March 2013 - Amazing Maharashtra

SRI SATHYA SAI PANDURANG KSHETRA

Sri Sathya Sai Pandurang Kshetra
The Pandurang Sai temple, temple of Lord Vithoba, is located at Hadshi. The temple is situated near Girivan atop a hill, close to Pawna Lake and nestled in beautiful scenic surroundings. The Hadshi temple was built by Mr. Jadhav and inaugurated by Shri Sathya Sai Baba. The first floor of the temple has the Pandurang Shrine while the ground floor has Sai Baba and Sathya Sai Baba. The temple is maintained by Sathya Sai Trust.

Temple’s Timings
Morning 7.00 am to Evening 8.00 pm.

Best Season to Visit
During Monsoon and Winter. Evening time is awesome experience.

Nearby Attractions
Palse Waterfall (35 km), Lohagad Fort (20 km), Visapur Fort (28 km)

KAMSHET

Kamshet - Paragliding Paradise
Kamshet is a popular hill station located in the state of Maharashtra. The village Kamshet is 16 kilometers ahead of the twin hill stations of Khandala and Lonavala. The place is known for its beautiful scenic view.

Tourist Attractions
There are several attractions in Kamshet which are worth seeing. The Kondeshwar Temple dedicated to Hindus God Shiva is a beautiful place of worship is located at Pohara near to Kamshet. Thousands of devotees come to visit this temple at the time of Mahashivratri. The town are also credited with many ancient Caves and Temples. Some of the popular ones are the Karla Caves, Bhaja Caves and Bedsa Caves. The Vadavali Lake is the popular picnic spot of the town where you can enjoy boating. Paragliding is one of the prime attraction in Kamshet. Every year the town organizes Paragliding competitions. These competitions attract the thousands of participants as well as the viewers from all over the world. There are numerous paragliding schools for the beginners in Kamshet.

Best time to visit Kamshet
October to May (Summer 22°C to 40°C; Winter 12°C to 33°C)

Hotels in Kamshet
The locals offer a warm welcome to the tourists. There are several hotels and resorts which offers comfortable rooms and delicious food to the tourists.

Nirvana Base Camp (+91-2114-266187) Min. Tariff - INR 1500/-
Paragliding Ashram (+91-2114-266122) Min. Tariff - INR 2400/
Native Place (+91-2114-286007) Min. Tariff - INR 3400/-

How to reach Kamshet
To travel to this beautiful place you can use cab or bus service either from the Pune Airport or from the Mumbai Airport.

Nearest Railway Station - Lonavala Railway Station. From Lonavala Railway Station to Kamshet is about 16 Kilometers and it costs approximately INR 300/- by cab.

PALGHAR

Palghar
There are several holiday spots near Mumbai city which attract thousands of tourists not only from Maharashtra but from all over India and one among these is Palghar.

Palghar is an attractive coastal town in Thane district in Maharashtra and is known for its pollution free environment. The town is still greenish with farms with Palm trees, Chickoo trees, Coconuts and rice cultivation. It is about 106 km away from the Mumbai city. People from Mumbai and suburbs prefer to travel to Palghar to enjoy a soothing break from their hectic work schedule.

The town is easily approachable using the cabs or train service from Mumbai. The trip to the town can prove itself to be an amazing experience for your family as it has the recreation centers for children as well as for the adults also. For children the town has many parks, playgrounds and for the adults there are several night clubs.

To provide proper accommodation to the tourists the town has several hotels and resorts which provide comfortable rooms for all the budget people and delicious food also. These services are offered in the town at very reasonable prices. There are several restaurants and takeaways in the town which offer varieties of delicious cuisines.

There are several attractions in the town which are worth seeing. The Kelve Beach is a beautiful beach of the town where you can have a wonderful beach experience with your family. The unique feature of the Kelve beach is the abundance of the Australian Pine trees. There is a historical fort called “Shirgaon Fort” lies close to the Shirgaon beach. The fort is a tourist place to bring back the memory of Maratha Culture and the golden days of Maratha rule in this region. The picturesque environs of the Shirgaon fort and cleanliness attract many historians apart from the regular tourists. The Waghoba waterfall flows during monsoon serves as a popular picnic spot for the travelers. The waterfall is situated on the Manor Road. Tarapur the town where India’s first nuclear plant is situated is very close to Palghar.

Prati Balaji Temple, Ketkawale

Prati Balaji Temple Ketkawale Pune
Lord Venkateswara’s temple located in Ketkawale Pune is a magnificent replica of the world famous Tirupati Balaji Temple. The idol, wood work, Sanctum Sanctorum, priests and even the laddoo makers, seem to be paying obeisance to the original abode of the Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala. The temple was constructed by the V H Group at a cost of Indian National Rupees 27 Crores.

The temple is open from 5:00 AM till 8:00 PM.




Daily Pooja Schedule and timings from Monday to Sunday
TimingsPooja Details
05.00 am to 05.30 amSuprabhatam
06.30 am to 08.15 amMorning Pooja
10.00 am to 11.15 amAfternoon Pooja
06.00 pm to 07.15 pmEvening Pooja
08.00 pm onwardsShuddhi, Ekantseva

Darshan Close Timings (Approximate)
Daily Naivedyam07.30 am to 08.15 am
10.30 am to 11.15 am
06.30 pm to 07.15 pm
09.00 am to 09.30 amSaliampu – Netradarshan (Thursday Only)
05.00 pm to 05.30 pmPoolangi Seva (Thursday Only)
08.15 am to 10.15 amAfter Abhishekam (Friday Only)

Friday Special Program
07.30 am to 08.00 amAbhishekam
05.00 pm to 05.45 pmUnjalseva

Accommodation and Meal
The temple provides food and accommodation facilities for their devotees.

Contact Details
Name :
LORD VENKATESHWARA CHARITABLE TRUST

Address :
UTTARA KSHETRAMA/P-KETKAWALETAL-PURANDHAR SASWAD-412205

Location :
SASWAD, PUNE, Maharashtra, India

Contact Number(s) : +91 (2115)  236176 / 236109 / 236171 / 236154

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FILM CITY

Film City Mumbai
Film City, is an integrated film studio complex, is located in Goregaon on the outskirts of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. It is amongst the largest of studios in the glamorous tinsel town of the Indian Film Industry (Bollywood). It is spread over an area of 520 acres of land and has 44 enchanting outdoor locations, 16 cozy air-conditioned studios with over 9300 square meters of space with 85 air conditioned make-up rooms attached to locations and shooting floors.

The Film City was constructed by the Maharashtra State Government to help the Hindi film industry (Bollywood) and provide facilities for it to flourish. It was renamed Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagri in memory of Shri. Dhundiraj Govind Phalke (commonly known as Dadasaheb Phalke) who was father of Indian cinema.

The main attraction here is real-like Sets, which include Bungalows, Gardens, Temples, Helipads, Fountains, Mountains, Picnic spots, Cities and Villages which are essential for film shooting. As visitors are concerned, the prime attraction is the prospect of seeing the film shooting with its famous star cast.

Unfortunately, Mumbai Film City isn't open for public. A prior permission from relevant authorities and adequate contacts is required to access the place.

HOW TO REACH FILM CITY & CONTACT NUMBER(S)
Nearest Railway Station : Goregaon (Western Railway)

Distance By Road : Goregaon Station to Film City - 3 Kilometers

Contact Number(s) : 022-28401533 / 28403530 / 28497500

SHANIWAR WADA

Shaniwar Wada Pune
Shaniwar Wada is a palace fort situated near the Mula-Mutha River in Kasba Peth, Pune, Maharashtra. It was the royal residence and ruling office of the Peshwas in 18th and 19th Century. The structure was constructed by Peshwa Baji Rao I, the Prime minister to the fourth Maratha Chhatrapati Shahu. Shaniwar Wada is a confluence of Maratha craftsmanship and Mughal architecture. The Palace was largely destroyed in a big fire in 1828; only the heavy granite ramparts, strong teak gateways and deep foundations and ruins of the building within the fort survived.

Interesting Fact
Shaniwar Wada is known to be one of the most haunted places in India. It is said that full moon nights are very much haunted in Shaniwar Wada. There is a story behind this, according to legend this fort palace is haunted by the ghost of 14 year old Narayan Rao Peshwa. Narayan Rao Peshwa was cruelly assassinated by one of his relatives. His assassins chased him, all across the palace, the 14 year old boy ran to Raghunath Rao, his uncle, crying “Kaka mala vachva” (English Translation : “Uncle saves me”). But his cry remained unheard and little Narayan Rao was killed mercilessly. Even today locals claimed that they hear his cries for help at midnight on every new moon night.
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PATALESHWAR CAVE TEMPLE

Pataleshwar Cave Temple Pune
The Pataleshwar Cave Temple is a rock-cut cave temple, is situated on the Junglee Maharaj Road, in the heart of the city of Pune in Maharashtra.

The cave temple has a unique factor, it is below the ground level and has been hand-hewn from a basalt rock, is dedicated to the Supreme God Shiva (also known as Lord Pataleshwar, the god of the underworld).

The sanctum - a hexahedron shaped room about 3–4 meters on each side - houses Shiv Lingam and there are two smaller cells on each side. In front of the cave is a rounded Nandi Mandapa, its umbrella shaped canopy supported by massive square pillars. This Mandapa (pillared outdoor hall) is one of the peculiar structures of Pataleshwar.

The sculpture of the cave temple never got fully completed but remains incomplete, possibly because of a fault line found at the back of the sanctum Sanctorum, which made the further sculpting unsafe, or political upheaval resulting in loss of patronage. Still worshiped by devotees, the Shiv Lingam is anointed with Ghee and Dahi. A brass temple bell hangs outside the basalt entryway of the cave temple adds to its beauty.

The temple also houses the statues of Lord Rama, Laxmana, and Devi Sita carved with white stones.

The temple resembles the Ellora and Elephanta Caves in its architectural style and it has been declared to be of National Importance under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological sites and remains act 1958 (Act Number 24 of 1958).

Photo Gallery

Pataleshwar Cave Temple PunePataleshwar Cave Temple Pune

BALAJI TEMPLE

Balaji Temple Nerul
Balaji Temple Nerul
Balaji Temple situated atop a small hillock near the west side of Nerul, Navi Mumbai is an artistically made temple. This temple is an exact copy of Tirumala Venkateswara Temple and is one of the most famous temples located in Navi Mumbai. The presiding deity in this temple is Lord Balaji. The temple has Rajagopuram (Grand Entrance Tower) which is nearly 60 feet high and is made of exclusively carved granite stones. This temple has been constructed in the typical Shilpashastras style. The Temple complex houses numerous other subsidiary temples  (according to Shilpahastras) namely Shree Vidya Ganpati Temple, Padmavati Devi Temple, Shree Hanuman Temple, Shree Vishwakasena Temple, Shree Ramanuja Temple and Lakshmi Nrisimha Temple.

The Idol of Lord Balaji stands in the Garbha Ghar (innermost sanctum)  is very beautiful. The height of the idol is 8 ft. The Idol was sculpted at Mahabalipuram out of a single rock.

The surroundings of the temple are very pleasant. From the rear side of the temple you can see the beautiful Palm beach road which connects Vashi with Belapur and goes via Nerul.

Best time to visit the Balaji Temple and timings
Any time during the year. Timings Morning 6.00 AM to Evening 8.00 PM

How to reach there
Nerul being the biggest residential node is well connected to Mumbai City

Nearest Airport : Mumbai International Airport (Code : BOM)

Distance : Mumbai Airport to Balaji Temple Nerul - 28 Kilometers By Road Via Sion Panvel Express Highway

BIBI KA MAQBARA

Bibi ka Maqbara Aurangabad
Bibi Ka Maqbara, also called the Taj of the Deccan, is a magnificent mausoleum situated in Aurangabad, Maharastra. This mausoleum is believed to have been built by Prince Azam Shah, son of Mughal Emperor Abul Muzaffar Muhi ud-Din Muhammad Aurangzeb, in the late 17th century, as a loving tribute to his mother Rabia-ul-Daurani alias Dilras Banu Begum. This mausoleum is a replica of the world famous Taj Mahal of Agra, the mausoleum of Arjumand Banu better known as Mumtaz Mahal. Bibi ka Maqbara was designed by architect Ata-Ullah, the son of Ustad Ahmad Lahauri who designed the famous Taj Mahal.

Visiting Hours
08.00 AM to 06.00 PM

Entry Fee
For Indian Citizens Rs.10/-
For Foreigners Rs.100/-

How to reach there
Nearest Airport - Chikkalthana Airport (Code IXU/VAAU)
Nearest Railway Station - Aurangabad Cantonment

Distance by Road
Chikkalthana Airport to Bibi ka Maqbara - 12.5 Kilometers
Aurangabad Cantonment to Bibi ka Maqbara - 6.2 Kilometers

MALSHEJ GHAT

Waterfall Picture - Malshej Ghat, Pune‎
Malshej Ghat is a picturesque mountain pass nestled in the lofty rugged hills of the Western Ghats range in the district of Pune in Maharashtra. It is a scenic tourist spot located at an altitude of 700 meters from sea level. A nice view of valleys is one of the premier attractions here.

Surrounded by covers of dense green forests, Malshej Ghat is shelter to hundreds of different species of birds such as flamingos, Alpine swift, quails, green pigeon, rails, crakes and pied crested cuckoos.

But during the monsoon this abode of birds turns into their graveyard as the heavy gusts of wind, heavy shower and dense fog often result in the birds getting disoriented. These birds hit the big cliffs of mountains and they die.

Best time to visit Malshej Ghat
Malshej Ghat is a perfect holiday destination during the monsoon (June to September)

Climate / Temperature
Cool, Temperature between 10°C to 18°C

How to reach Malshej Ghat
Nearest Railway Station
Kalyan Railway Station

By Road
If you are going from Mumbai, take National Highway [3] to Bhiwandi and turn towards Murbad.

Distance
Mumbai to Malshej Ghat (By Road) - 127 Kilometers Via NH 222.

Nearby Attractions Malshej Ghat
Pimpalgaon Joga Dam, Harischandragad Fort, Shivneri Fort, Lenyadri (Ashta Vinayak)

Accommodation
MTDC Resort # 95521 99981 / 88792 22031
[Tariff : Rs.1600/- to Rs.3200/-; Extra Guest Rs.400/-]

Photo Gallery

Malshej Ghat
Malshej Ghat

PANDAVKADA WATERFALLS

Pandavkada Waterfall Kharghar Navi Mumbai
Pandavkada Falls is a majestic cascading waterfall, located amidst lush green Pandavkada hills at Kharghar in Navi Mumbai. The waterfall is at its best during monsoons thus becoming a popular spot for one day picnics among the Mumbaikars and the locals of Navi Mumbai.

The cascading waterfalls fall from a considerable height, offers a wonderful splash which is worth enjoying.

Best time to visit Pandavkada Waterfalls
Obviously during monsoon. (Mid June to early September)

* We don't recommend to visit this place during heavy showers as the area becomes prone to mudslides.


Things to be kept in Mind
The Waterfall is declared as ‘dangerous spots’ by CIDCO due to drowning of many school students. According to officials of the Kharghar Police Station, the waterfall claims 12 lives in the last seven years. All the victims slipped on the rocks and drowned in the waterfall.

Nearby Attraction
Buddhist Caves

How to reach Pandavkada Waterfall
By Trains
The nearest Railway Station is Kharghar Railway Station (Harbour Line)

By Road
You can take Bus (NMMT Bus Route No. 54) from the Kharghar Railway Station to the falls (Pandavkada is the 6th stop from the Kharghar Station) or hire an auto rickshaw from the Kharghar Railway Station. [Auto Rickshaw would cost you around Rupees Sixty]

Distance
Kharghar Railway Station to Pandavkada falls - 9 Kilometers

Hotels and restaurants nearby Pandavkada
Royal Tulip # 022-3365 3365
Hotel Three Star # 09320 129093



Pandavkada Waterfall Photo

Pandavkada Waterfall Kharghar Navi MumbaiPandavkada Waterfall Kharghar Navi Mumbai

HAJI ALI DARGAH

Tomb of Sufi Saint Haji Ali
The Haji Ali Dargah, is a Mosque, built on a tiny islet located 500 meters from the coast, in the middle of Worli bay, in the vicinity of Worli. It is one of the most popular religious places in Mumbai City. The mosque is a brilliant specimen of the Indo-Islamic style of architecture. The Shrine is spread over an area of approximately 4500 square meters and it houses the tomb of 15th Century Sufi Saint Sayed Peer Haji Ali Shah Bukhari. The tomb is situated just next to the entrance and is covered with a green and red colored shawl. An exquisite silver frame supports the tomb which itself is supported by marble pillars.

The Haji Ali Dargah is considered to be a sacred place in Mumbai city. People of all faiths and sects visit the Dargah to offer their prayers and for the fulfillment of their wishes by the blessings of the Saint Haji Ali. The mosque has separate worship rooms for men and women according to the Muslim tradition.

The Haji Ali Dargah is only accessible during low tides as the causeway which goes to mosque gets submerged in water during high tides.

Best Time to Visit
The Shrine remains open for visitors throughout the year.

Dargah Timings
5.30 AM to 11.00 PM

Important Events
Urs, Eid-E-Milad-un-Nabi

How to reach Haji Ali Dargah
The Haji Ali Dargah is situated right next to the Bandra Worli Sea Link. You can reach the Dargah by hiring local transport like BEST Bus or Taxi.

Photo Gallery

Haji AliCauseway Haji Ali

KOLAD - ADVENTURE TRAVELERS PLACE

White Water Rafting at Kolad
If you are looking for an adventure travel destination, then KOLAD would be a perfect place for you. The Village Kolad is located on Mumbai Goa National Highway Number 17. The main attraction of this charming village is white water rafting at Kundalika River. Kundalika River is one among the fastest flowing river in the Maharashtra State. The river originates at a tiny village called Bhira. The river is flowing from the Sahydri Ranges to the Arabian Sea. The River Kundalika gets the excess water from Mulshi Dam, makes it ideally suited for White Water Rafting and other water based adventure activities and sports.

Location
The Village Kolad is located on Mumbai Goa Highway (NH-17).

Getting to Kolad
Kolad Railway Station is on the Konkan Railway Route and is well connected to Mumbai City.

Nearest Airport
Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai (Code : BOM)

When to Visit Kolad
During the Monsoon (June to September)

Adventure Activities / Sports
White Water Rafting, Kayaking, River Crossing, Zip Line, Paragliding, Ladder Climbing, Jet Ski Ride, Bumper Ride, Banana Ride, ATV Ride, Rock Climbing, Rappeling, Mountain Biking, Waterfall Rappelling, Canoeing, Archery, Boating

Kolad Hotels
Empower Activity Camp # 09422 691325

Nearby Attractions / Places to Visit
Harihareshwar, Dive Agar, Birla Temple, Raigad Fort, Murud Beach and Janjira Fort, Kashid Beach, Mahad Ganpati (Ashtavinayak), Sarasgad, Pali Ganpati (Ashtavinayak), Bhira Dam, Sutarwadi Lake, Sukeli Waterfalls, Kuda Caves

SUKELI WATERFALLS

Village House Kolad
Sukeli, a tiny village in Raigad District in the state of Maharashtra, is blessed with natural foliage and luxuriant greenery. It is a pretty attractive tourist destination near to the famous Kolad Village in Maharashtra. Apart from the majestic waterfalls, Sukeli offers amazing views and a peaceful, calm environment. The surroundings are imposing with lush green dense forests and valleys. Various bird species visit this place during the monsoon season.

Location
Mumbai Goa National Highway 17

Best time to Visit
During Monsoon (June to September)

Climate / Temperature
During Summer : 24°C to 40°C
During Winter : 12°C to 32°C

Nearest Railway Station
Roha Railway Station (Konkan Railway)

Distance (By Road)
Mumbai to Roha - 116 Kilometers (Via NH17)

Photo Gallery - Sukeli
Kolad Sukeli Kolad Sukeli