TOURIST SPOTS AROUND MUMBAI

MAHABALESHWAR

This popular hill resort, in the state of Maharashtra, was once the summer capital of the Bombay Presidency, during the days of the British. Situated at an altitude of 1372 meters, Mahabaleshwar has splendid panoramic views of the scenic valley, and of the sea, which is quite visible on clear days. Like other hill stations, Mahabaleshwar closes during the monsoon season. During this period, from mid-June to mid-September, the local buildings are covered with kulum grass to prevent any damage from the torrential rains. During this period, the region receives about 6 mts. of rain!!

What to see

Elphinstone Point, Babington Point, Kate's Point, Bombay Point are some of the famous lookout points. There are also some beautiful waterfalls, a short distance away, that are worth a visit, like Chinaman's (2.5 km), Dhobi (3 km), and Lingamala (6 km). Arthur's Seat, 12 km from Mahabaleshwar, looks out over a tremendous drop of 600 meters, to the coastal strip of Konkan. Also a site to be visited, is the historic Pratapgad Fort (24 km), built in 1656, by Shivaji to control the rebellious Satraps of the surrounding Javali Basin. Legend has it that Shivaji was blessed with a shining sword at the temple of Goddess Bhawani here. It was the site of the famous battle between the Maratha chieftain Chhatrapati Shivaji and Afzal Khan, the commander of the Bijapur Sultanate. A major attraction in Mahabaleshwar is the Venna Lake, which has good fishing and boating facilities.

Pratapgarh Fort

Which is 24 kms, away is a place worth visiting. It was built by Shivaji in 1656. It was built to control the rebellious Satraps of the surrounding Javali Basin. Legend has it that Shivaji was blessed with a shining sword at the temple of Goddess Bhawani here. It was the site of the famous battle between the Maratha chieftain Chhatrapati Shivaji and Afzal Khan, the commander of the Bijapur Sultanate.

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 18 km approach, that swoops around and bends with abandon, offering splendid views of the river Krishna on one side, and the coastal plains, on the other.
Panchgani is the quintessential hill station. It can be seen in the architecture of the old British buildings, the Parsi houses, and the boarding schools that have been around for a century or more. Amble along the walkways, thickly canopied by lush trees and vegetation, and delight in the secrets you stumble upon. The river Krishna snakes through tiny hamlets, farms and ravines. Select a horse from one of the numerous stables and canter along unchartered routes through hidden lovers' routes, to the caves and the Kamalgad fort. Or while away your time at the bazaar. Taxis are available, but bicycles and horses are recommended for travelling long distances.

ELEPHANTA CAVES

10 km north east of Apollo Bunder, lies the island of Elephanta, the glorious abode of Lord Shiva. The island is famous for its great cave shrine, excavated in the sixth century, dating back to the period, when the island was known as Gharapuri, the Fortress City. With the arrival of the Portuguese, the island was renamed Elephanta, after the huge carved elephant, they found at the place where they landed.

The cave temple, which is the pride of Elephanta, sprawled over an area of approximately 5000 square metres, is reached by climbing a flight of more than 100 steps, to the top of a hill. Inside the temple, is a large pillared hall with rows of columns, that appear to hold up the roof of the cave. Cross beams complete the illusion of a ceiling. One's attention is immediately drawn to the series of marvellous sculptured panels, nine in all, which are set like tableaux on the walls. Little is known about the architects and sculptors, who worked on this gem of ancient architecture. What is almost tangible is their intense faith, which seems to create an energy field in the cave premises. Each of the panel captures the volatility of Shiva's essentially paradoxic nature, and the magical interplay of light and shade, only intensifies the overall effect. The plan of the temple is symmetrical, with the important focal points worked out in a geometrical mandala - the mystic design that represents an energy field.

At the western end of the cave is the very centre of Elephanta, the resting-place of the 'linga', the simplest form, encompassing the essence of creative power, in which Shiva is worshipped as the Lord of fertility and procreation. The four entrances to the shrine are flanked by large guardian figures, 'dwarpalas.' As one enters the cave, on the right, is the panel depicting Nataraja, Shiva as the cosmic dancer. Though a little disfigured by the Portugese, the panel is still remarkable in its vivid portrayal of the Destroyer. Nataraja, Shiva Tandava, the embodiment of cosmic energy accompanied by thundering drums and the wrathful fire. Ravana anugraha, Shiva crushing Ravana with his toe, as the latter in an attempt to demonstrate his might, vainly tries to lift Mount Kailasa. Shiva, destroyer of enemies triumphs eternally over the forces of evil. Another panel shows Shiva as Andhakasuravadha, impaling the demon of darkness, Andhaka, with his trident, while the panel on the rear wall of the shrine captures the divine union of Shiva and Parvati in marriage. Kalyanasundara is Shiva the gentle loving god, with his beautiful consort by his side. Yet another panel portrays Gangadharan, Shiva receiving the descending river Ganga, and holding her fast in his matted locks, thus, preventing the flooding of the world. To the west, a sculpture shows the god as Ardhanarishwara, Shiva and Shakti, male and female, " the simultaneous experience of longing and union", desire and satisfaction.The famous Maheshamurti lies deep, in the inner recesses of the cave. Mysterious, impassive, the eternal Shiva emerging out of the mountain - Maheshwara, Mahadeva, Sadashiva - Shiva in whom all paradoxes reside, conflicts are resolved; the supreme Lord, the eternal.Despite the wanton desecration of these fine sculptures by the Portugeuse, the nuances of emotions captured in the panels still possess the power to mesmerise the observer.

Festival

The Elephanta Festival comes in the month of February, when the island bursts in a colourful explosion of dance and music. Eminent artistes perform outside the caves, under the open sky.

The city of Aurangabad was founded by Malik Ambar, the Prime Minister of Murtaza Nizam Shah II, in 1610, on the site of a village, Khirki. When Fateh Khan, Malik Ambar's son succeeded the throne in 1626, he named the city 'Fatehpur'. In 1653, when Aurangzeb became the Viceroy of the Deccan, he made it his capital, and renamed it Aurangabad. A region that has been inhabited since the Stone Ages, Aurangabad has seen several dynasties come and go, absorbing the culture of each into itself.Maurya rule heralded the advent of Buddhism in the state of Maharashtra. The earliest caves at Ajanta and Pithalkora were excavated in the 2nd century BC, during the Satvahana era. Paithan, then known as Pratishthana, was an important trade centre at the time. Buddhism flowered during the Chalukya period, which consequently saw the mushrooming of many viharas (monasteries), and chaityas (chapels), that were later excavated at Aurangabad, Ajanta and Ellora. Later, the Rashtrakutas built many temples, significantly, the Kailasa temple at Ellora, an unparalleled piece of ancient Indian architecture.

What to see

Aurangabad Caves : Just outside the city, lie the Aurangabad caves, excavated between the 2nd and 6th century AD. Tantric influences can be discerned in their architecture and iconography.There are twelve caves in all, a major chunk of which are viharas, of which Caves 3 and 7, are the most fascinating. Cave 3 stands supported by 12 finely carved columns, and sports sculptures portraying scenes from the Jataka tales. Cave 7 houses an imposing sculpture of a Boddhisattva, praying for deliverance.

Bibi - Ka - Maqbara : The Bibi - Ka - Maqbara was built in 1679, by Aurangzeb's son, as a tribute to his mother Begum Rabia Durani. A replica of the Taj Mahal, this monument is the only specimen of Mughal architecture of its kind, in the Deccan plateau.

Pan Chakki: Dating back to the 17th century, this ingenious watermill, that takes its name from the mill, which used to grind grain for the pilgrims, was designed to generate energy via water, brought down from a spring on a mountain, located nearby. The energy generated was, further, used to turn the large grinding stones of the flour mill. It was built by Malik Ambar himself, in 1695. In 1624, a Sufi saint who was much revered by Aurangzeb was buried here, the gardens and fish tanks serve as his memorial.

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LONAVALA AND KHANDALA

 

Lonavala and Khandala are two charming little hill stations, in Maharashtra, located on the western slopes of the Sahyadri mountain range. These are perched at an altitude of 625 m, and are five km apart. Quite popular as health resorts, there are a number of sanatoria dotting the hills, in both towns. Khandala is smaller and relatively calmer of the two, though browsing through Lonavala's bazaar could yield some wonderful surprises. Both these sites offer scenic views of the surrounding hills, and in the monsoons, with myriad waterfalls, it is sheer magic.

What to see

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 zenith, in terms of purity of design of this style of temple architecture. Taxis and autorickshaws, easily available in Lonavala and Khandala, are the best ways of getting to and from Karla.
Temperatures vary from 12 deg celsius to 36 deg celsius throughout the year. October to May is the best time to visit.

PUNE

Pune, located 170 kms. south of Mumbai has been the cultural capital of Maharashtra, since ages. The city was one of the pivotal basesof the 17th century great Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji, who was born at the Shivneri Fort here.Pune became the seat of the enterprising Peshwas, under whom Maratha power rose into a major political force. The Peshwas were renowned patrons of the arts and in their time, enriched the city with temples, gardens and educational institutions.It was here that Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak introduced the principle of Swadeshi during the Freedom Movement. Today Pune is one of the leading metros in India, with the Film and Television Institute of India and National Defence Academy based here. It is fast becoming one of the major hubs of industry and commerce in the country.

What to see

The Aga Khan's Palace

Kasturba Gandhi Smriti Mandir - This beautiful building with salons and suites, is a great historical landmark. It was here that Mahatma Gandhi and other leaders of the Indian National Congress were imprisoned during the 1942 Quit India Movement. Here lies the samadhi of Kasturba Gandhi, the Mahatma's wife. Bund Gardens - Presently known as Mahatma Gandhi Udyan, these gardens are situated on the banks of Mula-Mutha River. The bund was constructed by Sir Jamshedji Jeejeebhoy for providing water to the poor.

National Defense Academy - Situated at Khadakvasla, 17 kms. from Pune, the Academy imparts basic training to the cadets of all three branches of the services, Army, Air Force and Navy.
Parvati Hill and Temples - The Parvati Temple was the erstwhile private shrine of the Peshwa rulers. Now it is a popular tourist spot, with the Parvati and Devdeveshwar temples standing atop a hill and also the Parvati Museum which houses replicas of ancient paintings, old manuscripts, weapons and coins.

Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum - This Rajasthani-style building showcases a one-man collection of some of the most fascinating Indian artifacts one can ever get to see. Among 36 sections full of antiques, carved palace doors, miniatures, the 'Mastani Mahal' is particularly famous. Mastani was the mistress of ‘Peshwa Bajirao’, the Prime Minister of Satara. This impressive collection was donated to the Govt of Maharashtra by Shri Dinkar Kelkar and is only displayed by rotation

Shaniwarwada 

Built in 1736, this was once the palace of the Peshwa rulers. After the palace was mysteriously destroyed by fire in 1827, only an old fortified wall, the majestically built 'Nagarkhana' and a lotus pool park remain.Wadas came into existence during the reign of the Peshwas. Wada is an area enclosed by walls housing several rooms to live in, courtyards and water tanks, and is almost a small housing complex in itself. These Wadas served as the residence of the Peshwas and Shaniwar Wada was one of them. In fact, Maratha culture depicts this Wada as one of its important landmarks. Located in Kasba Peth, the seven-storey-high Shaniwar Wada has now become a picnic spot for the Puneites. Built in the year 1730 by the first Bajirao Peshwa, the Wada has been a silent spectator to the lives of the Peshwas. The magnificent Dilli Darwaza marks the entrance of the Wada. The imposing facades and impregnable fortifications are still so prominent that a person cannot have doubts about the strength they once possessed. Visitors can still walk along the castle ramparts and get the feel of the fort. The exquisitely engraved arches, the splendid Ganesh Darwaza and the impressively built Ganesh Rangmahal which became the hall of justice, are definitely worth taking a look at.

Pataleshwar Cave Temple- Ensconced deep in the heart of the city, at Shivajinagar, is a 8th century rock-cut temple. Reminiscent of Ellora, the temple has been painstakingly hewn from a single rock and houses massive pillars, a Shiva shrine and a Nandi bull. Saras Baug - With pleasant lawns and the famous Ganesh temple built by Madhavrao Peshwa, Saras Baug is a popular evening spot at Pune.

Shinde's Chhatri - Among the best architectural sights in Pune, this memorial of the great Maratha warrior, Mahadaji Shinde, houses his Chhattri (umbrella) and his portrait in silver.

Lal Deval (Synagogue) - A red brick and trap stone building of English-Gothic style, the Lal Deval was built by the famous David Sassoon in 1867.

Pashan Lake - 12 kms. north of NDA, this beautiful lake is a home to a variety of migratory and residential birds.

The Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) - A premier institute, FTII imparts training in all major branches of film training in all major branches of film making and is known to have produced some of the finest film professionals of the country.

University Buildings 

The site of the Pune University, the stately mansion at Ganeshkhind, was the official residence of the Governor of Mumbai during the monsoon season. A large building in Italian-Gothic style built with the local grey trap rock, it is surrounded by a high square tower (30 metres high), a swimming pool and well kept lawns.

Yoga Institute - The ‘Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute’ directed by Mr B K S Iyengar is an internationally reputed Yoga institution. Courses for short and long durations are conducted here, depending on individual requirements and the availability of time.

Sinhagad Pune

Sinhagad stands at a height of 1290 metres, 25 kms away from the city. Over 300 years ago, Tanaji, the Maratha warrior, and his army, with the help of ropes and giant lizards (ghorpuds), scaled the sheer precipice and silently stormed the Bijapur citadel at midnight, creating history. The Samadhi to Tanaji Malusare stands as a reminder of the bravery and glorious victory of the Marathas. On hearing of the passing away of Tanaji, Shivaji is known to have said, "We have gained the fort but lost the lion". So the fort got its name ‘Sinha (lion) gad (fort).

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Around Pune

Caves - Karla and Bhaja

About 50-60 kms. away from Pune, these rock-cut Buddhist caves date back to 1st and 2nd century B.C. These caves consist of several Viharas (dwelling caves) and Chaityas (chapels) of the Buddhist monks.

Forts

Lohagad and Visapur - 52 kms. away from Pune, atop an impressive hill, these majestic forts were built in the 18th century. They are separated by a 1 km. ridge and are ideal for trekking.

Shivneri - 94.5 kms. away from Pune, is the magnificent Shivneri fort where Shivaji was born. One of the interesting features of this fort is a mosque with two minarets which are joined by a graceful arch.

Sinhagad - Named after the lion-hearted general of Shivaji - Tanaji Malusare, this awesome Fortress of the Lion stands at a height of 1290 metres, 25 kms. away from the city. Over 300 years ago, Tanaji, the Maratha warrior, and his army, with the help of ropes and giant lizards (ghorpuds), scaled the sheer precipice and silently stormed the Bijapur citadel at midnight, creating history.
The ‘samadhi’ to Tanaji Malusare stands as a reminder of the bravery and glorious victory of the Marathas. On hearing of the passing away of Tanaji, Shivaji is believed to have said "We have gained the fort but lost the lion". Whereupon the fort got its name ‘Sinha (lion) gad (fort)’.

Temples

Dehu - Alandi - Dehu was the birthplace of the greatest Marathi Saint of the 17th century - Tukaram. It is situated on the banks of the river Indrayani. Another pilgrim centre, 22 kms. away from Pune is Alandi, where the 'Samadhi' of the famous saint-poet Dnyaneshwar is situated.

Bhimashankar - 122 kms. from Pune, is the elaborately carved Shiva temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of the country. A fair is held here annually during Mahashivratri.

Jejuri - Jejuri is known for the famous temple of 'Khandoba' and an annual fair held here is attended by Hindus in large numbers.

Water Sport Complex - Panshet - Recently developed by MTDC, Panshet water-sports complex offers sheer fun and enjoyment to the visitor. Speed boats, water scooters, kayaking windsurfing... the resort is packed with various thrilling water-sports.

It was only in the 19th century, that the Ajanta group of caves, lying deep within the Sahyadri hills, cut into the curved mountain side, above the Waghora river, were discovered. A group of British officers on a tiger hunt, stumbled on these ancient works of art. They depict the story of Buddhism, spanning the period from 200 BC to 650 AD.

The 29 caves were built as secluded retreats of the Buddhist monks, who taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas, the ancient seats of learning, and nerve - centres of the Buddhist cultural movement. Using simple tools like hammer and chisel, the monks carved out the impressive figures adorning the walls of these structures. Exquisite wall - paintings and sculptures speak volumes of the India of yore. Many of the caves house panels depicting stories from the Jatakas, a rich mine of tales of the several incarnations of the Buddha. Images of nymphs and princesses amongst others, are also elaborately portrayed. Cave 1 houses some of the most well - preserved wall paintings which include two great Boddhisattvas, Padmapani and Avalokiteshvara. Caves 2 , 16 and 17 also contain amazing paintings, while Caves 1, 4, 17, 19, 24 and 26 boast of some of the most divine sculptures. The flying apsara, of Cave 17, and the image of Buddha preaching in Cave 17, are a couple of unforgettable works of art. The Ajanta caves and the treasures they house, are a landmark in the overall development of Buddhism as such.

The Ellora caves, 34 in number, are carved into the sides of a basaltic hill, 30 kms from Aurangabad. The finest specimens of cave - temple architecture, they house elaborate facades and exquisitely adorned interiors. These structures representing the three faiths of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism, were carved during the 350 AD to 700 AD period. The 12 caves to the south are Buddhist, the 17 in the centre dedicated to Hinduism, and the 5 caves to the north are Jain.
The sculpture in the Buddhist caves accurately convey the nobility, grace and serenity inherent in the Buddha. Caves 6 and 10 house images from the Buddhist and Hindu faith, under the same roof, the latter dedicated to Vishwakarma, the patron saint of Indian craftsmen. The Vishvakarma cave is both a Chaitya and a Vihara, with a seated Buddha placed in the stupa. Its two - storeyed structure sports a colourful pageant of dwarfs, dancing and making music.

The Kailasa temple in Cave 16 is an architectural wonder, the entire structure having been carved out of a monolith, the process taking over a century to finish. This mountain - abode of Lord Shiva, is in all probability, the world's largest monolith, the gateway, pavilion, assembly hall, sanctum and tower, all hewn out of a single rock. What is amazing about it is the fact, that unlike other temple structures which are built base onwards, the sculptor or architect involved here, started carving from the very top and the sides. Gigantic, though it is, it remains one of the most delicate and intricate ancient works of art. The Dumar Lena cave resembles the famous cave - temple at Elephanta, and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The Jain caves are about a mile away from the Kailasa temple, amongst which Cave 32, houses a beautiful shrine adorned with fine carvings of a lotus flower on the roof, and a yakshi on a lion under a mango - tree, while Caves 32 and 34 contain grand statues of Parasnath. The other Jain caves sport the images of Tirthankaras, and one of them, also, has a seated figure of Mahavira.
These cave shrines are memorable for their invaluable contribution to the enormous wealth of Indian heritage.