OVERVIEW

Bombay, The name itself says everything. A perfect mix of the vibrant old traditions and the throbbing modern day is the picture of Western India. Gujarat has some of the best sanctuaries and is a veritable paradise for bird watchers. Famous for its folklore and folk culture, the state also has captivating art and craft products. The beautiful state Goa is a major tourist attraction on this side of the country. Besides silver beaches, it offers marvellous churches with excellent architecture and intricately carved altars.

MUMBAI (BOMBAY)

India's beautiful West Coast runs down from Gujarat through Mumbai to Goa, Karnataka and Kerala. The capital of the state of Maharashtra and most affluent and industrialised city in India. Mumbai has a natural harbour, which was developed by the British. It is one of the busiest ports of India, handling approximately 40 percent of India's maritime trade. She derives its name from the local deity "Mumba Devi" whose temple is still here. The Portuguese, predecessors of the British preferred to think of the name as Bom Baim - Good Bay thus making it "Bombay." It is also the main Cinema Industry of the country. Bollywood which is very famous after Hollywood where maximum number of movies are released in a year .It is known as the "City which never sleeps" with spirits running high, and the people always moving. Lively nightlife and pleasant lifestyle has always made it a dream city for people of India.


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ELEPHANTA CAVES

Elephanta the island rises near its centre into two colonial hills. The excavation for which Elephanta is so celebrated are situated about two-third up the higher of the two hills. Rock temples were hewn out of the hill sometimes towards the end of the Buddhist period in India, probably in the in the eight centaury. The outsides of the main cave consist of a columned Verandah 30 feet wide and 6 feet deep approached by steps flanked by sculptured elephant. The magnificent avenues lead; to the outstanding three headed sculpture representing Brahma the creator, Vishnu the Preserver and Shiva the Destroyer. There are several other interesting cultures on the island including some depicting the marriage of Shiva and Parvati, Ravana the demon king and the lesser male and female divinities.




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MATHERAN

Matheran is the nearest hill station to Mumbai. The name means Jungle Topped or Wooded Head, which is just what it is - an undulating hilltop cloaked in shady trees. Quite uniquely, Matheran is free of all forms of motor vehicles, making it unbelievably tranquil respite after the congestion of Mumbai. On weekends, Matheran is the hangout of trendy young day-trippers. Porcupine point is a good place for catching the sunset, but Panorama Point, is said to have the finest view.

LONAVALA-KHANDALA

The charming twin resorts of Lonavala and Khandala are a welcome break from the heat and crowded milieu of Mumbai, perched, as they are 600meters above sea level in the Western Ghats on the Mumbai-Pune Highway. Situated on the western slopes of the Sahyadri range, they offer a cool, invigorating climate and a pleasant weekend getaway from a hectic city life. During the monsoon they are at their greenest best, with waterfalls gushing down steep ravines and mists rolling into the valley.

MAHABALESHWAR

AURANGABAD

The gateway to the World Heritage Sites of Ajanta and Ellora, Aurangabad is named after the Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb. In the city the three museums viz. The Sunheri Mahal Museum, the University Museum and The Chatrapati Shivaji Museum house the architectural treasure of the city. You can also spend hours together in the pleasant confines of the Bani Begum Gardens.

AJANTA-ELLORA

Enter into a land of unimaginable beauty - Ajanta and Ellora! Carved and created out of sheer rock by the magical hands of ancient artisans, these monuments will enrapture you. While Ajanta embodies the most perfect example of Indian wall paintings, Ellora, is famous for its architectural design and outstanding sculptures. The shrines of the cave were all cut out of rock, by hand, and rank amongst some of the most outstanding specimens of ancient Indian architectural heritage. They have gained international renown and are designated as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.

GOA

Goa is to India what Hawaii to the World!! This "Emerald" on the West Coast of India lies on the slopes of the Sahyadri Ranges. Swaying palms, miles of golden sands and lush greenery, magnificent churches, temples and monuments, hills and rivers, lakes and waterfalls, and serene villages and many more make Goa a magic land! The most frequented beaches are Calangute, Baga, Colva and Vagator. Little wonder that, after rushing helter-skelter across this vast country viz. India, the dusty traveller usually heads for this Oasis of many incarnations, to rest his cares and let the waves nibble at his toes.




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