Prati Balaji Temple Shree Venkateshwara Balaji Temple

Prati Balaji Temple, also called Shree Venkateshwara Balaji Temple, is a beautiful and sacred place in Ketkawale village, Maharashtra.

This temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara.

In this guide, you will know everything about Prati Balaji Temple Shree Venkateshwara Balaji Temple such as its location, why it is famous, best time to visit, and how to reach there?

Location of the Temple:

The temple is in Ketkawale village, about 45 km from Pune city and 5 km from Narayanpur, off the Pune-Bangalore Highway (NH-48).

The temple is easy to find as it’s close to the highway, near villages like Shindewadi, Khed Shivapur, Nasarapur, and Kapurhole.

Why it is famous?

• Prati Balaji Temple is famous for being a perfect replica of the Tirumala Balaji Temple in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh.
• It is built by the Venkateshwara Charitable Trust and it took 7 years (1996-2003) and Rs. 27 crore to complete.
• The temple has stunning Dravidian-style carvings, a grand stone entrance gate, and a wooden idol of Lord Venkateshwara painted with grey oil paint.
• Black stone and wood from Kanchipuram make it look just like the Tirupati temple.
• The temple offers free laddoo prasad and meals (anna prasadam), just like Tirupati.

Best Time to Visit the Prati Balaji Temple

The best time to visit is during the monsoon season (June to September) when the surrounding fields and hills are green and beautiful.

Early mornings (5:00 AM to 8:00 AM) are ideal for a quick darshan with fewer people and a cool, peaceful vibe.

Festivals like Sri Rama Navami, Vaikunta Ekadasi, Gudi Padwa, Diwali, and Brahmotsavam are special times to visit, as the temple is decorated with flowers and lights.

How to reach there?

You can use the following modes of transportation to reach there:

1. By Car (Your Own or Taxi)

• Route: Take the Pune-Bangalore Highway (NH-48). Turn left at Nasarapur Phata to reach the temple (4-5 km from the highway). From Mumbai, it’s 180 km via NH-48 (3.5-4 hours).
• Parking: The temple has plenty of free parking space for cars.
• Road Condition: The highway is good, but the last 4-5 km may be narrow. Drive slowly in rain or fog.
• Tip: Search “Prati Balaji Temple, Ketkawale” on Google Maps for exact directions.

2. By Train

• Nearest Station: Pune Junction (45 km from the temple) is the closest major railway station.
• Taxi/Auto-Rickshaw: A taxi from Pune Junction. It will cost around Rs. 800-1,200. You will reach there in 1-1.5-hours.

3. By Bus

• State Buses: Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) buses from Pune’s Swargate Bus Stand go to Kapurhole or Nasarapur (Rs. 50-100). From there, take an auto-rickshaw (5-10 minutes, ~Rs. 50).
• Private Buses: Private AC/non-AC buses from Mumbai, Kolhapur, or Bangalore to Pune drop off at Swargate or Katraj. Then, take a local bus or taxi to the temple.
• Travel Time: About 1-1.5 hours from Pune or 4-5 hours from Mumbai.
• Booking: Book private buses via RedBus or local travel agencies.

4. By Taxi or Cab

• App-Based Cabs: Reach Pune. Book Ola, Uber, or local taxis from Pune (~Rs. 800-1,500, 1-1.5 hours).
• Group Travel: Local agencies offer group taxis or vans for families.

5. By Air and Road

• Nearest Airport: Pune International Airport (55 km, ~1.5-2 hours by road).
• From Airport: Hire a taxi (~Rs. 1,000-1,500) or take a bus from Pune to Kapurhole, then an auto-rickshaw to the temple.

6. By Two-Wheeler

• Route: Ride from Pune via the Pune-Bangalore Highway, turning left at Nasarapur Phata. It’s 45 km from Pune (1-1.5 hours) or 180 km from Mumbai (3.5-4 hours).
• Safety: Wear helmets and warm clothes, as it can be foggy or rainy. The last stretch may be uneven.
• Tip: The ride is scenic, especially in the monsoon season.

Tips for Visiting the Prati Balaji Temple

• When to Go: Start early from Pune (7:00 AM) to reach by 8:30 AM for quick darshan. The temple is open from 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily.
• Clothes: Wear simple, full-length clothes (no shorts, sleeveless shirts, or ripped jeans). Men can wear dhoti or pants; women can wear sarees or churidar.
• Food: No outside food allowed. Enjoy free anna prasadam (meals like khichdi) and laddoo prasad at the temple canteen. Maha prasadam coupons are available from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
• Photos: Mobile phones and cameras are not allowed inside the temple. Follow security rules.
• Activities: Kids can enjoy play areas outside. Mundan (head-shaving) facilities are available, like in Tirupati.
• Nearby Places: Visit Eka Mukhi Datta Mandir and Shivalayam in Narayanpur (8 km), Purandar Fort for trekking (15 km), Jejuri Temple (30 km), or Baneshwar Mandir (nearby, with ponds for fish and turtles).
• Festivals: Plan your visit during Sri Rama Navami, Vaikunta Ekadasi, or Brahmotsavam for special pujas and decorations.
• Note: The temple is accessible for differently-abled and elderly visitors, but wheelchair ramps may not be available. Call the temple office (+91-2113-252088) for details.

Read Also: Ganagapur Dattatreya Temple Sri Kshetra Ganagapur

Why You Should Visit?

Prati Balaji Temple Shree Venkateshwara Balaji Temple is a peaceful and divine place near Pune, perfect for prayer and relaxation.

Whether you want to seek Lord Venkateshwara’s blessings or enjoy a scenic day trip, this temple is a must-visit. Choose your travel option—car, bus, or bike—and experience the calm and joy of this mini Tirupati.