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Ahmedabad
WHAT TO SEE:
MOSQUES:
The city centre is dotted with domes and minarets of mosque, pavilions and monuments built in the 15th century. Built of local honey-colored stone these structures have fine austere Islamic designs with decorative Hindu art. RANI SIPRI’S MOSQUE and TOMB (1514) is believed to have been built by a wife on a local Sultan after he executed her son in a fit of anger. Close by is the RANI RUPMATI MOSQUE (1440) which have exquisite jail screen. The JUMMA MASJID is famous for its picture porticos resting on 250 columns. Nearby is the TEEN DARWAZA (Three Gateways)
off Relief road is the SIDI SAIYAD MOSQUE (1430) which is renowned for its
pierced marble latticework arches.
GANDHI ASHRAM:
One of Mahatma Gandhi’s most moving legacy, the Sabarmati Ashram as it is christened has been the centre of many historical event of India’s freedom struggle. It is here that Gandhi launched the Civil Disobedience movement and the Salt March to Dandi, both crucial events in the Satyagraha against British rule. The Ashram house Gandhi’s personal possessions, kept as they had been during his lifetime.
In the evening the Ashram conducts son et lumiere show in English, Hindi and Gujrati on different days of the week. The English show is held on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 8.30 pm.
EXCURSION:
LOTHAL:
Among the southern most archaeological established towns of the Harappan culture that is believed to have grown out of the Indus Valley between 2400B.C, Lothal is 87 km. from Ahmedabad. It was an important port of its time and traded with Egypt and Mesopotania. Excavated in the 1950’s the remnants of the town show a systematically planned port which had definite knowledge of tides and applied it to build the city drainage system.
SOMNATH:
A Hindu temple almost on the sea off the Gujarat coast was reputed to be the richest in India. This attracted raid after raid by marauding soldiers from the north-west. The most famous raider was Mohammed of Ghazni who it is believed used a mammoth caravan to cart away his loot of gold and precious stones. Somnath is one of the most important Shiva temples in India and holds Kartika Purnima festival in November- December and the Mahashivratri festival in February- March with much vibrancy.
MODHERA:
The Sun Temple is 106 km. northwest of Ahmedabad, dating to 1026 AD, two centuries older than the more famous Sun temple of Konark, near Puri. Against a baren landscape, the temple is an outstanding sight. Built on a platform above a deep tank, the temple has suffered the attack of Mohmmed Ghazni but remarkably still has a beautiful carving of Goddesses, birds, blossoms and beasts. The temple is similar to the Somnath temple and both were erected by the Solankis. Some of the stone carving at the structure has now been placed in a museum.
STANDARD SIGHTSEEING TOURS:
Half day city sightseeing visiting the magnificent Mosque of Siddi Saiyad with its exquisite stone carving, the beautiful Jama Masjid, white marble Hathee Singh’s temple, Dada Hari Baoli, Shaking Minarets, Calico Textile Museum and Sabarmati Ashram, started by Mahatma Gandhi.
Aurangabad
Aurangabad is not only a convenient point for visiting the remarkable Ajanta and Ellora Caves, but a historical destination of its own. The town is named after Aurangeb, the last of the Mughal Emperors. It was also the place where he buried his wife and built a mausoleum in her memory.
WHAT TO SEE:
AURANGABAD CAVES:
Excavated in three groups on a small hill 7 km. from the city, are the caves of
Buddhist origin and comprise monasteries and chapels some of which are beautifully sculpted.
BIBI-KA-MAQBARA:
Literally, the wife’s tomb is 5 km from the city and built the memory of Dikras Banu begum, popularly known as Rabia Durrani, Aurangzeb’s wife. The monument is modeled on Taj Mahal, stands on 1, 37,000 sq. meters and was built between 1657 and1661.
PANCHKKI:
This is a pre- Mughal water-mill which was harnessed to turn large, grinding stones that cursed wheat into flour. The tomb of Baba Shah Musafir is nearby.
EXCURSION:
AJANTA:
Discovered accidentally in 1819 by a hunting party of British officers, the Ajanta caves are located in spectacular surroundings, a horseshoe shaped cliff on looking a deep gorge along which a mountain stream tumbled down and around the hills, thick jungles. The 30 caves are dated between 200 BC and 700AD and virtually trace the evolution of Buddhism in India. From of the caves, are Chaitya (prayer halls or chapels) and the remaining are viharas (monasteries). Most of the caves allow in natural light and ventilation.
The wall of the caves is covered with colorful paintings depicting the life and time of Buddha. The paintings were executed after a plaster of clay, cow-dung and rice husk were put on the rock walls and later smoothed down with coast of time. The colors and dyes used were vegetable or mineral based and some paintings still have their sheen.
ELLORA:
These 34 caves are dated between the 4th and 13th centuries and are not exclusively Buddhist but depict scenes from Jain and Hindu beliefs also. In fact, here the Buddhist caves are simple and austere. The Hindu temple carved between the 6th and 9th centuries are designed to surpass the Buddhist caves, as Hindu kings started a resurgence of the complex are 17 Hindu caves and one side are 12 Buddhist caves and on the other side are 5 Jain caves.
STANDARD SIGHTSEEING TOURS:
Full day excursion to Ajanta caves (106 km.) dating back to the 2nd century BC. The third rock hewn caves are adorned with Buddhist sculpture, and Frescoes portray in epic from the religious and secular life through eight centuries. Visiting Jain Temples, Fort Saib Mosque and Music Gallery.
Half day excursion to Ellora caves (29 kms.) which encompass 34 rocks cut shrines representing Buddhist, Hindu and Jain art dating from the 4th to 9th century A.D. The most remarkable among them is the Kailash Temple, meant to be a replica of Lord Shiva celestial abode, Kailash. It is the best example of Rock cut architecture and an engineering marvel.
Half day city tour visiting the Bibi-Ka-Maqbara, built by Aurangzeb as a Tomb for his wife, an imitation of the Taj Mahal at Agra, A Himroos factory where beautiful cotton and silk Fabrics are produced, Panchakki-A watermill within which there is a Tomb of a Muslim Saint.
Baroda
Baroda, or Vadodara as it is now known, is an important industrial city. In addition, it is a major center for the glass and pharmaceutical industries in India. The basic chemicals industry is also fast-growing here. A nearby Koyali is an oil refinery and Bajwa has a fertilizer plant.
WHAT TO SEE:
MAKARPURA PALACE:
A beautiful palace designed in the Italian style, it is now used as a
training school by the Indian air Force.
PRATAP VILAS PALACE:
Old Baroda’s faded splendor is best appreciated by visiting several of the smaller Gaekwad Palaces scattered around the city, the most impressive being the Pratap Vilas Palace, now used as railway staff College. The building is built in the renaissance style.
LAKSHMI VILAS PALACE:
On the city’s periphery is Lakshmi Vilas Palace, a Gothic-domed Indo-Saracenic extravaganza with a150 meters façade. It was completed in 1890 for the Maharaja of Sayajirao, who campaigned against purdah and tried to introduce a form of separation for unhappily married women. His legendary wealth includes the Baroda Collection of jewels, carpet studded with diamonds, rubies, ancralds, and woven with gold, and thick gold anklets worn by the palace elephants. The Nanlakhi well nearby is a good example of the Gujarati baoli, a step-well.
BARODA MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY:
The museum in Sayaji Park (complete with a zoo, miniature train, and a large lake) has an excellent collection of Mughal miniatures and European paintings. Nearby is the Maharajas Fateh Singh Museum, the Gaewad’s lavish art collection which includes works by Titian, Raphael, Murillo and displays of Grew- Roman, Chinese, Japanese and Indian paintings.
EXCURSION:
DHABOI FORT:
About 30 km. from Baroda Southeast of Vadodara, the 13th century fort of Dhaboi has a long and checkered history and is today one of the finest example of Hindus military architecture, which is in a fairly good state of preservation. Occupied, by the Muslims, the Marathas and the British, the fort still retains its characteristic round corner bastions, the rectangular bastions along the walls and its gate are the most elaborated and typical. The Mallika temple in the fort has a profusion of the fine carving.
CHAMPANER:
Some 50 km. northeast of Vadodara, the ruins of Champaner, Sultan Mahmud Shah Begola’s fortified fifteenth century palace-town and its grand Jami Masjid mosque lie on the flame-red Paragadh Hill. It’s a sight worth seeing, and it’s possible to stay at champaner’s Holiday home.
Mumbai - Earlier known as Bombay
The biggest of the six islands that were joined to make modern Bombay, was called Mumbadevi. And it had gone to the British from the Portuguese when Catherine of Braganza married Charles II in 1662. Three years later the Portuguese ceded three others of these Marshey Island. Another three years later the Crown leased the entire stretch tourist India Company which turned the Island into a thriving trading port.
WHAT TO SEE:
GATEWAY OF INDIA:
Built to commemorate the visit of King George V, the Gateway of India is a grand order on the Apollo Bunder pier. George Witter, its architect combined Hindu, Muslim and Victorian Style when designing this edifice. Ironically, this was also the place from where the last of the British left India in 1947, ending more the centuries of the Raj.
SASOON DOCK:
Along the coast to the south of the Gateway is the old dock which is named after Bombay’s most famous Jew, David Sasoon. Fishermen’s unloading their catch early in the morning is a spectacle to watch.
MALABAR HILL:
At one end of Marine Drive is this hillock, an exclusive residential area which also houses the Tower of Silence, a round stone construction on which Parsis place their dead to be eaten by vulture, or traditional return to nature. Visitors are not permitted inside. At the op of Malabar hill is the Hanging Gardens with its landscaped shrubs.
MUSEUM:
Apart from the price of Wales Museum on Mahatma Gandhi Road, the Victoria and Albert Museum in byculla houses antiques. Paintings and weapons. But the highlight of the display is a pictorial history of Bombay from when it went the British as dowry in the 1931. The National maritime Museum displays naval memorablia dating back to Alexander of Macedonia. It’s located on the Middle Island, an Indian Navy establishment, that can be reached by tourist boats from the Gateway of India. The F.D. Alpaiwalla Museum located at Kheneghat Memorial Hall in Khareghat Colony, houses Gandhra sculptures, Chinese porcelain and a mummified hand from Egypt.
EXCURSION:
ELEPHANTA CAVES:
Six miles across the harbor from Gateway of India are the Elephanta Caves. There are rock-cut caves in the same tradition as Ajanta and Ellora and the island served as the capital of the Silhara Dynasty during the first century AD. The current name of the island was given by the Portuguese much later after discovering a massive elephant sculpture on the island. The sculpture, among other carved deities, were used for target Practice by Portuguese soldiers. The cave temple contains a combination of Hindu, Jain and Buddhist iconography and are dated between 450 AD. To 750 AD.
KARLA CAVES:
Near the Scenically set town of Conarala and Khandala, which nestle in the misty Western Ghats, on the Bombay –Pune road, these caves are some of the oldest anywhere in India and the date to 80 BC. When Buddhist monks in the Hinayana tradition chiselled them out of solid Deccan Plateau rock. Giant steps lead past a waterfall to the main cave which has a large player hall. The pillars in the hall are ribbed and feature sculptured animals.
STANDARD SIGHTSEEING TOURS:
Half day excursion to Aarey Milk Colony and Juhu Beach. Aarey Milk Colony is the largest dairy farm in Asia. Near the entrance in the observation Pavilion is the place from where you can see the process of pasteurization and bottling of milk. Aarey meets most of the milk need of Bombay. Later, visit Juhu beach with a 5 km. stretch of golden beach fringed by Palm trees and a number of restaurants.
Half day excursion across the harbor to the world famous, 1200 years old Elephanta Caves, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The famous sculpture signifying the trinity the Creator, the preserver and the Destroyer is located here.
Half day excursion to Juhu Beach with rows of beach hotels on the sea front. Very popular for sea bathing, it offers a 5 km. starch of golden sand, fringed by Palm trees and a numbers of restaurants.
Half day tour visiting Kamala Nehru Park, Hanging Gardens situated on the slopes of Malabar Hill, offering a panoramic view of Marine Bhawan, Dhobi Ghat, Gateway of India and drive through the Crawford Market, Marine Drive and Flora Fountain.
Pune
Pune was, at one time, the bastion of the great Maratha Empire and is closely associated with the military exploits of Emperor Shivaji. It later became the capital of the Peshwas.
WHAT TO SEE:
PALACES:
The Aga Khan’s Palace in Shaniwarwada is Interesting monuments.
RUINS OF THE MARATHA ERA:
The childhood home of Shivaji, the Maratha leader who consolidated the area against Aurangzeb’s might. Ruins of the hill-top fortress-Simhagad, Shivneri, Raizad, Rajgadh and Purander are evidence of Maratha resistance from the Mughals to the British Simhagadh or the Lion Fort relates the colorful story of the brave attempt by Tanaji who sealed the daunting fort with the help of a gaint lizard. Raigad witnessed the crowning and death of Chhatrapati Shivaji.
NATIONAL DEFENCE ACADEMY:
Joint-services officer training institute of the Indian military force is located 18 km from Pune, at Khadakvasala. It is said to be one of the best officer training school in the world comparable with Samdhurst and West Point.
RAJNEESHPURAM:
The headquarters and the first ashram of the controversial God-man Bhagwan Rajneesh-turned-Osho. Though the Osho has attained “Nirvana”, his first ashram just outside Pune is still run impeccable by his followers who now run immensely successful spiritual and Business Empire. Visitors are taken on conducted tours of the place. You will find the meditation centre, set amidst beautiful gardens, which Oshoites converted from a sewer-the behind it is truly remarkable. Try the excellent vegetarian food.
EXCURSION:
PANCHGANI:
About 100 km from town is the place which was discovered in 1853 by John Chesson, an Employee of east India Company sent out to find a suitable place where the wives and children of the officers could live permanently without pining to go back to England. Since then, it has been an educational centre.
Bhilar Table Land, Merawali, Crai, Harrison Folly, Grover Point, Baby Point, Rajpuri caves, Devil’s kitchen and Dhome are the major attractions.
MAHABALESWAR:
At the height of 1372 meters above sea level is a popular hill resort. The bracing climate and charming scenery inspired the British to develop it in to the Bombay Presidency’s summer capital. It was also used during Word War 2nd by the British Indian Army as part of its Jungle and Mountain Warfare centre.
Old Mahabaleswar, 5 km away, is visited for the temples of Mahabaleswar, Krishnabai Ram and Hanuman. The Mahabaleswar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva Hemadpanti in style. The Krishnabai temple has a”Go- Mukha”, a carved cow-head connected to a source of water which is believed to be the origin of the five Deccan rivers. Hence the temple is also called Panchganga.
STANDARD SIGHTSEEINGH TOURS:
Half day sightseeing tour visiting Singhagarh Fort, scene of one of shivaji’s most daring battle; temple, museum and of course, the famous National Defence Academy.
Goa
Goa traces its history to a very ancient period when it was known as Gavapuri, Govarashtra, or Gomantaka. Conquered by various neighboring states in different periods, its first local kings were of the kadamba dynasty. Goa was later ruled by the Muslims and the Portuguese till it became part of independent India in 1961.
WHAT TO SEE:
BEACHES:
In Goa, you should be on the golden beaches. Calangute, the queen of Goa’s
beaches is 16 km north of Panaji and to south colva. Closer to the Panaji, how ever, are the Gaspen Dias (also called Miramar) and Dona Paula, both southwest of the city. The sunset at Dona Paula don’t miss it!
Not so touristy beaches in north are Baga, Anjuma, Vagator and Chopora. The southwest coast beach Benanlim, near Margao, attracts a lot of young Europeans.
PANAJI:
The capital city’s oldest building is the secretariat, once a Muslim Palace and later a Portuguese fort. Nearby is the statue of Abbe Faria, a priest hypnotizing a woman. Climb the steps of the marble church, om Lady of Pilar, for a panoramic view of the country. Next to the police headquarters is Menzes Braganga Hall, an entryway dome in tiles and paintings depicting oceans from Vasco-de-Gama’s stormy voyage from Portugal to India.
EXCURSION:
OLD GOA:
The most well-known monument of the Goa is the Bom Jesus Basilica. It dates to the 16th century and this is where the remains of St. Francis are interned-less by two toes supposedly stolen by fanatics and an Arm that was sent to an early pope on special request. The upper portion of the shrine depicts scenes from the saint’s life in varicoloured marble, and more scenes are carved in the bronze covering of the elaborate three-tiered marble and silver monuments and casket. Adjoining is a small museum containing sacred relics.
TEMPLES:
About 26 km from Panaji are eight Hindu temples, constructed here after the Portuguese destroyed the ones in the coastal region. Finest among them is the Manquesh Temple. Nearby is the Mahaba Temple which is dedicated to Vishnu in the from of Mohini. At Farmagudi, Ponda a stone image of Gopal Ganpati was said to be discovered by herdsmen in the hills. The temple was constructed later. Among the other popular temple are Mahalaxmi, Shantadurga, Chandranath, Malikarjuna and the Mahadev temple at Tambdi Sunla.
MARGAO:
This town, about 35 km from Panaji is the industrial heart of the Goa. Intrepid shoppers and browsers will appreciate Margao’s wonderful covered market.
FORT AGUADA:
About 18 km from Panaji is this Portuguese fort built in 1609-1612 to guard entry into the Mandovi River in order to protect Old Goa. A spring within the fort provide water supply to ships which sailed there.
STANDARD SIGHTSEEING TOURS:
Hale day sightseeing tour visiting Calangute Beach extending along the Arabian Sea in an inward arch of 7 km. it can be well called the “Queen of Goa Beaches” for its popularity with the visitors. Also visit the Mapuca City.
Half day sightseeing tour of the Temple of Shri Mangesh, a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on a hillock at Proil-in Ponda Taluka. Though small, the temple has an air of distinct elegance and its lofty white tower is a landmark of the countryside. Also visit the Shantadurga temple and Shri Ramnath Temple.
Half day tour of Old Goa visiting the Basilica of Bom Jesus built in the 16th century, wherein is enshrined in an ornate silver casket, the body of St. Francis Xavier, most popular and famous of all churches in Goa. St. Cathedral, the biggest in Goa-Church of st.Francis of Assisi, St. Cajetan Church, built in the style of St. Peters Basilica in Rome, Church of Lady of Rosary and Nunnery of St. Monica.
Ajanta
From Distance Driving Time
Mumbai 500 km. 10 hr. 0 min.
Destination Description
Hailed as one of Indias greatest artistic treasures, Ajanta is the location of some of the finest examples of ancient Indian sculptures and murals, housed in 28 caves that served as a major Buddhist monastery from the second to seventh century BC. At Ajanta, the caves hewn out of the horse-shoe shaped stone cliffs surrounding the River Waghora are an important heritage site, allowing viewers to glimpse the amazing skill of ancient muralists and sculptors. For centuries, the Ajanta Caves lay hidden, known only to the local tribes people and were discovered by chance in 1819, when a party of British soldiers came here. Today, Ajanta is renowned all over the world for its majestic beauty and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Best Time To Visit
Winter months (from October to February) or during the monsoons are a good time to visit the Ajanta Caves. Weekends and holidays tend to be very hectic with plenty of visitors to the caves.
Accommodation Option
Accommodation in Ajanta is limited and most visitors prefer to stay in Aurangabad or Jalgoan where there are a variety of hotels, from budget to luxury.
Activities
Transport yourself back to the past in Ajanta – take a torch-lit tour of the Caves and marvel at the beautiful paintings that glow softly in the dark and gasp at the life-size and miniature sculptures that abound here. You can amble though the Ajanta Caves on your own or take a guided tour – the art contained in these Buddhist Caves are great works by themselves and one can spend hours studying them.
Guides are helpful in explaining the pictorial stories and in pointing out some of the more amazing aspects of the paintings and sculptures that transform the rocky cave walls. Begin with Cave 1, which has some of the finest painting specimens, particularly the two bodhisattvas of Padmapani and Vajrapani and an impressive seated Buddha sculpture. Move on to Cave 2 with its beautiful ceiling painted to resemble a tent and its lovely animated sculptures. Walk through the other caves observing many more murals and frescoes, many of them illuminating stories from the Jataka tales, and episodes from the Buddha’s life.
Exquisite sculptures capture your eye, their fine detailing adding to the aesthetic beauty of the Caves. Of particular interest are Cave 17 with its exquisite murals, Cave 19 with some astounding sculptures and Cave 26 with its impressive carvings. At Ajanta, you can spend the whole day transfixed by a single monumental image or get your fill of a million visual delights. Whatever you choose, chances are that you will come away with some wonderful memories
Places Nearby
Aurangabad (108 km) with its many Mughal monuments is a great place to explore. The Bibi ka Maqbara built as an imitation of the Taj Mahal is an interesting site to visit. The Jami Masjid and the Dargah of Baba Shah Musafir is well worth a visit
Ellora
From Distance Driving Time
Mumbai 400 km. 11 hr. 0 min. Getting There
Destination Description
Ellora is a spectacular heritage site, filled with some of Indias best-known and much-admired examples of art and architecture. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ellora is famous for its 34 Caves hewn out of volcanic rock, each one bearing marvelous examples of paintings and sculptures. Caves 1 to 12 are Buddhist sites dating back to 500 -750 AD while Caves 13 to 29 are Hindu. Caves 30-34 are Jain. The most impressive and monumental structure at Ellora is the Kailash Temple (Cave 16), carved out of a single solid block of stone to resemble Lord Shivas mountain abode in the Himalayas. Take a deep breath and get prepared to be totally blown away by the skill of countless nameless Indian artists at Ellora. You are sure to walk away with some great insights into Indias rich cultural heritage.
Best Time To Visit
Winter months (from October to February) or during the monsoons are a good time to visit the Ellora Caves. Weekends and holidays tend to be very hectic with plenty of visitors to the
Accommodation Option
Ellora has reasonably comfortable accommodation, but most people prefer to stay in the nearbt town of Aurangabad, where there are all categories of hotels available.
Activities
Amaze at the beautiful and serene Buddha sculptures in Cave 2 and admire the wall paintings in Cave 6. Cave 10 or the Vishwakarma Cave is also known as the Sutar Jhopada or Carpenters Cave referring to the stone rafters resembling wooden beams here and the fineness of the seated Buddha sculpture . Cave 11 and 12 are multi-storeyed and filled with beautiful carvings. Trek through the Hindu caves and gaze at the countless bas-reliefs along the walls, most of them depicting episodes from Shiva’s life and a few showing Lord Vishnu’s various incarnations. Interesting some of the Hindu Caves were once Buddhist sites and one can see the transition in the carvings and friezes. Explore the impressive Kailash Temple with its vibrant sculpted friezes and detailed paintings. Stop to admire the exquisite carvings of the two River Goddesses, Ganga and Yamuna, which flank the temple entrance. Watch the Mahabharata come alive in the long sculpted friezes running along the walls of the Kailash Temple. The Jain Caves, though less grand in scale as compared to the Hindu Caves, bear some beautiful sculptures, particularly the Gomatesvara image. Ellora is sure to leave you filled with deep respect for India’s masterful artists.
Places Nearby
Aurangabad (30 km) with its many Mughal monuments is a great place to explore. The Bibi ka Maqbara built as an imitation of the Taj Mahal is an interesting site to visit. The Jami Masjid and the Dargah of Baba Shah Musafir is well worth a visit.
Khandala-Lonavala
From Distance Driving Time
Mumbai 104 km. 3 hr. 0 min. Getting There
Destination Description
Lonavala and Khandala, twin hill stations are a great choice as weekend getaways from Mumbai. For many couples, visiting Lonavala and Khandala on their honeymoon is de-rigueur as these hill stations are imbued with beautiful vistas and romantic aura. Lonavala commands an exalted position on the western slopes of the Sahyadris, at a height of 625 m and Khandala is a little lower. The journey to Lonavala and Khandala is wonderful - a picturesque drive on roads winding around the Western Ghats. If you prefer to take the train to Lonavala and Khandala, get ready for at least twenty tunnels cut into the basaltic rock, a train ride of a lifetime for sure!
Best Time To Visit
You can come here any time of the year, especially in winter, from October to April. Try to avoid the monsoon season, as it rains incessantly here.
Accommodation Option
Besides the middle budget MTDC resorts at Karla and Lonavala, there are numerous accommodation options to suit all budgets. You might prefer staying at Khandala, which is quieter and less crowded than Lonavla.
Activities
Dotted along the hillside are the famous caves and forts of Shivaji's Maratha kingdom. Deep valleys and a thick forest surround the imposing Rajmachi Fort. Other equally impressive forts are the Manoranjan Fort, Shrivardhan fort, Visapur Fort, Lohagad Fort and the Tunga Fort with arsenals and guardhouses. A special attraction here is the three ancient Chaitya Caves dating back 2000 years that were Buddhist prayer halls. Built on a grand scale and splendid in architectural execution, the Karla Caves were a monsoon retreat for Buddhist monks. The smaller Bhaja Caves are built so that the rays of the setting sun gilds the dark interiors and brings to life the carved gods and goddesses.
The Bedsa Caves are close to the Mumbai Pune Road near Kamshet. Placid water bodies and silver cascades add their charm to Lonavala-Khandala. Walk around the Pavna Lake, Lonavala Lake, Tungarli Lake, Valvan Lake on the Valvan Dam and Bushi Lake. From the beautiful Kune Falls the water crashes down 100m to a pool below, a sight visible from the Khandala Ghat. Tiger's Leap is curiously shaped cliff - a sheer 650 m drop into the valley. The days will just slip by before you know it, walking, pony riding, browsing through Lonavala's bazaars and feasting on delicious sweet peanut and dry fruit chikki and jams. So head off for these perennial hill stations, and discover that bliss is lurking right in your own backyard!
Places Nearby
Karla Bhaja Caves: A special attraction near Lonavla-Khandala are the Karla and Bhaja Caves. Built on a grand scale and splendid in architectural execution, the Karla Caves were a monsoon retreat for Buddhist monks. The smaller Bhaja Caves are built so that the rays of the setting sun gilds the dark interiors and brings to life the carved gods and goddesses.
Shirdi
From Distance Driving Time
Mumbai 250 km. 6 hr. 0 min. Getting There
Destination Description
Shirdi is a mystical magical town near the holy city of Nasik. The town of Shirdi was home to the saint Sai Baba, who lived here for eighty years. It is said that Sai Baba himself calls his devotees to Shirdi and that his blessings can heal even the deepest wound. Shirdi is tiny town with just 2 square km of main street and a labyrinth of by-lanes but packs in much spiritual passion. A major pilgrimage centre, Shirdi is imbued with an aura of spiritual sanctity.
Best Time To Visit
Any time of the year though the monsoon months - June to August - are best with pleasant weather. Though the shrine is open though the week, Thursday is Sai Baba's special day
Accommodation Option
Accommodation is never a problem in Shirdi - from the MTDC hotel, tourist rest houses, dharamsalas and ashrams, to five star accommodations - the town is totally geared for pilgrims. Hotels offer special packages and check-in/check-out timings. You can stay in comfort and clean surroundings at one of the charitable sansthas and dharamsalas for just a handful of rupees.
Activities
At Shirdi, wait for a brief darshan at Samadhi Mandir, the shrine of Sai Baba where his mortal remains were interred. Next to the shrine is the peaceful Masjid where Sai Baba spent most of his life. The sacred fire called dhuni still burns here and its ash or udhi is smeared on devotees. The Chavadi is a small building in Shirdi where Sai Baba used to spend every alternate night.
Places Nearby
Nasik: Just 75 km away, the temple town of Nasik has several associations with the Ramayana Lord Rama and Sita were exiled here. A major pilgrimage center, Nasik is also an important business center.
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