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ELEPHANTA CAVES: The Elephanta island is located 10 km away from the Gateway of India in Mumbai or 9 nautical miles across the sea. Here lies the magnificent Elephanta Caves, also known as ‘Gharapuri’. Visit this green island for the wonders of the 7th century, the painstaking 17-hewn rock-cut cave temple, dedicated to Shiva. The Maheshmurti panel, in which Shiva is known as a creator protector, and destroyer, is a sight that should be enjoyed at least once in a lifetime. This rock-cut temple was created by carving out rock and creating the columns, the internal spaces, and the images. The entire Temple is akin to a huge sculpture, Regular excursions to Elephanta start every day from the Gateway of India, though the ascent to reach the cave is difficult to climb. Boat Services are also there from Alibag and Uran of Raigad district.
Getting there: By Air: The nearest airport is Mumbai 20 km. The nearest railway stations are Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (C.S.T.) and Churchgate
MATHERAN: Situated at 803 meters above sea level, this is the favorite hill station of Maharashtra (the other is Mahabaleshwar). It is near Mumbai and accessibility has made it more popular. In 1850, Mallet, The District Collector of Thane, first discovered this hill station. He first sited this mountain from the village ‘Chowk’. He climbed the hill from “one tree point to another, The British came to this hill station for their summertime leisure That is the primary reason why all the points of Matheran Have English names.
How to reach Matheran? On the Central Railway line from Mumbai, one has to get down at Neral station. From the Station, a toy train takes you up to Matheran. This is 21 km. railway line navigates its way up the slopes and is an interesting experience This mini train takes 2 hrs. to reach its destination, “Adamaji Peerbhay, a Parsi person is an important person to be remembered for his contribution to this heavenly hub
The following Points are compulsory to see and catch the enchantment in Matheran:
1. Charlotte Lake: 1 km. From the Marketplace area. That is the main supply of water for Matheran.
2. Landscape point: This could be called the “king of all points. Situated at Matheran End, it has valleys on the east and the west you can see Neral below and a glimpse of Panvel and Gadeshwer Lake from the west. Dawn can also be seen from this point.
3. Sundown point (Porcupine factor): The Mountain “Prabalged” is just in the front Of this point.
4. Louisa Point: situated on the west side Of Matheran.
5. Echo Pointr: that is halfway between Charlotte & Louisa Point.
6. One Tree Point: For decades, there has been only one tree at this point & subsequently the name
7. Garbert Point: A secluded point showcasing a deep valley on one side and is densely wooded area on the other
THE KARNALA SANCTUARY:
The Karnala bird sanctuary falls in Panvel Taluka of Raigad District, on the outskirts of Mumbai and close to Matheran and Karjat. The sanctuary is pretty small with a place Of 12.11 square kilometers however if you are visiting Mumbai after the Sanjay Gandhi National Park and the Tungareshwar Sanctuary it is one of the few places to visit even if you are not a bird lover
The sanctuary is on the ancient Karnala fort and lies off the Mumbai-Pune expressway and the Mumbai Goa Highway. It is 12 km from Panvel. The Nearest railway station is Panvel. The sanctuary is open for visitors from dawn to sunset. There are numerous lodges and inns available for a quick stay near the sanctuary including government rest houses in the vicinity
Murud-Janjira Situated one and a half km from Murud city is extraordinary and a beauty to visit On the west is the Arabian Sea, the mountains of Janjira fortress, Mumbai-Japuri-Dand, Kasa fort, tiny Dishi village, and Diveagar, which is some distance away, can be visible. Murud village is hidden in coconut and betel nut Trees. The whole thing is extraordinary – the building of the palace is excellent, the structure is a surprise of architecture with incomparable designs on the walls
Getting there: Via air: The nearest city is Mumbai and 42 Km from Alibag
Shreewardhan is a crucial village in Konkan. Situated in the south of Raigad district, this stunning village is a birth vicinity of the First Peshwa of the Maratha Empire, Balaji Vishwanath. The majestic seashore has added to the beauty of the village. It is far adorned with dense flora of coconut, betelnut, and timber trees. It is Spread in approximately 4.2 rectangular km.
Places to visit are
Somjai Temple.
Laxmi – Narayan Temple.
Structure of Shreewordhan village.
Not forgetting the dazzling, calm and clean seashore.
Getting There: Shreewardhan Is 60 km… away From Lonere village on the Mumbai-Goa Highway. 45 km through Sai-Morba on the Mumbai-Goa toll road (through Sai-Morba), Buses and private transport are available to Shreewardhan. This village is accessible from Thane, Mahad, Alibag, Khed, and Dapoli 200 km from Mumbai and 175 km from Pune.
PALI (ASHTAVINAYAK): Placed in the Sudhagad taluka of Raigad district, Pali is one of the ‘ashtavinayakas’ (8 Ganeshas), visited by large numbers of devotees of Lord Ganesh. Ballaleshvar. Pali’s temple is stunning, with the rays of the rising sun enveloping the Deity in a golden hue every morning. Distance from Mumbai is 98 kms.
Getting There: Air: the closest airport is Mumbai. the railway station to alight is Pen on Konkan railway.
ALIBAG BEACH:
Alibag (additionally spelled as Alibaug) is a coastal town and a municipal council in Raigad District of Maharashtra. It is the Headquarters of the Raigad district and is south of the city of Mumbai.
Kihim Beach is a famous beach close to Alibaug and gives a complete break from urban pressures. Spend time at this long and wide beach
Getting there: It is easy to travel to Alibag through Pen (30 km) which is on the Mumbai – Goa Road (78 km) from Mumbai, you may reach Alibag on the Mumbai-Goa (NH-17) and taking the left from Wadkhal (or Vadkhal) It is approximately 108 km from Mumbai. the closest rail railway Station is at Pen. Through Pen, it is connected to Panvel and onwards to Mumbai,
The seaway from Mumbai to Alibaug takes around 1.5 hours, from the Gateway of India to Mandwa jetty in 1.5 hrs,
Another way to head to Alibaug and Khim beach is the new “Mumbai Trans Harbour Link” which is the longest sea bridge in India and the world’s 12th longest sea bridge. The bridge begins in Sewri, South Mumbai
Kuda Caves close To Murud Janjira Set in a stunning herbal environment and of Academic hobby in terms of their Architectural design. Kuda, a sleepy Village in district Raigad, 21 km Southeast of Mangaon and 130 km from Mumbai on the Mumbai-Goa highway, has a collection of 26 caves carved in a low Hill on the ocean coast, thereby making them caves with a view.
The Kuda caves are some of the few Buddhist caves excavated during the third Century CE and make for an exciting Look. Distance from Mumbai is a hundred thirty km The nearest railway station is at Roha, 24 kilometers away.
JANJIRA FORT (RAIGAD):
It is far to the credit of people who dominated throughout Maharashtra that they had been in a position to build forts inside unlikely places, At times on terrains that could have been sincerely not possible to reach or navigate. Therefore, while there are numerous Forts atop nearly insurmountable hills, One particular is the one at Janjira. This island fortress stands on rocky ground close to the mouth of the Rajpuri Creek Distance from Mumbai: 162 km.
The nearest airport is at Mumbai. Roha railway station on the Konkan line is the nearest one, which is connected to Panvel Thane and Mumbai. Via road: Take the Mumbai-Goa highway NH 17 through Revdanda or a national transport bus to Murud. Ferries ply from the Gateway of India to Mandva. Tourists take the regular buses back and forth from Alibag
KASHID BEACH: One of the famous and welcoming Beaches of Maharashtra, the Kashid Seaside comes with a promise of a great and comfortable seaside holiday. The sun-kissed, white clean sandy seashore with crystalline water is complete of natural beauty that offers a dream vacation spot for water lovers. The Casuarinas groves, which sway to the tune of the gentle sea Breeze are also in plenty right here.
REVDANDA BEACH AND FORT:
The ruins of the Portuguese fort are Veiled in wild plantations. What stands out are the cannon holes inside the fortification Partitions that border the sea. Even though The castle is now in ruins, the pure ancient Allure combined with the character’s exceptional Beauty- the Ravdanda seaside – make this A should-visit location.
PHANSAD BIRD SANCTUARY
Even though referred to as a bird sanctuary, The Pansad fowl sanctuary additionally houses many amphibians and mammals. This one is not flocked with humans and for this reason, is a quiet and calm region to visit.
KORLAI FORT (RAIGAD)
a fort built on an island that is right now conjured in the thoughts of scenic pictures of the ocean waters lapping to the fortification in Stone and providing a 360-diploma view of an interesting landscape. This comes as an authentic Korlai fortress, a Portuguese fortification inside the city of Karla, which is just beyond the Revdanda Creek. Its enforcing presence fires the Imagination of those days while guarding a specific territory became a prime profession of the rulers. Distance from Mumbai: 112 km, the nearest railway station of Roha is 42 km from Korlai. Revdanda and Korlai are 117 km south of Mumbai via the country Highway And 24 km from Alibaug.
HARIHARESHWAR BEACH:
Just 200 kilometers from Mumbai is one of the heavenly locations you discover. That is Harihareshwar for you – a coastal vicinity that is domestic to an incredible seashore, not to forget that it’s also known as ‘Kashi of the South’ for the Historical temple of Lord Shiva. Harihareshwar therefore gives an awesome Aggregate of herbal beauty with Religious enhancement. Distance from Mumbai: 200 km
The nearest airport is at Mumbai. NJearest railway station is Mangaon on the Konkan railway
DIVEAGAR
For those who cannot resist the intermittent lull and fury of the sea waves while spreading out on fine sand, there can be nothing better than a visit to Diveagar with its silvery sands that stretch fornearly 5 kilometers flanked by orchards. Diveagaris one of Konkan’s finest beaches and also provides a window into Konkani lifestyle and culture Diveagar is a part of a cluster of three beach towns in the Raigad district – the other two being Shreevardhan and Harihareshwar. A beautiful drive along the coastal road via the village of Shekhaditakes tourists to Diveagar. This strip of the coast is also abundant in flora and fauna. The fiddler crabs, starfish, sea shells, and rich marine life draw nature lovers.
Distance from Mumbai: 180 km. The nearest airport is at Pune. Rail is not the best way to reach Diveagar. From Mumbai catch a train on the Konkan Railway and get down at Mangaon. Then proceed by local bus to Diveagar via Mhasala. By Road: Take NH-17 from Mumbai through, Kolad, Mangaon, Mhasala, Vadavali, and Borli Panchatan. From Pune drive through the picturesque Tamhini Ghat, Vile, Mangaon, Mhasala, Vadavali, and Borli Panchatan
GANDHARPALE CAVES:
Gandharpale Caves also called Mahad caves is a group of 30 Buddhist caves, 105 km south of Mumbai on the Mumbai Goa highway near Mahad. The caves are located near the NH-17 and well connected Important cave encompass: Cave 1 – Has a Verandah in the front ,53 feet Long and 8 ft wide. The shrine has Sculpture images of Buddha, with a wheel and deer beneath Cave 8 has a high dogoba Cave 15 – has a dogoba Cave 21 portrays Buddha with Attendants.
RAIGAD FORT:
High up on the hill of Raigad in scenic splendor is the fort of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the King of the Maratha Empire. This became the capital at some stage in his rule, also important is the reality that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s coronation occurred here on June 6, 1674. It is also here that he breathed his ultimate. The castle today is a favorite tourist destination, with avid trekkers because of it is difficult terrain to climb Raigad Fort is situated inside the taluka of Mahad and the castle rises 820 meters above sea. Distance from Mumbai: 103kms, Veer railway station on the Konkan line is the closest which is connected via rail to Mumbai. The Ropeway traverses a diagonal Duration of 760 meters and a steep ascent of 420 meters, in 4 minutes flat! By foot, it is 3 hours and over 1450 steps. Through the Ropeway, one reaches the top of the Fort through the whistling winds & clouds, Fresh. Lush inexperienced Vegetation crisscrossed with waterfalls and Steep peaks is a dreamland of splendor in a hiker’s paradise
Religious palaces
HARIHARESHWAR TEMPLE:
It is also referred to as ‘Kashi of the South’ for the Historic temple of Lord Shiva. Harihareshwar therefore gives a splendid Combination of herbal splendor with spiritual enhancement. The holy river Savitri originates at Mahabaleshwar and merges with the Arabian Sea at Harihareshwar. This river is the dividing line among the Raigad and Ratnagiri districts. Harihareshwar is located at the north financial institution and at the South is the village Bankot within the Ratnagiri district. A castle, Himmatgad, stands at Bankot and you could reach it on a ferryboat. 4 hills named Harihareshwar, Harshinachal, Bramhadri, and Pushpadri stand sentinel to this metropolis inside the Raigad District. Closer to the north of the city is the temple of Lord Harihareshwar, stated to have been blessed by Lord Shiva. Hence, Harihareshwar is regularly known as ‘Devghar’ or ‘house of God’. Except for its reputation as a primary pilgrimage Center, Harihareshwar is a famous Seashore inn with two seashores, one to the north and the alternative to the south of the temple. It is far at the south beach, The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) has a hotel. Distance from Mumbai: 200 km
The closest railway station is Mangaon at the Konkan railway route, 60 km away. take the Mumbai Goa national highway 17 through Pen until Mangaon. At Mangaon, go west
Suvarna Ganesh Temple (Shrivardhan) : (Golden Ganesha) is in Diveagar village, which is in Shrivardhan Taluka in Raigad district situated close to the Seaside, and is hidden in coconut and Betel nut trees. Suvarna Ganpati’s idol (Golden Ganesha idol) was luckily buried during the Arab invasion. This Golden Ganesha is of southern style from Shilahar having uncomparable carvings. Divegar village is spread over 5 sq. Km. Historically the village engaged in trading dating back to 2000 years, foreign traders used to trade with locals from Shrivardhan and villages in the vicinity like Rajapuri which is a fishing village 4 km from Murud city, Revdanda Chaul, and many other seaside villages along the Konkan coast, Mandar Pattanam on Dandarajpuri Creek and Palipattan on Bankot Creek were distinguished for international trade
Getting there: By air: The nearest city is Mumbai. By rail: Mangaon on the Konkan railway is the closest, By road: Pune – Diveagar is 156 km. Mumbai – Diveagar 170 km Diveagar is separated from the Sahyadris (Deccan). and nestled within the rugged stunning west Maharashtra shoreline
Lord Ganesha – Siddhivinaak Temple: of Nandgoan is situated 10 Km from Kashidand Murud and located near the secluded Nandgoan beach, A visit to the the temple can be coupled with a Murud Janjira trip
Getting There: 10 km from Murud. You may reach right here through Roha, Alibag-Revdanda, and Tala.
KANKESHWAR TEMPLE: a Shiva temple Situated on a mountain. Devotees crowd Right here due to the Shiva temple, except it is a favorite amongst tourists as a mind-blowing vicinity. The mountain Where Shiva temple is situated is known As Kankeshwar mountain. The temple is situated on a small hill near the village of Mapgaon and the village of Zirad which is almost 12 km and 15 km from Alibag respectively
Getting There: It is far possible to reach the foot of Kankershwar Mountain by car however you have to climb around 750 steps to reach on top, One way is to reach Paftarpada village (on Pen-Alibag Avenue) from Karle Khind By taking the right turn and going upwards. The other is to go to Zirad village by car and climb the steps. Mangaon village is the closest where one can have a good stay