Just 30 km from Lonavala, this gurdwara is carved into a mountain — and almost no one knows about it

Gurudwara Chhota Hemkund Sahib in Begampura near Mulshi is built directly against a rocky mountain face, offering a serene spiritual retreat just 30 km from Lonavala.

• Chhota Hemkund Sahib is a mountain-side gurudwara near Lonavala
• The shrine provides a serene, accessible option to Hemkunt Sahib.
• It blends into the Sahyadri hills, attracting few tourists

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When travellers think of a Sikh pilgrimage set against dramatic peaks and glacial waters, Hemkunt Sahib in Uttarakhand is often the first name that comes to mind. Located at over 15,000 feet in the Himalayas and surrounded by seven snow-capped peaks and a glacial lake, it remains one of India’s most demanding yet rewarding spiritual journeys.

But few know that a much lesser-known “Hemkunt” exists far closer to Mumbai and Pune — carved into a mountain in Maharashtra.

Hidden in Begampura near Mulshi, roughly 30 kilometres from Lonavala, Gurudwara Chhota Hemkund Sahib stands quietly against a towering rock face in the Sahyadris. Unlike traditional gurdwaras that rise prominently from cityscapes, this one appears almost absorbed into the mountain.

Built into the rock, not above it

Located along Mohol Road in Pune district, the shrine is constructed directly against a rugged cliff, giving it a natural, cave-like setting. The rock face acts as a dramatic backdrop, while dense greenery and rolling hills surround the structure.

There is no elaborate facade competing for attention. Instead, the architecture blends with the terrain, making the landscape itself part of the spiritual experience.

The result is striking: a gurdwara that feels less like a standalone building and more like an extension of the mountain.

A quieter alternative to the Himalayan pilgrimage

Unlike Hemkunt Sahib, which requires a challenging high-altitude trek, Chhota Hemkund Sahib is accessible by road. It is approximately a 1.5–2 hour drive from Pune and easily reachable for those travelling through Lonavala and Mulshi.

For elderly devotees, families or travellers unable to undertake the demanding Himalayan climb, this site offers a spiritually meaningful but physically manageable alternative. While not officially connected to the Uttarakhand pilgrimage, it draws inspiration from its spirit — devotion amidst nature.

Why it remains under the radar

The Lonavala-Mulshi region is packed on weekends with visitors heading to waterfalls, viewpoints and luxury stays. Yet many drive past Begampura without realising a mountain-side gurdwara lies tucked within its hills.

Chhota Hemkund Sahib reportedly remains open until 10 PM and retains a distinctly peaceful atmosphere. There are no commercial strips or heavy tourist crowds. The setting remains largely undisturbed — a rarity in Maharashtra’s increasingly popular hill circuits.

A lesser-known chapter of Sikh presence in Maharashtra

While Punjab and Uttarakhand dominate Sikh pilgrimage narratives, communities across India have established sacred spaces that reflect enduring faith. Chhota Hemkund Sahib is part of that quieter history in Maharashtra.

It may not sit at Himalayan altitude, but its setting in the Sahyadris offers something equally compelling: serenity without spectacle.

So the next time you plan a weekend trip to Lonavala, it may be worth asking — would you expect to find a Himalayan-inspired shrine carved into a mountain just half an hour away?

Most travellers don’t. And that is precisely what makes this place remarkable.