» KASHID
Kashid,
around 20 km south of Alibag and on the way to Murud is definitely one of the
best beaches on the Konkan coastal strip of Maharashtra. Its pure white sand
and surf t
hat breaks there is simply excellent. While other
beaches around Kashid (like Alibag, Kihim, Murud) are more popular, they lack
the pristine beauty of Kashid beach. Non vegetarians will have a good time here
enjoying the fish and prawns. As expected, sunsets are very beautiful here.
But what really captivates and fills you with awe are the magical sunrises!
Since Kashid is on the west coast of India, the sun rises from the opposite
side of the beach. The morning rays of the sun, as they fall on the surf breaking
on the beach, glows with a golden colour. This needs to be seen to be believed.
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»
LONAVALA
Lonavala
is a Hill station in Maharashtra. Also known as the jewel of the Sahyadri Mountains.
This Hill Station is also a popular Health Resort in the western ranges on the
sahyadri,It Is situated on a hieght of 625 mtrs. above sea level and is a popular
gateway from Mumbai and Pune. It also serves as a starting point for tourists
interested in visiting the famous, ancient Buddhist rock cut caves of Bhaja
and Karla, which are located near this hill station.
Location : Lonavala is located in the western part of the state of Maharashtra,
in India. It is situated 106 km southeast of Mumbai at an altitude of 625 m
above sea level.
Weather : The weather in Lonavala is pleasant. Summers (April-June) are
mild, while winters are cool (November-February). It experiences heavy southwestern
monsoon rains between June and September.
Visiting Time : The best time to visit Lonavala is between the months
of October and May. It is advised not to visit Lonavala in the monsoon season
between the months of June and September, as it experiences heavy rainfall during
this time.
Places to See : Lonavala provides a panoramic view of the lush green
surroundings of the Sahyadri ranges. The peaceful environs of the town, which
provides a great escape from the hustle and bustle of Mumbai city, attract tourists
to this place. Travelers can take a walk along the waterfalls, the grassy abundance
and hills in and around Lonavala. The mountainous terrain of Lonavala is ideal
for trekking and hiking.
Excursion : There are numerous lakes around Lonavala. Tugauli, Lonavala
and Bhushi lakes are worth visiting; so is the Walvan Dam. The small hill station
of Khandala is just 5 km away. Travelers coming from Mumbai pass through Khandala
before reaching Lonavala. Kaivalyadhama Yoga Hospital is 2 km from Lonavala
on the road to Karla and Bhaja caves. This center attracts both local and foreign
tourists
seeking yogic healing. This center was founded in 1924 and conducts various
courses in Yoga along with a research center and a training college. Karla and
Bhaja Caves, located in the hills at a distance of 11 km from Lonavala, are
important places to visit. These rock-cut cave temples dating back to 2nd century
BC and are amongst the oldest and finest examples of Buddhist rock cut temple
art in India, belonging to the Hinayana sect of Buddhism. Adventure seekers
can try their hand at rock climbing at the Duke. s Nose peak and other locations
in the Karla hills, near Lonavala.
Travel Information :
Air : The nearest airport from Lonalvala is Pune, which is 64 km from Lonavala.
Train : Lonavala is on the main railway line between Mumbai and Pune , all express
trains plying between the two cities stop here.
Road :The bus service between Lonavala and Pune is good (2 hours). However,
the ride is rough and it takes 4 hours to reach Mumbai from Lonavala. Buses
shuttle between Lonavala and Khandala (5 km from Lonavala; 15 minutes trip).
Where to Stay :
The Proximity between Lonavala & Khandala give tourists many options to
stay. There are many hotels & Govt.guest houses that gives accommodation
to every type of budget travellers.
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»
MAHABLESHWAR
The
highest hill station in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra , Mahabaleshwar is
situated at 1372 meters around Lake Venna, Mahabaleshwar is Sanskrit for God
of Great Power. It was summer capital of Governor of the old Bombay Presidency.Covering
10 sq km. There are 30 valley viewpoints with panoramic vistas scattered around
the hill station and their access roads make for shady, pleasant walks and treks.
The area has strong historical connections with Shivaji, the heroic Maratha
warrior king.
The Britishers built various mansions, cottages and bungalows around the town,
lending it a charming, sophistication. The place is popular with tourists,
especially from Mumbai and Pune, wanting to take a break from the rush of
rat race. the hill-station is very crowded during vacations like christmas
& Diwali and in summers.
Places to See :
» Mount Malcolm :
It used to be the most famous building in the olden days. it was built in
1829 with magnificient architectural skills. Unfortunately, it has lost a
lot of its old charm now.
» Catholic Church :
A visit to the old Raman Catholic Holy cross church is worth a detour. although
the church is practically falling apart, its stained-glass windows are still
a sight to behold. this deserted church is now looked after by a Hindu family.
» Mahabaleshwar Club :
The
club was built in 1881 and is still flourishing and well-maintained. Only members
of the club can stay here. It is very popular for its well-tended roses and
lovely jogging track. Christmas is grandly celebrated by loyal members every
year. Fortunately, one facility is open to visitors; who can use the golf course
whenever they feel like it.
» Morarji Castle :
Also worth a look is this old structure. Mahatma Gandhi once lived here in
1945.
» Pratapgad Fort :
This is 24 Kms, away from Mahabaleshwar. The fort was built in 166 by Moropant
trimbak Pingle under the command of the Maratha rular Shivaji. It was here
that the mighty General of Bijapur, Afjal Khan, was killed by Shivaji. The
fort has a great view.
Excursion :
» Panchgani :
Tucked away in Satara district, just 19 kms east of Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani
is also amongst the most frequented hill resorts. The name is derived from the
fact that it is located at the centre of five hills ("Panch" = five,
"Gani" = hills). The place is well known for trekking and other adventure
activities. Climb atop 'Table Land', a famous flat-mountain top, from where
you can have a look at the vast plain below. The berry farms here are another
tourist attraction.
Travel Information :
By Air : Pune is the nearest airport both for Mahabaleshwar (120 km and
Panchgani (98 km)
By Rail : For Mahabaleshwar, the nearest railhead is Wathar (62 km) but
Pune (120 km) is the convenient railhead.
For Panchgani, the nearest railhead is Wathar (45 km). Mumbai-Wathar via Pune
(312 km). Pune-Wathar (120 km)
By Road : From Mumbai via Pune, Mahabaleshwar is 290 km and via Mahad
it is 247 km. The State Transport buses ply from Mumbai
and
Pune to Mahabaleshwar. MTDC operates daily bus services except during the monsoon,
between Mumbai-Mahabaleshwar-Mumbai. Also sightseeing tours for Mahabaleshwar
and Mahabaleshwar-Pratapgad Fort.
From Mumbai via Pune, Panchgani is 270 km and via Mahad 266 km, from Pune 98
kilometers and from Mahabaleshwar 19 km. The State Road Transport buses ply
from Satara, Pune, Wai, Mahabaleshwar and Mahad. MTDC runs a regular bus service
between Mumbai and Panchgani.
Accommodation : Both Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani have reasonable priced
bungalows. MTDC run holiday resorts and hotels.
Local Transport : Taxis and rickshaws are easily available though bicycles
and horseback are recommended for traveling long distances.
When To Visit : Best time to visit Mahabaleshwar is October to June and
best time to visit Panchgani is September to May.
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»
MATHERAN
Matheran
is an undulating hilltop cloaked in shady trees, that sprawls languidly at an
altitude of 800 m. The journey involves an adventurous two hour ascent in a
toy train. With food and drink vendors and monkeys jumping on and off, as the
valley glides by sedately! Or a tough 11 km. hike through thick and shady forests.
Matheran’s cliffs with incredibly steep drops to the plains below create
stunning viewing points.
These panoramic vistas, by day and night, leave you feeling light-headed. The
Hart Point offers a view of the lights of Mumbai at night! All of Matheran is
a series of such quixotically named points that are popular, if isolated, sites
for picnics and fireside revelry at night. Charlotte Lake, the Panthers’
Caves and the Paymaster Park are other attractions, especially for children.
The old world charm of the British and Parsi homes is an irresistible draw.
The main bazaar offers a variety of items such as cane and leather articles,
hats, chappals and the sinfully sweet speciality – CHIKKI ! Vehicles of
any kind are not permitted in the town, which makes it a very quiet, serene
place.
Situated at an altitude of 800 mt this picturesque hill station is the nearest
to Mumbai, lying 104 km away. It is an undulating hilltop cloaked in shady trees
and ringed by walking tracks leading to lookouts that drop sheer to the plains.
Matheran truely is Maharashtra's one of the most beautiful and well maintained
hill station. The availability of road and railway have made it accessible to
all people irrespective of their age. Also the ban on motor vehicles inside
Matheran have helped to preserve its beauty and keep intact its natural touch.
The presence of hotel's and lodging boarding facilities have made it possible
to have a multiday stay in Matheran and thoroughly enjoy nature's beauty. Due
to ban on motor vehicles in Matheran the modes of transport in Martheran are
limited to horses and rickshaws (pulled by humans), however seeing thevarious
points in Matheran by walking is equally enjoyable.
Location : Matheran is situated in the Matheran range of sahyadris at
a height of 2516 feet. To reach Matheran one has to first reach Neral. Neral
is well connected to Mumbai by rail and road. From Neral Matheran can be reached
by a narrow gauge railway or by taxies. Railway function normally in summer
and winter sseason but there is only one train to Matheran in winter.
Places to See : Matheran has 38 points at which
can get a glimpse of nature's beauty. However to cover most of these points
requires atleat one night stay in Matheran. Point seeing in Matheran is quiet
easy due to the presence of sign boards and map. Maps are also easily availbale
in Matheran and can be used to plan your point seeing. Given below are few points
which shouldn't miss Echo point offers a panoramic view and allows you to enjoy
the echo's
» King George point : A must visit point in monsoon as it offers
a beautiful view of the waterfall formed by the water overflowing from Charlott
Lake. One can even reach he mouth of the waterfall with care, strong wind prevents
the water from falling down and throws it back.
» Charlott Lake : It's the only water source atop Matheran nad
it provides water to entire Matheran.
» Louisa Point : It offers a beautiful face on view of the waterfall
seen from the King George point.
» Panorama Point : Although quiet far from Bazapeth it gives you
a panoramic view(that's why it's named as Panorama point) of the Sahyadri ranges.
Shopping : Even the bazaar is just that a small marketplace, not a commercial
shopping complex. It runs the length of one street, and contains shops and stalls
that sell the produce of Matheran. You can see workmen hunching over strips
of leather, fashioning the Kolhapuri chappal that Matheran is famous for. Leather
bags, leather belts, leather shoes& the workmanship is exclusive and the
prices reasonable. There are also glass birds and dried wild flowers for sale
that have a quaint appeal.
One other thing that dominates the market is chikki, a confection made of
gram flour, jaggery and cashew nut. You could buy chikki in kilos to carry
home; it is a universally popular sweetmeat.
Travel Information : The nearest airport is Bombay (Mumbai), around ,
100 kms/65 Mile. Neral 21 kms. away, is where you transfer to the toy train.
Mumbai is 108 kms. away by road, via Karjat and Neral. Pune is 120 kms. away.
Taxis are available from Neral to Dastoori car park. No vehicles are allowed
inside Matheran and ponies are the favoured means of transport. Don’t miss
the station, used by the train four times a day. It boasts a tiny steam engine
mounted, with great pride, on a pedestal. It served the people of Matheran for
77 chuffing years.
Where to Stay : There are many hotels and MTDC Holiday Resort which offers
comfortable accommodation at Matheran.
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