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Elephanta

 

Elephanta Island
(Telephone 2848323 Mumbai Exchange)

9 Nautical miles across the sea from the Gateway of India lies Elephanta, also known as 'Gharapuri'. Visit this green island for the wonders of the 7th century; the painstakingly hewn rock-cut cave temple, dedicated to Shiva. The Maheshamurti panel in which Shiva is shown as a creator, protector and destroyer is a sight that should be enjoyed at least once in a lifetime. regular excursions to Elephanta start every day from the Gateway of India. Make sure you visit the Chalukya restaurant run by MTDC.

Getting There

By Air
Nearest airport is Mumbai, 20 kms. up to Gateway and 9 nautical miles across the sea.

By Rail
Nearest railhead are Churchgate (W.R.) & Chhatrapati Shivaji terminus (CST, C.R.)

Accommodation

Self contained rooms (2 blocks)

Checkout Time: 5.00 p.m. (No night halt)

Reservation: Mumbai and Elephanta.

Ghodbunder
(Post Mira, District. Thane - 401 104, Telephone 811 2185)

Beyond the hustle-bustle of cities, is an option that's happily rustic. An option that gives you a panoramic view of the Bassin Creek, winding rivers, lofty hills and playful little island fanned by tall palms. And at Ghodbunder fort, you can relive the excitement of the Portuguese and Maratha Occupations.

Getting There

By Air
Nearest airport is Mumbai, 23 kms.

By Rail
Nearest railhead id Borivali, on Western railway suburban/main line, 8 kms.

By Road
Mumbai - Ghodbunder, 43 kms.

State Transport buses ply from Thane and Borivali to Ghodbunder.

Accommodation

Self contained rooms (5 Blocks)

Checkout Time: 8:00 a.m.

Reservation: Ghodbunder and Mumbai.

Harihareshwar
(District Raigad. Telephone: (02147) 26036).

The town of Harihareshwar, known for its tranquil and picturesque beach is also landmarked by Kalbhairav - the Shiva Temple. If you are adventurous enough to take a small boat to the north side of the bay, you can see where the Peshwas of Prime Ministers of the Maratha Kingdom originally resided. Also see the 'Peshwa' Smarak and visit the Bankot Fort at Bagmandala, about 4 kms. away.

Getting There

By Air
Nearest airport is Mumbai, 215 kms.

By Rail
Nearest railhead is Mangaon, 65 kms. on Konkan Railway.

By Road
Mumbai - Harohareshwar, 230 kms via Mumbai-Panvel-mangaon-Goregaon Phata on Mumbai - Goa Highway. Shiwardhan - Harihareshwar, 20 kms. Magmandala - Harihareshwar, 4 kms.

Accommodation

Self contained rooms (4 Blocks), 30 Tents (Seasonal). restaurants with permit room is available.

Checkout time: 9.00 a.m.

Reservation: Mumbai and Harihareshwar.

Jawhar
(District Thane - 401 603)

Not for nothing is it named the 'Mahabaleshwar of Thane District'. In beauty and climate it is no less. And there's so much to see - the majestic Dadara Kopra Falls, Jai Vilas, the palace of the tribal kings, the Hanuman and Sunset Points and the enthrilling Shirpamal, where Shivaji chose to camp on his way to Surat.

Jawhar also offers you the unique opportunity to expose and enlighten yourself with the tribal way of life especially with the Warli paintings.

Getting There

By Air
Nearest airport is Mumbai.

By Rail
Nearest railhead is Igatpuri, 61 kms. On Central Railway but Nashik is more convenient railhead. On the Western Railway, nearest railhead id Dahanu, 65 kms.

By Road
Mumbai - Jawahar, 180 kms via Kasara - Khodala. Mumbai - Jawahar, 166 kms. via Kasa. Nashik - Jawahar, 80 kms. Kasa - Jawahar, 39 kms. Trimbakeshwar - Jawahar, 56 kms.

State Transport buses ply from Mumbai, Thane and Nasik to Jawahar.

Jayakwadi (Paithan)
(Tal. paithan District Aurangabad - 431 907)

Jayakwadi (Paithan) was formerly a prosperous trade center called Pratishthan. It was once a capital of the famous Satvahan dynasty and was also home to the poet.- Saint Eknath. Today it's the favorite haunt of archaeologists and is particularly well known for its Paithanis - the beautiful silk sarees with elaborate zari work. While in Paithan, make sure to visit the beautiful garden and try your hand at the exciting water sports.

Getting There

By Air

Nearest airport is Aurangabad, 60 kms.

By Rail
Nearest railhead is also Aurangabad, 50 kms. On South Central Railway. Mumbai - Manmad - Aurangabad, 375 kms.

By Road
Mumbai - Paithan via Manmad, 438 kms, Mumbai - Paithan via Pune 363, kms. Aurangabad - Paithan, 50 kms. Ahmedabad - Paithan, 75 kms.

State Transport buses ply from Ahmednagar and Aurangabad to Paithan.

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