A Heavenly Place "Alibag"

                 The ocean is everything that wants to be. Beautiful, Mysterious, Wild and Free

      Are you a sea lover? Then how could you forget this miraculous place which contains more than 10 beaches in one place? YEAH! you heard right. The city of sea "ALIBAG"!

       
             Once upon a time, Bene Israel jews named Ali used to live at that time. He was a rich man who owned many plantations, mangoes, coconuts in his gardens hence people used to call it "Alichi Bagh" in Marathi, which means "Ali's Garden" or simply Alibag. Alibag is located in Raigad district of Maharashtra which contains Alibag beach, Kashid beach, Murud -Janjira, Akshi beach, Kihim beach, Kolrai, Revdanda, and versoli beach.

         



          In the last, to last summer I and my friends were planning out for a short and sweet budget outing. But we were unable to fix up one location cause some of us wanted to go for trekking, for some wanted to go on the fort and I wanted to visit the sea again. so finally we came to the decision that why don't we go to the place which has a fort, beaches and can do trek also! ALIBAG IT IS! So our journey started we had decided to go by ferry being in Mumbai, India.

TOP ATTRACTIONS -

1. Water Sport - Alibag is famous for tranquil sand beaches which account for peaceful weekends. Water sports available on Alibag beach, Mandava beach. You can enjoy various water activities such as parasailing, sea kayaking, jet ski, banana boat ride at Alibag beach. Alibag is also famous for scuba diving.

Parasailing- INR 1000

Jet Skiing- INR 200-400 

Banana Boat ride- INR 100-200 

Sea Kayaking- INR 300 

Scuba diving- INR 4000- 4500 

Speed boat ride- INR 100-200 

2. Murud Janjira fort - Murud Janjira fort is a mighty fortification located at a coastal village at Murud which is 55km from Alibag Maharashtra. Nineteen of the fort's bastion still stands to this date, reflecting their glorious past with pride.Just a short boat ride away from the sandy coast, the roof of the magnificent fort not only offers a glimpse into the past but also has a spectacular view of the Arabian sea all around.

3. Cusine - Alibag has famously known for its local NON -VEG food. Prawns, pomfret fish, Bangada fish, Surmai and chicken with Bhakri(Roti) are some famous dishes at Alibag. Liquorholic can also get alcohol easily available.






Transport -

Ferry- one can go by boating through ferries which are available from Mumbai CST Gateway of India to Rewas Alibag takes approx. one hour and from there another one hour through the bus to reach Alibag. The cost of the bus trip is included in the ferry fare.
   
Bus - If you are in Mumbai, Mscrt buses are available from various parts of Maharashtra. From Navi Mumbai, you can get one from Panvel bus depot. Though buses are crowded you have to grab a window seat for the comfortable journey. The bus fare is approx. 250 to 350 rs.

Car - The great option would be if you commuting in your own car. Alibag is on the way to Mumbai -Goa National highway. Below is the map link which would be helpful to you if you traveling by car.

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Mumbai,+Maharashtra/Alibag,+Maharashtra/@18.8636379,72.8038412,10z/


                  So, What you are waiting for? Pack your bag! Get set Go....

The Raigad Fort

                                                    THE RAIGAD

                 

         Raigad is very Popular Fort situated in Maharashtra, India. The fort Raigad is located at Sahyadri ranges in Raigad district of Maharashtra, at an altitude of about 820 meters (2700 feet). He has a special identity in the history of the Marathi Empire. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj made it the capital of his kingdom in the 17th century after the place and significance of Rayagada. Shivaji Maharaj's coronation took place at the same place. There are approximately 1400-1450 steps to reach the fort. The British destroyed and destroyed the fort after capturing the fort.

   

            The ancient name of Raigad was “Rairi”. The people of Europe used to call it 'Gibraltar of the East'. As much as Ajay of Gibraltar Thane, Raigad Ajinkya and inaccessible Five hundred years ago it was not a form of the fort and when it was just a mountain, it had two names like 'Rasivata' and 'Tanas'. From its size, height and surroundings, it has also been called 'Nandadeep'. Rayagada was used to keep prisoners in Nizamshahi..one day  King Shivaji Maharaj understood the news of Kalyan's subedar Mullah Ahmed who went to Vijapur. He took the treasure and brought it to Raigad and used the treasure to build the fort. Raigad's crown is convenient and adequate to make the capital. It is a difficult place for the enemy to find it difficult. This location is also close to the sea transport. So Maharaj chose this fort for the capital. The member says, 'The king goes to Khas and sees the fort very tidy. Dedi village is situated on the four sides of the fort. Grass does not grow in the rain and rhythm is the same.

                              

                               

           

           The same Durgadurgeshwar has been addressed by 15 different names. 1. Raigad 2.Rayari 3.Islamgad 4.Nandadeep 5.Jambudpip 6. Tantas 7.Rashivata 8.Badnur 9.Ryagiri 10.Rajagiri 11.Bagged 12.Reddy 13. Shivnath 14.Rahir and 15.Gibraltar east.

        Shivrajyabhishek: Shivrajyabhishek is the best theme experienced by Raigad. Maharaj's coronation is a significant event not only in Maharashtra but also in India's history.  Before the coronation ceremony on May 19, 1674, Maharaj took a glimpse of Bhavani of Pratapgad. Offering three gold coins worth 56 thousand rupees to the goddess Durga.  in Raj Sabha 6 June 1674, the coronation was celebrated on Saturday, 13th June 1596 at the senior Purusha 13. Ta On September 24, 1674, Lalita Panchami Ashwin Puran, Anand Samvatsar Shakai 1596, the principals themselves made a further coronation by the technical system. The real reason behind this was to get the maximum satisfaction. This coronation was accomplished at the hands of Nishchalpuri Gosavi. Poet Bhushan describes the Raigad, "Shivaji made his residence in Raigad Fort, where he had all the forts and villains." This fort is so huge and huge that it has stored the glory of all three people. There are wells, lakes, coupes occupying the fort. By winning all the seats, King Shivaji made the capital on Raigad and achieved great success with the people's needs.

Places to see on the fort -

1. Maa Jijabai Wada of Pachade: Jijabai did not believe in the cold wind on the fort, and did not believe in the wind, hence Maharaj built a castle near the subdivision for them. That is what Maasaheb's house lives. Mahārāj had also appointed some officers and soldiers to manage the palace. A great stairs of the stairs, as well as a jugabai seat, is worth seeing. This is also called 'Gadda Vihir'.

2. Khubladha Tower: The well-known Khubladha tower is seen as the fortress of the fort, the place of a bastion appears. There was a door beside the tower, it was called 'Chit door' but this door has now completely collapsed.

3. Nana Door: This door is also called 'Nana Darwaja'. There is a misconception that this door is connected with the Nana Phadnis. Nana door means a small door. Etc. S in May 1674, British lawyer Henry Oxon Andon came to this gate on the occasion of coronation. This door has two arches. There are two small rooms for the guards inside the door. They are called 'Devada'. The grooves are seen to lock the door.

4. Mahadarvaja: Two beautiful lily lines are carved on both sides of the outside of the Mahadarwaja. These two lotuses lying on the door mean that 'Shree and Saraswati' are situated within the fort. The Mahadarvaja has two massive bastions, one 75ft and another 65 feet high. The falling beggars in the walls are called 'wild'. These holes are set up to hit the enemy. The door in the bastions is facing northwest direction. After coming out of the Mahadarwaja, the watchmen's goddess appears and the living rooms for the protectors are seen. From the Mahadarvaja to the right till the end of the trunk and to the left side of the left side, the fort is built.

5. Choradindi: This is a chorade built from the Mahadarvaja to the fort from the Mahadarvaja right till the end of the fort. There are steps to reach the door from inside the bastion.

     

6. Elephant Lake: The lake which is visible in the lake after the arrival of a little ahead of the Mahadarvaja, the elephant lake. The pond used for bathing elephants and drinking water from the Gajashala.

7. Gangesagar Lake: The buildings of the Dharmashala of Raigad Zilla Parishad are located near Hetatelava. Gangesagar Lake, which is situated on the south side of the Dharmashala, is approximately 50 to 60 steps, After the coronation of Maharajas, the pilgrimage of Saptasagar and Mahatmas was thrown in this lake. That is why it has been called 'Gangesagar'. It was used during the Siva period for water.

8.Palkhi Door: On the western side of the pillars, there are 31 stairs constructed from the walled area. The door that takes place after climbing it is the Palkhi Darwaja. From this gate, we can enter the citadel.

 9.. Raj Bhawan: On the left-hand side of the queen's house there are residences of the house of Dasadasi. Behind these ruins is the second parallel wall, from the door in the middle of the wall, the entrance to the citadel, the palace of the Maharaja's palace, The Chauhan of Raj Bhawan is 86 feet long and 33 feet wide.

10. Jagadishwar Temple: On the lower side of the market, the ridge on the eastern side looks like Brahmin dwellings, Brahmantale etc. remains. The magnificent temple that is visible in front of it, is the temple of Lord Mahadev. Nandi is a magnificent and beautiful idol in front of the temple. But right now this idol is in the background. There is a great meeting room that enters the temple. There is a grand turtle in the middle of the tents. Hanumanta's magnificent idol has been seen on the walls of the house. A small inscription appears below the steps of the entrance of the temple. The following is a beautiful inscription on the wall on the right side of the door of the service 'Hariji Italkar', which is as follows: - Shri Ganpat Natya Namah. Prasado Jagdishvarwari.

                                

11. Maharaj Samadhi: The Samadhi of Maharaj's Samvatha which is located eight feet away from the eastern gate of the temple. Sajjandar Bakhar says, 'Kshatriyakulavans Shriman Mahara Rajadhiraja Shivaji Maharaj was in Chhatrapati's time. He went to Raigad on 1602 Chaitra Puran 15. The meaning of the body was made by the Pradas of Jagadisharh built by him in the center of the high gate. There is a black stone static plant built around the ceiling around the octagonal, and it is paved with the top. There is a gap in the pavement below, that is, the deficiency of Tirtha Maharaj's fortune is found physically. 'There is a quadrangle of ruins of Bhang buildings beyond Dahanbhum, it should be the residence of the Shibandis. On the other side, the chateau of a house separated from the settlement is seen. This house S In 1674, British lawyer Henry Oxen was allowed to stay. Bhavani is on the east side of the Samadhi of Lord Shiva, while on the right there are shops of liquor and twelve tanks.

12. Takmak Tok: The market can go down to Takmak Tok from the tape in front of the front. There the remains of a liquor cell can be found there. As you go to the extreme, the road becomes tapering. The right hand has 2600 feet deep edges. At the top, the wind is huge and the space is too low to be alert without any confusion.

                               

13. Hirkani bastion: On the west side of the Gangesagar, Chincholi is reached, it goes towards Hirkani Toka. A story related to Hirkani Tukashi is related to a story about Hirkani Gavleghani. Some bastions are seen in the bastion. While standing on the bastion, on the left hand Gandhari Khar, on the right side, the banks of the Kali river are on the right. Apart from this, Pachad, Khulbala bastion, Masjid Morcha is in the midst of gunfire. Therefore, it is a very important and important place for warfare and fighting.

Accommodation on the fort -

The best way to live and eat. M. T. D. C's resort and others.

Fencing facilities

Many water bodies are on the fort. Water abundant.

Contribution to the fort

There are two ways to go to the fort now. 1. Phase 2. Rope Way

Time to go to the fort

If you walk from the base, approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. If the ropeway passes away 5 minutes

JAI BHAVANI, JAI SHIVAJI!

          

The Gateway of India

                     

                                                  The Gateway of India & Elephanta Caves


                         

                In each country, there are certain monuments which are examples of the history of that respective country. The gateway of India is one of India's most unique landmarks situated in the city of Mumbai in Colaba, south Mumbai. The ancient structure was built in 1924, located at the tip of Apollo Bunder. The gateway of India is the main gate of India where the Arabian sea ends and the land of India started.

              The Gateway of India is a monument that marks India's chief ports and is a major tourist attraction for visitors who arrive in India for the first time. At one point in time, this monument represented the grandeur of the British Raj in India. The total construction cost of this monument was approximately 21 lakhs and the whole expense was borne by the Indian government. A favorite spot for tourists, nowadays, this monument attracts vendors, food stalls, and photographers.

                   The gateway of India is also famous due to a nearby attraction i.e. International Taj hotels and Elephanta caves.it is located 2.5 km from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminal and 2.4 km from Churchgate Railway station. The Taj Mahal Hotel is India's most prestigious and luxurious hotel and is situated close to the Gateway of India. Various foreigners are preferred to stay in the Taj hotel due to its rating(five-star) and royalty so if you planning to visit India don't miss having a royal experience of the place.

       

Elephanta Caves

         Very close to the gateway of India, there are an ancient Caves named as "Elephanta". Visit an Elephanta cave is a must if you are in Mumbai. 

How to reach Elephanta Caves via Gateway

        Reach the last two stations of South Mumbai either CST( Chhatrapati Shivaji MaharajTerminal) old name VT ( Victoria Terminus) or Churchgate station (only local train). Then take a local bus or taxi to reach the gateway. Or take a local cab to reach Gateway the most popular landmark of Mumbai. From here journey to Elephanta begins. This sea cruise takes one hour to covers a distance of 13 KM from Gateway to reach Elephanta.

       

 The name Elephanta came from the big status of Elephant which is now shifted to Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Garden ( Victory Garden ) in Mumbai. The island of Elephanta is originally known as Gharapuri. Once you get down from cruise you need to climb stairs to reach the caves The cave complex consists of 7 caves. Out of which 5 caves at the lower side and the cave No 1 is exclusively carved with the various manifestation of Lord Shiva. On the statues, you can see the Chalukyan influence. The depiction of mountains and clouds and the hairstyles of women are reminiscent of Gupta art.

     The main Shiva-dedicated temple is an intriguing latticework of courtyards, halls, pillars, and shrines; its magnum opus is a 6m-tall statue of Sadhashiva, depicting a three-faced Shiva as the destroyer, creator, and preserver of the universe, his eyes closed in eternal contemplation.

            When you keep a glance at that mighty Arabian sea it seems like telling you that "Me, THE SEA, I am a witness of  independence of India and caves seem to say that, "I am your first home "

            At last, I would say that "The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek"

          

                               

            

The Beach

                                             


                                                                                                B.E.A.C.H.

                                                                                           Best Escape Anyone Can Have 
                       The Juhu
   

   

              Every time I stand across a beautiful beach, its waves seem to whisper to me: if you choose simple things and find joy in nature's simple treasure, life and living need not be so hard.

            Today we are going to visit most beautiful beach which is situated in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India in Juhu area. Juhu is the most famous beach in the center of the city. The city whose people runs 24/7 and strive to live a struggling life in this fast-paced technology, sometimes take rest and spend weekends with family and loved ones at Juhu. Tourists visit this beach because of its peaceful atmosphere and its scenic beauty. Also, Juhu is a most affluent area in Mumbai, home to various Bollywood celebrities.

            

           

              

            Juhu beach is also famous for its local delicacies and street food. The food stall set up near the beach offers excellent cuisine and snacks items. people most often visit this beach to relax after hard monotonous day to relax and enjoy. Tourists visit this beach because of its peaceful atmosphere and its scenic beauty. Watching the sunset in this wonderful place, guarded by the vast Arabian Sea, is like being in the world of fantasy.

                                               

Activities To Do - 

              If you got the chance to visit this place try out different yummy fast-food like vada-pav, pani-puri, sev puri, Ice - Gola,pav-bhaji, these are just some of the many delicacies offered at the beach stalls.One can also visit the famous Italian restaurants here such as Little Italy, Mangi Ferra, Don Giovanni, Penne, and so on. Popular sea-food specialties are served at these quality restaurants sited near the Juhu Beach.

             Here, one can visit pubs and discotheques that are the youth joints of the area.

 children often enjoy their summer vacations playing sports like basketball, cricket and football in 'Gandhigram' which is located at north end of the beach.Exciting activities like horse and camel rides are also available at Juhu Beach.

People who come here also indulge in activities like jogging, skipping, cycling and even attend Yoga sessions conducted by different groups.The best time to visit Juhu Beach is from the months of October to February. It is best to avoid visiting the beach during the monsoon season as high tides are expected during this time.

How to Reach - The beach is accessible by road, rail and is situated near the domestic and international airport.If you travelling by train then on western line you can board at churchgate station and get down at andheri station.from there you will get local bus or auto which would take you to beach.

By Rail

As Mumbai is well-connected by rail routes, reaching Juhu Beach will never be a problem. Ville Parle station is the closest railway station to Juhu Beach at a distance of 3 km from the main spot.

By Road

Juhu Beach is easily accessible by road. Apart from taxis and autos, public transport such as MTDC buses and private buses from many areas of the city are available. Dadar Bus Stand is only 15 km from the beach.

Below given are sea facing hotels in juhu beach ,mumbai --------------

These five star hotels in juhu mumbai are best known for their rich service and Royal customer experience

1.NOVOTEL MUMBAI JUHU BEACH

2.RAMADA PLAZA

3.JW MARRIOTE

4.SUN-N-SAND

5.SEA SIDE

6.JUHU HOTEL

7.EMERALD

8.SEA PRINCESS

9.THE ORCHID HOTEL

10.CITIZEN

 So ,This is perfect place for family trip in mumbai.if you  are from different country other than india and and wish to visit juhu beach,you can surely book one of these hotels and enjoy your vacation trip in india.

     For now ,I am taking your leave .we will meet soon with more mind boggling beaches in Maharashtra,mumbai till then Buh byeeeeeeeeeeeeee...... Stay tuned!

         

Majestic Matheran ! ...... "The Hill Station"

Knock! knock! someone is calling..... Whos that? ohoooo...Nature is calling....!

After visiting spiritual place Siddhivinayak temple, we are moving towards our second destination in Maharashtra. It's not just place but a heaven on earth. Yes Right."Matheran...The Hill Station"

        Have you been bored with struggling life? Then take a small break from your daily routine and pack your bags and go on in mother nature womb. I could surely tell you that experience will be mesmerizing! 

    Matheran is situated in Raigad district, Maharashtra with nearest city karjat. you can go with a central line local train and can get down to Neral station to reach to Matheran.from there you can hire a cab which takes mostly 100 bucks to reach up to the mountain.one can also go with the personal car and enjoy a ride with your family.it takes  half an hour to go till Dasturi Naka with mighty twist and turns. Neral to Matheran altitude is 800 Meter i.e. average height 2500 feet above sea level. 

            

Once you get down from your car, you have to take ticket coupon and from here the journey begins!

when you enter from Dasturi Naka, you will be able to see an army of nearby 500-600 horses black, white, gray as well as the rickshaw puller.discipline and trained horses use for transportation of luggage as well as for the personal ride. 

            Once you step down in Matheran you feel relaxed, rested and Rejuvenated cause of the magic in the air. That deep jungle, red mud, chilling environment and company of our love once what else need in life? by walking its almost 3 km distance from dasturi to Matheran market.

TOP Attractions of Matheran ------

 Toy train -- Yes, Toy train is one of the attractions of tourist. the toy train is available from Aman lodge to Matheran, which was started in 1907. This train remains closed in the rainy season due to a safety issue but except that available for the year.

Monkies in Matheran- I still remember, I went with my family and had chips in my hand suddenly one monkey came in front of me and grabbed that chips pocket from my hand. I was literally stunned for the second and all were laughing at me but it was too much Fun...Haha...

Nature of Matheran - "Calm!Calm!CHill!Chill!" something like this I can portray about nature. Reluctant from cities traffic noise and pollution, as well as Purity of air, will win your heart.

POINTS TO EXPLORE ------

1.Khandala point-

2.Echo point-

3.sunset point -

4.charlotte lake -

                              

5.Alexander point

6.one tree hill point

7.Rambagh point

8. Lord pay point'

9. Prabal gad, Irshal gad, Holly cross church

10.Louisa point -

these are all points situated in Matheran. Each one having a unique beauty like in one hand at sunset point you can see how Red sun can disappear behind the mountain in the spur of the moment, on another hand you can feel echoes of your own voice and much more. Pisarnath Temple (Mahadev temple) is a great place to feel peace and spirituality situated near Charlotte lake.
                There are lots of Hotels and rooms available in Matheran on a budget. Lots of foreigner daily visit to Matheran to explore the beauty of Maharashtra so when are you planning for your next trip to Matheran?

The end, I  would say......"The Mountains are calling......and Must GO "!

Mumbai meri jaan - Shree siddhivinayak temple

HEYA! This is my very first blog on travel and tourism of Maharashtra.
So are you excited to explore enchanting places in Maharashtra, India? Here WE GO.......

           When we say India! we recall unity in diversity and Yes The state who blessed with most diversifying culture, yummy cuisine, different attire, kolhapuri Chapple( slippers), spicy food in India is only Maharashtra. And we all know the capital city of India, the heart of Maharashtra, Where lakhs of people come with dreams in eyes and taking fire in hearts is none other than "AAMCHI MUMBAI".
     

   
     It is been called that Mumbai is situated based on seven islands and surrounded by the water. The main vital part of Mumbai is 'Mumbaikar', yes, you heard right. Mumbaikar are the people who stay in Mumbai and who try hard to fulfill their dreams. Mumbaikar are so humble, helping in nature and most important "who believes in GOD". "Lord GANESH" is the favorite deity in India and of course in MUMBAI who's temple is situated in Prabhadevi, Mumbai Named as "Siddhivinayak temple"

 so today we are going to visit this place ........................................................

The shrine is visited by thousands of devotees every day, with Tuesday being the most important day.
Those who dwell in the city of Mumbai and the suburban towns, pay a visit to this temple often. And many, who arrive as tourists to India’s financial capital, too wish to pay obeisance to the God of wisdom.

Shree Siddhivinayak temple is historical place in Mumbai dedicated to Lord Ganesh. Everyone once in life should visit here to feel that peace of mind. Many people have found a reason to live a life. when we give a meet to the temple we forget all our trouble, depression, anxiety and that environment of spirituality hold our mind with lots of happiness and positivity.

  so if you are in Mumbai and planning to spend your weekend you must visit this place, I am sure that you will be in love with this place.


How to reach -
 One can also commute by a local train (Central, Western, Harbour) to reach Dadar. If you are lodging in any of Western or the Central suburbs, then you will have to de-train at Dadar. Western Rail ply between Virar and Churchgate, while Central Rail ply between Karjat and CST or Kasara and CST. If you are in the harbour route, then de-board at Kurla (on the Panvel CST route). From Kurla, take a train from the central route to Dadar. From Dadar share cab and regular cab services to Prabhadevi are easily available.



important tips - Being in Mumbai lots of feriwalas (vendors) are there to loot customer especially a foreigner. so keep one guide with you.

May Lord Ganesh bless you all!
Jai Shree Ganesh!