Matheran

Matheran which means ‘ Jungle Topped’ is the nearest hill station to Mumbai and probably Maharashtra’s most pleasant retreat. It’s an undulating hilltop cloaked in shady trees and ringed by walking tracks leading to lookouts from where it’s a sheer drop to the plain. On a clear day the views from here are fantastic.

Hugh mallet, collector for the Thane district, is credited with the discovery of Matheran in 1850 while climbing the path known as Shivaji’s Ladder, and it soon became a popular hill station during the days of the Raj.Matheran owes its tranquility to a complete ban on motor vehicles ( and bicycles ) but on the weekends the resort is overrun with day-trippers.

The true high season here is during the peak holiday periods of April to June, Diwali and Christmas. At this time it’s rrediculously packed and accommodation prices are ludicrous. During the monsoon ( mid June to early October ) the village virtually closes up and the dirt walking trails and roads become very muddy.

Getting to Matheran is half the fun; from Neral Junction you take a narrow – gauge toy train up the 21km route to the heart of the hill station. It’s a very scenic two-hour ascent as the train winds its way around the steep slopes and, at one point passes through One Kiss Tunnel. Information

Entry to Matheran costs Rs 20. ( Rs 10 children ) which you pay on arrival at the train station or the Dasturi car park.

There’s no tourist office but some shops and hotels have a basic map of Matheran. The Union Bank Of India on MG Road. The main road through the bazaar, changes only but it can be unreliable. Few of the paths away from the main bazaar are lit at night – a torch may come in handy.

Walks and Views

Unlike at Maharastra’s other hill station Mahabaleshwar you can walk to most of Matheran’s viewpoints in a matter of hours. The best views are seen in the early morning and around sunset. Louisa Point , Hart Point and little chouk point have the finest views. You can reac the vally below one tree hill down the path known as Shivaji’s Ladder, so called because the

Matheran leader is said to have used it.

Places To Stay

There area few budget places close to the train station but most of the mid-range and expensive resort accommodation is a 10 to 20 minute walk away. Many of these resort hotels offer only full-board rates. Especially in the high season. Early morning checkout times are the norm in Matheran, and are often as early as 7 am. Most of the following hotels have hot – water showers in the morning only. Unless otherwise stated rates quoted in this section are outside high season. If you re mad enough to come than, expect to pay between 30 % and 200 % more.

Where to Stay And Eat

Hope Hall Hotel

Phone No : 022 – 30253.

Tariff – Rs 250.

Lord’s Central Hotel

Phone No : 022 – 3867776.

Tariff – Rs 1650 ( per person )

Email – lord@wspl.net.in

Rugby Hotel.

Phone No – 022 – 2821721.

Tariff Rs 1800 – 2900

Manger

It’s astounding how a short hour’s drive out of Delhi can take you to a place of such rustic beauty. Manger Village is in the shade of the craggy rocks of Dhauj in District Faridabad. As you drive down a steep incline on the last lap to Lakeview Cottage, you will pass scenes that don’t seem to have changed over centuries: Haryana’s shepherds with great big herds of goats cross your path, carrying baby lambs in their arms. Peacocks casually cross the tarmac. And Manger Village, if not for the lone Coke ad on a village shop, would give you the distinct impression that it’s so cutoff from the world that the fall of the Mughals would be big news here.

You will be even more placed when you pull into Lakeview Cottage. You will stay in comfortable, tastefully-decorated cabins which face the lake framed by the craggy Dhauj rocks. The lake in question is just a tiny rain-fed village pond, but post-moon-soon. Lakeview Cottage plonks a few boats onto its surface for your pleasure. There’s a swing for the kids, vast grounds to ramble in plus guides can be arranged for you to climb the rocks of Dhauj.

Location : lake facing

Telephone No : 0129 – 2206358

Email : info@farhorizonindia.com

Accommodation : 3 room

Tariff : Rs 2200

TE : credit cards Amex, Master,

Facilities : Dining hall, rock – climbing, water sports. Game.

Delhi Reservation
Far Horizons.
B – 204,
CR Park.
New Delhi
Telephone No : 011 – 26479320.

Mahabaleshwar

Mahabaleshwar is situated amidst the heights of the Sahyadris, about 120 km south of Pune. Regular State Transport and private buses ply to Mahabaleshwar. Private taxis also are available in plenty. A drive up to Mahabaleshwar is most pleasant. A popular holiday resort with the Burra Sahibs of the Raj, the thick foliage of the hill station is punctuated with generously sized bungalows of another age

The landscape is however fast changing, with modern architecture, mostly of the non-descript, grotesque variety providing the beloved holiday destination with more than its fair share of controversy. Mahabaleshwar's famous "points" offer breathtaking views of valleys that are full of evergreen forests and lush undergrowth. Springs and water falls abound in the area offering lovely picnic spots.

Many of these points have good motorable roads. The winding rides through thick foliage are an experience. If one really wants to enjoy nature in all its placid glory, it is a must for every visitor to take leisurely walks along these sylvan paths. One can also ride on ponies' backs, savouring nature's virgin viridity.

Being mobile is necessary in Mahabaleshwar, if you would like to cover all its sights in a short time span. If, however, you do not have your own vehicle, hired taxis and mini-buses are easily available.

Situated at a height of 1372 m, Mahabaleshwar is one of the most popular and picturesque hillresorts in Maharashtra. The magnificent hill resort is a paradise of the tourists and famous forweekend gateway specially for the persons having passion for driving across the hills and ghats.Mahableshwar is having the highest rainfall in the Monsoon in Maharashtra.

Elphinstone, Babingtion. Bombay and Kate’s Points offer fine views from the wooded plateau to theplains below. The best viewpoint is Arthur’s Seat 12 km from mahabaleshwar, which looks out over asheer drop 600 m to the Konkan coastal strip there are pleasant waterfalls around Mahabaleshwarsuch as Chinaman’s Dhobi’s and Lingmala Falls.

In the village of Old Mahabaleshwar there are two ancient temples worth visiting. The Krishnabai or Panchganga ( Five Streams ) Mandir is said to contain the springs of five rivers, including the sacred Krishna River which issues from the mouth of a sculpted cow suckling a calf. The Mahabaleshwar Mandir is of interest for its naturally occurring lingam.

Lonavala

Situated 106 km south-east Mumbai in the hills. Lonavla and nearby Khandala are twin hill resores catering for weekenders and conference groups from Mumbai. Unless you’re particularly fond of the local sweet speciality, chikki, there is little if interest in the towns themselves – Lonavla is simply the most convenient base from which to visit the Karla and

Bhaja Caves.

Lonavala is an important hill station in the state of Maharashtra. It is popularly known as the jewel of the Sahyadri Mountains. Lonavala is set amongst the sylvan hills of the Western Ghats 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.

It also has an important Yoga center near it, for the health conscious traveler. Lonavala is located in the western part of the state of Maharashtra, in the western region of India. It is set amongst the slopes of the Sahyadri mountain range and situated 106 km southeast of Mumbai at an altitude of 625 m above sea level. 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 hill resort, 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.


There are several important cities near Lonavala like Khnadala, Mumbai and Pune. Khandala is one of the important hill stations in the state of Maharashtra and is the pride of the Sahyadri Mountains.

Khandala is endowed with abundant natural beauty and like Lonavala, it is also provides a popular gateway from the hustle and bustle of cities of Mumbai and Pune.The picturesque green surroundings of this pretty hill station attract the travelers towards it. The Indian hill resort of Lonavala is easily accessible through air, road and rail from the other major Indian cities and states. touristplacesinindia can arrange for you all types of transport for your comfortablejourney to and in Lonavala and throughout the Indian state of Maharashtra.


Places To Stay


Hotel Chandralok

Email – hotelchandralok@vsnl.com

Tariff – Rs - 390 – 790. Kumar
Resort.Phone No – 022 – 6045669.
Tariff – Rs – 1190 – 2490.


Fariyas Holiday Resort
Phone No – 022 – 2655317.
Tariff – Rs 3400.

Kesroli Fort

The 14th century hill fort of Kesroli is the oldest heritage site in India where you can stay. Situated atop the rare. Dark hornstone Breccia rocks its rampart rise to 200 ft, from where splendid views can be had.

The fort is reputed to have been built by the Yaduvanshi Rajputs, descendants of Lord Krishna who converted to Islam in the mid-14th century and came to be called Khanzadas. It subsequently changed hands upon being conquered by the Hughals and the jats before reverting to the Rajputs in 1775 when the princely state of alwar was founded


Kesroli makes for an ideal base from where you can visit neighbouring palaces, museums and sanctuaries at Alwar, Sariska and Siliserh. They arrange trips to kankwadi Fort, Neelkanth temple,


Location :


Atop Hornestone Breccia rocks.


Telephone No : 01468 – 289352


Email : sales@neemranahotels.com


Website : www.Neemranahotels.com


Accommodation : 58


Tariff : Rs 1500 – 3400


TE : Credit cards, Amex, Visa, Master, Diner’s, Citi Bank, HDFC


Facilities : Restaurant indoor games, laundry, hot water, room service, TV

Karla & Bhaja Caves

Reaching Bhaja by road requires to drive down the same route along the highway as Karla but instead of turning left you must take the road on the right and drive past Malavali station and follow a quite road a further 3km to Bhaja village, There is no bus service to Bhaja but you can take a local train to Malavali station.

From the village it is a 250 feet climb to the caves.There are 18 caves, twelth being a chaitya hall with finest carving in the cave complex. First cave appears to be the dwelling of the master architect while 10 others are viharas for priests.Remaining seven caves have inscription about donors.


Karla Cave


A steep 20-minute climb via stone steps from the car park brings you to the impressive Karla Cave, the largest Early Buddhist chaitya ( temple ) in India. Completed in 80 BC, the chaitya is around 40m long and 15m high, carved by monks and artisans from the rock in imitation of more familiar woodenarchitecture.


A semicircular ‘sun window’ filters light it towards the cave’s representation of Buddha a dagoba ( dome-shaped shrine ) protected by a carved wooden umbrella. The 37 pillars which from the aisles are each topped by kneeling elephant carrying seated figures. The cave roof is ribbed with teak beams said to be original. On the sides of the vestibule are carved elephant heads which once had ivory tuska.


A stambha ( pillar ) topped by four back-to-back lions, an image usually associated with Emperor Ashok, stands outside the cave and may be older than the cave itself. Along the small path leading around the hillside are a couple of relatively inconsequential caves, including one containing a Shiva lingam and another lined with cells used as living quarters for monks.
The cave is open from 9 am to 5 pm. Entry is as steep as the walk up to US $ 5. for foreigners; Indians pay Rs 5, there’s a Rs 25 charge for video cametas,


Bhaja Caves & Forts


It’s a 3 km ride from the main road to the Bhaja Caves ( over the new expressway ) where the setting is lusher, greener and more peaceful than at Karla. Thought to date from around 200 BC, 10 of the 18 Caves here are viharas ( monasteries ). While cave 12 is an open chaitya. Dating from earlier than the Karla caves, containing a simple dagoba but no sculpture. Beyond this is a strange huddle of 14 stupas, five inside and nine outside a caves. The last cave on the south has some fine sculptures.


In the hills above the caves are a couple of derelict but atmospheric old forts. Lohagad Fort, which was twice taken by Shivaji and Visapur Fort.


Admission on the Bhaja Caves is another US $ 5 for foreigners and Rs 5 for Indians. Bedsa Caves


About 15 km past the KARLA and Bhaja turnoffs and 6km south – east of Kamshet station are the Bedsa Caves. These caves see very few visitors, partly because of the 3 km walk from Bedsa village to reach them and partly because the main cave a chaitya thought to date from

later than the one at Karla is much poorer in design and execution. Entry here is free.

Ellora

The world Heritage-listed cave temples of ellora, about from Aurangabad, are the pinnacle of deccan rock-cut architecture Over five centuries generation of Buddhist, hindu and jain monks carved monasteries, chapels and temple from a 2km – long escarpment and decorated them with a profusion of sculptures of remarkable imagination and detail

Because of the escarpment’s gentle slope in contrast to the sheer drop at Ajanta, many of the caves have elaborate courtyards in front of the main shrines. The caves run north – south and take on a golden radiance in the late-afternoon sun.In all there are 34 caves at ellora : 12 Buddhist ( AD 600 – 800 ), 17 Hindu ( AD 600 – 900 ) and five Jain ( 800 - 1000 ).


Ellora represents the renaissance of Hindusim Under the Chalukya and Rashtrakuta dynasties the subsequent decline of Indian Buddhism and a brief resurgence of Jainism under official patronage. The sculptural work at Ellora shows the increasing influence of Tantric element in India’s three great religions and their coexistence at one site indicates a prolonged period of religious tolerance.


The masterpiece of Ellora is the astonishing Kailasa Temple ( cave 16 ). Dedicated to Shiva, it is the worlds largest monolithic sculpture hewn from the rock by 7000 labourers over a 150 year period.


Entry to ellora is free except to the Kailasa Temple which costs US $ 10 for foreigners, Rs 10 forIndians. The caves are closed on Monday. Official guides can be hired at the ticket office in front ofthe Kailasa Temple for Rs 245 for up to four hour. They speak English and have a sound Knowledgeof the cave architecture. There’s a selection of guidebooks available at the site.
For three days in December the Kaliasa Temple is the backdrop for the annual Ellora Dance & musicFestival.


Buddhist Caves


The southernmost 12 caves are all Buddhist viharas, except cave 10 which is a chaitya. While theearliest caves are quite simple Caves 11 and 12 are much more ambitions probably in an attempt tocompete with the more impressive Hindu temples.


Cave 1 to 4


Cave one is the simplest vihara and may have been a granary. Cave solidly on the earth. Caves 3and 4 are earlier simpler and less well preserved.


Cave 5


This is the largest vihara in this group 18m wide and 36m long; the rows of stone benches indicatethat I may have been an assembly or dining hall.


Caves 6 to 9


As well as the large seated Buddha in the shrine room of cave 6, this ornate vihara also haswonderful images of Tara ( on the left ) consort of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. And of theBuddhist goddess of learning, Mahamayuri looking remarkably similar to her Hindu equivalentsaraswati. Cave 9 is notable for its wonderfully carved façade