BHANDARDARA

Bhandardara

Bhandardara, a holiday resort village, is located on the western coast in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra. Standing at a height of 750 meters Bhandardara is a location of India’s one of the rare dams at high altitude, the Wilson Dam. It is also the largest earthen dam in the country.

Bhandardara is also the location of Lake Arthur, Country’s one of largest and loveliest lake and boasts of the highest peak in Maharashtra State, Mt. Kalsubai, 1646 meters from the sea level.

After sailing few kilometers in the interior, one comes across 1200 years old temple of Amruteshwar, which has beautiful carvings. Carrier birds have been known to immigrate to this area all the way from Siberia.

Bhandardara has the additional beauty of having a circular colourful garden at the foot of the dam over the sides of which the water rushing from the sluice gates from charming cascades.

From Bhandardara the beauteous Randha falls, formed by the flow of the water of the lake are few kilometers away. The Ratangad fort and Mt. Kalsubai could be climbed from Bhandardara as well.

Many people visit Bhandardara, but very few view the sheer beauty spot of Ghatghar. Much off the beaten track, right in the heart of the hills, deep into the forest. Ghatghar is situated above the Bhandardara lake, along most picturesque and best road starting from near Bhandardara, flanked by high hills and forts all around and views of the Arthur hill lake, overlooks three districts – Ahmednagar, Nashik and Thane.

Places of Interest

Amruteshwar Temple, Wilson Dam, Ratangad Fort, Arthur Lake, Randha Falls, Ghatghar, Mount Kalsubai, Anandvan Resort, Agasti Rishi Ashram

Accommodation Bhandardara

MTDC Resorts - Toll Free Number - 1800-229930; # 02424-257032

Best Time to Visit Bhandardara

During Monsoon (June-September)
Peak Season : November to April

How to reach Bhandardara

Nearest Airport : Mumbai Airport (BOM)
[Mumbai Airport to Bhandardara - Distance : 166 Kilometers (By Road)]

Nearest Railway Station : Igatpuri (C.R.)

Photo Gallery

CHIKHALDARA

Chikhaldara

Chikhaldara, situated in the satpura mountain at a height of 1118 meters is a green hill station, a beauty of colorful birds and animals. It is delightfully cool, naturally beautiful and historically significant place for tourist.

For the tourist’s pleasure and enjoyment, there are splendid view points, lovely walks and drives, lakes and waterfalls, flora and fauna, colorful gardens.

In the epic Mahabharat, Bheema killed Kichaka and threw him into the valley, hence the name Chikhaldara, or Kichak Dara, the valley of Kichak. There is Bhimkund where Bheema took a bath after slaying Kichak. Chikhaldara is also a rich heritage in tribal culture – of the Korkus, Madia, Gonda etc. One is enchanted by their colorful dances, their sense of rhythm, their unusual musical instruments.

The interesting excursions from here are Botanical garden, Shakkar lake etc. The Nilmar and Mahadeo hills with their wooded valleys are visible from some of the points. To the south there is a panorama of the Berar plains and the Bela Ghat. For climbers also Chikhaldara provides ample scope. Nearby is well known tiger project of Melghat.

There is the imposing Gavilgad Fort, built way back in the 11th Century. The fort ramparts and embankments, tottering here and there, but still standing, defiant of the ravages of time, command a vast area and its four gates overlook strategic positions, now militarily meaningless, but still aesthetically attractive.

Places of Interest

Bhimkund, Shakkar Lake, Gavilgad Fort, Forest Gardens, Melghat Tiger Reserve, Hurricane Point, Prospect Point, Devi Point, Semadoh Lake,

Accommodation

MTDC Resorts - Contact Numbers - Sunita-09892112411 / 09892917917

Best Time to Visit Chikhaldara

October to June

Nearest Airport to Chikhaldara

Akola Airport (also known as Shivani Airport) (AKD)

Distance

Akola Airport to Chikhaldara - 150 Kilometers

Nearest Railway Station

Badnera (C.R.) Amravati

Distance

Badnera to Chikhaldara – 95 Kms. (By Road)
Mumbai to Badnera – 678 kms. (By Road)

Photo Gallery

Chikhaldara

Beautiful Surrounding - Chikhaldara

MURUD JANJIRA

Murud Janjira, a small port town in Raigad District, is popular for its charming beach and the mighty sea fort.

JANJIRA FORT

The Janjira Fort, is one of the strongest marine forts, was built nearly 400 years ago. It is located on the oval-shaped rock on the sea near the port town of Murud.  Earlier the Janjira Fort was known by the name of Jazeere Mehroob. The fort was built by Malik Ambar, who was the regent of the Nizamshahi Dynasty of Ahmadnagar.

The Janjira Fort is famous for being the only fort along India's West Coast that remained unconquered despite Dutch, British, Portuguese and Maratha Attacks.

The Janjira Fort is accessible by sail boats from Rajapuri Koliwada Jetty.

MURUD BEACH

The Murud beach is one of the most pristine beaches in Maharashtra. The Murud Janjira Stretch is 1.75 kilometers. Gentle Winds, White Soft Sand and crystal clear water make Murud bay irresistible to beach lovers. The coconut and palm trees enhancing the beauty of this beach. The beach is very safe for swimming. The sunsets and sunrise views from this beach are worth watching.

Nearby Attractions / Places to Visit

Kasa Fort (Padmadurga Fort), Datta Mandir, Nawab's Palace, Siddhivinayak Mandir, Kuda Caves, Khokari Tombs

Climate / Temperature - Murud Janjira

Pleasant climate throughout the year.
Temperature during Summer - 21°C to 32°C
Temperature during Winter - 12°C to 18°C

Accommodation

Hotel Golden Swan Beach Resort - # 92235 94600 /02 /04 /06
Sea Shell Resort # 02144-274306 / 94233 77247
Sand Piper Resorts Ltd. # 92307 62752 / 83902 32979

HOW TO REACH MURUD JANJIRA FORT

State Transport buses ply to Murud regularly from Mumbai, Thane, Kalyan and Pune.

Nearest Railway Station

Panvel Railway Station

Nearest Airport

Mumbai Airport

Distance (By Road)

Mumbai to Panvel – 40 kilometers (Via Sion-Panvel Express Highway)
Panvel to Murud Janjira Fort – 115 kilometers (Via National Highway 17)

Fort and Area Map

Area Map

Janjira Fort Map

Photo Gallery

NAGZIRA

Nagzira

Nagzira sanctuary is known for its verdant hills and dales, where the fauna offer a mesmerizing blaze of colors.

Chandrapur and Bhandara districts in Vidarbha region are entirely well known for their dense forest. It is said that there were once elephants (‘Nag’ means Elephant in Sanskrit) in this forest, which is how the name Nagzira came to be.

The majority of the dwellers here are tribal. Because of dense forests the wildlife is also rich. Another special feature of this region is its lakes which have helped for the faster growth of jungles.

Nagzira Sanctuary, situated in these jungles, sprawls over some 153 square kilometers. Wild and rugged and watered by perennial sources, the jungles support a diversity of wildlife. The summer heat is rather intense here, as elsewhere in Vidarbha, but the dense vegetation has a moderating influence and the winters are pleasant.

Nagzira sanctuary has rest houses. There is also a lake set in the midst of dense trees. The mammals including Sambars, bisons, bears, tigers, panthers, sloth bears, antelope, blue bull, spotted deer are some of the animals which can be spotted here. The Indian Bison is yet another special attraction at Nagzira.

How to reach

Nearest Railway Station : Gondia
Distance : Gondia to Nagzira – 25 kms, Napur to Gondia – 130 kms.

Photo Gallery

AMBAJOGAI

Culturally important town of Ambajogai in Parbhani is 25 kilometers from Parli Vaijnath. The oldest temple of the Goddess Yogeshwari has been famous since long. The structure of the temple is in Hemadpanti Style. Delicate carvings on the pillars are attractive. Adjoining north gate is located the ‘Sarveshwar Teerth’. Adjoining the west gate are the temples of various deities. A festival is held here during Dassehra.

A kilometer or two from the Yogeshwari Temple, on the hill of Balghat, lie the Samadhi of Saint Mukundraj, the first Marathi poet who wrote the famous verse – ‘Viveksindhu’ (Sea of Reason). Saint poet Dasopant also had stayed here and composed his verses.

Nearby Attractions

Mukundraj Swami Samadhi, Dasopant Swami Samadhi, Sankleshwar Mandir, Renukai Devi Mandir, Hatti Khana, Amleshwar Mandir, Putreshwar Mandir, Kholeshwar Mandir, Nagnath Mandir, Kashi Vishveshwar Mandir, Buttenath Mandir

Accommodation

Shree Yogeshwari Yatri Niwas (Contact Number : 02446-244559, Mob-94222 40371)
[Charges - Room Rs.250/-; Room with TV Rs.300/-]

How to reach

Nearest Airport : Osmanabad Airport (OMN) [74 Kilometers]
Nearest Railway Station : Parli Vaijnath
Distance : Parli Vaijnath to Ambajogai - 25.2 Kilometers (By Road)

NAVEGAON NATIONAL PARK

Navegaon National Park

Around 132 kilometers from Nagpur lies the Navegaon National Park, most popular forest resort. Here serpentine roads wind their way around a picturesque lake set in the midst of hill ranges. The lake sprawls over some 11 square kilometer area and its crystal clear waters are particularly beautiful in moonlit nights. In winter huge flocks of immigrant ducks dot the lake. A deer park, three beautiful gardens, and a children’s park add to the pleasure of visitors. Here are found more than 60% of the bird species of Maharashtra. The list of mammals too is impressive comprising tigers, leopards, Sambars, chitals, deers, langurs etc. We can watch the wild animals from strategically located towers or machans and tree top dwellings in the heart of the forests.

It is said that Kolu Patel Kohli built the Navegaon lake at the beginning of the 18th century. His shrine is located on one of the peaks surrounding the lake. The peaks are known as seven sisters and it is believed that these sisters deities assisted Kolu in building the lake. The island in the centre is known as ‘Maldongari’. To the northeast of the lake lies ‘Nishani’ peak.

Nearest Railway Station

Devalgaon (South-East Railway)

Distance

Devalgaon to Navegaon - 1 Kilometer

Photo Gallery

KELVE BEACH

Kelve Beach

Kelve Beach, also known as Virgin Beach, is situated 5 kilometers from the Kelve Station and 8 kilometers far from the Palghar Station. Kelve beach has the largest stretch of about 7 kilometers of coastline of the Arabian Sea. The beach is surrounded by abundant Australian Pine Trees. Attractions nearby Kelve Beach are Kelve Fort and Sheetla Devi Temple. This beach is famous amongst the college students and overcrowded by local tourist during the weekends. Numerous luxurious hotels and resorts are there in Kelve to stay.

HOW TO REACH

Nearest Station : Kelve Road (W.R.)
Distance : Mumbai to Kelve Road – 110 Kilometers

VIHAR LAKE

Vihar Lake

Vihar Lake, is a vast water reservoir, built by the British in the year 1860, for supply of Drinking Water in the southern region Mumbai. The lake is located near the Vihar Village within the precinct of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. That time, the British spent approximately Rs.65 Lacs on the entire project.

Today, Vihar Lake supplies only 3% of the Mumbai City's water requirement, after filtration at Bhandup, where Asia's biggest filtration plant is located.

After the 1993 Mumbai Bomb Blast, access to this place has been curtailed.

POWAI LAKE

Powai Lake

Powai Lake is a beautiful and most popular picnic spot where office goers, students and tourist groups often go for excursion on weekends and holidays. It is situated in the midst of the city with good connectivity. The Hiranandani Gardens in the background and the luxury Renaissance Hotel add to its charisma.

Powai Lake is very near to Vihar Lake and also was constructed by the British in 1889.

The water of the lake is unfit for drinking water use hence it is used for non-potable purposes i.e. gardening and industrial use.

How to reach

Nearest Railway Station : Goregaon (W.R.), Vikhroli (C.R.)

TANSA LAKE

Tansa Lake

The Mumbaites are familiar with the Tansa lake since in the beginning they were practically wholly dependent on this lake for their daily water need. This lake is formed across the river Tansa and has a storage facility of 3 million gallons of water. The lake culminated in 1926. In the surrounding area of about 304 square kilometers, Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary is developed. The scenery around the lake is very fascinating.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary, Mahuli Fort, Lord Shiva's Temple at Tilsa, Suryamal Plateau

HOW TO REACH

Nearest Railway Station : Atgaon (Central Railway)
Distance : Mumbai to Aatgaon – 95 Kilometers

KARLA CAVES

Karla Caves

Around Malavli Station and 10 kilometers beyond Lonavala are the three sets of caves, Karla, Bhaje and Bedsa. Picturesquely situated, they are full of an abiding historical interest and deserve greater attention from the public, not only for the picnics, but also for study.  A fairly stiff climb of little more than a kilometer brings the visitor to the site of Karla Caves, the largest Chaitya caves in India, dating back to 160 B.C.

The most unique feature is its principal temple, which resembles a miniature cathedral.  What is astonishing within it are its wooden arches which have lived through the ages without being eaten away. They have been considered to be the only example of the kind where woodwork in a temple has not decayed and has come down to us in its original condition over a period of 2 millennium and more.

The Karla temple is 124 feet deep, 45 feet broad and 48 feet in height. At the entrance of the temple there is a huge colonnade with no fewer than sixteen sides to it. Its top is crowned by four lions looking imperiously at each of the four sides, north, east, south and west as if keeping guard over the precincts of the temple. The sight makes you pause before entering the mighty rock temple.

About a couple of feet away from the walls of the cave temple, there is a row of columns, fifteen on each side, surmounted by elephants in a sitting posture with human figures on each of them. At the far end of the temple, there is a 'Stupa' a huge circular mound. The distinguishing feature of the Stupa is an umbrella erected on top of it. The temple appears to have been dedicated to Lord Shiva. Outside, to the left of the temple, there is a more recent structure which serves as a modern temple. Flanking both sides of the main temple, there are 'Viharas' - large halls cut from the rock - and cells. Some of them are one or two Storeyed, the way up lying through dark, narrow high stepped staircases. There are also several cisterns or shallow wells.

The view from the height of Karla is panoramic. Picnic spots abound on this beautiful little hill.

MTDC has a rest house nearby where water sports facilities are provided.

Accommodation

MTDC Karla # 02114-282230 / 282064 / 282102
[Group Accommodation - for 10 Persons - Rs.4500/-]

How to reach Karla Caves

Nearest Railway Station : Lonavala Railway Station
Nearest Airport : Pune Airport (Code : PNQ)

Distance (By Road)

Pune Airport to Karla Caves - 65 Kilometers
Lonavala Station to Karla Caves - 12 Kilometers

Photo Gallery

BHAJE CAVES

Bhaje Caves

Bhaje caves are located at 18°43'40"N 73°28'55"E and are as old as Karla. Less than two kilometers away from the station of Malavli, is the village Bhaje – from the village begins the climb up the Bhaje Hill and caves. The climb is about 2 kilometers. The Bhaje Cave is much smaller than Karla but is perhaps more artistic. Altogether there are eighteen caves at Bhaje of which No.12 is the Chaitya and the finest of the lot. At the entry, sloping pillars are seen. There are 13 of them on each side to support the roof of the cave. A little way to the south of the principal cave, there is a group of 14 ‘dagobas’ (Stupa) some sheltered within a rock excavation, others exposed.

Among the several ‘viharas’ (Monasteries) on either side of the big cave there is one which deserves the particular attention of the visitor for the reason that they contain some very interesting sculptures, showing a prince on an elephant and on a chariot, protected by armed guards. The various stone staircases hewn into the side of the rocks both without and within the various caves are most fascinating.

From Bhaje, one obtains a distant view of the Visapur Fort, one of the strongholds of Shivaji. A road from Bhaje leads to the great ancient fortress.

Bhaje Caves - Entry Fee

Per Person Rs.5/-

Nearby Attractions

Karla Caves, Ekvira Devi Temple, Bedse Caves, Lohgad Fort, Visapur Fort

Accommodation

MTDC Resort Karla # 02114-282230 / 282102 [Tariff : Rs.1300/- to Rs.4800/-]

How to reach Bhaje

Regular State Transport buses ply between Malavli and Swargate
Nearest Railway Station : Malavli (Central Railway - Mumbai-Lonavala-Pune Route)
Nearest Airport : Pune Airport (IATA : PNQ, ICAO : VAPO)

Photo Gallery

AJANTA CAVES

Ajanta Caves

Ajanta, situated on the slopes of a crescent hill side, hewn out of rock, are thirty caves, where two millennia ago Buddhist Monks found sanctuary and left a legend for posterity. A series of cave wall paintings and sculpture, elegantly executed, with an aesthetic appeal that is timeless and craftsmanship that astounds scholars and art lovers even today. The antiquity of these caves ranges between 200 BC and 600 AD. Despite their age, some of the paintings have retained their freshness and vivid detail wrought in rich earth colors. The paintings represent the life and teachings of Buddha. A large segment is devoted to Buddha's earlier life.

Ajanta was completely lost to human sight and knowledge for over 10 centuries. With the decline of Buddhism the caves lost their importance and everyone forgot all about them.

It was not till 1879 that through sheer accident they were discovered by the British soldiers in the thick and wild undergrowth. Twenty Nine caves were found one after the other. These are among the great wonders of the world. In almost every cave, there is an inner temple in which is enshrined a huge sculpture of Buddha. These caves are cut into a horse-shoe shaped cliff standing 75 meters high above a narrow gorge over a small river. The great artistic efflorescence at Ajanta came under the rule of Vakataka and Chalukya dynasties.

A few caves deserve special attention. The sculpture in Cave No.26 is elaborate and beautiful, depicting breaking of early ties and Buddha's passing into 'Nirvana'. The arched Chaitya window set into the elegant simple facade of Cave 9 is repeated in the elaborate frontage of cave 19 which has several figures of Buddha on the portico. Cave 16 is an elegant monastery with an epigraph that mentions the king and his minister who built this cave. Using metal mirrors to reflect sunlight into the inner reserves, monks and artists painted the wonderful paintings that still glow on these walls.

Ajanta is a protected monument under the Archeological Survey of India and has been included in the World Heritage list of monuments.

Cave Timings and Entry Fee

09.00 am to 05.30 pm [Remain closed on Monday]

Entry Fee and charges
For Child below 15 years : Free Entry
For Indians above 15 years : Rs.10/-
For foreigners above 15 years : US $ 5 or equivalent in Indian Rupees
Camera Charges (Without Flash) Rs.5/-

Hotels near Ajanta Caves

In Aurangabad
Aurangabad Gymkhana Club # 0240-2476501 - 506
Aurangabad Sports Club # 0240-2554771 - 774
Hotel Arts Executive # 0240-2342775 / 2360073

In Jalgaon
Hotel Royal Palace # 0257-2233444 / 555 / 888
Hotel President Cottage # 0257-2212367
Hotel Ajanta # 0257-2270004

Temperature / Climate

During Summer 21°C to 37°C
During Winter 10°C to 22°C

HOW TO REACH AJANTA CAVES

Nearest Airport : Aurangabad Airport (Code : IXU)
Nearest Railway Station : Jalgaon Railway Station

Distance (By Road)

Aurangabad Airport to Ajanta Caves - 107 Kilometers
Jalgaon to Ajanta Caves - 56 Kilometers

Photo Gallery

LOHGAD-VISAPUR

Lohgad Fort

Many of the forts in Maharashtra now exist just for the name's sake and still further several of them do not exist even for that. A few however are so well preserved as to retain most of their medieval distinctive defence features, practically intact. Lohgad is one of them.

Lohgad-Visapur forts were built during satvahan rule. They are near from Malavli Railway Station on Mumbai-Pune route. After treading Malavli-Bhaja 4 kilometers distance, the path divides at Gaymukh and two ways go separately to these two forts.

The height of Lohgad is 1034 meters while that of Visapur is 1081 meters. Lohgad Fort has four gates. Inside the fort stand two kothis (houses), and reservoir. The fort's wall is still in good condition.

Nearby places to visit

Karla Caves, Bhaja Caves, Bhushi Dam

Nearest Railway Station

Malavli (Central Railway)

Distance

Malavli to Lohgad Fort - 10 Kilometers
Pune to Malavli - 59 Kilometers (By Road)
Mumbai to Malavli - 101 Kilometers (By Road) Via Mumbai Pune Express Way

Photos Lohgad Fort

NARSOBAWADI

Lord Dattatreya

Narsobachi Wadi or Narsobawadi or Narsimhawadi is situated 51 kilometers from Kolhapur. This place is famous as the abode of Shree Dattatreya.  This holy place is at the confluence of Krishna and Panchganga rivers.

Shree Narsimha Saraswati, an incarnation of Shree Dattatreya, stayed here for 12 years. The place is sanctified by the visit of many saints including Shree Tembe Swami.

Every Saturday a palanquin (Palkhi) of Shree Narsimha Saraswati is carried.  The place is renowned for the holy Padukas (Holy Sandals) of Shree Dattatreya.

Bus Services available from the Miraj Railway Station to Narsobachi Wadi (Daily) from Morning 5.00 AM to 11.00 PM in the night.

Temple's Daily Schedule

05.00                 Paduka Pooja
08.00 to 12.00   Rudrabhishek
12.30 to 13.30   Maha Pooja, Aarti
15.00 to 16.00   Pavamana Sookta Parayan
19.30                 Dhoop Aarti
20.00                 Palkhi
22.00                 Shej Aarti

Temple Festivals

Datta Jayanti, Narsimha Jayanti, Gokul Ashtami, Shripada Shrivallabha Jayanti

Contact Numbers Narsobachiwadi Temple

02322-270006 / 270064

Accommodation

Gurudatta Hotel # 02322-270003
Icon Inn (Sangli) - 0233-2675333

Nearest Airport

Kolhapur Airport (KLH/VAKP)

Nearest Railway Station

Jaysingpur, Sangli

Distance

Jaysingpur to Narsobachi Wadi - 13 Kilometers (By Road)
Kolhapur to Narsobachi Wadi - 51 Kilometers (By Road) [Journey Time - Appx. 1 Hour]

Nearby Attractions

Amreshwar Temple, Mahadev at Khidrapur (Kopeshwar Mandir)

Photos - Narsobawadi

AUNDHA NAGNATH

Aundha Nagnath Temple

Aundha, a small village in Hingoli District of Marathwada region is famous for the temple of Lord Shiva. It is a pilgrim center of greater significance, since it is considered to be the first (Adya) of the Twelve Jyotirlingas. Apart from this honor, the temple of Lord Nagnath constructed in the Hemadpanti style of architecture spreading for over 60,000 square feet area. Another unique feature of this temple is the vehicle of Lord Shiva 'Nandi Bail' is in the back of the temple instead of the front.

Temple's Timings

04.00  Temple doors open
04.05  Pooja and Rudrabhishek
12.00  Aarti
16.00  Shrisnan
20.30  Shejaarti
21.00  Temple doors close

Nearby Places to Visit

Nanded, a major Sikh Pilgrimage Center, 61 kilometers by road from Aundha, is a home to Sach Khand Huzur Sahib Gurudwara where Guru Gobind Singh's ashes are buried.

The Pandav Raja Temple is another popular excursion. It is said that the temple rotated around itself when Saint Namdeo performed kirtan. Namdev hails from the nearby Bamni Village. Namdev's Guru 'Visoba Khechar' also hailed from Aundh Nagnath.

Hotels / Accommodation

Delhi Lodge Hingoli # 02456-221825 [Landmark : Near Maule Hospital]
[Tariff per day Rs.200/- to Rs.350/-]

Best time to visit Aundha Nagnath

Any time during the year

Temperature

During Summer 24° to 39°
During Winter 12° to 30°

How to reach Aundha Nagnath

The state transport buses ply regularly from Parbhani, Nashik, Pune and Aurangabad.

Nearest Airport : Aurangabad Airport
Nearest Railway Station : Parbhani Railway Station

Distance

Aurangabad to Aundha Nagnath - 197 Kilometers (By Road)
Parbhani to Aundha Nagnath - 51 Kilometers (By Road)

Photos - Aundha Nagnath

SAPTASHRUNGI

Devi Saptashrungi

Saptashrungi is the highest peak, about 1380 meters from sea level, among Ajanta-Satmal ranges of Sahyadri Mountain, north of Nashik City. Atop the hill lies the temple of Goddess Saptashrungi. It is also known as the Goddess of Vani. Motorable road is there from Nashik to Dindori or to Vani via Pimpalgaon and then a rocky pathway leads from Vani to the temple.

Saptashrungi Temple's Timings

Morning 6.00 AM to 8.00 PM in the Night

Temple Festivals

Gudhipadwa, Chaitrotsav, Gokul Ashtami, Navratri, Kojagiri Pournima, Laxmi Pujan, Mahashivratri

Hotels / Accommodation

Bhakta Niwas (Hospice) # 02592-253351 / 253357

Nearest Railway Station

Nashik Road (Central Railway)

Nearby Holy Places

Kalikund and Suryakund, Jalagumpha, Shivtirtha, Tambultirtha, Markendeya Darshan, Saticha Kada

Photos - Saptashrungi

PARLI VAIJNATH

Parli Vaijnath Temple
Maharashtra

One of five Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra, Parli Vaijnath is in Beed District. To travel by S.T. buses is very convenient. Parli Vaijnath is also known as Parli Vaidyanath. It has a spacious temple. Atop a small hill it is built of stones and has several steps to climb.

Thermal power plant of Parli Vaijnath is well known and also famous is the cotton market.

Temple Festivals

Mahashivratri

Hotels / Accommodation

Hotel Sapna # 02446-222552
Hotel Kaveri Plaza # 02446-226040

Nearest Airport

Osmanabad Airport (OMN)

Nearest Railway Station

Parli Vaijnath (SCR)

Distance

Mumbai to Parli Vaijnath - 497 kilometers (Via NH-9)

Nearby Attractions

Someshwar Temple, Yogeshwari Temple, Jijamata Udyan

Trains Time Table	Details
Parli to Parbhani Trains	Click Here

GHRISHNESHWAR

Ghrishneshwar Temple

Ghrishneshwar, an another temple of Jyotirlinga, stands only a kilometer distance from Ellora Caves in Aurangabad District. The temple is built of spotted red sandstone in Yadava style. It dates from Eighteenth century. Subsequent additions to the original structure were carried out by Ahilyabai Holkar in the early nineteenth century.

Climate

Moderate, Low Humidity

Best time to Visit

During Winter (October to January)

Nearby Attractions

Daulatabad Fort, Ellora Caves, Mhaismal, Ajanta Caves, Paithan, Shani Shinganapur, Khuldabad, Pithalkhora Caves

Hotels / Accommodation

Hotel Rama International # 0240-248 6179

Nearest Airport

Aurangabad Airport (IXU)

Nearest Railway Station

Aurangabad

Distance

Aurangabad to Ghrishneshwar - 30 kilometers (By Road)

BHIMASHANKAR

Bhimashankar Temple

Jyotirlinga of Bhimashankar, a main pilgrim center, 100 kilometers from Pune is situated at the height of 1035 meters in the Sahyadri ranges. This is the place of the source of Bhima River. The temple has gorgeous carvings. It was reconstructed by eminent intellectual people in the history Nana Phadanvis. The biggest bell in the temple is of Portuguese make and said to be brought by Chimaji Appa in his Vasai conquest.

On Mahashivratri and Tripuri Poornima, annual fairs are held here which attract thousands of devotees. There are Dharamshalas (hospice) in the complex of the temple.

Bhimashankar, being hill station, has a pleasant climate and natural scenery.

Bhimashankar Temple's Daily Schedule

04.30                 Temple Doors Open
05.05                 Aarti
05.15  to 11.30  Darashan, Abhishek
11.30  to 11.50  No Abhishek
12.00                 Mahapooja
12.30                 Maha Naivedya
12.30  to 14.30  Abhishek, Normal Pooja
14.45  to 15.15  Shringar Pooja
15.15  to 15.30  Aarti
15.30  to 19.30  Shringar Darshan

Bhimashankar Temple Festivals

Mahashivratri

Hotels / Accommodation - Bhimashankar

Hotel Blue Mormon # Mr. Patil-098226 67149 / 094225 50004
[Tariff : Rs.1600/- to Rs.2000/-]

Nearby Attractions / Holy Places

Kamalaja Temple, Mokshakunda Tirth, Sarva Tirth, Kusharanya Tirth, Hanuman Lake, Nag Phani, Bombay Point

Nearest Railway Station

Pune

Distance

Pune to Bhimashankar - 109 kilometers (By Road) Via NH50
Mumbai to Bhimashankar - 217 kilometers (By Road) Via Mumbai Pune Express Way

TRIMBAKESHWAR

The small beautiful town Trimbak, 36 kilometers far from Nashik is famous for the source of the Godavari River and for the temple of Trimbakeshwar which enshrines, what is considered - the main Jyotirlinga.

According to legend, Gautam Rishi performed 'Tapasya' - a rigorous ritual of prayer and penance to Lord Shiva on the Bramhagiri Hill which rises high above the temple. Pleased with his devotion Lord Shiva blessed him and allowed him to bring the sacred rivers Gautami (Ganga) and Godavari from the heavens down to earth. Gautam Rishi checked the flowing water by making a 'Varta' from Kusha, thereby creating the 'Kushavarta' Teerth. Here devotees take a deep and purify themselves of all their sins before they enter the temple of Trimbakeshwar. To this day Hindus from all over the country come here to perform Shraddhas (prayer for departed souls of their ancestors). They believe that bathing in the waters of Godavari will bring them 'Moksha' or 'Salvation'.

On Mondays, which according to Hindu scriptures is the day holy to Lord Shiva, the priests carry the idol of Lord Trimbakeshwar in a palanquin on their shoulders around the temple. Visitors and devotees throng the temple to watch this ritual and shower flower petals on the Lord. The annual festival of 'Shivratri' is celebrated with great pomp and gaiety and attracts thousands of pilgrims from all over.

The World famous Kumbh Mela is held at an interval of 12 years on the banks of the river Godavari. It is the biggest festival here. According to the astrological calculations, Mahakumbh is held when the Sun and Jupiter enter the Leo star sign (called Sinhasth). The last Mahakumbh was held in August-September 2003, and the next one scheduled in 2015.

The town Trimbak is at the foothills of Brahmagiri Parvat. The lush greenery, beautiful surroundings and the pleasant climate make Trimbak a hot spot for nature loving tourists.

Trimbakeshwar Temple Festivals

Mahakumbh, Shree Ram Janmotsav, Rathyatra, Mahashivratri, Narayan Naagbali

Temple's Timing for Darshan

From 05.30 AM till 21.00 PM

Pooja Timings

07.00 to 09.00    Morning Pooja
13.00                 Afternoon Pooja
19.00 to 21.00    Evening Pooja
21.00                 Shejaarti

15.30 to 17.00    Palkhi (Palanquin) * Every Monday

Nearby Attractions / Holy Places

Sant Nivruttinath Samadhi Temple, Neel Parvat, Brahmagiri Hill, Ganngdwar, Gorakhnath Math, Swami Samarth Ashram

Accommodation

Trimbakeshwar Bhakta Niwas # 02594-234251 / 233215
[Tariff : Rs.200/- to Rs.500/-]

How to Go

Nearest Railway Station
Nashik Road (C.R.)

Nearest Airport
Gandhinagar Airport (Nashik) [Code:ISK]

Distance
Nashik Road Station to Trimbakeshwar - 45 Kilometers (By Road)
Mumbai to Nashik Road - 167 Kilometers (By Road) Via NH3

Trimbakeshwar ST Stand - Time Table