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We offer a variety of holiday destinations within Maharashtra, the western state of India. Easily accessible from its capital city Mumbai (Bombay), these natural beauty spots can cater to every taste...right from a beach lover to a mountain-trekker and to a heritage buff who wants to see and feel the wonders of the yore.
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MATHERAN |
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Matheran, literally means 'the forest on a fore-head'. 'Matha' means 'forehead,' and ran (raan) means a jungle or forest in the local language. The hill-crest when seen from the valley below resembles a human forehead with a well endowed scalp! Once a very thick forest area, Matheran, still retains its evergreen shade, with very dense vegetation of tropical trees forming a green canopy over the canyon-like Sahyadrian (Western Ghats) scarps and ridgelines.
Matheran hills is the only one of its kind in the world where motor vehicles are not allowed within its jurisdiction, and as a result of which, it can also claim to be the only pollution free hill resort, in the real sense of the term. The other special feature is the way up to the hill-station by a toy train, which runs on a 22 km narrow-gauge rail track, built in 1907.
A nature enthusiast can also under take one or two day treks along the precipitous trails, that winds itself to the nearest tribal villages; or a nonchalent way of enjoying a day is by observing the arboreal birds in the thick forest foliage; and watching out for the soaring birds of prey over the steep cliffs; for the laid-backs - one can, simply go on a long quiet walk, on tranquil trails criss crossing the undulating forest floor - a real jungle surrounding;
Or, for those who want that little bit extra, can choose to go on a horse-safari trip - jogging and hopping to see a number of panoromic, valley-view-points, out of a couple of dozen such galleries dotting the hill station, and over looking the magnificent mountain ranges of Western Ghats.
Other Attractions
Peb Fort trek; The mountain pass at Khandala, Karla Caves. Lohagad Fort, Dukes' Pinnacle, Karjat (base for hundreds of waterfalls during the rains). Karnala Bird Sanctuary
Best Season
Throughout the year except when it rains heavily in the rainy season (June to September).
However, a rain-lover may love the misty and soggy cloud-forest environment, when torrential rains are known to pour down incessantly, well over three days.
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AURANGABAD |
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Once the capital of India, albeit for a very short period, Aurangabad, is a prominent tourist destination, for it is from here, that the two famous world heritage sites - the renowned Ajanta frescoes and the magnificent Ellora temples built in the rock-hewn group of caves - can be reached. Dedicated to Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism, the three great religions of India, the two set of caves located around 70 kms apart from each other, was built between 2nd - 4th century AD.
It was hidden from the external world until late 19th century when a British surveyor accidently rediscovered these wonders of human endeavour. The excellent rock-wall paintings and motifs, the sculptures chiseeled in the numerous man made caves - tucked in the secluded Gorge of Ajantha hill range, is one of the finest example of ancient Indian art form and architecture.
At Ellora, an exemplary temple and monastical architecture can been seen. The magnificent Kailash Mandir, a three storeyed temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is cut from a single monolithic base rock and made to represent Mount Kailash in the Himalayas - the abode of Lord Shiva. It is yet another great work of rock sculpted temple architecture found in India.
Other Attractions
Daulatabad Fort (Considered the oldest in India (b 1187 AD) designed for being almost impregnable), Bibi-ka-Muqbara (a replica of Taj Mahal), Panchakki (an old under ground water mill), Khuldabad (a humble tomb of Emperor Aurangazeb, last of the Great Mughal emperors - known for his ruthlessness and ambitious politics - exists).
A full day excursion to Lonar Crater, - now a large natural lake (approx. 2 km wide) was formed after a meteoric impact, said to have occurred around 40,000 years ago, can also be planned.
Best Season: July to March
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GANAPATIPULE |
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One of the finest beaches in Maharashtra on the Konkan Coast, Ganapatipule, is a beach resort that remains unexplored and unspoilt. A short walk up an elevated point on a nearby hill, near the coast, opens up a spectacular view, of foamy white waves, lashing back and forth, on a sandy shore, with a river emptying its spoils into the greatness of the sublime sea.
Less crowded and peaceful, Ganapatipule with its white sandy shoreline, is an idyllic sea resort which, is not within the easy reach of the noisy quintessential city crowd and the typical merry-making weekend picnicker. So here is the place for a real calm and quite holiday.
The Sea, the Sand and the Sun all for yourself !
The fun of bathing in the warm tropical sun and the long walks in the cool evening breeze blowing from the Arabian Sea, is a refreshing feeling. One can relax and laze in a hammock under the cool shade of the palm fringed beach front.
Ratnagiri, the nearest town, just 40 km away, has all modern communication facilities. The district town, is world famous for it's orchards which produces the finest quality of Alphonsa mangoes - the king of fruits. And for those who love to sweat it out, can go for short treks at the nearby hills. After all this, you get treated with the best coastal cuisine of Konkan.
The sea food cooked here is unmatched, for the special Malvani (local) flavoured fish and curries, it offers to the connoisseur.
Other Attractions: Jaigad Sea Fort; Swayambhu Ganapati temple; nearby beaches; Malvan Marine National Park;
One can take an overnight excursion to the Radhanagari wildlife Sanctuary.
Best Season:
August to March.
April to June can be very warm, followed by heavy rains in July.
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MAHABALESHWAR |
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The Strawberry Country:
At an altitude of 1372 metres above sea level, Mahableshwar, is the most spectacular and largest hill station of Maharashtra. Perched atop the craggy Western Ghats mountain range, south-east of Mumbai (a night journey's distance away by road), Mahableshwar, is surrounded on all sides by steep hills, rocky cliffs, deep valleys with rivers and reservoirs, and a thick evergreen forest corridor in its lower reaches.
Mahableshwar along with the neighbouring table land of Panch- gani (literally five -hills) are known as the strawberry country. For those who love sweets can try the berry crushes, jams, chikki's (nut n jaggery cakes) and pure honey! too - collected by the local tribes and sold fresh in the market.
The picturesque mountains and valleys around Mahableshwar, are an important watershed, where five peninisular rivers originate. This is the only place with a significant rain forest patch in Maharashtra. For the nature enthusiasts, this place offers adventure activities like trekking trails, jungle treks and ample cycling opportunities along the undulating plateau.
Those who are clicking freaks, can aim and shoot great photographs of the awe inspiring Sahyadrian escarpment, steep valleys, narrow gorges, the resultant waterfalls and the densely forested valley floors with its meandering streams and rock beds.
Other Attractions
Panchgani, Pratapgad Fort, Venna Lake, Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary.
Best Season: August to March
April and May although very sunny, also attracts the vacationing crowd
June to Mid August experiences moderate to very heavy rains.
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