5 Amazing Places to Visit on Pune Solapur Highway

The Pune Solapur Highway starts at Pune and runs along till Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, with a lot of tourist attractions all along the route. If you are planning to take the highway any time soon, then we have created a list of perfect places that you should visit.

Let’s take a look at top attractions on Pune Solapur Highway

There are various tourist attractions near the Pune Solapur Highway, below we take a peek at them. 

1. Dive Ghat Valley

Image Source – Tripadvisor

Dive Ghat Valley offers you scenic views and long beautiful winding roads. In the monsoon season, the clouds blow so low that you can almost touch them and the greenery that surrounds them is one for the books. Take a drive along the Pune Solapur Highway on a rainy day to absorb the natural beauty of this valley.

2. Temples

Temples on Pune Solapur Highway

The highway houses a lot of temples along its route, from the famous Bhuleshwar Shiva Temple, which is situated 45 kilometers from Pune, on a hill near Yavat. Along the way on the highway, there are other temples, like Baneshwar Shiva Temple, located in Nasrapur, Lord Balaji Temple, and Lord Ek Mukhi Datta temple in Narayanpur, and Shrinath Mhaskoba Temple in Purandar Tehsil that is located close to Saswad.

3. Bhigwan Bird Sanctuary

Image Source – Wikipedia

Spot various migratory birds from North India and other countries, including Flamingos, Grey Heron, Kingfishers, Sandpipers, Egrets Gulls, and more. You can also take a boat ride in the lake and have your lunch in the boat itself while bird watching. The best time to visit this place would be between January and February as most of the birds arrive in the sanctuary around this time. 

4. Purandar Fort

Image Source – Wikipedia

Visit beautiful temples and the twin forts of Purandar and Vajragad in the Western Ghats, which are currently occupied by the National Cadet Corps academy. It is the birthplace of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and is located 4,472 feet above sea level, making it a scenic beauty.

5. Rehekuri Blackbuck Sanctuary

Image Source – thrillophilia.com

Located around 50 kilometers from Bhigwan, in the outskirts of Karjat city, Rehekuri Blackbuck Sanctuary is popular around the world for Black Bucks and Indian Antelopes. 

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If you are looking to find a house along the highway that places you close to all these amazing places mentioned above, then Joyville Hadapsar comes as the perfect opportunity to invest in, with its 60+ amenities, huge clubhouse, and 1, 2, and 3 BHK flats on Pune Solapur Highway. You don’t have to look any further before buying a house!

Joyville Hadapsar Annexe Property on Pune Solapur Highway

Relax close to home at the best beaches in Virar West near Mumbai

 

Image Source – wikimedia

Enjoying a relaxing getaway doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to travel far from the hustle and bustle of Mumbai city. As a coastal city, Mumbai can offer its residents the best of both worlds – active city life and picturesque getaway locations. Located in Virar, the city’s northern suburbs, there are plenty of beach destinations for explorers to choose from. 

1. Rajodi Beach

Image Source – TripAdvisor

This is one of the most well-known beaches in the Vasai-Virar area. It is surrounded by lush greenery that acts as a refreshing welcome as you approach the beach. There are small cafes and snack stalls in the area to enjoy a quick bite. Travel here from Virar with a 15-20 minute bike ride.

2. Arnala Beach

Image Source – Youtube

One of the most popular beaches in the Virar area, Arnala has plenty to offer its visitors. From snacks at small hawker stalls to horse rides, you can enjoy much more than the view. There are also a few resorts around the corner for a comfortable stay and some pool time. The Arnala Fort is also a ferry ride away.

3. Navapur Beach

Image Source – WhatShot.in

Surrounded by tall coconut trees and beautiful beach views, this location has a unique sight to offer – naturally occurring black sand. This clean and empty black sand beach is ideal for some quiet time since too many people do not know it. Though the beach is quite empty, you will find some stalls offering snacks like chai and Poha not too far from here.

4. Suruchi Beach

Image Source – TripAdvisor

Located very close to the Vasai area, the tall trees surrounding this beach are extremely popular as a great photoshoot opportunity. In fact, Suruchi beach gets its name from the tall Suru trees. It also offers excellent sunrise and sunset views and is always buzzing with visitors.

5. Bhuigaon Beach

Image Source – TripAdvisor

Another beach located close to Virar in Vasai, Bhuigaon is a clean and serene option for a relaxing day trip ending with the view of the sunset in the evening. It is easily accessible within a mere 10 km from Vasai railway station.

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Joyville Virar by Shapoorji Pallonji offering 1, 2 & 3 BHK flats for sale in Virar West near Arnala, Rajodi & Navapur & other popular beaches approximately 6 to 10 kilometers.

Explore Here – https://www.joyvillehomes.com/joyville-virar/

Joyville Virar by Shapoorji Pallonji

Originally published at http://realestateandepc.wordpress.com on November 8, 2021.

Top 5 Metals to Avoid in Jewelry

Toxic metals can be found all around us and while some are common, others can be quite hard to find. However, not many people know that there also exists something called toxic metals and these can be found in our day-to-day jewelry too. In this article, we try to shed some light on these toxic metals and how they can affect us. Ready to find out?

Toxic Metals to Avoid in Jewellery

There are various metals that should be avoided in jewelry, let’s take a look at some of them below. 

Nickel

Many people don’t realize that nickel is a toxic metal, given its wide usage everywhere, However, as it turns out, nickel can be quite dangerous for many people, especially those who have a nickel allergy – it can cause itchiness, redness, and blistering. Other than allergies, it can also be dangerous when you are overexposed to it. This happens when we keep nickel against our skin for long periods of time, such as a whole day or more. 

Nickel is found in almost everything, from batteries to coins and various appliances. It is also present in stainless steel, as it prevents the steel from rusting. This makes it essential to not have it in your jewelry as you are already exposed to nickel throughout the day via other things. Having it in your jewelry might just be the overexposure that you would want to avoid.

Lead

It is a widely known fact that if lead enters your body, it can cause severe damage. Even mild exposure to lead can cause stomach pain, fatigue, tingling hands and feet, and more. When exposed to lead for a longer period of time, it can cause lead poisoning which can have serious behavioral implications such as depression, irritability, and forgetfulness. 

While lead has been illegal for a few decades now, you may still have traces of it in older products in your house. It can also be found in jewelry pieces made by unethical manufacturers or in antiques. 

Cadmium

With the ban on lead, cadmium has come to the rise. It is a known carcinogen and can cause severe kidney and bone damage. It can also replace the healthy zinc found in your body as well as cause iron deficiency. 

We can find it in cigarette smoke, including e-cigarettes. It is also used in rechargeable batteries and trace amounts can be found in fruits, vegetables, and meat. It is also widely used in making jewelry and as filler metal in low-quality consumer products. 

Copper

Copper is a common metal used in everyday life. While it is necessary to have trace amounts of copper in your body, any more than that and copper becomes toxic. Symptoms of copper poisoning include cramps, fever, headaches, yellowing skin and eyes, and more. Overexposure to copper, in the long run, can also cause damage to your heart, brain, and liver.

Copper is found in pots, pans, coins, wires, and jewelry. If you find yourself at risk for copper toxicity, it may be a good idea to avoid wearing it on your skin. 

Aluminum 

Most widely available in the earth’s crust, aluminum, when absorbed by the body can actually be very toxic. It can cause ulcers, rashes, and arthritic pain among other things. 

Exposure to aluminum can also lead to brain damage, resulting in loss of memory, coordination, and balance.

A limited amount of aluminum can be found all around us – in the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe – it does not cause any harm. However, aluminum can be dangerous for those who already have a pre-existing kidney problem, thereby making it a metal that should be avoided in jewelry.

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The Miraya Store
Ace that office-look or bring grace to weddings, make your travel look chic and girl’s night out more glam. From handcrafted artisanal Jewellery like Earrings, Rings, Maang Tikkas, Bangles, and necklaces to flamboyant, bold pieces, we have carefully curated something for every mood and occasion.

Green Homes in Kenya: A Surging Trend

 

With the climate crisis inching closer to us every day, everyone is becoming more environmentally conscious, including homeowners. This gives birth to the term ‘green homes’, for those who are looking to reduce their exposure to pollutants, decrease their environmental footprint and switch to sustainable and eco-friendly housing. 

Sustainable or green homes can also increase the durability of your house by protecting it from water and air intrusion. They offer an energy-efficient and non-toxic way of construction and living, by using reclaimed materials, solar panels, airtight insulation to reduce any leakage of energy, and more. All in all, they make for a good and sustainable investment opportunity. 

Why are Green Homes trending in Kenya?

The move towards Green Homes in Kenya is mainly driven by the decline in natural resources such as water and fossil fuels, which were once considered inexhaustible. With the adoption of Green Homes, Kenya is looking to achieve their Sustainable Development Goals and joining the Paris Climate Agreement that recognizes the importance of the construction sector and its role in the current climate change crisis. 

Kenyan Government’s Role in Green Homes

The Kenyan government has issued a decree that all housing development projects under the ‘Big 4’ agenda should meet the EDGE green building standards. They have promised to provide developers with free land to construct affordable houses that adhere to the government’s green housing initiative. The bill was enacted by Kenya’s State Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

The Kenya Green Building Society (KGBS) connects the developers to certifiers so that they can utilize the benefits of EDGE certification for marketing purposes.

The Kenyan State Department of Housing is also working with county governments for affordable housing projects. They have created a Memoranda of Understanding wherein the developers who win the bid get free land to build affordable housing projects on it, as per the EDGE standards.

Mi Vida Green Homes

Mi Vida, a joint venture between Actis and Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate (SPRE), is one of the best choices for a green home in Nairobi, Kenya. Officially launched in 2019 to address the shortage of affordable housing, Mi Vida comes with an innovative design, modern engineering, and trusted construction. 

Mi Vida houses hold an EDGE certification in green building standards. Their projects adhere to the EDGE standard of 20%less energy usage, 20% less water usage, and 20% less embodied energy in materials, making it an ideal green home to live in. 

What sets Shapoorji Pallonji Investment & Advisors Apart

 

A 100% subsidiary of Shapoorji Pallonji and Company Private Limited (SPCPL), Shapoorji Pallonji Investment Advisors Private Limited (SPIAPL) is an expansion of the company to leverage its name in the Indian market by providing it with a fully integrated real estate development and investment advisory platform. 

Established in 2010 as a part of Shapoorji Pallonji Group’s synergistic expansion strategy, SPIAPL has been consistently delivering value to its stakeholders. 

SP Investment & Advisors: What do they do?

SPIAPL advises assets under management, amounting to US$350 million, which also includes institutional third-party funds and proprietary capital. They are also currently advising the creation of a new India-focused platform to build a Grade A office structure across the key metros in the country. It provides institutional investors with an opportunity to invest across real estate assets by identifying trends ahead of the curve and putting in work towards the creation of a long-term value accretive asset portfolio.

Competitive Advantages of the Company

• Huge market presence in major cities – By utilizing the Group’s network, SPIAPL takes advantage of the extensive geographical presence of the company and leverages its relationships to source off-market investment opportunities.
• Capable of securing strong deals – With its vast experience in the field, developers and property owners already recognize the brand, which works as a strong attraction to partner with SPIAPL. 
• Expertise and knowledge in the Indian real estate sector – SPIAPL comes with skilled real estate development, credit, and risk analysis teams including senior advisors and experts. It also has a strong conflict management process that handles third-party transactions. 
• Robust investment thesis –  Their value proposition is designed in a way that ensures opportunities are utilized completely, with value addition and risk evaluation of the life cycle of each project. 
• Fully integrated real estate platform – Its in-house project management and construction teams evaluate, monitor, and execute the progress of the projects in which investments have been made.
• Unique approach and values – Using its financial intermediary relationships and past experience, SPIAPL constantly works towards improving its operating performance.

To conclude, SPIAPL provides a great value addition model to your investment portfolio as opposed to any other capital allocator model.

Hinjewadi vs Magarpatta – Choosing the best investment location in Pune

 

One of the major Indian cities, Pune is on the radar of many investors for its abundance of employment and educational opportunities. This quickly growing city also has growing potential in terms of development paired with its already established status as an IT hub.

Within the larger area of Pune, let’s take a look at two major locations that could be your pick for a real estate investment – Hinjewadi and Magarpatta.

Location

Spanning 450 acres, Magarpatta is a privately owned gated community in the Hadapsar area of Pune that comes under the Pune Mahanagar Palika. It is a well-equipped residential area that also houses other infrastructure and commercial spaces.

Hinjewadi, on the other hand, is spread across a massive 2800 acres and has gone through 3 different phases of development with the potential for many more phases. It offers the prospect of great real estate appreciation and comes under the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA).

Connectivity

Hinjewadi is connected to NH 48 with a metro station located inside the area. Pune airport in Lohegaon is 23 kms away, Pune railway station is 18 kms away, and the Shivajinagar bus stop is 16 kms from this location.

Magarpatta, on the other hand, is well-connected to the NH 65 Solapur highway with Ramwadi as the closest metro station. Pune airport and Pune railway station are both within 10 kms and the Shivajinagar bus stop is 12 kms from this location. This makes Magarpatta a better residential option for frequent travellers.

Opportunities

Magarpatta contains 40 to 50 companies including Amdocs, Principal, and Red Hat offering employment. The Commerce Zone, Kharadi, and Infotech parks are also easily accessible from here. Magarpatta IHM, K Tech Academy, and Magarpatta Public School are also available in terms of education.

Being much larger in terms of acres, Hinjewadi is able to offer more opportunities than Magarpatta. It has around 2 lakh employees working in 165 companies including Infosys, Tech Mahindra, and TCS. Many of the companies located here are big office campuses of either the all-India headquarters or the Pune headquarters. When it comes to education, there is Vibgyor School, Blue Ridge Public School, Symbiosis College, and Alard College.

Leisure & Culture

Magarpatta currently offers better community and leisure activities with the popular Amanora Mall and Seasons Mall both within a walking distance as well as Inox and Cinepolis theatres. There are also religious locations such as Mahalaxmi Mandir, Shiva Temple, Amina Masjid, and Church of the Nazarene.

Hinjewadi also has access to Zion Mall with a theatre and religious locations such as Dutta Mandir, Mangaon Masjid, and a Methodist Church. Furthermore, the huge land area promises scope for more expansion and construction in more phases of this development.

Residences

Both of these locations have residentials projects constructed by India’s international real estate powerhouse of Shapoorji Pallonji. 

Joyville Sensorium

Joyville Sensorium is located in Hinjewadi, offering 2 and 3 BHK flats that start at Rs.68.6 lakh. The project has 9 towers spread across 10.5 acres with over 80% open space enveloped in the serenity of hills, expansive greenery, and the Mula River. Residents can enjoys tons of luxury amenities with a 2.8-acre multi-level sunken garden, vehicle-free podium, and 1.8 kms of walking boulevard.

Joyville Hadapsar

Joyville Hadapsar is located close to Magarpatta, offering 1, 2 and 3 BHK homes that start at Rs.38.9 lakh. The project is spread across a sprawling 21 acres with over 80% open space. Residents can enjoy 60+ amenities, a 35,000 sq ft clubhouse and 4 mini clubs, 2.7 km of walking boulevard, and 8.8 acres of central amenity space.

New innovations that are changing the solar industry

As the need for us to switch to more renewable sources of energy becomes more evident, the solar industry is continuously growing and innovating to offer us the ideal replacement for the more environmentally harmful options. The use of solar power has grown exponentially in recent years and the constantly evolving technology ensures that the future is bright.

Let’s take a look at some of the latest innovations in the solar industry that promise to change the game.

Thin Film Solar Cells

Land area and the installation process account for the majority of expenses when it comes to solar power plants. Second-generation thin-film solar cells are geared to change this obstacle. They are lightweight, flexible and easy to install while having much smaller light-absorbing layers compared to the standard panels. 

In addition to being an economic alternative, they have a high efficiency of up to 21%. These narrow and bendable solar cells are constructed using cadmium-telluride (CdTe), amorphous silicon, copper-indium-gallium-selenide (CIGS), and gallium-arsenide (GaAs). 

Perovskite Solar Cells

Another addition to the new generation of solar cells is this flexible, lightweight, and semi-transparent alternative. Hybrid metal halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have great performance in low light, offering excellent light absorption capabilities. 

The main highlight, however, is that these thin films can be printed, meaning that they are much more scalable in the manufacturing process. Other highlights of PSCs are their low price, thin design, low temperature processing, and 12.2% efficiency. Yet to reach the commercial space, they promise a high economic and efficiency advantage in the future.

Transparent Solar Windows

Engineering researchers at Michigan State University have developed a breakthrough innovation that could change the way we see solar power generation. They have formulated a thin, plastic-like material that acts as a transparent luminescent solar concentrator that creates solar energy without disrupting the view. This means that it can be a revolutionary replacement to the bulky rooftop solar units and instead be used on buildings, windows, mobile phones, cars or any other format that have a clear, see-through surface. 

This see-through material absorbs invisible wavelengths of sunlights using organic molecules developed by the researchers. These researchers are able to tune these materials to pick up only ultraviolet and near-infrared wavelengths of sunlight that will be used to generate electricity. These transparent solar cells are able to record an efficiency of above 5% in comparison to the 15-18% efficiency of traditional solar cells. Despite this difference in efficiency, they are able to offer the untapped potential of being applied to a wide number of surfaces in a larger area as well.

Reverse Solar Panels

When it comes to the efficiency of solar panels, the unavailability of sunlight during the night time is a major hurdle. Researchers from the University of California, Davis set out to combat this problem with an interesting innovation. 

Typically, solar cells are cooler than the sun and therefore absorb the light. Reversing this concept, the UC Davis researchers theorised that if you take a warmer object and point it towards sky where space is cooler it will radiate heat towards it in the form of infrared light. This means that, even without the availability of sunlight, thermoradiative cells can be used to generate electricity during daylight as well as the night time. 

Although this alternative could only generate about a quarter of the electricity that a regular solar panel could, it would still be more power than regular solar panels are currently able to generate at night.