Tarkarli, Maharashtra, Sindhudurg, India

Tarkarli

 

• Destination: Maharashtra, Sindhudurg

Location

Tarkarli is a strip of beach located in Malvan Taluka of the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra. It is situated 64 km away from its district headquarters. The most beautiful thing about this beach is its sparkling clean and blue water. The clear water gives a view of almost 20 feet deep into the seabed which is a rarity. The place is endowed with amplitude of natural beauty and offers tourists one of the best holiday experiences ever. The tall Shuru tree, distinctive to this region, adds to the attractive value of the beach.

History

Tarkarli has the best white sand beach in the entire Konkan stretch. It is one of the most-visited beaches in southern Konkan despite its very close proximity to Goa. The beach is sandwiched by the beautiful Karli backwaters on one side and the tranquil blue sea on the other. Tourists love to take a stay here as the wide river, the unique sailboats and the picturesque hamlets on the riverbank offer them an experience that they cannot enjoy anywhere else. Sighting dolphins is another key attraction for tourists here, which is again a rarity on Indian beaches. Fishing is the main occupation of the locals here as the sea water remains gathered throughout the year in the region. Apart from beach, there are many old forts also in the region dated back to 17th century including famous Padmagarh Fort.

Main Attractions

Tourists come here to experience the calm waves of turquoise blue water and the silver-white sandy beaches which stretches out for 6 miles. There are state-run and privately organized boat cruises available on the tranquil backwaters of the Karli creek for a exotic ride. The fresh seafood is definitely one of the highpoints for those who love no-vegetarian food. The MTDC Resort is the best place to stay as rooms and air-conditioned cottages are available at cheaper prices. It is advisable to book rooms in advance if you plan to go in the peak season.
If you want to spend the holiday reading a good book on the beachfront, there are number of hammocks and beach umbrellas scattered all over the place. Take a note that cell phones do not work here as there are no mobile towers around this area. However, MTDC resort provides landlines so that you may remain connected to the outside world in case of emergency. Konkani huts are also a great option for a unique staying experience. Booking houseboats to stay can also be a thrilling experience. They offer cruises during daytime around Tarkarli every day. Tarkarli is also the abode for adventure sports enthusiasts. You can do Snorkeling, Boating, White Water Rafting and Scuba Diving here. It is a great way to explore the exquisite underwater life and the seabed.
There are many other places nearby Tarkali which you must visit. These places are Sindhudurg Fort, Malvan Market, Sangam, Golden Rock, Kunkeshwar Temple, Malvan Rock Garden and Nivati Beach.
Ram Navmi and Ganesh Festival are the major festivals celebrated here.

Fast Facts

Taluka: Malvan District: Sindhudurg
State: Maharashtra Languages: Marathi, Hindi, English
Best Time to Visit: October-May Weather: 17°C to 37°C (Max.)
STD Code: 02365 Pin Code: 416606

How to Reach

By Air

Dabolim Airport is the nearest one, 128 km away from the beach and is well connected to major cities of India and abroad.

By Rail

Nearest Railway Station is at Kudal, 29 km away and is well connected to Mumbai, Pune and Goa. It lies on Ratnagiri- Madgaon rail route. Other railway stations nearby are Sindhudurg (35 km) and Madgaon (135 km).

By Road

State transport and private buses runs at regular intervals from Mumbai, Pune, Ratnagiri and Malvan to Tarkarli. Malvan is only 7km away from Tarkali beach.

Distance from Nearby Cities

Madgaon – 135 km
Ratnagiri – 147 km
Pune – 391 km
Mumbai – 534 km

Khandala, Maharashtra, Pune

Khandala

• Destination: Maharashtra, Pune

Khandala is a beautiful hill station located amidst the mighty Western Ghats in the Pune district of Maharashtra. It is situated 68 km away from its district headquarters. This hill station impresses the tourists with its picturesque scenery of lush green hills, scintillating valleys and magnificent cascades. A spectacular hilly terrain, Khandala is blessed with a cool and pleasant climate, which entice the tourists with its breathtaking spectacles throughout the year.
Though marked with a mysterious past, this hill station has witnessed the rise and decline of strong powers like the Heroic Marathas, the Lionhearted Peshwas and finally the British. Like all other hill stations, Khandala is grateful much to the progressive British for its wonderful mansions that proudly stood as a prominent testimonial to the colonial era.
Khandala proffers striking waterfalls and glittering lakes attributes to the grand look of a superb ambiance. A nice walk through the mesmerizing valleys brings forth the panoramic vista of the hill station. Khandala is the major attraction for those who are very fond of adventures. Mounting the heights in an enthralling atmosphere would be so tempting that one cannot forget its transcendence. The Duke’s Nose peak and Karla hills are the two popular spots for rock climbing.
Khandala is the best place to have a quiet and tranquil holidaying.

Major Attractions

Tiger’s Leap
Amrutanjan Point
Duke’s Nose
Rajmachi Fort
Bhushi Lake
Shingroba Temple
Reversing Station

Fast Facts

Taluka: Maval District: Pune
State: Maharashtra Languages: Marathi, Hindi, English
Best Time to Visit: All Seasons Weather: 12°C to 38°C (Max.)
STD Code: 02114 Pin Code: 410301

How to Reach

By Air

Pune Airport is the nearest one, 74 km away and is well connected to major cities of India and abroad. Other major airport is at Mumbai (101 km).

By Rail

Khandala has its own railway station. It lies on the Mumbai- Pune rail route and is well connected to all the major cities of India.

By Road

MSRTC and various private travels operate regular buses that ply to Khandala from Pune and Mumbai. The best way to reach here is by your own means of transportation like car, bike or private taxis.

Distance from Nearby Cities

Lonavala – 5 km
Pune – 68 km
Mumbai – 93 km
Kolhapur – 297 km
Surat – 353 km

Chikhaldara , Amravati, Maharashtra

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Chikhaldara

• Destination: Amravati, Maharashtra

Chikhaldara is a picturesque hill station located in the Amravati district of Maharashtra. It is situated 85 km away from its district headquarters. It is the only hill station in the Vidarbha region. It is also said to be the only coffee growing area in Maharashtra. The hills of Chikhaldara are very suitable for trekking. Apart from this, Chikhaldara is also famous for cotton plantation.

History

Located on a hilly plateau, Chikhaldara has a very interesting story behind its name. As per Hindu mythology, the region of Chikhaldara was once ruled by King Kichak, who was ultimately killed by the mighty Bheema – the strongest brother amongst the Pandavas, who later threw him into the deep gorge of the valley. This is how Chikhaldara get its name, where Chikhal is a close replica of the word Kichak and Dara denotes the deep valley.
Chikhaldara was discovered in 1823 by Captain Robinson who belonged to Hyderabad Regiment during the British rule. The Englishmen found this place very attractive as it was reminding them of England.

Major Attractions

Chikhaldara is also a wildlife paradise. It is situated in very close vicinity from the Melghat Tiger Reserve. One can see tigers, panthers, wild boar, wild dogs, flying squirrel, porcupine, Indian bison, leopard and pangolin to name a few.
The panoramic and scenic view of Chikhaldara Hills can be experienced from many peak points like Hurricane Point, Devi Point and Prospect Point. The other major attractions are:
Bhimkund-Kichakdara
Gavilgarh Fort
Narnala Fort
Devi Point
Panchbol Point
Pandit Nehru Botanical Gardens
Tribal Museum
Semadoh Lake

Fast Facts

Taluka: Chikaldhara District: Amravati
State: Maharashtra Languages: Marathi, Hindi, English
Best Time to Visit: October-June Weather: 13°C to 37°C (Max.)
STD Code: 07220 Pin Code: 444807

How to Reach

By Air

Nagpur Airport is the nearest one, 235 km away and is well connected to major cities of India and abroad.

By Rail

The nearest railway station is at Badnera near Amravati, which is just 93 km away. It lies on the Bhusawal- Nagpur rail route and is well connected to all the major cities of India.

By Road

MSRTC and various private travels operate regular buses that ply to Chikhaldara from Akola, Amravati and Nagpur. The best way to reach here is by your own means of transportation like car or private taxis.

Distance from Nearby Cities

Amravati – 85 km
Akola – 131 km
Nagpur – 230 km
Indore – 295 km
journeyplanner 

Panchgani, Maharashtra, India

Panchgani

 

• Destination: Maharashtra, Satara

Panchgani is a vibrant hill station located in the Satara district of Maharashtra. It is situated 48 km away from its district headquarters. Panchgani, basically means the place of five hills. This pictersque hill resort is located at an altitude of 1,334 metres. It is an exotic destination and its beauty multiplies with the backdrop of spectacular hilly terrains on one side and coastal plains at the other side. This town had been once used by the British officials as their summer resort.
The Panchgani hill station is popularly known for its unpolluted aroma and it is believed that the oxygen content in atmosphere is more here as compared to other regions. The ambience of this place is very cool and tranquil.
Panchgani was founded in 1854 by Sir John Chesson. It had been taken over as the best place for army retirees. The area was originally spread over five villages namely Dhandeghar, Khingar, Amral, Godavli and Taighat. In an attempt to build up a new township, the then Superintendent invited all kinds of workmen including building contractors, tailors and other professionals to construct and frame the entire township from scratch.
The place allocated for the Indian workmen was called Gaothan and it exists below the bazaar area even today also. Sir Chesson himself is buried in the St Peter’s Church graveyard, which he had helped construct. It is well known that dynasties of Mauryas, Chalukyas, Bahmani and Rashtrakutas once ruled over this region. Then, the Adil Shahi dynasty and the Marathas along with Peshwas and then Satavahanas also enjoyed their stay over a period of time at this very place. Later, it was conquered by the Mughals and then the British, almost all had left their footprints and historical facts at Panchgani.
After the advent of British, the attractive hill station became famous for its boarding schools as most of these schools were set up here in the early 19th century. This place is now renowned for its international quality education. It is also the preferred residential address for Parsis. Panchgani is also famous for its strawberry farms. Apart from trekking and hiking, one can also enjoy paragliding, as it is the most popular sport among tourists and adventure lovers who comes to this paradise.

Major Attractions

Sydney Point
Table Land
Parsi Point
Devil’s Kitchen
Mapro Garden
Kamalgad Fort
Rajpuri Caves
Serbaug
Lord Karthikeya Temple

Fast Facts

Taluka: Wai District: Satara
State: Maharashtra Languages: Marathi, Hindi, English
Best Time to Visit: All Seasons Weather: 10°C to 35°C (Max.)
STD Code: 02168 Pin Code: 412805

How to Reach

By Air

Pune Airport is the nearest one, 109 km away and is well connected to major cities of India and abroad.

By Rail

The nearest railway station is at Satara, which is just 52 km away. It lies on the Mumbai-Madgaon rail route and is well connected to all the major cities of India.

By Road

MSRTC and various private travels operate regular buses that ply to Panchgani from the major cities of state. The best way to reach here in less time is by your own means of transportation like car or private taxis.

Distance from Nearby Cities

Mahabaleshwar – 20 km
Pune – 98 km
Kolhapur – 171 km
Mumbai – 244 km
Panjim – 373 km

Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra, INDIA

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Mahabaleshwar

• Destination:

Mahabaleshwar is situated among the lush green hills and the farms of strawberries with awe-inspiring scenery. It is one of the highly visited tourist spots of not only Maharashtra, but also the country, especially during monsoons.
Mahabaleshwar is located in Satara district of Maharashtra amidst the Western Ghats. It is in close vicinty to Pune and Mumbai. It boasts several attractions that are tourist hotspots such as Venna Lake, the Mahabaleshwar temple, Pratapgad Fort and over 25 mesmerizing and adventurous points such as Arthur’s Seat, Babington Point, Lodwick Point etc. with exotic views of this lovely hill station.
The nearest landmark to Mahabaleshwar is Panchgani which is also known as “Old Mahabaleshwar”.

History

The word Mahableshwar has been derived from the word Mamleshwar which means “God of Mavalas”, who is Lord Shiva. The origin of Mahabaleshwar can be trailed back to the year 1215 and it is said that King Singhan, the ruler of Deogiri, built a small temple with a water tank near to the Krishna River in Old Mahabaleshwar. Then, a Brahmin dynasty ruled the city during 1350. The city came into stature around 16th century when this dynasty was defeated by Chandarao More. During this time, the old temple was reconstructed.
The historical Pratapgad fort was constructed in 1656 under the reign of great Maratha warrior, Shivaji Maharaj, when he captured Maharashtra and Javli. During the British rule, the district of Satara came into the territory of Raja of Satara. Mahabaleshwar was a place often visited by army troops and soldiers. The famous point Arthur’s Seat was named after Sir Arthur Mallet. The current hill station of Mahabaleshwar, however, came into actual existence around 1829. This place was also referred as Malcolm Peth as per the old records.
By the end of the 19th century, it had become one of the most attractive hill stations of the world. Raj Bhavan, the summer residence of the Governor of Maharashtra, is also situated here. The mighty river Krishna which flows through Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka originates from Mahabaleshwar.
Mahabaleshwar is undoubtedly the “Paradise of Maharashtra”.

Major Attractions

Arthur’s Seat
Kate’s Point
Needle Hole Point/Elephant Point
Wilson Point
3 Monkey Point
Pratapgad Fort
Venna Lake
Chinaman’s fall
Dhobi Falls
Lingmala Falls

Fast Facts

Taluka: Mahabaleshwar District: Satara
State: Maharashtra Languages: Marathi, Hindi, English
Best Time to Visit: July-March Weather: 13°C to 35°C (Max.)
STD Code: 02168 Pin Code: 412806

How to Reach

By Air

Pune Airport, is the nearest one, 130 km away and is well connected to major cities of India and abroad.

By Rail

The nearest railway station is at Satara, which is just 60 km away. It lies on the Mumbai-Madgaon rail route and is well connected to all the major cities of India.

By Road

MSRTC and various private travels operate regular buses that ply to Mahabaleshwar from the major cities of state. The best way to here is by your own means of transportation like car or private taxis.

Distance from Nearby Cities

Pune – 120 km
Kolhapur – 179 km
Mumbai – 231 km
Panjim – 380 km

Grishneshwar Temple Aurangabad, Maharashtra

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Grishneshwar Temple

• Destination:

Location

Grishneswar Temple, popularly known as “Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga” is located amidst the village named Verul in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra. It is situated 30 km away from its district headquarters. It’s one of the most famous Shiva temples of India. The place is considered as the home of one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The presiding deity here is of Lord Shiva. The name ‘Grishneshwar’ means ‘Shiva generated by friction’. It is said that Parvati was born as a tribal here and then united with the Lord at this holy place. It is located in close proximity to very famous tourist spot, Ellora Caves.

History of the Temple

According to a legend, there was a Brahmin couple named Brahmavetta Sudham and wife Sudeha who lived in the Devagiri Mountains many years ago. Sudeha was very deeply saddened by the fact that she cannot give a child. When all prayers went unanswered, she tells her sister Ghushma to marry her husband and give them a child. Ghushma used to make 101 lingams to please Lord Shiva and released them in a lake nearby every day. Due to his great devotion and penance, she was blessed with a child. When her elder sister started to know his husband closeness to her younger sister after the birth of child, due to jealousy, she killed the child and throws him off the cliff where Ghushma used to make holy lingams. When Ghushma came to know about it next morning, she was neither happy nor sad and remained calm. She then went to that cliff and started her penance. She was pretty sure that Lord Shiva, who blessed her, will also protect her child from any mishappening. And then the miracle occurs, she saw her child emerge out from the river.
When the Lord appeared before her, she asked mercy for her sister and also prayed him to remain at the place eternally for the benefit of others in the form of a Jyotirlinga. The wish was accepted and soon Lord Shiva acquired the Jyotirlinga form and took the name of Ghushmeshwara. The lake is called the Shivalaya after that incident.

Architecture of the Temple

The temple was built in the 16th century by a devotee Maloji Bhosle and renovated in the 17th century by the Queen of Indore, Ahilyabai Holkar. The structure of the temple is beautiful to look at, with Dashavataras (forms of Lord Vishnu) leading up to the temple in red stone. The architecture of the temple is of medieval style and it is built mostly of red sandstone. The temple is engraved with paintings, carvings and statues. The pillars of the main court hall too have exquisite carvings. The temple is constructed in ‘Shikara’ style with five tires.
You have to enter the temple complex through a small open way. The main structure itself houses the Garbha Griha (sanctum sanctorum), the Antarala and the Sabha Mandapa (24 pillared hall). The Garbha Griha of the temple measures 17 sq feet, and bears the Jyotirlinga, which is self-oriented. The Shiva ling in the sanctum has also a marble engraving of Goddess Parvati. There is also an idol of Nandikeshwari in the court hall. Devotees offer prayers to the Nandi as well.
Devotees can perform the ‘Abhishekham’ themselves, directly on the lingam. They are allowed to recite the ‘Rudram’. It is the only Jyotirlinga out of all the 12 Jyotirlingas where the devotees are permitted to touch the lingam and offer prayers, irrespective of any caste or religion. It is said that a glimpse of the Shiva lingam cleanses all sins of one’s life and brings happiness. People who wish to have children visit here to take blessings from the Lord. Devotees believe that visiting this Jyotirlinga is equivalent to visiting all the 12.
Maha Shivratri, Shravan Mela and Vaikuntha Chaturdashi are the major festivals celebrated here. During the month of “Shravana”, i.e. during months of August and September, the temple remains open from 3AM to 11PM every day.

Address

Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga
Grishneshwar Road, Verul,
Dist. Aurangabad, Maharashtra

Details

Taluka: Khultabad Area: Aurangabad
Timings: 5:30 AM- 9:30 Pm (Open on All Days)

Fast Facts

State: Maharashtra District: Aurangabad
Languages: Marathi, Hindi Weather: 16°C to 41°C (Max.)
Best Time to Visit: August-March
STD Code: 02437 Pin Code: 431102

How to Reach

By Air

Aurangabad Airport is the nearest one and has direct flights to Delhi and Mumbai.

By Rail

The nearest railway station is at Aurangabad and is well connected to major cities of India. It lies on Manmad-Secunderabad rail route. The major railway junction is at Manmad (100km).

By Road

Both the state owned and private buses are available to and from Aurangabad. You can hire a taxi or private vehicle to reach the temple from there. Local buses ply to Verul village from Aurangabad very frequently.

Distance from Nearby Cities

Aurangabad – 30 km
Pune – 257 km
Mumbai – 352 km
Hyderabad – 568 km

Aundha Nagnath Nageshwar Temple in Hingoli, Aundha Nagnath, Maharashtra

Aundha Nagnath Nageshwar Temple in Hingoli, Aundha Nagnath, Maharashtra

Aundha Nagnath Temple is an ancient Shiva temple, considered to be one of the Jyotirlinga.

History:
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Aundha Nagnath is supposed to be the eighth of the twelve jyotirlingas in India, an important place of pilgrimage. The present temple is said to have been built by the Seuna (Yadava) dynasty and dates to 13th century. The first temple is said to be from time of the Mahabharata and is believed to have been constructed by Yudhisthira, eldest of the Pandavas, when they were expelled for 14 years from Hastinapur. It has been stated that this temple building was of seven-storyed before it was sacked by Aurangzeb.

Mahadev temple near Chalisgaon, Maharashtra

Little known intricately built Mahadev temple near Chalisgaon, Maharashtra
Dated: ~12 century CE or earlier