Gargoti is the only museum in the country which houses such a vast collection of crystalline minerals; is owned privately and is conceived by Mr.K.C.Pandey, an enthusiast who has been collecting from last 30 years. The Museum is set in a beautiful, fully airconditioned building and is a must-visit location for all those who love nature. The museum is divided into two galleries- Minerals from the Deccan Plateau and The Prestige Gallery displaying the best national as well as international stones.
How to Reach and Visit timings:It is located on pune Nashik Highway, approx 25Kms before Nashik in MIDC area near Sinnar.
There are clear directions and Welcome Arch if you are travelling from Pune. Do check out recent timings. When I had visited back in 2007 this it was open 24 hours all days a week.
Can’t remember exactly but there was some 250/- ticket. It’s a guided tour the guide explains you in detail about all the rocks and where they are found. Website: http://www.gargoti.com/
At its grand entrance we are welcomed by a tall statue of Mother India and there are two huge Ganpati statues, one in quartz and other in single jaipuri rock. The museum houses the collection of Zeolites and it said that some of the Zeolites are more precious than Diamonds. 
There are various specimens of diamonds, cut stones, light green cubical apophyllite, crystals of yellow calcite, blue-green aquamarine and Punes own cavansite.
There are some stones which shine in dark while others are hidden like treasure inside rocks.
It amazing to see simple oval stones with varied designs from Narmada- called Narmade che Gote. A souvenir shop selling mineral specimen, necklaces and other decorative items is attached to the museum.It’s simply amazing and worth visit this marvellous museum.
-December 26, 2007
""SITARAM"" NICE ONE.
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