Along the Khadakwasla backwaters route, is the climb to the Jarsheshwar temple, what I personally consider to be the best cycling climb in Pune.
Length | 5.26km |
Average Grade | 5.9% |
Max Grade | 10.9% |
Min Elevation | 682m |
Max Elevation | 992m |
Elevation Change | 310m |
KOM | 28:16 / 11.2km/h |
Why do I believe this climb the best? Well, first, with a 6% gradient, and 5+ km length, it’s a decent challenge – it’s harder than Katraj, Dive or the Mutha ghats, but not as hard as Sinhagad or Lavasa. Next, this is a private road, so it’s in great condition, and there’s hardly any vehicular traffic at all. Finally, the views … as you ride up or down, most sections offer gorgeous views of the Khadakwasla lake, or the hills below, what more could you ask for!
![A view of the lake on the Jarsheshwar road](https://i0.wp.com/theindiancyclist.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/03/vlcsnap-2019-03-27-14h44m40s607-1024x576.png?resize=696%2C392)
Look at the video above for instructions on how to find this climb. I will share some quick tips though – with the lake on the left, the turn is 400m ahead of the Kalbhairavnath mandir in the Mandvi village, or 700m before the entrance to Splendour country – where you may have to go to get the permission to ride up. Do be courteous to the guards.
Enjoy a few photos of the descent:
For a recording of the entire descent, check this video: