KANHERI CAVES

The Kanheri Caves constitute a group of rock-cut monuments that are located amidst the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. The caves are 6 kilometers from the park’ main gate and 7 kilometers from Borivali Railway Station. There is a park entrance fee Rs.33/- which does not include the caves ticket i.e. Rs.10/-. Tourists can enter after 7:30 a.m. The Kanheri Caves demonstrate the Buddhist influence on the art and culture of India. The word ‘Kanheri’ originates from the Sanskrit word ‘Krishnagiri’, which means black mountain. "Krishna" generally stands for Black Color. Chiseled out of a massive basaltic rock, the ancient monument has magnificent reliefs of Buddha and the Bodhisattvas. The caves were used by monks as a residence during monsoon and for congregational prayers. The Kanheri caves offers picnickers a getaway, especially during the rainy season. The hilly terrain of the caves creates several large and small waterfalls. The road from the entry point of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park to Kanheri caves is bisected by streams where families can enjoy lazy weekend gatherings.

Travel Tips

1] Keep in mind that the caves are closed on Mondays.
2] Bring your own water – although there are fruit vendors at the site, there are no snacks available.
3] Do not stay near the caves after 5.30 pm as wild animals come down to drink water.
4] Avoid going on weekends as it really is crowded.

How to reach Kanheri Caves

Location :
Western Express Highway, Opposite Omkareshwara Temple, Borivali (East)

Nearest Railway Station

Borivali Railway Station (Western Railway)

The park has bus service to the caves but that service runs between 9 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 5 pm, however the bus starts only when there are minimum 15 passengers. (Bus Fare Rs.33/- one way)

Photos - Kanheri Caves

PANCHGANI

Surrounded by five hills is a place called Panchgani - the beautiful hill station just 18 kilometers away from Mahabaleshwar. Its atmosphere is temperate throughout the year. It has wonderful scenery of mountains and valleys from many points. Panchgani has several sanatoria for convalescents and several hotels and boarding houses.

A drive that swoops around bends with abandon, offering heart-stopping views of the river Krishna on one side and the coastal plains on the other. The walkways are thickly canopied by deciduous trees and gaze endlessly at the river Krishna, snaking through by hamlets, farms and ravines hundreds of meters below.

The table land here is a flat mountain peak, the location for many a love-song from Hindi films. At Panchgani the symbiotic co-existence of some species of trees is amazing, such as pines from France, plums from Scotland, grapes from Boston, Cinchona from Ootacamund, Mangoes from Ratnagiri.

Accommodation

Prospect Hotel # 09422 442299
[Tariff : Per Person Rs.3000/-; Child (Age  4 to 10) Rs.1500/-]
* Tariff includes Bed Tea, Breakfast, Lunch, High Tea, Dinner (Veg/Non Veg.)
* Accommodation on twin sharing basis

Nearest Railway Station

Wathar Railway Station

Distance

Wathar Railway Station to Panchgani - 45 Kilometers (By Road)
Mumbai - Panchgani - 250 kilometers (By Road) Via Mumbai Pune Express Way and NH4

MAHABALESHWAR

Mahabaleshwar

Mahabaleshwar is one of the most popular hill stations of Maharashtra State. It is at a height of 1372 meters and is the highest of Maharashtra's hill resorts.

The history of Mahabaleshwar goes back to the 13th Century when the Yadav king Singhan built a temple dedicated to Lord Mahadev at the source of the five holy rivers (Panch Ganga) Koyna, Krishna, Gayatri, Savitri and Venna. It is from this Mahadev Temple that the place derives its name Mahabaleshwar.

There is so much that one can do in Mahabaleshwar today. You may while away the hours boating and fishing at the placid Venna lake or enjoy the sounds and colours of kingfishers, woodpeckers, cuckoos, thrushes and honey suckers. There are excursions to places like Makrandgad through paths steep and narrow, bordered by precipices or to Robber's Cave, hair raising stories about which are legion. When it's cold and the water comes in cascades of glory, a trip to Lingmala, Dhobi or Chinamen's falls - Mahabaleshwar's three major waterfalls - would be an enthralling experience. Pratapgad, the hill fort, where Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire dramatically outwitted General Afzalkhan of Bijapur. There are many breathtaking view points with their grandstand view.

In Mahabaleshwar Bazaar spread over in the tiny lanes, everything is available from shoes to luscious strawberries, blackberries, jams and jellies.

There are three principal ghats on the way to this hill station, Karjat Ghat, Khandala Ghat and Wai Ghat, and the passing scene is very pleasing. Mahabaleshwar has a vast natural treasure spread all over thirty exotic view points.

Climate

Cool Breezy throughout the year

Best time to Visit Mahabaleshwar

October to June

Accommodation

MTDC Resort # 02168-260318 / 261318
[Tariff : Rs.1000/- to Rs.3500/-; Rs.300/- extra per each additional guest]

Nearest Airport

Pune Airport (PNQ)

Nearest Railway Station

Wathar (Pune-Kolhapur Railway Line)

Distance By Road

Wathar to Mahabaleshwar - 63 Kilometers
Pune Airport to Mahabaleshwar - 133 Kilometers
Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar - 267 kilometers Via Mumbai Pune Express Way and NH4

Map - Mahabaleshwar Town

Mahabaleshwar Town Map

RAIGAD FORT

Statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

This is the very heart of Maratha kingdom - Raigad, the capital of Shivaji's kingdom, which was earlier known as Rairi Fort. It was here in 1674 that Shivaji crowned himself as Chhatrapati and it was here that he breathed his last. The approach to Raigad was impossible for foes. Being the capital, a small town was set up there provided with essential facilities and stronghold defense.

Raigad, 29 kilometers north to Mahad, is situated in the Sahyadri ranges, strategically perched, covered with jungles and surrounded by high peaks and deep valleys.  Since it was impregnable the Britishers called it 'Gibraltar of the East'. The most prominent among the remains are, Ganga Sagar reservoir, Bale Killa (the citadel), Raj Darbar (King's Court), Jagdishwar Temple. The low mound in the centre, at which now stands the bronze canopy, is the site of Shivaji's throne. Also there is a tomb-temple (samadhi) under which Shivaji is taking eternal rest, after being cremated.

Raigad hill, slightly detached part of north-south running karkai range, is a huge irregular wedged-shaped mass of rock, cut from the main body of the Sahyadris, by a deep valley carved by river Kal. The hill top has three main points, Hirkani in the west, Takmak in the north and Bhavani in the east. On three sides, west, south and east, the hill faces are so sheer, practically inaccessible, and needed no artificial fortification. Lying to the west of the Sahyadris, Raigad is entirely surrounded on all sides by a sea of lofty hills and innumerable spurs intercepted by ravines of varying steepness. Thus the fort's effectiveness is tremendously enhanced by its position.

The establishment of a major new fort with its well equipped defenses, including a fortified town at the base, was a massive undertaking but Shivaji's architects and engineers served him well, by converting the lofty hill selected by Shivaji into impregnable stronghold.

Today a moderate road goes about a mile above Pachad, the base village for Raigad. The path starts from Pachad, 23 kilometers away from Mahad. On the way stand Maha Darwaza, Hirkani Bastion, Takmak Point.

Nearest Railway Station

Vir Dasgaon Railway Station (Konkan Railway Route)

Distance

Mumbai to Raigad - 177 kilometers (By Road) Via NH17
Pune to Raigad - 137 Kilometers (By Road) Via SH60

Photo Gallery

Raigad

Ganga Sagar Lake

LONAVALA - KHANDALA

Khandala and Lonavala are places familiar to Mumbaites and within 5 kilometers from each other. Khandala has natural charms which have few rivals in the western ghats. Most easily accessible by train or by road, Khandala is only three hours from Mumbai. Khandala is at its best after the first monsoon showers or during the break at the height of the rains or immediately after the rains and in November and December. Due to its pleasant climate there are convalescent homes, hospice and sanatoria. You will see a landscape of quite a different type, bright and cheerful dotted with varieties of natural and human life.

Lonavala is a charming hill station located at a height of 625 meters on the western downhill of the Sahyadris. It reaches the peak of its beauty in the monsoons, attracting a large number of tourists. The route to the top offers breathtaking valley views along steep and serpentine tracks.

There are eye-catching spots like Tiger's Leap - a magnificent hill, The Horseshoe valley, and the lakes. There are several hotels and boarding houses and there is much more to explore. Bhushi Lake, and Bhushi Dam, another attraction are hidden in the hills well removed from the road. The spot is so supremely romantic that it is difficult to be able to leave it even after hours and hours. At the end of the dam the water of the lake jump over the terraces to join the river down below. The sight therefore becomes pleasing and cheerful. In the monsoons a variety of waterfalls speedily rush from the hills down to the deep in the valleys.

Shopping in Lonavala

Shopping in Lonavala is all about buying the famed chikki, chocolate fudge, jams and jellies. Lonavala is a paradise for chikki lovers. There are several shops selling varieties of chikkis.

What is Chikki ?

Chikki is a traditional crunchy, tasty, ready-to-eat Indian sweet made from four basic ingredients i.e. Jaggery, Sugar, Liquid Glucose and the basic material (groundnuts, cashews, almonds, pistachios).

Best Time to Visit Khandala and Lonavala

During Monsoon (June to September)

Lonavala Resorts

MTDC Resort (Karla) # 02114-282230 / 282064
[Tariff Rs.1300/- to Rs.4800/-; Rs.300/- to Rs.400/- extra for each extra person]

How to reach Lonavala

Lonavala is on the Mumbai-Pune Express Way. The drive along the Mumbai-Pune Express Way is worth taking. The Spectacular sights that lie on the way are simply astounding. Several State owned buses are available for the commute  to the hill station of Lonavala.

Distance

Mumbai to Lonavala - 89 Kilometers (By Road) Via Mumbai Pune Express Way
Pune to Lonavala - 66 Kilometers (By Road) Via NH4

Lonavala Map

Photo Gallery

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MATHERAN

Matheran, India's smallest hill station, located on the Western Ghats ranges, at a height of 800 meters above sea level. The hill station is quite near from the Mumbai and Pune city and is a popular weekend destination.

Any Pune-bound train from C.S.T. (Mumbai) goes to Neral in about two hours. And the pleasure trips start the moment you board the toy train at Neral. As the train lazily chugs its way to Matheran one comes across some unbelievable breathtaking scenery. For those with the spirit of adventure, Matheran is a 11 kilometer hike by road from Neral.

There are 38 viewpoints which one can visit; with names as quaint as Panorama Point, Rambagh Point, Porcupine Point, Monkey Point, Louisa Point, One Tree Hill Point, Sunset Point. Each of these has a beauty of location of its own, an expanse which is breathtaking in its loveliness or in its awe-inspiring nature.

The hill station was originally discovered by Mr. Hugh Poyntz Malet, who was the district collector of Thane in 1850. It is said that he was out shooting in the jungles and noticed this high hill. He inquired from the villagers what was up there. And they said in their native dialect "mathe ran ahe" meaning up (mathe) there is - a forest (ran). Hence Matheran. The narrow gauge railway made its appearance in 1907.

Not only does the station abound in view of hill and Dale it has also a gem of a lake known as Charlotte lake. Unlike larger hill stations, Matheran is very shady. Every walk is shady. Picnic spots abound everywhere. There is also the park named Paymaster Park, sports are held and amateur riders take part in competitions where formerly there used to be Horse riding. It is an extensive circular plateau offering ample opportunity for the rider.

Best Time to Visit Matheran

During Summer (February to May)

Matheran Temperature

During Summer 17°C to 30°C
During Winter 7°C to 10°C

Accommodation Matheran

MTDC Resort (Dasturi Naka) # 02148-230540 [Tariff : Rs.1000/- to Rs.4000/- for 2 Persons; Rs.300/- extra per extra guest]

Nearest Railway Station Matheran

Matheran (Neral - Matheran Route)

Distance

Mumbai to Matheran : 89 Kilometers (By Road)
Pune to Matheran : 127 kilometers (By Road)

* Matheran Trains Time Table : Click Here

Photos Gallery

TRAINS LEAVING FROM VASAI ROAD

TRAINS LEAVING FROM VASAI ROAD (W.R.) Local Trains Time Table © www.amazingmaharashtra.com
VASAI ROAD TO ANDHERI

07:46 S	16:03 S	18:27 F	22:10 F
09:10 S	17:30 S	19:32 S	23.02 F
15:19 F	17:32 F	21.14 F

VASAI ROAD TO CHURCHGATE

07:18 F

08:19 F

08:42 F

20:41 F

VASAI ROAD TO DADAR

06:00 F

06:48 F

13:11 F

VASAI ROAD TO BORIVALI

21:46 S

23:20 S

ROHA STATION - TRAINS TIME TABLE

Train No.	Train Name	From	Dep.	To	Arr.	Travel Time	Runs On
22629	DADAR TEN EXP	ROHA	00.10	MADGAON	08.25	08.15	Sat
11004	RAJYA RANI EXP	ROHA	03.25	DADAR	06.45	03.20	Daily
00111	LTT MAO SPECIAL	ROHA	04.00	MADGAON	14.15	10.15	Sat
71092	ROHA DIVA DMU	ROHA	05.15	DIVA	08.00	02.45	Daily
22475	BKN CBE AC S F	ROHA	06.50	MADGAON	14.35	07.45	Fri
50104	RN DADAR PASS	ROHA	10.35	DIVA	13.18	02.43	Daily
22476	BIKANER AC EXP	ROHA	13.40	PANVEL	14.50	01.10	Sun
22630	TEN DR EXPRES	ROHA	13.40	DADAR	16.40	03.00	Thu
02006	KRMI LTT DD SPL	ROHA	14.25	LOKMANYA TILAK T	17.40	03.15	Daily
16345	NETRAVATI EXP	ROHA	14.45	MADGAON	23.30	08.45	Daily
16346	NETRAVATHI EXP	ROHA	15.25	LOKMANYA TILAK T	18.20	02.55	Daily
71096	ROHA DIVA DMU	ROHA	15.40	DIVA	18.50	03.10	Daily
50106	SWV DIVA PASS	ROHA	17.15	DIVA	20.10	02.55	Daily
19259	KCVL BVC EXPRES	ROHA	20.10	PANVEL	21.20	01.10	Fri
00112	MAO LTT SPL	ROHA	21.30	LOKMANYA TILAK T	00.20	02.50	Fri
19260	BVC KCVL EXP	ROHA	23.45	MADGAON	09.20	09.35	Sun

DIVA TO ROHA TRAINS TIME TABLE

DIVA TO ROHA

Train Details	Diva Dep.	Roha Arr.
50105 - DIVA SWV PASS	06:25	09:00
61011 - DIVA ROHA MEMU	09:10	11:50
50103 - RATNAGIRI PASS	16:16	19:00
61013 - DIVA ROHA MEMU	20:00	22:35

ROHA TO DIVA

Train Details	Roha Dep.	Diva Arr.
61010 - ROHA DIVA MEMU	05:15	07:45
50104 - RN DADAR PASS	10:35	13:18
61012 - ROHA DIVA MEMU	16:15	18:45
50106 - SWV DIVA PASS	17:33	20:10
01052 - KRMI LTT SPECIAL	22:00	23:30

SAGAR UPVAN, COLABA

Sagar Upvan

Sagar Upvan, a beautiful public garden, is located near Colaba Bus Station in South Mumbai.

The upvan is spread over 14 acres of land and has numerous rare botanical species and trees.

Every plant and tree here are meticulously labelled.

The upvan has lush green lawns, many potted flowering plants, a glass house, a stone plaza and a cactus house. But the major attraction of this garden is the magnificent views of the port and Naval Yards which it offers.

The upvan is maintained by the Mumbai Port Trust.

Timings

Morning 6.00 to 11.00 and Evening 4.30 to 08.30

Entry Fee

Rs. 2/- and free for senior citizens.

Nearest Railway Station

Churchgate (W.R.)

VIRAR TO BORIVALI TRAINS

BORIVALI LOCALS FROM VIRAR STATION

00.00 S	08.19 S	11.37 S	18.09 S	21.45 S
05.38 S	08.34 S	12.09 S	19.34 S	22.00 S
06.00 S	08.49 S	14.54 S	19.39 S	22.24 S
06.22 S	09.05 S	15.16 S	20.05 S	23.05 S
07.02 S	09.25 S	16.42 S	20.27 S	23.54 S
07.44 S	10.08 S	17.35 S	21.15 S
07.49 S	10.56 S	18.00 S	21.41 S

Virar Station - Ticket & Railway Pass Fare Chart	Click Here

ANDHERI LOCALS TOWARDS VIRAR - TIME TABLE

TRAINS LEAVING FROM ANDHERI (W.R.) Local Trains Time Table © www.amazingmaharashtra.com
ANDHERI TO BHAYANDAR

14:54 S

15:36 F

21:10 S

22:16 S

00:46 S

ANDHERI TO VIRAR

04:28 S	10:20 F	13:20 S	18:12 F	20:32 S
05:20 S	10:39 F	16:21 S	18:22 S	20:50 F
07:43 S	11:05 S	16:58 S	18:50 F	21:31 S
08:38 F	12:18 S	17:16 S	19:25 F	22:07 F
10:01 S	12:30 F	17:31 F	20:13 S
10:04 F	12:52 S	17:47 S	20:26 S

ANDHERI TO VASAI ROAD

06:54 F	14:30 F	16:36 F	21:55 S
08:16 S	16:16 F	20:25 F

LOCAL TRAINS FROM BORIVALI RAILWAY STATION

BORIVALI   TO   BHAYANDAR	Click Here
BORIVALI   TO   VASAI ROAD	Click Here
BORIVALI   TO   NALA SOPARA	Click Here
BORIVALI   TO   VIRAR	Click Here

AAREY MILK COLONY

Aarey Milk Colony
Goregaon, Mumbai

Situated in Goregaon, Mumbai, Aarey Milk Colony is the first Government's dairy in Mumbai City established in the year 1949.

On March 1951, the central dairy Aarey was inaugurated by the auspicious hand of then Prime Minister of India Shri. Pandit Jawahrlal Nehru.

The main objective to build the Aarey colony were

* Shifting of buffaloes / cattle from the city limits.
* Animal Husbandry, breeding and raising livestock
* Supply of better quality milk to Mumbai citizens at reasonably lower rate.

Aarey's Famous Products

Energee, Shrikhand, Lassi, Dahi, Masala Milk, Ghee, Peda

Nearest Railway Station

Goregaon (W.R.)

Distance

Goregaon Station to Aarey Colony - 7 Kilometers (By Road)

SIDDHIVINAYAK MANDIR

Shree Siddhivinayak

"Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Mandir", the temple of Lord Ganesha, is located in Prabhadevi at a short distance from Dadar, Mumbai.

“Lord Siddhivinayak” is well known as “Navasala Pavnara Ganapati” among admirers.

The Siddhivinayak temple was originally built by Laxman Vithu and Deubai Patil, 200 years ago. It has a small hall. The wooden doors to the sacred place are carved with images of the Ashtavinayak. The inner roof of the sacred place is plated with gold, and the central statue is of Ganesh.

TEMPLE SCHEDULE

Temple's Schedule (Wednesday to Monday) :
05.30 to 06.00   Kakad Aarti
06.00 to 12.15   Shree Darshan
12.15 to 12.30   Naivedya
12.30 to 19.20   Shree Darshan
19.30 to 20.00   Aarti
20.00 to 21.50   Shree Darshan
21.50                Shejaarti, Temple doors closed

Temple's Schedule (Tuesday) :
03.15 to 04.45   Shree Darshan
05.00 to 05.30   Kakad Aarti
05.30 to 12.15   Shree Darshan
12.15 to 12.30   Naivedya
12.30 to 20.45   Shree Darshan
21.30 to 22.00   Aarti
00.30                Shejaarti, Temple doors closed

Temple Festivals

Gudhi Padwa, Ram Navmi, Hanuman Jayanti, Pushtipati Vinayak Jayanti, Akshay Tritiya, Ganga Dashhara, Vat Pournima, Aashadhi Ekadashi, Nag Panchami, Gokul Ashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratri, Dussehra, Kartik Ekadashi, Tripuri Pournima, Datta Utsav, Makar Sankrant, Magh Ganesh Utsav, Mahashivratri, Holi

for Pooja Contact

Telephone Number 022-2422 4438
Fax Number 022-2422 1558

How to Reach

Nearest Railway Station : Dadar (Western Railway)

Distance By Road : The Total distance from Dadar Railway Station (West) to Shree Siddhivinayak Mandir is 1.5 Kilometer. It is about 20 minutes walking distance. If you hire a taxi from Dadar Station, it will cost you approximately Rs.18/-

RANICHA BAUG

Jijamata Udyaan, popularly known as Ranicha Baug' in the local people, a botanical garden as well as one of the oldest zoo in the country, is situated at Byculla, Mumbai.

The Jijamata Udyaan earlier known as Victoria Garden is spread over about 19.2 hectares of land and has rare species of trees and plants.

The udyaan which comprises the Mumbai zoo houses many rare and endangered species of animals and birds. But today the zoo has found itself in the list of worst zoos in the world due to poor hygienic conditions.

The udyaan also houses spacious Victoria and Albert Museum now called as “Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Mumbai City Museum”.

Garden’s Timing

10.00 AM to 6.00 PM (Wednesday Closed)

Contact Number

+91-22-23725799

Nearest Railway Station

Byculla (C.R.), Mahalaxmi (W.R.)

Photos - Ranicha Baug