of the Pavati-Pachgaon Hills: A 'Habitat Island' in Pune Metropolis. Mammalia, 15, p.24.
- Bhaskar, P., 2012. "Urbanization and changing green spaces in Indian cities (Case study–City of Pune)". International Journal of Geology, Earth and Environmental Sciences, 2, pp. 148–156.
- Raut, R., Desai, S., Bapat, R. and Kharat, S., 2000. Aquatic Insects and Molluscs of Pune City. Journal of Ecological Society, pp.13-14.
