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Elephanta
Caves
Elephanta
is the magnificent domicile of Shiva. He reigns
supreme here. It takes an hour by launch to reach
the cave temple of Elephanta caves, dedicated to
Lord Shiva, established in the 7th century.
Elephanta festival of music and dance is
celebrated every year on the backdrops of the
caves.
Gateway
of India
It was the principal port when the visitors came
to India by ship. It commemorates the visit of
King George V and Queen Marry to India in the year
of 1911 and was officially opened in 1924. Nearby
is COLABA-the shopping paradise and SASSOON DOC,
which is the unloading centre of fish. |
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Hanging Gardens And
Kamala Nehru Park On Malabar Hill
The former is built over Mumbai's reservoir,
whereas Kamala Nehru park is situated just
opposite there gardens. The visitors can get a
panoramic view of the charming Marine Drive.
Haji
Ali Tomb And Mosque
It
is situated in such a difficult place that it can
be reached by a long land bridge which can be
crossed at low tide.
Juhu
Beach
This
is very famous beach of mumbai running beside the
sea and have rows of beach hotels on the sea
front.
Kanheri
Caves
There
are 109 Buddhist caves dating from 2nd and 9th
centuries. Out of which number 3, the great
Chaitya cave, is most beautiful.
Mani
Bhawan (Gandhi Memorial)
There
is the house where Mahatma Gandhi stayed when he
visited for the citv for the first time. Scenes of
Gandhi’s life in photographs and models are
displayed over here.
Prince
Of Wales Museum
This
is one of the leading museums of Mumbai.
The
Queens Necklace
As
lights on Marine Drive are called, they are great
attractions after sunset.
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Bassein
Bassein was a place for ship-building in the
beginning of the 17th century. It was here that
the Marathas besieged the Portuguese in 1739 AD.
The ruins of the Portuguese Fort still stand
almost hidden by bruswood and palm groves. An hour
from Bassein are the Vajreshwari temple and Akoli
hot springs and Ganeshpliri with the
Sadgurunatyanand Maharaj Samadhi Mandir.
About 10 km from here lies The NALASOPARA VILLAGE,
the capital of the Konkan from 1500 BC to 1300 AD.
Many Buddhist relics were discovered here.
Nalasopara is believed to have been Gautama
Buddha’s birthplace in a previous life.
Dahanu
and Bordi (145 km from Mumbai)
Dahanu is approachable conveniently by train or by
road. Dahanu is a quite seaside town with a
sprawling, uncluttered beach. The Dahanu-Bordi
stretch is 17 km long. This once barren
landthrived under Irani settlers, an earthy
people. Dahanu is lined with fruit orchards and is
famous for its CHIKOOS. Easily Accessible from
Dahanu is UDWADA- the ‘MECCA OF THE PARSIS’ -
with large beautiful temple which houses their
sacred fire. It is an amazing fact but this holy
fire has been kept buring for almost 1000 years.
Ganapati
Pule (375 km from Mumbai)
Around Konkan area (Accessible by road) this
sun-kissed beach and lush green of GanpatipuIe
inevitably draws tourist back, year after year.
The added attraction is a 400 year old temple
which houses the Swayambhoo Ganapati. Privates as
well as State transport buses are easily available
from Mumbai and Pune.
Karla
It is 12 km from Lonavala boasts one of the
best-preserved caves dating back to 160 BC. The
construction of this cave temple started during
the Hinayana period of Buddhism. Regular bus
services are Available from Mumbai and Pune.
Accommodation is available for the visitors at MTD
guest house.
Karnala
Bird Sanctuary (60 km from Mumbai)
It is located just outside near new Mumbai, Pa Goa
highway. In winter, Karnala is visited by several
migratory birds, mostly woodland species which
come in from their breeding grounds in Himalayas.
Some travel shorter distances from peninsular
India and from there to the nearby western ghats.
Established as a sanctuary in the year 1971 the
sanctuary houses 140 species.
Lonavala
-Khandala - Karla
Lonavala-khandala are charming hills on the
western slopes of the Sahyadri hills and lie in
between Mumbai and Pune, easily approachable by
road from both the nieces being 200 km awav. Its
clean crisp air greets you as you wind your way up
the steep ghats, leaving the humidity, heat and
dust behind. Both Lonavala and Khandala offer
breathtaking views of cascading waterfalls during
the monsoon and the surrounding mountains of
plains spread out to the horizon far below.
Mahabaleshwar
(320 km from Mumbai)
The summer capital of Bombay Presidency during the
days of the British, it is a mountain top plateau
often covered with a light morning mist.
Elphinstone, Babbington, Bombay, Kate’s and
numerous other points offer panoramic views of the
plains below. Short distance away are Chinaman's
and Dhobi, Lingamala waterfalls. Veena Lake, the
focal point of Mahabaleshwar has boating and
fishing facilities. About 24 km from Mahabaleshwar
is FORT PRATAPGAD, Shivaji's most impressive fort
perched on the summit of the hill, was built to
control three strategic passes-Rodtondi, Poladpr
and Par. PANCHGANI or 'FIVE HILLS' is on the way
to Mahabaleshwar. It has the Raj stamp all over it
which is evident in the architecture of the old
British buildings, the Parsi bungalows and the
boarding schools that have been around for over a
country. It is a delight to canter through the
thickly wooded walkways to explore the area,
catching glimpses of the Krishna river winding its
way through the ravines, hundred of metres below.
Kamalgad fort is easily accessible on foot or on
horseback.
Mandawa
- Kihim
It is easily accessible by ferry from Mumbai,
Kihim near Mandawa is a beautiful, untrodden
beach. On a clear day one can enjoy a long
breathtaking view right up to The Gateway of
India.
Marve
- Manori - Gorai
These are the popular spots of Mumbai’s fun
lovers. Marve is a lovely little fishiing village.
It has some beautiful bungalows. Low hills along
the beach offer extraordinary views of sunrise and
sunset. Gorai and Manori, a little further away,
are more crowded with travellers and are famous
for all night beach parties.
Matheran
(100 km from Mumbai)
Travelling to Matheran by a tiny narrow guage toy
train, one of the last mini trains in the world,
from Mumbai via Neral is an experience by itself.
This *Car free* eco-friendly hill station situated
at 803 meters above sea level offers salubrious
climate, an unpolluted atmosphere with no
vehicular traffic. Matheran offers facinating
landscapes through thickets and woods. The Heart
Point offers beautiful view of Mumbai at night.
The Porcupine Point and Louise Point, Chaelotte
Lake with panthers. Caves and Paymaster Park are
places of interest in Matheran. The main bazzar
offers a variety of items such as cane and leather
articles, hats, chappals etc. A wide range of
accommodation is available.
Murud
- Janjira (165 km from
Mumbai)
This place is easily accessible by road from
Mumbai. Formerly the capital town of the Siddis of
Jangira, who built here their palaces, lying in
ruins battered on all the four sides by the sea
waves, its strong 40 ft. high walls are still
standing intact. This the only impregnable fort on
the 720 km Maharashtra coastline. Murud is today
popular for its alluring beach, whispering
caesarean coconut and betal palms and an ancient
fort. On a hillock is the shrine of Lord Dattatrya,
the three heads representing Brahma, Vishnu and
Maheshwara. The 300 year old fort of Jangira is an
architectural marvel, once upon a time considered
to be impregnable.
Shriwardhan
- Harihareshwar (200 km from
Mumbai)
These places are easily accessible by road from
Mumbai. The State transport as well as private
buses ply regularly from Mumbai. Gentle winds,
soft sands and inciting waters makes Shriwardhan
and Harihareshwar irresistible to beach lovers.
The adventurers can even take a small boat to the
north side of the bay and explore the land of
Teshwas' where they originally resided. The town
Harihareshwar is known for tranquil and
picturesque beach and is also famous for the
temple of Harihareshwar. Private as well as State
transport operated buses are easily available from
Mumbai and Pune.
Titwala
(75
km from Mumbai)
A pilgrim spot sacred twice over - for its
Mahaganesha temple and the temple of Shri Vithoba.
Another facinating temple is the one at Ambarnath,
dating back to Ilth century built in the
‘Hemadpanti’ style. Titwala can be reached by
local trains from Mumbai.
Velneshwar
(370 km from
Mumbai)
Around Konkan area (Accessible by road), North of
Shastri river lies the idyllic village of
Valneshwar. The quiet coconut-fringed beach offers
an ideal opportunity for swimming. There is an old
Shiva temple in the environs which is often
frequented by pilgrims. Mahashivratri fair is held
once a year in March. Private as well as State
transport operated buses are easily available from
Mumbai and Pune.
Vengurla
- Malvan (514 km from Mumbai)
Further south to Sindhudurg lies Venguria with its
long stretch of white sands and hills covered by
cashew, coconut, jackfruit and mango groves. The
twon has two well-known temples Shri Devi Sateiri
and Rameshwar Mandir.
Vijaydurg
Sindhudurg (510 km from Mumbai)
Once naval bases, Viajydurg and Sindhudurg bear
testimony to Maharashtra’s martial supremacy
during Shivaji's reign. Vijaydurg or fort of
victory was strengthened around 17'hh century, by
Shivaji to whom it owes its finest features-the
triple line of walls, the numerous towers and the
massive interior buildings.
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