WGW_Mumbai

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

Read more about Rajmachi

Pune

State

Pune, also called the "Oxford of the East" due to the presence of several esteemed colleges and educational institutions, is situated at the eastern edge of the Western ghats on the Deccan plateau. It is bordered on the north by the river Mula and to the west by the rive Mutha. It is widely considered the cultural capital of Marathi-speaking Maharashtrians. It derives its name from Punya Nagari, or the city of virtuous deeds.

History

It is believed that the original inhabitants of Pune were the Rashtrakutas. In the 17th century the Mughals ruled over the city. Until 1818, this city was ruled by many dynasties, the prominent ones being the Nizamshahi Sultans, Mughals, and the Marathas. In the 17th century, the city became the temporary residence of Shivaji and by 1749 A.D, the place gained importance as capital of the Peshwa kingdom and during this period, the city started expanding.

In the year 1817, there was a war breaking out between the Marathas and the British. A battle was fought in Kirkee, now called as Khadki, a small town outside Pune city. The Britishers defeated the Peshwas and took over the rule. During the struggle for India’s independence, Pune took center stage for various social and religious reforms. Pune became home to some reformers like Mahadev Govind Ranade, R.G Bhandarkar, Gopal Krishna Gokhale, Maharshi Vitthal Ramji Shinde and Jyotirao Phule.

Accessibility

Air: Pune airport is located about 10 km away from the heart of the city, in the Lohagaon area. Taxi charge from airport to city is only Rs 200. Regular, direct flights are available from Pune to many cities in India. The cities Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore and Mumbai are all air connected to Pune. International travelers can get connecting flight from Mumbai International Airport.

Rail: Pune is an important railway junction in Indian railway. Good rail networks connect Pune with all other rail junctions in India.

Road: Pune is well connected with many of the major cities in Maharashtra by state owned bus services. Private luxury deluxe buses are operated from Pune to many cities in India, including Goa, Mumbai and Hyderabad. Regular frequent bus services are connecting Pune with Mumbai, nearly a distance of 200 km.

Shopping

For shopper's Pune is paradise and it offers a plethora of interesting items. From the traditional to the contemporary, you will find everything in the markets of Pune. Some of the best buy of Pune include the Maharashtrian saree known for its distinctive borders, glass bangles, silver jewelleries, leather and pottery. Also buy the famous strawberry biscuits and chevda. Laxmi road in the old city is famous for traditional sarees and glass bangles in every hue and colour. Visit Commercial Street's main market for bangles and buy silver jewellery at Centre Street near Hanuman Mandir. For Pune sarees visit Wonderland Complex at MG Road, and Hanuman Mandir area for leather, handcrafted Kolhapuri chappals. Opposite Blue Diamond Hotel there is a group of five stores which are worth a visit. The atmosphere of the shopping centre caters to discerning shoppers. Don't miss the pottery shop and also visit the departmental stores offering branded items.

Tulsi Baug: Tulsi Baug is a well known market area in Pune. This is a very busy shopping area in Pune. Traditional Maharashtrian wares and cookery items, cosmetics, jewelry and all types of household item can be shopped in this market. One area of the market is dedicated to fresh vegetables, fruits and other items including items for Pooja.

Tulsi Baug has been famed as woman's grant shopping mall, where ladies can get all kinds of gift articles, cosmetics, vessels, artificial gold jewelries and other fashion and trendy items. This is a good shopping place.

Accommodation

Pune has several hotels of different price range from 5-star deluxe to moderate motels as well as hostels and very cheaply priced. In the 5 star category are the well know Taj Blue Diamond and Le Meridien. Park Ornate, Hotel Central and Phoenix feature in the 3 star category, are located near the airport and well suited to the business traveler.

Pune is dotted with a number of hotels that include luxury, deluxe and standard hotels. Opt any of the hotel of the city according to your budget and requirements. All the hotels in Pune offer a comfortable stay to guests. Some of the popular hotels of Pune are :

Luxury Hotels : Le Meridien, The Central Park and Aurora Towers.
Deluxe Hotels : Taj Blue Diamond, Sun-N-Sand and Best Western the Pride.
Standard Hotels : Hotel Sagar Plaza, Hotel Woodland and Hotel Srimaan.

Hotel Le Meridien (Five-Star)
Le Meridien is a five-star hotel, located in the center of the business district. It is approximately ten kilometers from the Pune airport. The amenities provided at the hotel comprise of Restaurants, Bars, Business Centre, Travel Assistance, Foreign Exchange Services, Secretarial Services, Barber Shop, Beauty Salon, Car Rental Desk, Doctor on Call, Florist, Gift Shop, Library, Multilingual Staff, etc.

Hotel Taj Blue Diamond (Five-Star)
Taj Blue Diamond is also a five-star hotel, situated amidst the residential area of Koregaon Park. The amenities provided at the hotel comprise of Swimming pool, Fitness Centre, Salon, Travel Desk, Car Rental, Currency Exchange, Safe Deposit Locker, Shopping Arcade, Doctor-on-Call, Restaurants, Bars, 24 hrs Coffee Shop, Fully-equipped Business Centre, 24 hrs Internet Connectivity, Secretarial Services, Meeting Rooms, Banquet Facilities, etc.

Hotel Sagar Plaza (Four-Star)
The Sagar Plaza is a four-star hotel, situated right in the middle of Pune. It is approximately 1 km from the city railway station and only 15 min drive from the airport. The amenities provided at the hotel comprise of Conference Facilities, Restaurants, Bars, 24 hrs Coffee Shop, Travel desk, Laundry, Safe Deposit Lockers, Money Exchange, Doctor on Call, Health Club, Swimming Pool, Direct STD & ISD Dialing from Rooms, etc.

Hotel Regency (Three-Star)
Regency is a three star hotel in the Pune, which is located at a distance of approximately 1 km from the railway station and 7 km from the airport. The amenities provided at the hotel comprise of Multi-cuisine Restaurant, 24 hrs Coffee Shop, Bar, Conference Facilities, Banquet Facilities, Doctor on Call, Laundry, etc.

Hotel Madhav (Two-Star)
Hotel Madhav is a two star hotel, which is just a stone's throw from the Pune railway station. It lies at a distance of less than 1 km from the Bus Terminus and about 6 km away from the airport. The amenities provided at the hotel comprise of Business Centre with Internet Facility, Travel Desk, Direct Dialing STD and ISD in Rooms, Health Club, Chemist Shop, Gym & Steam Facility, etc.

Attractions

Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi is a ten-day festival that goes beyond the religious and was revived in the late 19th century by Bal Gangadhar Tilak as a showcase of Indian culture in an effort to rekindle national self-esteem. The festival is celebrated with many cultural and community activities and culminates with the immersion of idols of the God Ganesh. The ten-day period also coincides with the Pune Festival of classical dance and music concerts, folk dances and a village festival including bullock cart races and wrestling.

Things to do

Horse Riding: Horse Riding Activity in Pune is really a unique opportunity for enthusiast adventurous people. There are many horse riding training centers. Some of this centers offer horse riding facilities for the tourists. Horse riding packages are available from Pune to Sinhagad fort.

The horse riding training camp offers facilities for people of all ages. The horse riding practices are conducted in outdoor stadiums of each horse riding school. The beginners to experts took part day to day exercises. Expert trainers look after the training progress. There are facilities for riders for venturing out in nights over the knights. Horse riding is one of the most exciting attractions in Pune.

Paragliding: Pune is a renowned name all over the world for paragliding training and institutions. Flying Safari is one of the major institutions providing good quality paragliding training and the facilities in the institute are spectacular. The courses here offer from very basic level to hill flying skills development.

This sports activity is open to all through the year, except for heavy rainy monsoon seasons. It offers joy paragliding facilities for enthusiastic travelers. Inhouse accommodations are available here for those who undergo training.

District

Pune

Location

150 kms east of Mumbai, Maharashtra. Between the Western end of the Deccan Plateau and the Sahayadri ranges.

STD Code

020

Topic

Popular

Best time to visit

October to April

Read more about Pune

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

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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