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!