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Sawantwadi

State
Maharashtra

Sawantwadi was formerly the capital city of the 'Royal Kingdom of Sawantwadi', located at the Sahyadri Mountains. It is well known for its wooden toys (including life-like wooden models of fruits and vegetables) thanks to an active woodcraft industry. It is also becoming a major tourist attraction.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/fn-goa/1804563365/

History

Sawantwadi was the former capital of the erstwhile Kingdom Of Sawantwadi during the pre-independence era. It was ruled by the Bhonsale clan. In 1947, it was merged with the Independent Republic of India. At once (till 18th Century) the Kingdom of Sawantwadi included major portion of today's North Goa district (Pedne, Bicholim, Sattari) and present day's Kudal and Vengurla from Sindhudurg district. Pedne, Bicholim, Sattari were later taken over by Portuguese as a part of New Conquest(somewhere between 1765-1788) and merged with then Old Conquest to form present day's Goa. The bulk of the people, the Marathas, Bhandaris, and Mahars were formerly famous, both by land and sea, for their fierce cruelty. Even since the establishment of order under the British, Savantvadi has more than once been the scene of revolt and disturbance. But now for nearly thirty-five years peace has been unbroken and the old pirate and freebooting classes have settled as quiet husbandmen. The only remaining signs of special enterprise and vigour were, till a few years ago, their readiness to cross the sea to Mauritius in search of work, and the fondness that still remains for military and police service.

Accessibility

Air: The nearest airport to Sawantwadi is Belgaum, which is about 64 km away. Belgaum is connected to Mumbai and Bangalore by domestic flights. From Belgaum to Sawantwadi, taxi charge is about Rs 1300/-. Bangalore is the nearest International Airport, from where it requires about 12 hours travel to reach Sawantwadi by Taxi.

Rail: Nearest railhead is Samantha road railway station, which is 28 km away from Sawantwadi. Samantha is well connected to Belgaum, Bangalore and Hubli.

Road: State owned bus services are connecting Sawantwadi with many cities in Karnataka and Maharashtra. Tourist luxury buses are available from Bangalore, Mysore and Mumbai to Sawantwadi. Tourist bus costs about Rs 3 to Rs 4 per km

District
Sindhudurg
Topic
Upcoming

Ratnagiri

State
Maharashtra

Ratnagiri is located in the Konkan region, along the southwestern part of Maharashtra on the Arabian Sea Coast. It is surrounded by the Sahyadri ranges and was once the administrative capital of the Bijapur rulers. The town located on a slightly elevated harbour is one of the important ports of the Konkan coast.

History

Mythologically, The Pandavas are believed to have settled in the adjoining territory of Ratnagiri district in the 13th year of their pilgrimage.

Ratnagiri was made the administrative capital of the Bijapur rulers who made the fort here, which was later strengthened by Maratha king Shivaji Maharaj.

The town was under the control of Satara Kings in 1713 and in 1818 it was surrended to the British.

Accessibility

Air: Ratnagiri Airport is connected to Mumbai and Pune by air. The airport is nearly 12 km away from city center. Taxi cabs fare is about Rs 250 from airport to city center. Mumbai is the major International airport nearby. It is located nearly 370 km away from Ratnagiri. Mumbai is well connected to all major airports in India and many cities abroad.

Rail: Ratnagiri railway station is linked to all cities in India through Mumbai terminal. Regular daily express trains ply between Ratnagiri and Mumbai.

Road: Regular bus services are available from many cities in Maharastra to Ratnagiri. State owned and private buses ply from Ratnagiri to many cities in and around. Evening trips of tourist luxury buses are available from Mumbai to Ratnagiri. The bus charge is about Rs 1500.

Shopping

Shop artifacts made of seashells. The konkan region blessed with some of the finest horticulture fruits, offers a variety of local preparations like 'ambapoli' [thin pancakes of dried and crushed mangoes], 'phanaspoli' [thin pancakes of dried and crushed jackfruit], cashewnuts, coconuts etc. Summer time is best know for most famous variety of mangoes in the world - the Devgad 'hapus' mango.

District
Ratnagiri
Location
Ratnagiri is in the south western part of Ratnagiri district.
STD Code
02352
Topic
Upcoming
Popular Beach Destination
Best time to visit
October to April.

Rajmachi

State
Maharashtra

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
WGW_Mumbai
WGW_Pune

Panhala

State
Maharashtra

Panhala is a scenic hill station with both historical and religious significance. It is mostly identified with the Maratha warrior king Shivaji, who captured it in AD 1659.

History

The history of the Marathas is intimately linked with the history of Panhala Fort. Within the fort there are haunting anecdotes that are associated with different places within the fort. There is a temple within the fort called the Ambabai Temple. It is said that the great Maratha warrior Shivaji used to seek blessing here before venturing on an expedition. At a place called Pavan Khind, one faithful follower of Shivaji laid down his life fighting to facilitate Shivaji's escape.

The Panhala Fort is arguably the largest and strongest of all the forts in the region. Even to this day the fort reverberates with the memory of Maharashtra's favorite son and one of the bravest Kings in history, Shivaji. There is also a huge granary at Amberkhana. Panhala is famous not just for its inspiring history but also for its scenic beauty. Located atop a small hill, the place is an ideal location where you can go for rest and enjoy the pleasant climate of the hills.

Accessibility

Air: The airport at Kolhapur which is at a distance of 35 km away from Panhala is the closest airport. Tourist taxi from airport to Panhala charges about Rs 600. Nearest major international to Panhala is Mumbai Chatrapati Shivaji International airport (420 km away), which is connected to all major cities in India and many cities abroad.

Rail: The Kolhapur railway station which is nearly 30 km away from Panhala is the nearest railhead. Kolhapur is well connected with Pune and Mumbai and also to all major cities in India through Mumbai VT railway junction. Tourist taxi is available from railway station to Panhala and it charges about Rs 600.

Road: Panhala is well connected to all cities in Mumbai by public transport buses. These public buses have regular services between Kolhapur and Panhala. Panhala is connected well by buses to Pune (200 km) and Nasik (450 km).

District
Kolhapur
Location
Panhala, at a height of over 3,000 ft above sea level is located 418 km SE of Mumbai and 20km from Kolhapur.
STD Code
02328
Topic
Upcoming

Nasik

State
Maharashtra

Nashik is an important religious center and attracts thousands of pilgrims annually because of the sanctity of the Godavari River and because of the legend that Rama, the hero of the Ramayana epic, lived here for a time with his wife Sita and his brother Lakshmana. The city has developed on both the banks of Godavari which divides the city into almost equal halves. The main part of the town lies on the right (south) bank of the river, while Panchavati, a quarter on the left bank has several temples. The town's riverbanks are lined with ghats (bathing places with steps).

It is one of the four cities that hosts the massive Sinhastha Kumbh Mela once every twelve years.

Nasik today is a hub for industrial, political, social and cultural events.

History

According to a legend Lord Rama, the hero of the Ramayana epic, stayed here for some time with his wife Sita and his brother Lakshmana, while they were on exile.

Nasik was the capital of the powerful Satavahana (also spelt as Satvahans) dynasty. It was an important trading port to the west. The city of Nasik was called as "Gulshanabad" during Mughal period. Later, it was again given its old name when Peshwas took over in 1751, but they lost Nasik to the British in 1818.

From archaeological excavations it is found that the territory around Nashik was occupied in the early Stone Age.Tools of trap rock characteristic of that time have been found buried in the riverbed at Gangavadi,16 Km North - West of Nashik. Agastya, the renowned sage was the first Aryan to cross the Vindhya mountains and live on the banks of the Godavari.Other sages followed Agastya and the cloister of hermitages of the bank of the Godavari was called "Janasthana".Lord Ram accompanied by Lakshman and Sita met Agastya,and he presented Ram with bow and two quivers presumable to fight the rakshasas.He also advised him to settle down at Panchavati,so called because of the five great banyan trees, which grew there.Panchavati was then at the fringe of the Dandakaranya forest.It is from here that Ravan of Lanka abducted Sita.Later on poets like Valmiki, Kalidas, the dramatist bhavbhuti discovered and found in "Padmapur" as Nashik was then known, great inspiration.

Accessibility

By Air: Mumbai Chatrapati Shivaji International airport, which is 180 km away from Nasik, is the nearest airport.

By Rail: Nasik Road railway station is about 9 km away from Nasik city center. This station is directly connected with Mumbai and regular train services are available from here to many cities in India.

By Road: Nasik is well connected to all neighboring cities by Government owned buses.

Accommodation

Nashik, the administrative headquarters of Nashik District, holds a significant place in the travel and tourism map of the country. Infact, it is counted amongst the important cities of Maharashtra and receives its fair share of travelers every year. There are a large number of temples and ghats in the city, which seem to be dotting the embankment of River Godavari that flows through its landscape. This has resulted in the city being practically being flooded by devotees every year. All the visitors who come here require places to stay and their need is met by the numerous hotels, guesthouses and dharamshalas dotting the city. Given below is information on accommodation in Nashik

Hotels

Taj Residency (Five-Star)
Taj Residency is a five star hotel, situated at a distance of only 14 km from the railway station and 7 km from the bus stand of Nashik. The facilities provided at the hotel comprise of Restaurant, Bar, Coffee Shop, Business Center, Conference Hall, Swimming Pool, Bookshop, Health Club, Jogging Park, Tennis Court, Steam, Jacuzzi, Travel Assistance, Car Hire Service, Currency Exchange, Doctor on Call, Hotel Safe, etc.

Clarion Westend (Four-Star)
Clarion Westend is a four star hotel, situated in Nashik (on the Mumbai-Agra Highway). The facilities provided at the hotel comprise of Multi-cuisine Restaurant, Bar, Coffee Shop, Conference Hall, Swimming Pool, Beauty Parlor, Gymnasium, Health Club, Garden Areas, Yoga Sessions & Therapies, Tennis and Badminton Court, Table Tennis Facilities, etc.

Hotel Emerald Park (Three-Star)
Hotel Emerald Park is a three star hotel, situated at a distance of only 8 km from the railway station and 2 km from the bus stand of Nashik. The facilities provided at the hotel comprise of Restaurant, Bar, Coffee Shop, Conference Hall, Banquet Hall, Sightseeing Tours, Indoor Games, Outdoor Games, Live Entertainment, Doctor on Call, etc.

Quality Inn Regency (Three-Star)
Quality Inn Regency is a three star hotel, situated in Nashik (on the Nashik-Shirdi Road). The facilities provided at the hotel comprise of Multi-cuisine Restaurant, Lounge, Bar, Conference Hall, Jogging Track, Badminton Court, Basketball Court, Golf Course, Health Club, Billiards Table, Pool Table, Swimming Pool, Sightseeing Tours, Doctor on Call, Travel Desk, etc.

Cosmo Hotel (Budget Hotel)
Cosmo Hotel is a budget hotel, situated on the Shivaji Road in Nashik. The facilities provided at the hotel comprise of Restaurant, Doctor on Call, Power Back Up, Safe Deposit, Travel Desk, Sightseeing Tours, etc.

District
Nasik
Location
185-km from Mumbai
STD Code
0253
Topic
Upcoming
Best time to visit
October to February

Palghar

State
Maharashtra

Palghar is a coastal town, located on the Mumbai –Ahmedabad express highway, close to the Konkan coast and the Maharashtra-Gujarat border. The place is famed as a Weekend Getaway from Mumbai, away from the hustle bustle of the city with quiet nature spots just to unwind and relax.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/himanshu_sarpotdar/484794479/in/set-721576…

Accessibility

By Air: Nearest airport is Mumbai Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport which is at a distance of 120 km way from Palghar.

By Rail: Palghar Railway station is 8 km away from the city center. This railway station is well connected to Mumbai and other cities in India.

By Road: Palghar is well connected by Maharastra state transport corporation buses to all major places in and around. It is connected to Mumbai (120 km), Surat (190 km), Nasik (175 km), Jawahar (65 km) and Daman (120 km).

District
Thane
Location
87 km from Mumbai
STD Code
025255
Topic
Upcoming

Narayangaon

State
Maharashtra

Narayangaon is a sleepy hamlet in the backdrop of the gallant Sahayadri Mountains, popular for its natural beauty. Narayangaon is a synonym for vineyards and it is the anchor of the wine industry in India with vast enlargement of green crawlers with full of ripe fruits is a prominent scenery. Other bewitching attractions in and around Narayangaon are the four major dams, which are ample resources of water.

Narayangaon is also noted for the famous folk art, “Tamasha”.

Accessibility

By Air: The nearest airport is Pune airport. Major international airport near to Narayangaon is Mumbai Chatrapati Shivaji International airport, 235 km away from Narayangaon.

By Rail: Pune Railway station, about 102 km away, is the major railway station near to Narayangaon.

By Road: Maharastra Road transport Corporation buses provide bus services from Narayangaon to other cities in the state. Frequent bus services are available from Narayangaon to Mumbai and Pune.

Attractions

Annual Wine Festival
Renowned as India’s first wine festival, Narayangaon Wine Festival is following traditional routes of the French Wine festival. Celebrations are conducted in a more formal way, but with pomp, splash and splendor. A wide range of ceremonies, starting from a walk through the vineyards to planting of individual vines is in offer. A tour of the winery is an integral part of the festivities.

Thrilling and exhilarating, with an array of celebrity guests, this wine festival is hoisted by Chougule, the owner of Chateau Indage. Narayangaon wine festival is an exhibition of finest quality of wines that offers a rare chance to taste all the vines on display. The actual spirit behind this unique celebration is to promote a wine culture with tourism.

District
Pune
STD Code
021324
Topic
Upcoming
Best time to visit
October to February

Matheran

State
Maharashtra

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
WGW_Mumbai
WGW_Pune
Best time to visit
October to May

Malshej Ghat

State
Maharashtra

Malshej Ghat is a hill station, nestled in the lofty rugged hills of the Western Ghats. The place is known for its special attraction for trekkers, hikers, adventurers, and nature lovers. Green forest environment and the placid monsoon lakes, which is the home for orange and white flamingos, are the main attractions for Malshejghat.

Accessibility

By Air: Nearest airport is Mumbai Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport which is at a distance of 150 km way from Malshej Ghat.

By Rail: Kalyan Railway station and also Kaljat railway station are the nearest railway stations to Malshej Ghat.

By Road: Malshej Ghat is well connected by Maharastra state transport corporation buses to all major places in and around.

Things to do

Trekking
Located in a hilly terrain, Malshej Ghat is a favourite place for adventure lovers. The peaks, and the gallant forts in the dense forest of this hill station are perfect places to explore through trekking and rock climbing. Trekking in Malshej offers one to be in the lap of mother nature and helps to communicate with the surrounding more effectively. Gifted with a mountainous topography, Malshej provides so many places, which are perfect spots for trekking. The darkoba peak (the tallest moumtain in the locality), Ajoba hill fort are ideal location for trekking enthusiasts. Nane Ghat, Jivdhan Chawand Fort also are hot spots of trekking favourites. Those who are little bit spiritual can take the rout to Ozar and Lenyadri, where the two Ganesh temples honoured by all devotees is located. Trekking in Malshej provides the excitement of adventure along with the dharsan of holy temples. Trekking in Malshej Ghat gives an opportunity to watch the excellent greenery of the dense forest of the majestic Sahyadris, which makes this hill station so popular.

District
Pune
Location
164 km from Pune
Topic
Upcoming

Kunkeshwar

State
Maharashtra

Kunakeshwar is a small sea-side pilgrimage centre, known for its ancient Shiva temple which is believed to have been built by the Yadava rulers in 1100 AD. The tourists can enjoy the natural settings like its beach, swaying coconut trees, betel palms and lush mango groves.

History

Legend has it that an Arabian trader’s dhow got caught in a storm off the Kunkeshwar Coast a few hundred years ago. He prayed for help, and would’ve drowned if not for the lamp light in the then tiny Shiva temple, which Yadava rulers had built in 1100. The light guided him to the safety of the shore and he built a new temple there as an expression of his gratitude.

Accessibility

By Air: The nearest airports to Kunkeshwar are Belgaon and Panaji (Goa). Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport at Mumbai is the nearest Major airport to Kunkeshwar, nearly 510 km away.

By Rail: Nearest railhead is Nandagaon, which is connected to Mumbai.

By Road: Many Maharashtra state public transport buses are available connecting Kunkeshwar to nearby cities like Belgaon, Panaji, Pune and Mumbai.

Accommodation

There are some good lodgings available at Kankavli. Private accommodation is also available at Kunakeshwar itself.It is more convenient as well as cheaper than regular lodgings.

District
Sindhudurga
Location
510 km from Mumbai
STD Code
02364
Topic
Upcoming
Best time to visit
October to March
Famous For
Kunkeshwar is famous for its ancient Shiva temple
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