Sunday 15 January 2012

Lonavala

Lonavala is a popular hill station at a height of 625 meters above the sea level in the western region of the state Maharashtra. The expanse of this exquisite hill station is about 38 square km. Lonavala, located by Sir Elphinstone, the then Governor of Bombay Presidency in 1871, derived its name from a Sanskrit word Lonavli means caves. The plenty of caves like Bhaja caves, Bedsa caves and Karla caves brought the name Lonavala to the city. This has been famed as a health resort due to its unpolluted environments and the pleasant climate all through the year. This is attracted by thousands of tourists, domestic as well as foreign, every year. Monsoon is the best climate with waterfalls, thriving lakes with full of water and lush greeneries all around. Chikki, the hard candy sweet, is a specialty item in Lonavala and is famous among the visitors to Lonavala.Lonavala is a romantic gateway from the hustle and bustle of the crowded metropolitan life in Mumbai and Pune. This hill station forms a part of breathtaking Sahyadri hills and is a perfect location for hiking and trekking. The place is bestowed with many historical forts, ancient caves and wonderful serene lakes. Lonavala offers panoramic views of Deccan plateau on one side and the Konkan coast on the other.Lonavala offer all luxurious facility to the tourists. Many ancient model resorts, most modern architectural luxurious holes and eye catching scenic attractions all make this place a grandeur spot for holiday vacations. Cool climate, serene ambience and all facilities for secluded stay are the great offers of this natural gift. 
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2 Nights/3 Days Mumbai - Lonavala
Day 1 Mumbai/Bombay
Arrive at Mumbai/Bombay, the commercial and industrial capital of India. Visit the various tourist places like Marine Drive, Juhu Beach, Chaupati Beach, Crawford Market etc. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 2 Lonavala
Lonavala located at a distance of 120 kilometres is a popular hill destination near Mumbai. Lonavala is a beautiful and cool hill station that houses the mesmerising waterfalls will within its precincts. Quite close to Mumbai and Khandala, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Maharashtra. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 3 Departure
Morning depart for Mumbai/Bombay. The afternoon is free for shopping or other independent activities. Board a flight from the airport for the onward destination in the evening.
Lonawala Travel Information
Lonavala is a charming hill resort, 3 hours from Mumbai, one hour from Pune. A quick weekend getaway to Lonavala has many beauty spots to offer like Lonavala Lake, Bhushi Dam, Tiger's Leap, Ryewood Park, Tungarli Dam, Barometer Hill, Khandala the equally popular nearby hill resort, and is wellknown for the famous Lonavala' chikki.
Nearby are the Karla, Bhaja and Bedsa caves. One can visit Lohgad fort which is closed to Malavli Rly. Station.Send online Query
Getting there :-
By Air :- Nearest airport is Pune 66 kms
By Rail :- Lonavala is on the line of Central Railway-Mumbai-Lonaval, 118 kms. Pune-Lonavala, 64 kms.
By Road :- Lonavala is on the Mumbai-Pune road, 104 kms. Pune-Lonavala, 66 kms. 
Mumbai Tour Tourism Provided all information about Lonavala

Saturday 14 January 2012

(Mahabaleshwar)


Introduction (Mahabaleshwar) 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.Send online Query
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:Send online Query
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 FortPratapgad 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.Send online Query
Travel Information
Air:
Pune is the nearest airport both for Mahabaleshwar (120 km and Panchgani (98 km)
Train: 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)
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 VisitSend online Query
Best time to visit Mahabaleshwar is October to June and best time to visit Panchgani is September to May.

Friday 13 January 2012

Ajanta Ellora Caves


Ajanta Ellora Caves

LocationAurangabad, Maharashtra
EraThe Ajanta Caves - 200BC to 650AD, the Ellora Caves - 350AD to 700AD
FaithsBuddhism, Jainism and Hinduism
FestivalEllora Festival of Classical Dance and Music in 3rd week of March
AttractionCave shrines cut out of rocks
TimeAnytime of the year
Ajanta and Ellora Caves are the ancient repository of Indian architectural heritage. Located near the city of Aurangabad in Maharashtra Ajanta and Ellora caves are the world famous for the cave shrines that cut out of rock, all by hand. There are 34 caves at Ellora and 29 caves at Ajanta. And all are sheer outstanding specimens of Indian architectural excellence. Ajanta and Ellora caves were shrouded in ignominy for over a millennium, till John Smith, a British Army Officer stumbled upon them while on a hunting expedition in 1819. Today Ajanta and Ellora caves have been honored the world heritage site status to be preserved as an artistic legacy for generations to witness. 

Ajanta Ellora Caves Mumbai
Ajanta Caves
Ajanta caves lie deep in the semi-arid Sahayadri hills, above the Waghora River. Discovered only in the 19th century and since then brought to the world's light, Ajanta caves have panels depicting tales from the Jatakas, a rich collection of stories dealing with several reincarnations of the Budhha. Numbering as many as 29 caves, Ajanta caves were built as secluded retreats of the Buddhist monks. These monks taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas.
Built using simple tools such as hammer and chisel, these caves houses some of the most well preserved wall paintings including that of two great Boddhisattvas, Padmapani and Avalokiteshvara. These caves have some of the most divine sculptures and images of Budhha preaching. One can have a first hand info on the overall development of Buddhism, observing these caves.
Ellora CavesSend online Query
With 34 caves devoted to Buddhist, Jain and Hindu faiths, Ellora Caves have an amazing wealth of sculpture. About 30 kms northwest of Aurangabad, Ellora caves are caved into the sides of a basaltic hill. As the finest specimens of cave temples, Ellora caves have elaborate facades and intricately aesthetic interiors to hypnotize your sensibilities. Carved during the 350AD to 700AD period, Ellora caves have 12 caves to the south that are Buddhist, the 17 in the centre dedicated to Hinduism, and the 5 caves to the north are Jain.The sculptures in the Buddhist caves depict the nobility, grace and serenity that are inherent in the Buddha. The sculpture in the Buddhist caves accurately convey the nobility, grace and serenity inherent in the Buddha.Most of the caves are Viharas or Monastery halls used by the monks for study, solitary meditation and worship.
The Kailasha temple in Cave 16 is an architectural wonder carved out of a monolith, has the gateway, pavilion, assembly hall, sanctum and tower, all chiseled out of a single rock. The Dumar Lena cave resembles the famous cave - temple at Elephanta, and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.The Jain caves about a mile away from the Kailasa temple have grand statues of Parasvanath and other Jain Tirthankaras and a seated figure of meditating Mahavira.

How to Reach Ajanta & Ellora

By Air
Ajanta Caves and Ellora Caves are about 99 Kms and 30 kms away from Aurangabad respectively. Aurangabad is directly linked to Delhi, Udaipur, Jaipur and Mumbai.
By Rail
Aurangabad is directly connected to Mumbai and Pune. Jalgaon, a railhead on the Central Railways line, is 59 km from Ajanta. You can board train to reach Aurangabad and accordingly get in taxis and tourist coaches to reach Ajanta and Ellora Caves.
By RoadSend online Query
There are regular state buses that run from Mumbai, Pune, Ahmednagar, Jalgaon, Shirdi, Nasik, Dhule, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Indore and Bijapur to Aurangabad, and from Jalgaon to Ajanta. Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (M T D C) operates conducted tours from Mumbai to Aurangabad.

Ajanta Ellora Caves


Ajanta Ellora Caves

LocationAurangabad, Maharashtra
EraThe Ajanta Caves - 200BC to 650AD, the Ellora Caves - 350AD to 700AD
FaithsBuddhism, Jainism and Hinduism
FestivalEllora Festival of Classical Dance and Music in 3rd week of March
AttractionCave shrines cut out of rocks
TimeAnytime of the year
Ajanta and Ellora Caves are the ancient repository of Indian architectural heritage. Located near the city of Aurangabad in Maharashtra Ajanta and Ellora caves are the world famous for the cave shrines that cut out of rock, all by hand. There are 34 caves at Ellora and 29 caves at Ajanta. And all are sheer outstanding specimens of Indian architectural excellence. Ajanta and Ellora caves were shrouded in ignominy for over a millennium, till John Smith, a British Army Officer stumbled upon them while on a hunting expedition in 1819. Today Ajanta and Ellora caves have been honored the world heritage site status to be preserved as an artistic legacy for generations to witness. 

Ajanta Ellora Caves Mumbai
Ajanta Caves
Ajanta caves lie deep in the semi-arid Sahayadri hills, above the Waghora River. Discovered only in the 19th century and since then brought to the world's light, Ajanta caves have panels depicting tales from the Jatakas, a rich collection of stories dealing with several reincarnations of the Budhha. Numbering as many as 29 caves, Ajanta caves were built as secluded retreats of the Buddhist monks. These monks taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas.
Built using simple tools such as hammer and chisel, these caves houses some of the most well preserved wall paintings including that of two great Boddhisattvas, Padmapani and Avalokiteshvara. These caves have some of the most divine sculptures and images of Budhha preaching. One can have a first hand info on the overall development of Buddhism, observing these caves.
Ellora CavesSend online Query
With 34 caves devoted to Buddhist, Jain and Hindu faiths, Ellora Caves have an amazing wealth of sculpture. About 30 kms northwest of Aurangabad, Ellora caves are caved into the sides of a basaltic hill. As the finest specimens of cave temples, Ellora caves have elaborate facades and intricately aesthetic interiors to hypnotize your sensibilities. Carved during the 350AD to 700AD period, Ellora caves have 12 caves to the south that are Buddhist, the 17 in the centre dedicated to Hinduism, and the 5 caves to the north are Jain.The sculptures in the Buddhist caves depict the nobility, grace and serenity that are inherent in the Buddha. The sculpture in the Buddhist caves accurately convey the nobility, grace and serenity inherent in the Buddha.Most of the caves are Viharas or Monastery halls used by the monks for study, solitary meditation and worship.
The Kailasha temple in Cave 16 is an architectural wonder carved out of a monolith, has the gateway, pavilion, assembly hall, sanctum and tower, all chiseled out of a single rock. The Dumar Lena cave resembles the famous cave - temple at Elephanta, and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.The Jain caves about a mile away from the Kailasa temple have grand statues of Parasvanath and other Jain Tirthankaras and a seated figure of meditating Mahavira.

How to Reach Ajanta & Ellora

By Air
Ajanta Caves and Ellora Caves are about 99 Kms and 30 kms away from Aurangabad respectively. Aurangabad is directly linked to Delhi, Udaipur, Jaipur and Mumbai.
By Rail
Aurangabad is directly connected to Mumbai and Pune. Jalgaon, a railhead on the Central Railways line, is 59 km from Ajanta. You can board train to reach Aurangabad and accordingly get in taxis and tourist coaches to reach Ajanta and Ellora Caves.
By RoadSend online Query
There are regular state buses that run from Mumbai, Pune, Ahmednagar, Jalgaon, Shirdi, Nasik, Dhule, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Indore and Bijapur to Aurangabad, and from Jalgaon to Ajanta. Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (M T D C) operates conducted tours from Mumbai to Aurangabad.

Thursday 12 January 2012

Alibagh

Alibagh a picturesque coastal town, on the Konkan coast in Maharashtra is a popular getaway – its nearness to Mumbai and lush tropical beauty making it very attractive for those seeking a break from frenetic city life. Palm fringed beaches, lush mango orchards, chikoo-wadis and paddy fields make Alibaug a pleasantly verdant and unpolluted retreat. The area is particularly beautiful during the monsoons, with rain washed trees and the goodly smell of wet earth making you wish you could stay here forever. 
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2 NIGHTS ALIBAUG/MURUD/JANJIRA 
DAY 01 : MUMBAI TO ALIBAUG Departure to Alibaug,After arrival check in hotel,afternoon visit to Kihim Beach,Karmala Art Gallery, Evening at Alibaug beach,night halt at Alibaug.
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DAY 02 : MURUD-JANJIRA-MUMBAI Morning departure to Murud Janjira,visit Janjira Fort Return to Puneenroute visit Birla Ganesh Mandir (Revdanda) Evening Return Over Ninght Stay at Hotel. line-break-separator-620-pixels
DAY 03 : ALI BAUG TO MUMBAI Morning Check out from the Hotel & Departure to Mumbai.

STANDARD:
1 - Mumbai-Alibaug-Mumbai by Non A/C Indica car.
2 - Alibaug and Murud Janjira by Non A/C Indica Car.
5 - Alibaug Standard Hotel Stay ( EP PLAN ).
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DELUXE :
1 - Mumbai-Alibaug-Mumbai by Non A/C Indica car.
2 - Alibaug and Murud Janjira by Non A/C Indica Car.
5 - Alibaug Deluxe Hotel Stay ( EP PLAN ).

S.Deluxe :
1 - Mumbai-Alibaug-Mumbai by Non A/C Indica car.
2 - Alibaug and Murud Janjira by Non A/C Indica Car.
5.Alibaug S.Deluxe Hotel Stay ( AP PLAN ).
 
Package Cost Does Not Includes :
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    Food & Refreshment During Journey.
    Boating, Pony Rides, Entry Tax, Additional Sight Seeing Charges etc.
    Laundry Charges etc. Service Tax Extra.
    Transfer from Bus Stand to Hotel and Hotel to Bus Stand

Friday 6 January 2012

Panchgani

Panchgani derives its name from the five hills around it. At an altitude of 1334 m it is just 38 m below Mahabaleshwar. These 38 m translate themselves into a breathtaking 20 kms approach from Mahabaleshwar, that swoops around bends with abandon, offering heart stopping views of the river krishna on one side & the coastal plains on the other.Panchgani is the quintessential hill station, with the Raj stamped indelibly all over it. It can be seen in the old architecture of the old British buildings, the parsi houses, & the boarding schools that have been for a century or more.Amble along the walkways, thickly canopied by lush trees & vegetation & delights in the secrets you come upon. The Krishna, snaking through tiny hamlets, farms & ravines, hundreds of meters below. Visit table land, a flat mountain peak & feast your eyes on the coastal plains, looking like miniature water colors. Select a horse from one of the numerous stables & canter along uncharted routes through hidden lovers' lanes, to the caves & kamalgad fort. Or while away at the bazaar. Panchgani is one of the rare places that doesn't crowd anyone, yet in its own unhurried way deeply touches  every visitor.
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Sightseeing of Various Points In Panchgani As Under
Sydney Point
This point is situated on a small hillock facing the Krishna Valley .From here one can see the the glittering waters of the Dhom Dam and Pandavgad and Mandhardeo are also easily seen.
Table Land
Situated around 60 mts high ,this flat large expanse of laterite rock is the second longest mountain plateau in asia. There are some spacious caves that can be seen from here and one of them is Devil's Kitchen.
Parsi Point
This windy road situated on the way to Mahabaleshwar overlooks the Krishna valley and the blue mirror like waters of the Dhom Dam.
Devil's KitchenSend online Query
The Devil's Kitchen situated to the south of tableland, is also a place of mythological interest. It is believed that the Pandavas stayed here for a while and used this place to cook their food. There are some legends regarding this, though most of them appear to be mere tall tales. Some people claim that Pandvgadh Caves ( near Wai ) are also built by them and bear their name.
Dhom Dam
Dhom Dam water sports is one more amazing attraction for tourists which is 21 kms away from Panchgani. A beautiful boating spot. Here one can enjoy with Scooter boats and Speed boats. Sporting in Krishna river stream with the beautiful natural surrounding is a wonderful experience in itself.
The Lingmala Falls
The Lingmala Falls in Mahabaleshwar can be reached by road. It lies on the Mahabaleshwar-Poona road. The stream here precipitates over the face of steep cliff, unbroken when the torrent is swollen by rain but ordinarily divided by projecting rocks about one third of the way down into thin silver streaks and sprays often circled by rainbows. The forest bungalow of lingmala is also close by.
Rajapuri CavesSend online Query
About 10 km from the town, the caves have a religious importance as there is a temple of Lord Karthikeya, (Lord Shiva's son) here. A temple of local goddess Ghatjal Devi is also in the area. A small local fair is held at the time of the harvest season.
How to Reach Panchgani
By Air: The airport at Pune is nearest to Panchgani at a distance of 98km. Road & Rail:
Pune is a popular railway station for tourists to Panchgani at a distance of 98 km from Panchgani. Though the railway station nearest to happens to be at Wathar. Panchgani is well linked with Mumbai and Pune through road.
Accommodation
Accommodation is available in the hill station of Panchgani. Hotel run by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation is one of the many better accommodation options at Panchgani Mumbai Tour Tourism Provided all information about Panchgani.

Khandala

Khandala is one of the important hill stations in the state of Maharashtra and because of which, it is the pride of Sahyadri Mountains. Khandala is gifted with abundant natural beauty and it is definitely proved a popular destination for the people of cities of Mumbai and Pune. The beauty which khandala have is actually has to be experienced.Mumbai Tour Tourism provided all information About Khandala.The origin of the place is obscure. Chattrapati Shivaji, the founder of the first Maratha Empire, ruled the area around Khandala. Later it came under the Peshwa rulers, who founded the second Maratha Empire. It was finally taken over by the British when they defeated the Peshwas. Khandala, Maharashtra Tour Send online Query
Lonavala-Khandala:-
Locate :- Situated at a distance of 104 km from Mumbai and 66km from Pune is Lonavala in Maharashtra, India
Touring Seasons :- Throughout the year. The climate is best especially during the Monsoon.
Lonavala & Khandala
Lonavala and Khandala are two pleasant little hill stations of Maharashtra in India.On the western slopes of the Sahyadris, 5 km apart, the straddle of Mumbai-Pune highway at an altitude of 625 m. Lonavala - Khandala is very popular as health resorts and visited by numerous tourists from all across the world through out the year. There are a number of sanatoria dotting the hills in both towns.Khandala is smaller and the quieter of the two. Both Lonavala & Khandala offers scenic views of the hills surrounding them. The monsoon, with appealing waterfalls is very enchanting at these hill resorts of Maharashtra. 
Accessibility
Airlines :-   Pune, 66 kms. away from Lonavala, is the nearest airport.
Rail Lines :- All trains from Mumbai to Pune and the South stop at Lonavala.
Bus Lines :-  Mumbai is 104 kms. away by road, the last 20 kms. of which wind up the ghats through gruelling switchbacks. State Transport buses regularly ply from Mumbai and Pune.
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Lodging in Lonavala & Khandala
Accommodation is not a problem here, as tourist keep on coming through out the year. The MTDC runs a resort at Karla and another at Rye Woods, Lonavala. Both the hill resorts have numerous hotels, to suit each visitor's pocket.
Charming Spots near Lonavala & Khandala
The main attraction for coming to Lonavala is the sequence of great caves - like Bhoja (2nd century B.C.), continuing with Bedsa (1st century B.C.) and last but not the least Karla. Book a tour to Lonavala - Khandala, Maharashtra
Bhaja
Here one can gaze across to the impressive fort of Lohagarh or gaze up to the forbidding heights of Vishapur. There are numerous caves and monasteries, worth a visit.
Bedsa
Bedsa is also near Lonavala. It lies north of the Pawan Dam. Bedsa can be reached from Kamshet (there is a railway station here) by bus or auto-rickshaw. From Bedsa the hike uphill is 3 km. This is also a beautiful place with many caves structures, one should visit.
Karla
Karla, about 12 km from Lonavala, is the site of the largest Chaitya caves in India, built in 80 B.C. Among the best-preserved Buddhist temples in India, they represent the acme, in terms of purity of design of this style of temple architecture.
Lonavala Lake
A visit to Lonavala Lake or Bushi lake, one and a half km from the town is an enthralling experience. An excursion to Tungauli Lake and later to Rajmachi 
fort, used by the Maratha warrior Shivaji in his various exploits is worth visiting. 
Send online QueryMumbai Tour Tourism Provided all information about Khandala