The banks of Mutha, one of the two major rivers that supply water to Pune, have more than their share of history to talk about.

Old-timers would for instance remember the day when the Panshet dam fractured its walls and overflowed into the Mutha river, submerging most of Pune city under deep waters.

Devastation ruled for several weeks. But after the waters receded, the resilience of Puneri people shone through. As did the many splendid architectural wonders. Lying in wait for the flood to ebb, after having stood firmly against Mutha’s raging fury, these structures were testimony to man’s grit and determination to survive against all odds.

Still standing tall today, these beautiful masterpieces, in certain cases a few centuries old, are however in danger of being swept away by a new kind of flood – real estate. Already dwarfed by commercial monstrosities, these magnificent temples, nostalgic wadas (old-style homes) and even stone bridges are in danger of being forgotten.

If you wish to visit this part of Pune’s history, or to step away from the maddening rush of today’s life to snatch a few moments of peace and introspection or just to treat your senses to the beauty and intelligent architecture that was, then compel yourself to awaken early one day and take a walk down the road that runs alongside the Mutha.

To get started on this journey, take a five minute walk from Bal Gandharv Rang Mandir on JM Road, climb down the steps leading to the Omkareshwar Temple. Step through the side exit from within the premises (ask anybody for the way to the ‘dhobi ghat’ – washerman’s jetty), come out to the river and let your feet take you where your heart desires to go. Every alley, every nook, every structure has a story to tell. And if you listen quietly, you will hear its tale.