The Ballaleshwar temple at Pali, in Raigad district, is one of the eight Ashtavinayak shrines and the only one named after a devotee: Ganesh is said to have appeared here to the boy Ballal. The original wooden temple was rebuilt in stone in 1770 by Nana Phadnavis, and it is laid out so that, after the winter solstice, the rising sun falls on the idol. A large bell hangs in the temple, and Sarasgad fort rises behind the town. It is about 110 km from Pune via Lonavala and Khopoli, and is often combined with the Varadvinayak temple at Mahad.
- Address: Pali, Sudhagad taluka, Raigad district, Maharashtra 410205
- How to Reach: About 110 km from Pune via the Expressway, Khopoli and Pali; about 30 km from Khopoli. Buses run from Khopoli and Pen.
Share a quick rating, tip, or photo so the next traveler knows what to expect.