WGW_Pune

Termperature

Summer 22-36°C, Winter 10-27°C

Best time to visit

October to March

Famous For

Famous for the holy fire temple of Zoroastrian community

Read more about Udvada

Shirdi

State

Shirdi, synonymous with Sai Baba, is a small town fragrant with the devotional strength that ropes in devotees from the world over. It is best known as the late 19th century home of the popular guru Shirdi Sai Baba.

History

The history of Shirdi is closely linked with the life of the highly venerated saint Sai Baba who died here in the year 1918, and ever since this town has attained importance as a spiritual and religious center. He used to reside in Khandoba temple, where he got the title of ‘Sai’ (saint) given by a local villager named Mahalsapathi. Leading a very simple and ascetic life, Sai Baba lived in the village as a beggar and soon his innate charisma began to draw followers from both the Hindu and Muslim communities. The natural gifts of this saint r said to have healed the wounds of many people who were caught in worldly dilemmas. The entire town can still feel the grace of this saint who is believed to have been the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, one of the Hindu trinity.

Accessibility

Air: Mumbai Chatrapati Shivaji International airport, which is 305 km away from Shirdi is the nearest airport. All the major airlines have service from Mumbai to all major cities in India and many cities abroad including Singapore, Hong Kong, Colombo and gulf countries. Taxis are available from Mumbai to Shirdi and costs about Rs 6000.

Rail: Shirdi is well connected to all neighboring cities by Government owned buses. Private A/C and non A/C deluxe buses are also available from Nasik, Mumbai, Bangalore and Pune to Shirdi. Bus fare is about Rs 3 to Rs 4 per head.

Road: Kopergaon is the nearest railhead to Shirdi which is at a distance of 16 km from Shirdi. It is an important railway station in Delhi – Bangalore route. Taxi charge from Kopergaon to Shirdi is about Rs 300. Manmad is another nearest railhead in Mumbai – Delhi broad gauge line, which is nearly 58 km away from Shirdi. Shirdi has a computerized ticket reservation centre for the delight of train travelers.

Shopping

There are several shops in Shirdi that sell photos and effigies of Sai Baba. This is the main commercial activity.

Accommodation

Accommodation is never a problem in Shirdi - from the MTDC hotel, tourist rest houses, dharamsalas and ashrams, to five star accommodations - the town is totally geared for pilgrims. Hotels like the Sun-N-Sand, Shraddha Park Inn and the Hotel Sai Leela, are a few of the entire range of hotels that offer special packages and check-in/check-out timings. You can stay in comfort and clean surroundings at one of the charitable sansthas and dharamsalas for just a handful of rupees.

Hotel Sun n Sand (Five-Star)
Hotel Sun n Sand is situated in the Taluka Kopergaon, at a distance of approximately 2 km from the bus stand of Shirdi. It is the only five-star hotel located here. The hotel provides amenities like Swimming Pool, Landscape Gardens, Jacuzzi, Banquet & Conference Facilities, Games/Fun Zone, Doctor On Call, Money Changer, Health Club, Travel Desk, Massages, Car Rental, Gift Shop, Handicraft Shop, Jogging Track, Table Tennis and Pool Table, Children's Recreation Area, etc.

Hotel Goradia's (Four-Star)
Hotel Goradia's is a 4-satr hotel, situated on the Pimpalwadi Road, just behind Sai Udyan. The hotel provides amenities like Automatic Wake-up Calls, Meeting, Banquet & Conference Facilities, Doctor On Call, Travel Desk, Car Rental, Children Play Park & Rides, Shopping Arcade, Internet & E-mail Facility, Left Luggage Room, Fax Facility, Free Drivers Accommodation, Doctor On Call, Pool Table, Video Games, Indoor Games, etc.

Hotel Sai Leela (Three-Star)
Hotel Sai Leela is a three-star hotel, situated on the Pimpalwadi Road and lying very close to the Sai Baba Temple. The hotel provides amenities like Table Tennis and Pool Table, Video Games, 24 Hour Amenities Shop, Swimming Pool, Water Park Facilities, Children's Playground, Lush Gardens, Cricket Nets, Basketball and Volleyball Ground, Mini Golf, Putting Course, Cycling Track, Jogging Track, Plant Nursery, etc.

Hotel Sai Sahavas (Three-Star)
Hotel Sai Sahavas is another hotel situated on the Pimpalwadi Road, at a distance of approximately 3 km from the bus stand of Shirdi. The hotel boasts of a three star status. It provides amenities like Travel Desk, Meditation / Prayer Hall, Free Drivers Accommodation, Multi-cuisine Restaurant, Fax, E-mail, Internet Access, Doctor on Call, etc.

Shraddha Park Inn (Three-Star)
Shraddha Park Inn is a three-star hotel, situated at the Pimplewadi Road, just besides the Sai Baba Temple. The hotel provides amenities like three Swimming Pools, Direct Dial Phones, 24 Hour Rooms Service, Multi-cuisines Restaurant, Business Services, Photocopying Facilities, Travel Desk, Fax, E-mail, Internet Access, etc.

District

Ahmednagar

STD Code

02423

Topic

Popular Religious Sites

Best time to visit

September to April

Read more about Shirdi

Rajmachi

State

Rajmachi, a small village in the rugged mountains of Sahyadri, is located in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra between the cities of Mumbai and Pune. It is a famous spot for trekking.

Accessibility

Air: The nearest airport is Pune airport, which is at distance of 70 km from Rajamachi town. Pune is connected to Mumbai, Goa and Bangalore by air. Major international airport near to Rajmachi is Mumbai Chatrapati Shivaji International airport. This is at a distance of 120 km away from Rajnachi. Tourist taxis cost about Rs 2500 to Mumbai and Rs 1500 to Pune from Rajmachi.

Rail: Lonavala railway station, which is only 7 km from Rajmachi, lies in the main railway line between Mumbai and Pune. Many express trains between Mumbai and Pune stops here. Lonavala is connected to all major railheads through Mumbai and Pune.

Road: State owned buses connect nearest cities with Rajmachi. Any tourist service providers arrange package tours by A/C deluxe buses to Rajmachi from Mumbai and Pune. They charge about Rs 4 per km in these A/C luxury buses.

Things to do

Trekking: Rajamachi is a renowned trekking place in Maharashtra. The Western Ghats and Sahyadri ranges offers mild to hard trekking experiences to all adventure loving tourists. The area famed for its exotic natural attractions is really a breathtaking place to have trekking expeditions. Climbing the hilly terrains to reach the famous medieval forts is a real experience for lifelong memory.

The trekking trails from Rajmachi to Khandala plateau, to Tungarli lake and also to Lonavala are challenging for amateur trekkers. One can trek form Rajmachi to Konadana caves or to Ulhas river shore. Many tourists to have nice experience of natural treks visit this unspoiled nature’s gift.

Location

Rajmachi is situated in the Karjat region of the Western Ghats in Pune district near Lonavala and Khandala.

STD Code

02114

Topic

Upcoming

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Mumbai

State

Mumbai is a city that do not go to sleep and has been compared to new york of India and is considered as the commercial capital of India. For decades the city has attracted migrants who come here to earn bread, many fail and those who survive are absorbed in the pace of Mumbai.

History

Mumbai was given by Portuguese as dowry to Charles II of England when he married Catherine. The group of seven island was leased to the East India Company who offered freedom of business and religion to persons who came and settled here. Initially a few Parsis and Gujarati came but soon a sizeable population began to thrive here.

This was way back in the 17th century. Today also Mumbai is a city of migrants. People from all over the country have come and settled here. This gives the society of Mumbai a multi-lingual and multi-cultural colour.

In the 18th century Mumbai grew rapidly and it also became one of the leading centers for the activists in the freedom struggle. Britishers played their role by shifting the presidency from Surat to Bombay, the former name of Mumbai. Also, the first railway line on which train moved was laid between Bombay and Thane.

Bombay played a formative role in shaping the freedom struggle. It hosted the first Indian National Congress and was also a venue for the declaration of 'Quit India' by Gandhiji. Today Mumbai is the capital of Maharashtra. Bombay was re-named as Mumbai in 1996.

Accessibility

By Air: Mumbai has its own domestic and international airport, known as Chatrapati Shivaji international airport.

By Rail: Mumbai is the headquarters of Indian railway system. Chhatrapati Shivaji Railway Station is the major one which connects all most parts of Indian cities to Mumbai.

By Road: Mumbai has an excellent road transportation system. State owned buses connect Mumbai to all neighboring points.

Mumbai offers an excellent water journey within the country and abroad. Many private companies offer their cruises from Mumbai to foreign countries.

Shopping

Mumbai is a paradise for shoppers and any trip to the city is incomplete without shopping. Here in Mumbai you will find everything of daily use that include clothes, shoes, perfumes and cosmetics, gadgets and gizmos, furnitures, books etc. There are certain areas of the city where you find a bit of everything, besides, you will also find hawkers who sell a variety of items. Mumbai has a number of shopping malls, which have several branded outlets. Some of the important shopping markets of Mumbai are Chor Bazaar, Oshiwara Joona-Poorana Market, Zaveri Bazaar, Gandhi Market, Crawford market etc.

Colaba Causeway: Colaba Causeway, a prime spot of vibrant tourist activities, is a major road link elevated by a bank between Mumbai’s Old Woman’s Island and Colaba. The causeway, established by English east India Company, is parallel to Gate way of India and is thickly populated with shops, hotels, cinema halls and restaurants.

Colaba Causeway is a dynamic shopping suburban area, visited by all shopping tourist freaks. All varieties of clothing materials, electronics equipments, Indian and imported high values items and cosmetics are available plenty in the shops of Colaba Causeway.

Church of St John the Evangelist (Afghan Church) and the Sasson Dock are main tourist attractions in this area. When you visit Mumbai, do not forget to shop at Colaba Causeway.

Fashion Street: Fashion Street in Mumbai is located in bust MG Road. This is the dream place of trendy fashions. Plenty of textile shops selling all varieties of fashion dresses are the main attractions of the street. The super malls to small petty shops sell beautiful varieties of dresses for all ages. Shopping freaks can get all kinds of items from traditional dresses to state of the art most modern trendy styled wears.

Export quality dress materials are available here in cheap prizes. Do not forget to bargain on the prices. You can get a good amount of saving by bargain. Apart from textile items, tourist can venture out here to get jeweler items, bags, shoes and kids toys.

Accommodation

Plenty of accommodation is available in Mumbai ranging from five star hotels to budget hotels. Equipped with the contemporary facilities the hotels of Mumbai provide comfortable stay to guests. Some of the popular hotels of Mumbai include :

Luxury Hotels : JW Marriott, Renaissance Mumbai Hotel, The Taj Mahal Palace and Tower, ITC Grand Maratha Sheraton & Towers, The Oberoi, Hilton Towers, The Leela Kempinski, The Taj President, Le Royal Meridien, Taj Land's End, Grand Hyatt and Hyatt Regency.

Deluxe Hotels : The Orchid, The Marine Plaza, Ramada Palm Grove, Best Western the Emerald, Sun-N-Sand, Sea Princess and Lotus Suites.

Standard Hotels : The Ambassador, The Fariyas, Rodas, The Gordon House Hotel and Y.W.C.A International Guest House.

Oberoi Towers
One of the five-star deluxe hotels in Mumbai, Oberoi Towers is situated in the heart of the city. It has facilities like Coffee shop, Bar, Fax, Safe Deposit, Business Centre, Banquet Hall, Conference Room, Beauty Parlor, Health Club, Swimming Pool, Tennis Court, Discotheque, Shopping Complex, Money Changer, Banking, Baby Sitting Arrangements, etc.

Taj Mahal Hotel
Taj Mahal Intercontinental Hotel is one of the premier hotels in Mumbai, situated on the waterfront adjacent to the Gateway of India. It has facilities like Bar, Fax, Safe Deposit, Business Centre, Banquet Hall, Conference Hall, Beauty Parlor, Health Club, Swimming Pool, Lounge, Shopping Complex, Money Changer, Florist, Baby Sitting Arrangements, Book Shops, etc.

J.W. Mariott
J.W. Marriot is counted amongst the best five-star deluxe hotels of Mumbai. It has facilities like Live Entertainment Lounge, Swimming Pools, Whirlpool with beach access, Shopping Gallery, Business Centre, Meeting/Banquet Facilities, Restaurant, Coffee Shop, Cocktail Lounge, Child Care Services, Hair Salon, Gift Shop, Massage & Spa Treatment, Aerobics Studio, Card & Board Games, Billiards Tables, Gymnasium, Safe Deposit, Night Club 'Enigma', etc.

Ambassador Hotel
Also known as 'Queens Necklace', Ambassador Hotel has Mumbai's only revolving restaurant 'The Pearl of The Orient'. It has facilities like Separate Executive Floor, Banquet Hall, Conference Rooms, Laundry, Money Changer, Safe Deposit, Fax, E- room for Internet surfing, Swimming Pool, etc.

Guesthouses
For those who are looking for cheap accommodation, guesthouses are one of the best options. They are available are at very reasonable rates and even the services provided there are quite good.

Home Stays
In cities like Mumbai and Chennai, you have the option of arranging home stays also. For this, you will be required to contact the local tourist office. This boarding is extremely reasonable and is the best way to explore the culture and people of the city.

Attractions

Ganesha Chaturthi
Ganesha Chaturthi is one of the most important festivals celebrated in Mumbai. The ten day long event held in August/September was given religious and cultural dimensions to engender feelings of nationalism and self-esteem by Lokmanya Tilak during the freedom movement. Colourful pavilions house ornate statues of the God Ganesh and the nights come alive with the folk dances- Dandiya and Garba- before the festival culminates with the idols ceremoniously taken in procession to be immersed in the sea on Chowpatty beach. The Hindu festivals of Dashera or Navratri and Diwali; Muslim festivals of Id and Christian festivals of Easter and Christmas are celebrated with great community participation and gusto. The cultural year begins with the Banganga Festival of Music held near Banganga Tank every January. The Elephanta Festival held in February on the Elephanta Island is a festival of classical Indian dance and music organised by the MTDC. Famous classical dancers, singers and musicians perform during this festival. The Kala Ghoda Festival showcases the country and particularly regional arts and crafts and is held every Sunday from November to January.

STD Code

022

Topic

Metropolitan City

Popular

Best time to visit

October to April

Read more about Mumbai

Matheran

State

Matheran, located on the Western Ghats, is the smallest hill station in India. Matheran is an eco-sensitive region, declared by the Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of India and thus one of the few places in the world where vehicles are not allowed, which makes the place different from others.

History

Matheran was discovered by Hugh Poyntz Malet, who was the Collector of the Thane District and todate Matheran pays tribute to this man as several places are named after him. During the time of Lord Elphinstone, Matheran became better connected. The Governor of Bombay was so overwhelmed by the beauty of this place, that he built himself a home here. The road to Matheran from Neral also came into existence thanks to him.

Accessibility

By Air: Mumbai is the nearest airport to Matheran which is about 100 km away from Matheran city.

By Rail: Neral is the nearest railhead which is about 20 km away from Matheran. It is well connected to other major Indian cities like Pune, Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra.

By Road: Matheran is connected to neighboring cities by these public transport bus services.

Shopping

At the main bazaar you can purchase leather articles, hats, chappals and the very tempting sweet ‘chikki’ a speciality here. The honey available in Matheran is supposed to be of very good quality so buy a jar or two.

Accommodation

From simple lodges to luxury resorts, an MTDC bungalow to pure vegetarian guesthouses, Matheran has accommodation options to cater to all budgets. Hotel Ascot, Richie Rich Resort, Hotel Regal and the latest in the Neemrana chain called Hotel in the Verandah Forest are part of the luxury chain resorts in Matheran.

Things to do

Trekking
Matheran and its surrounding areas are a treat for the outdoor enthusiast. There are many trekking routes to reach Matheran with the easiest and most popular one being through the Garbert Plateau.The route starts from Bhivpuri station and the climb is most wonderful in the rainy season as there are any number of rivulets and streams that one has to cross during the trek. It would be wise to make an early start and hire the services of a local guide.

District

Raigad

Location

90 km from Mumbai, and 120 km from Pune.

STD Code

02148

Topic

Upcoming

Best time to visit

October to May

Read more about Matheran

Karnala

State

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/dinesh_valke/318369773/in/photostream

Karnala is a protected wildlife park on the Konkan coast of Maharashtra, 10 km off the Mumbai-Pune highway. It is home to the Karnala Fort and the Karnala Bird Sanctuary. The place offers some beautiful walks, treks and bird watching.

History

Karnala boasts of a rich history as it was ruled by many local and foreign invaders including Muslims, Portuguese and Marathas. The Karnala Fort, once a Maratha bastion that changed many hands, is a popular tourist attraction here.

The Karnala fort was built during the 12th century. Karnala was of strategic importance because of its command of the highroad between Bhor Ghat and the rivers of Panvel and Apta, watching the trade route. Between 1248 and 1318, it was under DevgYada and from 1318 - 1347; it was under Daulatabad Muslim rulers. Subsequently it was with the Gujarat rulers, with the help of Portuguese. It changed hands many times between Shivaji, the Mughals and Peshwas. In 1803, it came under Bhaji Rao and it was in 1819 that the British took control of the fort.

Accessibility

By Air: Nearest major airport is Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai, which is nearly 60 km from Karnala.

By Rail: Panavel is a main railway station under the Mumbai railway division, which is at a distance of 10 km from Karnala.

By Road: Karnala is well connected to other cities in and around by state owned public transport buses. Many private owned buses also provide transport service between Karnala and neighboring cities, including Mumbai and Kashid.

Shopping

Shopping in Karnala offers variety of items to the shopping freaks. Present Karnala thrives not only on handicrafts, artifacts and common household items, but the most modern designer fabrics, electronic goods and mouth watering eatables. The Karnala streets are lined up with petty shops to large multi floored sales malls. From the items required for religious rituals to high end items are available here in plenty.

The hand made designer saris with embroideries are special items in Karnala. The busy shopping places in Karnala are an inviting place.

There are very few things to buy here, unless you''re into plants. Two nurseries on the highway sell pots, frames, wrought iron furniture and other gift items. At the Yusuf Meherally Centre you can buy nature-based products such as neem oil, sandalwood soap, and other natural products.

Accommodation

Shalom Resort, overlooks the Karnala Fort. Prices range from Rs 1500 upwards. Panaroma Resorts The resort is spread over 17 acres of landscaped gardens offers cottages and is in close proximity to the Bird Sanctuary. Prices range from Rs. 2600 – 5000. MTDC offers tents, the Forest Department has a Rest House and cottages near the highway. Food is available at small highway restaurants. Accommodation arrangements have to be made in advance.

Things to do

Rock Climbing: Rock climbing in Karnala is really an experience. The steep rock in the center of the Karnala fort offers the visitor a great challenge. The undulated hilly terrains approaching the Karnala fort is really sticky and dangerous. Many adventurous people visit Karnala to take up the envious challenge offered by the slippery, rough and sharp rocks and reaching the pinnacle of these rocks is really a life time experience for the rock climbers.

One can see breathtaking glimpse of the down city from the pinnacle of the rock. For amateur trekkers the Karnala trekking poses mild to medium challenges, while for common tourist it is really a great challenge to reach up to the top.

District

Raigad

Location

50 km from Mumbai

STD Code

02143

Topic

Unexplored

Read more about Karnala

Daman

State

Daman and Diu

Daman, a small beach town and an ex-Portuguese enclave, still retains a taste of old Portugal with well preserved forts and churches. While the town has a 2000 year old history, it is the Portuguese rule and legacy that draws visitors to this town. Daman is sometimes referred to as the Twin Fort City for the two impressive forts built by the Portuguese.

The Damanganga River, which flows into the Arabian Sea, divides the town into two distinct parts - the Nani Daman (Little Daman) and Moti Daman (Big Daman). The massive Daman Fort encloses the Moti Daman part of town.

History

Traces of Daman's history reach back to the 1st century A.D. In 1531, the Portuguese captured Daman along with Diu and Goa and these regions were officially ceded to the Portuguese by Bahadur Shah, the last major Gujarati Sultanate in 1559.

In 1961, these Portuguese territories joined the Union Trerritory of India under Operation Vijay. In 1975, the Treaty of Friendship and Peace accorded it De facto recognition to form an integral part and parcel of India. Till 1987 Goa, Daman and Diu were considered a single union territory, when Goa became a separate state. Today it is only the Union territory of Daman and Diu governed from Delhi.

Accessibility

Air

Nearest airport is Bombay 193 kms.

Rail

Nearest railhead is Vapi 12kms. The best way to get to Daman is by train, the nearest railway station being Vapi (10 km). Vapi is connected to Mumbai, Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Surat and Rajkot. The distance between Vapi and Daman can be covered by bus, shared taxi or auto-rickshaw. The other railhead is at Valsad in Maharashtra, 45 km away. Local buses, unmetered taxis and tongas are available from the railhead to the town.

Road

Daman is 193 km from Mumbai, 367 km from Ahmedabad, 763 km from Diu and 87km from Panaji in Goa by National Highway – 8 running from Ahmedabad to Mumbai. It connects Daman via Vapi. Gujarat and Maharashtra state transport corporations operate daily bus services to and from Daman to Vapi, Bhilad and Valsad or one could also hire a car from rental agencies in Surat or Mumbai. The coastal roads are in fairly good shape, making it a pretty and pleasant drive.

Shopping

There is Foreign Market in Daman town where one can buy imported goods. In Nani Daman electronic items and household goods are available and of course, IMFL liquor is available in plenty!

Accommodation

Most tourist accommodation is located at small Daman or Nani Daman, across the Daman Ganga River from Moti Daman. The road along the seafront is full of decent hotels that along with great views, offer their guests comfortable rooms with or without air conditioning, ensuite bathrooms, in house dining facilities and even a roof garden! Down at Miramar and around Devka are good guesthouses, holiday cottages and a resort complex; all of them have decent accommodation and good dining facilities.

Location

Daman is situated on the west coast of India on the Arabian Sea and off the Surat District in Gujarat

STD Code

0260

Topic

Unexplored