LONAR

Lonar Crater

The Lonar crater is one of the geographical surprises. Scientists attempt to date the crater have placed it at approximately 50,000 years, when the meteorite that created the crater is said to have collided at the spot. The Lonar crater has the distinction of being the only one of its kind in the world besides being the only natural crater in the basalt rock.

The temple complex here is a favorite excursion, constructed in the Hemadpanti style, the deities – Lord Narsimha, Lord Ganesh, Lord Shiva and Renukadevi – are worshipped. Admist the ruins of the Shiva temple is a Mahadev Ling.

The Devi temple, a tall structure with a high stone plinth rises from the thick forest at the edge of the lake. Not far from the head of the ravine is a comparatively unknown Daitya Sadan, an abode of demons called the Swami Mandir.

Nearest Railway Station : Malkapur

Distance

Mumbai to Lonar – 504 kilometers (By Road – route NH3 & SH24)
Journey Time : 8 Hrs. and 40 minutes

Photos Gallery

Daitya Sadan (Abode of Demons)

AUTORICKSHAW FARE CARD

Mumbai Auto Rickshaw Fare Card W.E.F. 11/10/2012

POSTAL CODES FOR MUMBAI

AHMEDNAGAR FORT

One of the most well planned and well built land forts of Ahmednagar is situated in the eastern part of the original city, which itself was once strongly fortified. The construction of the fort which started in 1494 under the first Nizamshah underwent major changes in the later half of the 16th century under Burhan, the second Nizamshah. Its oval circumference is over two kilometers and is surrounded by formerly a water filled moat and now a dry ditch, 85-180 feet wide and 14 to 20 feet deep. The massive curtain wall built of finely cut stones, rises above 80 feet from the bottom of the ditch and is strengthened by 24 bastions and parapets. The two entrances could be reached only after crossing the moat over the suspension draw bridges. During the 1596 siege, the Mughals reputed as ‘mine masters’ succeeded in blasting and breaching a portion of the wall. But the Chandbibi got the wall of 90 feet high and 6 feet wide repaired within one night, so as to face the enemy in the next morning.

In the later period, the Ahmednagar fort was mainly used for confining political prisoners. During the dark years of ‘Hindvi Swarajya’ Nana Phadanvis, was confined here by his opponents while during the ‘Quit India’ movement in 1942, the entire Congress Working Committee was detained here for over three years. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru’s ‘Discovery of India’ was written at the Ahmednagar fort during this period.

Nearest Railway Station : Ahmednagar

AMBERNATH SHIV TEMPLE

Ambreshwar Temple, the temple of Lord Shiva, located on the bank of Vadavan River, is very near to Ambernath Railway Station.

Situated in the hollow of a hill, the temple dating back from 1000 AD is wonderfully compact. To the south of the temple over the hillock most commanding view of the giant forms of Tavali and Malanggad or Bava Balang is obtained.

This temple is a fine example of the Vesara style that is essentially a tasteful blend of two schools of architecture, the Dravidian style and the Nagara Style, in simple words, a mix of the north Indian and south Indian styles of temple making. The versions of the Vesara style at Ambernath is of interlocking black stone in the Hemadpanti style named after legendary prime minister Hemadpanti who was a great patron of temple architecture during Devgiri Kings regimes.

The bold features are prominent in the heavily decorated outside wall and the stepped pyramid that forms the tower. The whole temple is executed in coarse brownish stone that is typical of this region. The plan of the temple is corrugated or fluted along its edges. The idea is to have a larger wall surface to accommodate a plethora of sculptures and other decorations that is the theme of this style. Had it been a straight outer wall only less that half of the sculpture could be accommodated on along the outer surface of the wall. The sculptures of Hindu mythology, predominantly Shiva theme, form a chain around the temple at the eye level. There are fluted molding above and below the sculptures. The tower is in the classic Nagara style. One can find the image of dancing Shiva on the tower.

There are three porches that give access to the central hall of the temple through a vestibule. The priests sit in this portion of the temple. This portion is intricately carved. The roof is supported by an array of pillars, which itself is a piece of art. Never forget to look up at the ceiling with all the details carved in stone. A Nandi (Bull) image is located at the center of the main porch, which is in the west. To reach the inner sanctum, one has to climb down 20 steps to go down in the main room called Garbhagriha (interior of the sanctum Sanctorum). There is one “Swayambhu” (self-manifested) Shiv Ling located at the center in this underground Sanctorum which is open to the sky. A big fun-fair starts two days prior to Mahashivratri and continues for a day after Mahashivratri to get blessings from the supreme god Shiva.

NEVASE

This pilgrim centre is of great significance since Saint Dnyaneshwar is said to have composed Dnyaneshwari in the Karavireshwar temple of this village.

Here is the temple of Mohini Raja which is artistically designed. A legend is that Shree Vishnu in the disguise of a woman – Mohini – killed the demon Bhasmasur. In the memory of this event a temple is erected known as Mohini Raja Temple.

About the 9th century, Marathi language, which was already the spoken language of the people, was first made the vehicle of written literature. By the middle of the 13th century Marathi, emerging out of its adolescence, came of age when Saint Dnyaneshwar, among others, composed his immortal commentary on Geeta – Dnyaneshwari at Nevase, hence the significant importance of the place.

Dnyaneshwar temple is built around a pillar, near which Dnyaneshwar had composed Dnyaneshwari.

Little away from Nevase is Deogad, on the bank of Pravara. In this village are located well known temple of Dattatraya and the Samadhi of Shree Kisangiri Maharaj.

Nearest Railway Station : Ahmednagar

DAULATABAD

Chini Mahal

One of the world’s best preserved forts built during Yadav rule in the 11th century, Daulatabad displays many internal contriving defense provisions that made it invincible. There is a series of secret, quizzical passages to trouble, confuse and deceive the entire enemy garrison within.

This Yadav fort was captured by Allauddin Khilji in 1296. It was further elevated to an imperial capital of Muslim Sultanate of Muhammed-Bin-Tughlaq who shifted here Delhi’s entire population. Allauddin Ahmedshah Bahamani has erected a 33 meter high tower which is a replica of Delhi’s Kutub Minar.

The Samadhi of Janardan Swami, the Guru of Saint Eknath and a Dattatraya Temple, the two shrines in the vicinity of the fort are often visited by devotees with great reverence.

It certainly is a must see for any tourist visiting Aurangabad.

Nearest Railway Station

Aurangabad Railway Station

Photo Gallery

Chand Minar

The moat

Entrance

Beautiful Interiors of Daulatabad Fort

Courtyard

Drawbridge on the moat

SINHGAD

Sinhgad Fort

Sinhgad, earlier known as Kondhana, 35 kilometers from Pune is a hill fort. It was here that Shivaji Maharaj’s general, Tanaji Malusare launched a dare devil attack on the Mughal army to recapture the fort Kondhana. He valiantly laid down his life but captured the fort. Grieving Shivaji is known to have said ‘gad aala pan sinh gela’ (The fort’s won but the lion’s gone). Whereupon the fort got its name ‘Sinh (Lion) gad (Fort). Even in this century, Sinhgad continues to infuse bravery. Bal Gangadhar Tilak was imprisoned by the British here, where he wrote a book on Arya Culture.

Tanaji Malusare is said to have climbed a 1000 foot sheer rock with the help of a ‘ghorpad’, a mountain lizard, having enormous strength and tenacity. It is amazing that what a 21st century expert climber might only, if at all achievable with most highly devised scientific equipment, the 17th century man did it with bare feet with just the aid of the amazing ‘ghorpad’.

Besides its great historical significance Sinhgad fort, situated at a height of 4322 feet above sea level, commands magnificent views and is an ideal holiday resort with its lovely air and plentiful water.

Now there stand imposing ramparts and crumbling walls. However, the Devtake reservoir is still in tact. Memorial of Tanaji Malusare, Samadhi of Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj, Shivaji Maharaj’s youngest son can also be seen. The British took over this fort from Marathas in 1818.

Sinhgad can be scaled from its many approaches. From Donaje Village, reaching conveniently by bus from Pune, a well marked path climbs to the top, pass the three Pune darwazas. A shorter and less steep climb is from Kalyan Village, up past the Kalyan Darwaza. A motorable road also goes to very top.

Hotels / Tourist Lodges

Seasons - 020-40009999

HOW TO REACH SINHGAD

Nearest Airport : Pune (PNQ/VAPO)
Nearest Railway Station : Pune

Distance (By Road)

Mumbai-Pune – 153 kilometers (Via Mumbai-Pune Expressway)
Pune-Sinhgad – 35 kilometers

Entrance Fee

for 4 Wheelers Rs.50/-; for 2 Wheelers Rs.20/-

KARNALA

Karnala

About 55 kilometers away from Mumbai, this old fort is situated on Mumbai-Goa Highway, between Panvel and Pen. The fort is surrounded by dense forest. Various species of plants, birds and animals are seen here. There are the remains of the gates, godowns etc. A bird sanctuary is set up here.

Karnala forest is truly for the birds. Despite its small area, about 5 kilometers square size, variety of birds sights and sounds here are unbelievable. During monsoon, a winding trek 450 meters up to the historic Karnala Fort, takes one through monsoon undergrowth and deciduous forest. On a clear and sunny morning, from this vantage point, in the vicinity of the famed pinnacle rock formation, one is afforded an eagle’s eye view of the surrounds. Barely 30 kilometers at West, the Mumbai coast is visible from here. In winter Karnala is visited by several migratory birds, mostly woodland species which come from their breeding grounds in the Himalayas. The best bird watching time here is between November and February. Established as a sanctuary in 1971, the checklist of birds recorded in the tiny forest totals up to an impressive 150 plus species. By far, one of the finest walks here is the Boremal Trail. A majority of the people come here to picnic, especially during weekends and on holidays, for a respite from the confines of the city.

Nearest Railway Station : Panvel

MUMBAI TO AHMEDABAD - TRAINS

Train No.	Train Name	Origin	Departure Time	Arrival Time Ahmedabad	Travel Time (Hrs.)
12216	DEE GARIBRATH	BANDRA TERMINUS	12:55	19:30	06:35
12480	SURYANAGARI EXP.	BANDRA TERMINUS	13:30	21:15	07:45
22474	BDTS BIKANER SF EXP.	BANDRA TERMINUS	14:35	22:10	07:35
19115	BDTS BHUJ EXP.	BANDRA TERMINUS	14:50	23:40	08:50
14708	RANAKPUR EXP.	BANDRA TERMINUS	15:05	23:50	08:45
19131	KUTCH EXP.	BANDRA TERMINUS	17:10	01:40	08:30
19017	SAU JANATA EXP.	BANDRA TERMINUS	17:35	02:10	08:35
19143	LOK SHAKTI EXP.	BANDRA TERMINUS	19:40	04:35	08:55
19707	ARAVALI EXP.	BANDRA TERMINUS	21:00	05:05	08:05
12971	BHAVNAGAR EXP.	BANDRA TERMINUS	21:30	05:25	07:55
---	---	---	---	---	---
19011	GUJARAT EXP.	MUMBAI CENTRAL	05:45	14:55	09:10
12009	SHATABDI EXP.	MUMBAI CENTRAL	06:25	13:10	06:45
19215	SAURASHTRA EXP.	MUMBAI CENTRAL	08:20	19:40	11:20
59439	AHMADABAD PASS.	MUMBAI CENTRAL	12:15	04:25	16:10
12933	KARNAVATI EXP.	MUMBAI CENTRAL	13:40	21:25	07:45
12931	ADI DOUBLE DECK.	MUMBAI CENTRAL	14:20	21:40	07:20
19005	SAURASHTRA MAIL	MUMBAI CENTRAL	20:25	04:45	08:20
12901	GUJARAT MAIL	MUMBAI CENTRAL	22:00	06:35	08:35
59441	AHMEDABAD PASS.	MUMBAI CENTRAL	22:40	14:45	16:05
12267	ADI DURONTO EXP.	MUMBAI CENTRAL	23:25	05:50	06:25

ELLORA CAVES

Ellora Caves

The world famous Ellora Caves, unlike Ajanta lay on the main road. Unlike Ajanta they were never discovered – because they were never lost. The rock cut work of the caves began somewhere in 300 AD and was completed by 1300 AD.

The Ellora Caves are divided into three categories, the Buddhist, the Hindu and the Jain. There are 13 Buddhist caves, 16 Brahminical or Hindu caves and 5 Jain caves, making a total 34.

Cave No.10, to begin with, is the only Chaitya cave or chapel among the whole lot. It is known as the Vishvakarma. This cave represented the highest form of Buddhist culture and spacious construction of monasteries. Dating back from 700 AD. It has the biggest Buddha engraved in the Stupa. It has a magnificent entrance and a gallery with a horseshoe shaped window on top and innumerable artistic carvings.

Other important Buddhist cave No.5 is the highest single Storeyed ‘Vihar’ having a hall 117 feet deep and there is a great variety in its architecture. No.12 is known as ‘Teen Thal’ because of its three storeys; it is the largest three storeyed ‘Vihar’ in India and stands out for the symmetry of its pillars. The sheer beauty, elegance, artistry and significance of each and every cave is admirable.

After the Buddhist, the next set of caves to be seen are the Hindu caves where the most surprising wonder is the greatest cave temple ‘Kailash’ (Cave No.16). It is said that 200000 tonnes of rock were excavated during the construction of this cave. The sheer rock, the back wall of the pit is over 100 feet high.

The gigantic pillars on either side attracts the visitor first, then the huge temple on the mighty shoulders of elephants, lions and other monsters, then the surrounding galleries, full of sculptured frames, the interior of the temples itself, the various chapels, the stories of the Ramayana and Mahabharta carved out of stone on either side of the temple.

This temple alone would take days to see in sufficient detail. It is impossible to conceive how workers with merely the chisel and the hammer could have wrought all this miracle in stone.

When to Go

Late autumn is best, with the region displaying its colors after the rainy season. From December to February the weather is still perfect : skies are blue, temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 degrees. March is quite hot but still bearable. From then onward temperatures average 110-115°F. By June the monsoon has begun and lasts through September.

How to get about ?

By bus, taxi, auto-rickshaws. There are regular ST bus services from Aurangabad to Ellora.

Nearest Railway Station : Aurangabad (C.R.)
Distance : Aurangabad to Ellora – 30 Kilometers

BUDGET HOTELS IN MUMBAI

List of Budget Hotels in Mumbai

Hotel's Name	Address	Contact Numbers
Hotel Commando	331, Pali Hill, Opp. LIC Colony, Bandra (West), Mumbai-400 050.	66969000
Hotel Nagina	53, Nagina Apt., DR. Ambedkar Rd., Byculla (East), Mumbai-400 027.	23777400
Hotel Metro Palace Pvt. Ltd.	355, Ramdas Nayak Road, Bandra (West), Mumbai-400 050.	26433537
Kemp's Corner	131, August Kranti Marg, Mumbai-400 036.	23634646
Bentleys	17 Oliver Road, Colaba, Mumbai-400 001.	22841733
Hotel Regency Inn	18, Lansdowne House, Appolo Bunder, Colaba, Mumbai-400 039.	22020292
Hotel Midtown Pritam	20-B, Pritam Estate, Dadar, Mumbai-400 014.	43449999
Hotel Park Lane	95, Dadasaheb Phalke Road, Dadar (East), Mumbai-400 014.	24114741
Hotel Amigo	Cadell Road, Veer Savarkar Marg, Dadar (West), Mumbai-400 028.	24463530
Hotel Aroma	190, Satnam Mansion, Ambedkar Road, Dadar (East), Mumbai-400 014.	24113944
Hotel Avon Ruby	87, Naigaon Cross Road, Dadar (East), Mumbai-400 014.	24114595
Rupam Hotels Pvt. Ltd.	239, P.D'melo Road, Fort, Mumbai-400 001.	22618298
Hotel Pali Hills	14, Union Park, Khar (West), Mumbai-400 052.	26492995
Hotel New Castle	355, Linking Road, Khar (West), Mumbai-400 052.	26480483
Ramee Guestline Hotel	462, A.B. Nair Road, Juhu, Mumbai-400 049.	66935555
Hotel Linkway	519, V.P. Road, Linking Road, Khar (West), Mumbai-400 052.	26496012
Hotel Hiramani Pvt.Ltd.	Dr.Ambedkar Road, Lalbaug Police Chowkee, Parel, Mumbai-400 012.	66633444
Sea Green South Hotel	145, Marine Drive, Mumbai-400 020.	66336535
Hotel Sahil	292, J.B. Behram Marg, Mumbai Central, Mumbai-400 008.	23081421
Hotel Midland	Sahar Airport, Mumbai-400 055.	26110413
Hotel Galaxy	113, Prabhat Colony, 2nd Road, Santacruz (East), Mumbai-400 055.	65702151
Hotel Classic	Plot No.31, S.V. Road, Santacruz (West), Mumbai-400 054.	26491456
Hotel Milan International	Milan Subway, 1st Road, Santacruz (West), Mumbai-400 054.	31908943
Hotel Rosewood	99/C, Tulsiwadi Lane, Tardeo, Mumbai-400 034.	43216700
Aircraft International	179, Dayaldas Road, Vile Parle (E), Mumbai-400 099.	26121419
Avion Hotel	Opp. Mumbai Domestic Airport, Nehru Road, Vile Parle (East), Mumbai-400 057.	26116958
Hotel Airport International	Nehru Road, Near Domestic Airport, Vile Parle (East), Mumbai-400 099.	26182222
Hotel Atithi	77 A/B, Nehru Road, Vile Parle (E), Mumbai-400 099.	26116126

COLLEGES - MUMBAI

Colleges	Contact Numbers	Colleges	Contact Numbers
Mumbai University	22674883	Siddharth College	22003617
Kalina University	26527086	Dr. Ambedkar College	24122396
Jai Hind College	22041095	St. Andrew's College	26428684
K.C. College	22855726	National College	26483544
Sydenham College	22042897	Rizvi College	26480348
Elphinstone College	22844060	Chetna College	26422750
St. Xavier's College	22620661	L.S. Raheja College	26609320
Bhavan's College	23691508	Sathye College	26141149
Wilson College	23637663	Mithibai College	26184355
Hinduja College	23889408	Dahanukar College	26183614
Sophia College	23512642	Bhavan's College	26256453
Lala Lajpat Rai College	23548240	Chinai College	66992025
Kirti College	24302372	Patkar College	28723731
Ruia College	24143098	Vivekanand College	25227514
Khalsa College	24096234	Acharya College	25218797
Ruparel College	24303733	K.J. Somaiya	21025919
Poddar College	24143178	Jhunjhunwala College	25152731

HOSPITALS IN MUMBAI (STD CODE - 022)

Hospital	Tel.No.	Hospital	Tel.No.
Bombay Hospital Trust	22067676	Jaslok Hospital	66573333
SJDC Municipal Maternity Home	28932461	Kasturba Hospital	23083901
Bhabha Municipal General Hospital	26422775	K.E.M.	24136051
Brahma Kumari's BSES MG	66487500	A C Worth Leprosy	24150355
R.N. Cooper	26207254	Lilavati	26421111
Cama & Albless	22611667	Nair Hospital	23081490
Childrens Orthopedic	23541942	Nanavati	26267500
Cumbala Hill	23804835	Poddar	24933533
Medical Officer	22042526	L S Raheja	24467570
Gokuldas Tejpal	22621464	Rajawadi	21025149
Harkisondas	23855555	Saifee	67570111
Hindusabha	25094451	Seven Hills	67676777
Hinduja	24452222	Sion Hospital (Tilak Hosp.)	24025662
Homiopathic Education Society	26203249	Saint George	22620242
J.J.	23735555	Tata Hospital	24177000
Hiranandani	25763300	B J Wadia (Childrens)	24138530

MAHALAXMI RACE COURSE

The Mumbai Race Course also called the Mahalaxmi Race Course, run by The Royal Western India Turf Club, is situated in Mahalaxmi, Mumbai.

The racing track here is an oval shaped horse racing track spread over 91 hectares of open area.

The Race Course was open for public in the year 1883. The horse races are conducted here regularly for a period of six months every year. The Mumbai racing season starts in the month of November and ends in the month of April.

The Mahalaxmi Race Course is a world famous race course and attracts big crowds on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays during the racing season. The premier Indian Derby is held here at the Mahalaxmi Race Course every year on the first Sunday in the month of February.

The Race Course also has three Special Lawns for holding parties, marriage functions, product launches and special occasions with a capacity of around 1500 to 2500 persons.

Location

Opposite Mahalaxmi Railway Station (West), Mumbai

Entry Fee

Rs.20/- (During the Mumbai Season)

Mumbai Hotels

Four Seasons Hotel # 022-2481 8000

Photo Gallery

Picture - Indian Derby

Mahalaxmi Race Course

MAHATMA PHULE MARKET (CRAWFORD MARKET)

Crawford Market, Mumbai

Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Mandai, previously called Crawford Market, is the oldest and most famous market in Mumbai was built in 1869. The market is situated next to the C.S.T. Complex and adjacent to the J.J. School of Art. The market is spread over an area of 24,000 square feet. The structure of the market was designed by the British architect Sir William Emerson and it was completed during the tenure of Arthur Crawford, the first municipal commissioner of Mumbai. The mandai is very crowded and a busy place throughout the day.

FOREIGN CONSULATES CONTACT NUMBERS MUMBAI

• International caller, please prefix +9122 to the phone number before dialing.

Embassies	Telephone No.	Embassies	Telephone No.	Embassies	Telephone No.
Afghanistan	2363 3777	Italy	2380 4071	Polish	2363 3863
Austria	2287 4758	Japan	2351 7101	Qatar	2202 6701
Baharin	2218 5856	Korea	2388 6743	Singapore	2204 3205
Canada	6749 4444	Kuwait	2287 1897	Spain	2288 0213
Denmark	2261 4462	Madagascar	2204 6735	Sri Lanka	2204 5861
Egypt	2367 6422	Maldives	2651 8966	Switzerland	2288 4563
France	6669 4000	Mauritius	2284 5466	U.A.E.	2218 3021
Germany	2283 2422	Netherland	2201 6750	U.S.A.	2363 7407
Iran	2363 0073	Norwegian	2438 9712
Israel	2281 9994	Peru	2287 1089

DAJIPUR - RADHANAGARI

Indian Bison
at Dajipur Sanctuary

The evergreen forest, Radhanagari, lies on the border of Kolhapur district. The bison sanctuary at Radhanagari is full of spectacular sights.

The famous Dajipur sanctuary is just 24 kilometers from Radhanagari. The famous Phonda Ghat is at a short distance from here. Though the area of Dajipur is smaller than Radhanagari, the animal life here is pretty rich. Dajipur is located 1200 meters above sea level therefore the atmosphere is pretty chill here.

In the Dajipur sanctuary mighty Indian bisons (local name Gawa) are seen. Wild deers, chitals and other wild animals are also spotted here, besides a host of exotic birds. It is a great place for botanical excursions.

Climate

Temperature 15° to 35°

Timings Dajipur Sanctuary

Morning 7.00 AM to Evening 4.00 PM

Best Time to Visit

Winter, Summer (September to May)

Hotels / Tourist Lodges

Forest Rest House # 91-231-2650042
Bison Jungle Resort, Dajipur # 02321-274024/25

Nearest Airport

Kolhapur Airport (Code: KLH/VAKP)

Nearest Railway Station

Kolhapur Railway Station

Distance

Kolhapur to Radhanagari – 55 kilometers (By Road) Via SH-116
Kolhapur to Dajipur Sanctuary - 79 Kilometers (By Road)

Nearby Attraction

Radhanagari Dam, Gagangiri Maharaj Math, Phonda Ghat

JAWHAR

Beyond Dahanu, which is a beautiful sea beach and land of flower and fruit, is Jawhar. Jawhar is known as Mahabaleshwar of Thane district. This aptly gives the idea of Jawhar and its beauty. Jawhar is a tribal area mostly habited by Warli tribes. It is at the height of 500 meters from sea level and is reached by picturesque woodland way. There are several view points commanding panoramic scenery. Also in the vicinity are small hill stations Mokhada, Suryamal. During monsoon many tourists are attracted here to see the greenery and the beauty of waterfalls.

Worth seeing places in Jawhar are, King’s Palace, Jai-Vilas Palace, Dadar Copra fall, Hanuman Point, Sunset Point, Bhupatgad etc. Shirpmal is a historic place where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj once had camped during his Surat campaign and had negotiated with the Adivasi King of Jawhar. Warlis here acclaimed for their craft and art. Accommodation facilities are provided by M.T.D.C. It has as excellent circuit house, formerly the Maharaja’s guest house. Jawhar is full of jungle and gentle air, not too cold, not too hot at any time of the year.

HARIHARESHWAR

Harihareshwar Beach

Harihareshwar is also called Devghar, God’s chosen place. One will feel the softness of clean sands as he strolls barefoot on beach.

Legend has it that during the confrontation with Bali, Vishnu took three steps, one of which landed in Harihareshwar.

Another legend is of Saint Agasti, who discovered four swayambhu (self formed) lingas in Harihareshwar and found the peace he had long sought.

Temples apart, the sheer beauty of the place itself is like a soothing balm.

Close to Harihareshwar is Shriwardhan where the Peshwas or prime ministers of the Maratha Kingdom originally resided. There is the Peshwa Memorial.

BATTIS SHIRALA

Battis Shirala has become popular for the festival of the Serpent or Nag Panchami. All families in the village perform Naag Puja on the auspicious day which falls in July-August. This village in Sangli district stages a fascinating snake festival on this day.

Villagers in Battis Shirala – old and young catch live cobras, poisonous snakes, and it is said that the cobra’s don’t bite the catchers – devotees. The snakes deposited in earthen pots are fed with milk in worship to the gods. The villagers think nothing of playing around with them, as they believe that on a day dedicated to them the snakes will not bite the hand that feeds them. These live cobras are taken in procession on Nag Panchami day and are left next day from where they were caught. Thousands of Indians and foreigners as well visit the place every year to watch this event.

Gorakhnath Temple, a kilometer away from the village is also worth seeing.

Nearest Railway Station : Sangli

PAITHAN

An ancient town, Paithan, formerly a prosperous town, was called Pratishthan. It is situated about 50 kilometers south of Aurangabad on the bank of the Godavari River. It was once the capital of the Satvahan dynasty and was also home to the great poet Saint Eknath.

Since early times Paithan has been a religious centre of importance, being the birthplace of saints Bhanudas, Mukteshwar and Eknath. Many shrines in the town and on the bank of the river are connected with the lives of many holy men. There is a temple of Saint Eknath which contains his Samadhi.

The bathing ghats of Paithan are the oldest structures in the town. Among the shrines built at the foot of the ghats is one dedicated to Siddheshwar Mahadeo. Besides Hindu shrines there are a number of mosques and dargahs which are older structures. The Jama Masjid in the city dates from about 1630 and has a large courtyard in front.

Apegaon, the birthplace of Saint Dnyaneshwar is 15 kilometers away from Paithan.

Paithan is particularly known for its 'Paithanis', the beautiful silk sarees with elaborate zari work. Jayakwadi dam close by is a beautiful resort. Also located nearby is the Dnyaneshwar Udyan - Maharashtra's largest garden developed on the lines of famous Pinjore and Mysore's Vrindavan gardens, but is five times the size. The musical fountains in the garden are mesmerizing. Some water sports can also be tried at Paithan.

How to reach Paithan

Nearest Railway Station : Aurangabad
Distance : Aurangabad to Paithan - 50 kilometers (By Road)