India-Tourist-Places.com

Archive for the ‘States of West India’ Category

Goa the tropical paradise is one of the most happening and visited paradise in India. Goa Tourism is simply irresistible coupled virgin beaches with beckoning tropical palm trees, mesmerizing wildlife parks and sanctuaries, fasinating rich culture and traditions, picturesque waterfalls, scenic sightseeing spots, colourful fairs and festivals and the wonderful accommodation facilities of beach resorts.

Tourism in Goa is adomed with the beguilling charm of the stunning beaches whose beauty and splendor are simply beyond words to describe. Today Goa has become internationally famousdue to its unparallel splendor of the tourism attractions that galore visitors from across the world.

Beaches In Goa

Anjuna Beach

Anjuna beach finds equal favor amongst all kinds of crowds, be it a group of overlanders, monks, defiant ex-hippies, artists, seers, researchers or just someone looking for a place to rejuvenate. The place has life and enthusiasm written in its air. The all night long beach parties, the Christmas to New Year frenzy or the swanky full moon parties, Anjuna is always up for it. On a day trip to Anjuna you can savor the best delights at the famous flea market or the shopping hangout off the beach or else you can enjoy the easy strolls on a moonlit night on the cool silvery sands.

8-km west of Mapusa, Anjuna is one of the most popular beaches in Goa. The sea is calm so you can enjoy swimming or enjoy the allure of sunset from any of the beach resorts’ balcony. Enjoy the funky music and loud beach parties that are a fixture of Anjuna. For the gourmets Anjuna offers the best of western seafood. You can choose from amongst any of the beachfront or village hotels. All of them are equally simple and serve equally delighting food and chilled beer.

Candolim Beach

Candolim is the best beach, for those who want to spend some time in solitude and insolence,away from the hustle and bustle of modern life, though one cannot expect too much of facilities there. It is the best place to rejuvenate one’s senses by hiring out a beach umbrella and satisfying one’s taste buds with a variety of good food available there. A visit to this beach is very relaxing and very appropriate for practicing, Yoga & Meditation, as it is less crowded and quite peaceful, as compared to Anjuna or Calangute beaches, because there aren’t any resorts all around the beach.

As a part of a 30 km stretch, of beach coastline along the Arabian Sea, that begins at Fort Aguada and ends at Chapora Beach, Candolim is a North Goan beach, which makes it the first beach that can be approached from the city of Panaji.

Baga Beach

Baga Beach is located just 10-km west of Mapusa and extends essentially out of Calangute Beach. It is quaintly located by the Arabian Sea on the west coast of Goa. It is nestled in the rocky, wooded headland. Unlike the very crowded and busy Calangute, Baga has many unperturbed nooks with unspoiled scenic beauty that is more varied than just the plain beach of Calangute. The Beach receives most of its tourist influx from the British package tourists. It has a beautiful retreat house serenely located atop a hill.

Baga beach is quite a hit with western tourists who love its water sports and fishing expeditions. Baga has the best restaurants in Goa. From standard beach shacks to rustling pizzerias and terrace cafes serving real espresso coffee, Baga has all types of foodie destinations.

Dona Paula Beach

Dona Paula is 7-km from Panjim and is different from other Goan beaches in the sense that this is one of the beaches that’s washed by both the Goan sea and the goan rivers. This beach of Goa carries with it an aura of both romance and myth. It is said to be haunted by lost love of Dona Paula de Menezes. Dona Paula Beach is also house to the Governor of Goa, known as Cabo Raj Bhavan.

Besides Dona Paula itself there are Miramir beach, which lies 4-km north of Dona Paula, and the Vainguinim Beach, which is situated 1-km west of the beach side. The National Oceanographic Institute was set up to study the diverse marine biology. The major attraction of the institute is its Marine Biology Museum and Taxonomy Reference Center.

Miramar Beach

Miramar Beach-Lying against the estuary of the river Mandovi,it is just 3 km from Panaji in the north of the state and a km away from Dona Paula. Also known as, Gaspar Dias,it is a lovely golden beach of soft sand,occupied by a thick grove of shady palms, facing the blue Arabian Sea and forming a dense canopy over the area. As the word ‘Miramar’ in Portuguese, means, the viewing of the sea, so one can have a panoramic view of the sea, and the Aguada fort just across the Mandovi River.

The most captivating, view is created ,when this 2 km long coast of fine , soft & silvery sand bed sparkles in the moonlight.It provides the much-desired solitude & isolation, for those who want a few moments of life away from the crazy crowd of the city,as it is not too much crowded.Its good location, peaceful & quiet atmosphere makes it an ideal place.

Colva Beach

Colva is not one of the traditionally known beaches of Goa. As compared to other popular destinations it is a more recent discovery. But whatever it may be it is 20-km long bliss of virgin white sands, palm fringed,and sun beaches. Undoubtedly, Colva is the most popular beach of Goa. Off lately, the quiet life of Colva has been punctuated by the number of hotels and buildings that have come up here in quick succession of one another. The annual religious event of Fama of Menino Jesuse (Child Jesus) is held at the church in Colva since the 17th century.

You can savor a quiet stroll on the silvery sands of the Colva Beach on a moonlit night or a sunbath on the golden sands of Colva on sunny morning. That certainly makes your stay at Colva an utterly romantic experience.

Lonavala is a popular hill station and a municipal council situated in Pune District, Maharashtra. The city is located 64 km from Pune city and 96 km from Mumbai. It lies 622 m above sea level in the Sahyadri Ranges, which separate the Deccan Plateau and the Konkan Coast.

The hill station is spread over an area of 38 square km. The name of the city is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Lonavali’ which refers to a ‘group of caves’. The name was given to the place due to the presence of many caves in and around the city.

The city is popular for its sweet Chikki. It also connects Mumbai and Pune via rail. The best time to visit Lonavala is during the monsoon, between October and May, when the scenic spots become lush green and the waterfalls are in full flow. The place has valleys, hills, waterfalls and lush greenery due to which it is also called the ‘Jewel of Sahyadri’.

About the Place

Lord Elphinstone, who was the Governor of the Bombay Presidency, discovered the city of Lonavala along with Khandala in 1871.The present day Lonavala was a part of the Yadava Dynasty, which was taken over by the Mughals, who ruled the region for a long time.

There is also an important role of the Malva Warriors and the forts of the city in the history of the Maratha and Peshwa Empires. Lonavala was also the main stay of the Malva Warriors, who were regarded as the fiercest Hindu fighting clan. The city has also witnessed great warriors like Sardar Dabhade, who was the commandant of the Peshwa armies. Later, the nearby villages were used as the battleground for many battles between regional Indian rulers and British armies.

The Governor of Bombay favoured Lonavala in 1811 due to its large forest cover. This forest cover made the city a vacation and hunting spot by the British administrators, which lead to its reputation as a tourist destination.

The Tungi Fort of Lonavala is one of its famous tourist spots. Malik Ahmed founded the fort near the village of Kajrat. This fort is known for its natural strength. Apart from this fort, there are also many caves present around the city namely Karla Caves, Bhaja Caves and the Bedsa Caves.

Goa is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the world. A holiday makers paradise Goa’s major charm lies in its sun kissed beaches. The beaches in Goa are an amalgamation of serene beauty, excellent Goan cuisines, flea markets, and swaying palm trees. The coastline of Goa stretches over 125 km and the beaches cover an area of 83 km. The beaches in Goa are a major cause for the tourism of the state. The beaches in Goa are speckled with quaint little beach shacks that serve ice cold mocktails and spicy Goan cuisine.

The innumerable beaches in Goa offer something for everyone, from seafood shacks, to luxury resorts to beach huts, trance parties to tranquility. If you want to be amidst all the din and happenings of the state then the beaches of North Goa are perfectly suitable and in case you want to relax in complete solitude then the beaches of South Goa form the perfect destination for you.

The beaches in South Goa are an ideal destination for honeymoon couples. The beaches in South Goa are less crowded, clean, less commercialized and offer the silence and calm that is sought after by privacy seekers. Most of the resorts in South Goa offer enthralling views of the Arabian Sea and private dining restaurants by the sea shore. The beaches in South Goa are also an ideal place for long cruise rides and fishing.

On the other hand the beaches in North Goa are fully commercialized. Most of the beaches in North Goa offer a range of water sports, fine food and wine, upmarket restaurants, dolphin sightseeing, yoga, tai chi, reiki and ayurvedic massage therapies. Mostly foreign and local tourists are found in the active beaches of North Goa. Foreigners are seen sun bathing for hours on the sandy beaches of north Goa.

North Goa Beaches
The beaches in north Goa stretch over a distance of 30 kilometers. The beautiful beaches are the venues of entertaining parties, carnivals and adventure sports activities. The beaches in North Goa are -

* Arambol

* Morjim

* Chapora

* Vagator

* Anjuna

* Baga,

* Calangute

* Candolim

* Sinquerim

* Bambolim

* Miramar

* Dona Paula

Anjuna, Vagator, Baga, Dona Paula and Bambolim are among the most famous beaches in Goa. They offer a great deal of relaxation and recreation to the tourists.

South Goa beaches
The beaches in South Goa offer tourists relatively quieter and secluded ambience, along with splendid natural beauty. The beaches of south Goa are

* Bogmalo

* Majorda

* Colva

* Benaulim

* Varca

* Cavelossim

* Mobor

* Canaguinim

* Agonda

* Palolem

One of the most prized possessions of the country, the Gateway of India is situated on the waterfront in South Mumbai. Anyone coming to Mumbai from this harbor is greeted by the huge monument, which stands as a testimony to the imperial bygone era of the city. As you pass through the gate from the city side, the first scene that looms into view is that of the waterfront of South Mumbai. A popular harbor, it is used by a large number of people for traveling to the other parts of Bombay, especially the Elephanta Island.

The architecture of the Gateway of India comprises of a huge arch, which is approximately 26 m in height. The entire structure has been made by using yellow basalt and reinforced concrete. It has mainly been constructed as per the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. One can also find the features of the Muslim architectural styles that were very much popular in Gujarat in the 16th century. The top of the monument stands adorned with a central dome, which has a diameter of 15 m. The construction of the Gateway of India led to the displacement of the harbor and it had to be completely realigned. The monument was constructed in the early 20th century, at the astronomical price of 21 lakh rupees. The major burden of the cost was undertaken by the Government of India. However, even the 21 lakh rupees could not prove sufficient and the idea of constructing an approach road from the monument had to be discarded. The construction work of Gateway of India was undertaken by Gammon India Limited, established by J C Gammon.

History

Built in the Indo-saracenic style, the Gateway of India is meant to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Bombay, prior to the Darbar in Delhi in December 1911. The foundation stone was laid on March 31, 1911 and George Wittet’s final design sanctioned in August 1914. Between 1915 and 1919 work proceeded on reclamations at Apollo Pier for the land on which the gateway and the new sea wall would be built. The foundations were completed in 1920.

The Gateway is built from yellow Kharodi basalt and reinforced concrete. The central dome is 48 feet in diameter and 83 feet above ground at its highest point. The whole harbour front was realigned in order to come in line with a planned esplanade which would sweep down to the centre of the town. The cost of the construction was Rs. 21 lakhs, borne mainly by the Government of India. For lack of funds, the approach road was never built, and the Gateway now stands at an angle to the road leading up to it.

Main Attractions

Behind the arch, there are steps leading down to the water. Here, one can get onto one of the bobbing little motor launches, for a short cruise through Mumbai’s splendid natural harbour. One can buy tickets for a short cruise on the motor launches from here.

Near the Gateway of India is Taj Mahal Hotel, one of the most famous and luxurious hotels in India. Close by are the statues of the Maratha leader Shivaji astride his horse and of Swami Vivekananda, that add to the charm of this monument.

Arts, aristocracy and graciousness. A legacy of velour combined with a culture steeped in spiritualism, education and modernism. Kolhapur with its myriad images emerges as a city with a multifaceted persona and a rich cultural, historical and mythical past. Ancient texts such as the Padmapurana and the Skandapurana speak in glowing terms of Karveer or Dakshin Kashi which is, in fact modern-day Kolhapur on the banks of river Panchaganga nestling among the Sahyadri ranges.

A journey through the past reveals that Kolhapur has lived through the regimes of various rulers from the mythical past to the modern age. The Hindu era lasted till 1347, followed by the Muslim rule which was from 1347-1700. The magnificent temples of Kolhapur were built during the glorious periods of the Satavahana kings and the Shilaharas. The Marathas controlled this area from 1700 to 1849. In 1849, the British took over and Chhatrapati Sahu Maharaj was installed as the ruler of Kolhapur.

Chhatrapati Sahu Maharaj’s reign lent a progressive spirit to the city and he extended his patronage to theater, films, music, painting, sculpture, wrestling and crafts. As result, the city has a rich cultural ethos. In 1945, archaeological excavations close to a hill named Brahmagiri on the banks of the river Panchaganga revealed the existence of an ancient town dating back to the Roman times. Today, Kolhapur combines its artistic past with a dynamic present and is a modern, industrial city.

Places To Visit

Mahalaxmi Temple

The Shri Mahalakshmi Temple of Kolhapur in Maharashtra India is one of the Shakti Peethas listed in various puranas of Hinduism. The temple belongs architecturally to the Chalukya empire and may have been first built circa 700 AD. Mounted on a stone platform the image of the four armed and crowned goddess is made of gemstone and weighs about 40 kilograms. A stone lion the vahana of the goddess stands behind the statue. The crown contains an image of the Sheshnag the serpent of Vishnu. In Her four hands the deity of Mahalakshmi holds objects of symbolic value. Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple is surrounded by about 35 temples. Navratra is the grand annual festival of this temple.

Narasimha Wadi

Narsobawadi is a small village located close to Kolhapur, which attracts tourists in quite a large number. It is popularly know as “Narsobachi Wadi”. Narasimha Wadi has a great archaeological significance and is situated at the confluence of river Krishna and Panchganga.

Narsobachiwadi Temple is at Narsobachi Wadi, located about 22 km away from Sangli city and 45 km from Kolhapur in Maharashtra. The temple is devoted to Lord Dattatreya, an incarnation of Brahma, Vishnu and ShivaNarsobachiwadi Temple is at Narsobachi Wadi, located about 22 km away from Sangli city and 45 km from Kolhapur in Maharashtra. The temple is devoted to Lord Dattatreya, an incarnation of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.

Chhatrapati Shahu Museum

This is an ancient building on the Bhavani Mandap-Kasaba Bavda Road. It was constructed during 1877-1884. Being an excellent specimen of architecture build in black, polished stone, it has been an attraction for the tourists. It has extensive premises with a beautiful garden, fountain and wresting ground. The whole building is eight-angled and has a tower in the middle. The clock on it fixed in 1877. At separate distance there are small towers. On every glass are painted the events in Shivaji’s life. There is zoo and a ground lake. Even today, it is the residence of Shreemant Shahu Maharaj.

Shalini Palace

Shalini Palace is located very close to the Rankala lake.It was built in 1931-1934 and cost approx 8.00 lacs to build. Surrounded by tall palm trees and lush green lawns this palace offers visitors a magnificient place of interest in kolhapur which at the same time provides a wonderful backdrop to the lake. The palace was constructed with italian marble and black stone. The main door has Belgium glass and the inscription work on it reflects the majesty of the Royal family of kolhapur. The columns made of black stone as well as the entrance porch is a architectural masterpiece. In 1987 this palace was converted into the only palace hotel in the state. You can enjoy the reflection of the palace on a moonlit night on the Rankala lake,as well as its serene beauty during sunset.

Aurangabad city serves as the headquarters of the district of the same name. Located on the right bank of the Kham River, the city is visited by a large number of tourists every year. One of the major attractions of Aurangabad is that it serves as the gateway to the exotic caves of Ajanta and Ellora, two of the World Heritage Sites in Maharashtra. Apart from that, there are a number of other tourist places near the city that make excellent excursions from it. These excursion places, combined with the attractions of the Aurangabad city itself, make it so popular amongst visitors. Given below is information on the major excursions from Aurangabad.

Places Of Attractions

Bibi Ka Maqbara

Bibi Ka Maqbara is situated 5 km away from Aurangabad. Aurangazeb’s son, Prince Azam Shah built it in 1678 in the memory of his mother Begum Rabia Durani. This mausoleum is a replica of the famous Taj Mahal. Despite the layout and surrounding of the tomb is very much similar to Taj Mahal, somehow the architecture fails to produce the magic of the Taj. Hence, it is considered to be a poor imitation of the Taj Mahal.

Amjhar Sharif

Amjhar Sharif bears religious significance for being an important Islamic pilgrimage centre of Aurangabad. Located about 10 km away from Panchrukhia, on the Daudnagar-Gaya Road, Amjhar Sharif is abode of an ancient mazaar (grave) of a Muslim saint – Hazrat Saiyadana Mohammad Jilani Amjhari Quadri. Thousands of Muslims visit this pilgrimage center on the anniversary of the great saint, which is held in the first week of June. The holy hair of the saint is put on display on the occassion.

Aurangabad Caves

Aurangabad caves are just a few kilometers away from the famous monument of Bibi Ka Maqbara. These caves are believed to be excavated between 2nd and 6th century AD. Aurangabad caves are carved out of the hillside and are a fine piece of architecture. A major chunk of the caves in Aurangabad are Viharas. Total number of caves is twelve; out of which cave number 3 and 7 are the most fascinating ones. Cave number 1 to 5 are in the western group and caves from 6 to 10 are in the eastern group. Tantric influences are noticeable in Aurangabad caves.

Nasik ranks among the popular tourist spots in India. It is also a well known pilgrimage spot and hundreds of pilgrims come here every year. The tourist places in Nasik are a must see attraction during a trip to this great city.

Nasik is located on the banks of the Godavari River. It is a part of the state of Maharashtra in India. The capital city of Mumbai is also close by.

The ideal time for coming to Nasik is between the months of October and February. The weather in Nasik is mainly tropical and as such this period is the best to come for a trip. The summer months are hot and humid while the winter months are cool and mild. Rainfall ranges between moderate and high.

Tourist Attractions

Shirdi

122 kms from Nashik is the abode of one of Maharashtra’s most revered saint, Sai Baba of Shirdi. Popularly known as the ‘Child of God’, Sai Baba preached tolerance towards all religions and the message of universal brotherhood.
Every activity at Shirdi revolves around the vast temple complex dedicated to Sai Baba. Devotees start queuing up in the early hours of dawn to catch a glimpse and seek the blessings of the life-size statue of Sai Baba. Thursday is marked by special pujas and darshan of the Sai Baba statue.
There are other places of interest that devotees can visit as well including Dwarkamani Mosque where the Baba meditated and slept on alternate nights. Near the mosque, in a corridor is the dhani or eternal flame that burns day and night. Other places of importance are the Gurusthan, the Kandoba Temple, Shani Mandir, Narsimha Mandir, Changdev Maharaj Samadhi and the Sakori Ashram.

Jain Mandir

A huge newly built temple complex dedicated to Jain saints, Jain Mandir is located at Vilhouli, Nasik. This pretty three-storied shrine presents a different architectural grandeur than that of the other temples. Shree Dharmachakra Prabhav Tirth, which is popularly called as Jain Mandir is constructed with white marble and pink sand.

The ground floor of these eloquent building houses a Pravachan Hall, where sermons and meditations take place “Choumukhji” is placed in the first floor and the third floor is reserved for “Ashtapadji”. One among the deities of this Mandir is the 24th thirthankara of the Jains. This amazing deity weighs 12 ton and it is made up of Panchdhatu. Situated in a serene ambience, all the idols enshrined in this temple adorns a serious outlook.

Panchavati

All religious activities in Nasik are centered around the majestic Godavri River, especially on its Northern banks. Considered as the most holy spot, Panchavati is believed to be a shelter to Lord Ram, Lakshman, and Sita during their exile.

This sacred spot gets its name from the five banyan trees that stand by the riverside. Believed to be a part of the Dandakaranya Forest, Panchavadi is the right option to begin the tour. Since this place acquire a prominent place in the epic, people frequent here to take a holy dip so that they will be cleansed from their sins.

Ganga Ghat

One of the famous holy places in India, Nask is a hub of religious activities, which are centered around the sacred banks of the Godaveri River.The banks of this holy river is wizened with well maintained ghats and numerous temples. These bathing ghats reverberate with holy recites of people who gathers there to offer the last rituals of their beloved ones. Ganga bathing ghat whose waters are presumed to cleanse the sins, offers an awe-inspiring view to the spectator.

The majestic Ganga ghat, looks incredibly stunning in the twilight, when the holy waters of the sacred rive is enlighten with multitude of oil lamps and hovers of flowers.

The most convenient entry point into Gujarat is through the metropolis of Ahmedabad. The city contains some very fine museums, the Calico Museum of Textiles being considered among the world’s finest. Ahmedabad’s walled city is a living testimony to its heritage of crafts as women walk by in dazzling embroidered garments and flashing ethnic silver jewellery. Traditional Ahmedabad combines mosques of inspired workmanship, wooden Jain temples, unique stone stepwells and houses with ornately carved wooden balconies and window screens.

Modern Ahmedabad, just across the River Sabarmati spanned by four bridges, is a showpiece of contemporary architecture with designs by Le Corbusier, Louis Kahn and the best known Indian architects. Ahmedabad is a convenient base for a number of excursions, Modhera being the best known. 106 km away, this is one of the very few sun temples in the country.

Places To Visit

Kusum Vilas Palace

Kusum Vilas Palace conglomerates the architectural style found in Champaner, elevators and modern functional requirements. Kusum Vilas Palace of Gujarat is a picturesque and historically significant tourist destination in Gujarat.

Kusum Vilas Palace along with Prem Bhawan Palace are two of the finest examples of 12th century palace architecture in Gujarat. History of Kusum Vilas Palace in Gujarat: Kusum Vilas Palace was constructed by one of the most famous architectural firms of Mumbai, Bhatkar and Bhatkar, in the early 1920s.

Dwarkanath Temple

The Dwarkanath Temple is situated in Dwarka which is about 145 kilometers from Jamnagar and considered as the the entrance of Western India. The Dwarkanath Temple of Dwarka is the holiest temples of the Hindus and is dedicated to Lord Krishna, the eighth Avatara of Vishnu and the hero of the Mahabharata epic. According to the legend, Lord Krishna left his birth place Mathura and came to this place where he settled down with his �Yadava� clan. Here he constructed the golden city and named it as Kushasthali or Dwaravati which later came to be known as Dwarka.

Marine National Park

Marine National Park of Gujarat encloses an area of 458 square kilometers in the Gulf of Kutch, that is 30 kilometers from Jamnagar. Marine National Park of Gujarat is the first marine park of the country, acknowledged in 1982. The protected area of Marine National Park of Gujarat comprises of an archipelago that is made up of 42 islands in the Gulf of Kutch.