Monsoon Trecking at Lohgad
First rains of the season always bring with it a sense of entrapment. With man perennially trapped in an urban cage, watching the rain fall evokes a desire to escape into the arms of Mother Nature. The primal instincts of roaming wild in nature and a thirst to escape the daily humdrums of our busy city lives takes over. To quenched this thirst many head towards the mighty mountain top of Lohgad.
Lohgad is one of the two forts guarding the trade route between Kalyan and Nalasopara harbors & markets of Deccan plateau (other fort being Rajmachi). Today, most of the forts are in dilapidated states, however Lohgad is
still in much better condition. For trekker's Lohgad should be a real treat to visit giving a wonderful panoramic view from its top. Lohgad is situated about 5 Km. from Malavali station. First one should reach Lonavala by any Central-Southern mail/express, catch a local train from Lonavala to Malavali. From Malavali one can catch a rickshaw to Bhaje village. 1½ hours walk from Bhaje will lead to Lohgadwadi.15 min walk from Lohgadwadi will take you to the top.Being a well preserved fort the entrance to the fort is in good condition. The fortification are also quiet good. There are some stone-scripts(Shilalekh) in the den, the only place where night stay can be made on Lohgad. There is a mosque atop Lohgad. From Lohgad, Tung and Tikona hills are seen to the south, Dukes nose at west, Pavana dam offers a wonderful view in the south direction.
Sightseeing at Lohgad :
Vinchu Kata :
The fort houses many old constructions and much of its fortification is very intact. This becomes clear as we move. The entrances and the ramparts are as they were 200 years ago. As we enter the Ganesh Darwaaja, we come across an inscription on a rectangular stone. If it is not stone, one has to check every stone there. The words on it tell that the construction was initiated and done by Dhondopant under Nana Phadnis. Here are the
galleries for guards.Between Narayan & Hanuman Darwaaja there are two go downs. These were used for storage of granary.After entering the Maha Darwaaja we come across an old 'Dargah'. Besides the Dargah we come across the remnants of the court. Going towards right we come across 'Laxmi Kothi'. It is a big cave where 50 people can stay. The Kothi has many rooms. On Lohgad Laxmi Kothi is the only place for us to stay. The treasury of Nana Phadnis was kept here. In front of this place are two cannons. Besides the cave are many other caves. On the northern side of the fort is a newly built Dargah. This is the tomb of Sheikh Umar. The history is interesting. Three Arabs named Sheikh Umar, Sheikh Salla and Sheikh Malang invaded Pune. Salla resided in Pune city and destroyed the temples. Malang went and stayed on what is known as Malanggad, near Kalyan. Umar seized Lohgad. A sage was meditating here. Umar threw him off the cliff and became the ruler here. Today his Dargah has gained importance as pilgrimage.
Bhaje Caves :
The fort is not so big as the main forts, but it acquired significance due to its geographical location and the
dominance of Buddhists and later the Satvaahans here. Building forts strengthened the peaks of Sahyadri, and the marvelous caves and sculptures beautified their faces. The artistic works not only reveal the cultural development, but also show an advanced architecture that is not achievable today. The caves of Ajantha and Verul are the best works, so are the caves of Karla and Bhaje. Karla caves are little farther from here, but Bhaje caves are near Malavali. The ancient Viharas and Stupas of Buddhists indicate that they were Heenyana Buddhists, who do not believe in idol worship. Mahayana Buddhists carved idols of Buddha. Here we can find 8 more Stupas. There is a temple, which is Surya-Mandir or Temple of Sun. the chariot of Sun God is carved hereFor more images, click here
For a 360 degree view of Lohgad click here (the view would take 2 minutes to load)
Labels: Forts, Trecking, Western India
posted by Rishil Babu @ 9:06 PM,
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The Magnificent Maharashtra : Golden Glory of The Marathas
Maharashtra nestles on the west coast of India, in the arms of the Arabian Sea. Providing more than 20 percent of the value of India's industrial output, it is among the most commercially important states. Caressing an ancient history that goes back nearly 2,500 years, the cordial land of Maharashtra is trimmed with exquisite sculptures and world-renowned frescoes that line the forlorn rock-cut caves of this great state.
In more recent times, Maharashtra was the dominion of the valiant Marathas, whose legendary hero, Shivaji, challenged the prestige of the Mughals in the 17th century.
To dilate the turmoil of his guerrilla warfare, Maratha women modified the 'sari' to nine yards from the traditional six, wearing it to look like 'dhoti'. You can still see the distinctive and unique style, cheerfully retained in its vibrant culture. Be a part of the extravagant 'Ganesh Chaturthi' festival, a 10 day celebration in respect of Elephant God, Ganesh. Another thing that you cannot forget after a vacation trip to this magical land is its magnificent fast food cuisine. Offering a multicultural medley of a multi-dimensional menu, the fast food joints, ubiquitous in Maharashtra, is a must visit for every tourist. The state has a 720-km coastline dotted by rugs standing as mute witnesses down the ages to the march of warrior kings, foreign trading vessels and invaders from across the seas. Maharashtra - Tourist Destinations
Maharashtra, one of the largest industrialized states of India, attracts thousands of
tourists from across the globe every year. Situated in the western and central parts of the country, Maharashtra extends over the Sahayadri mountain ranges and a vast coastline of 720 kms of the Arabian Sea. A land of rich art & culture and traditions, Maharashtra is known for its outstanding architecture, serene beaches, imposing forts and monuments, museums and picturesque temples.Maharashtra - Temples
Maharashtra, renowned as a major centre of Indian Temple architecture, has a wealth of venerable pilgrimage centres. The region soaked in the tales of valour of Marathas, is home to several exquisite temples. Some of the popular temples are Elephanta Cave Temple Kailashnatha Temple, Ajanta Caves Temple, Ellora Caves Temple, Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbadevi Temple, Balaji Temple, Bhimshankar Temple, Grishneshwar Temple, Tryambakeshwar Temple, Mahalakshmi Temple and Bhivani Temple.
Maharashtra - Cuisine
For Maharashtrians food means God, so they believe in offering their food first to
the God as a thanksgiving ritual. In Maharashtra you can savour a wide range of delicious cuisine, which give distinctive flavours. Maharashtra cuisine can be broadly divided into two types such as Konkani and Varadi. Although these cuisines are quite different from each other, but both extensively use seafood and coconut. Almost all the vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes in Maharashtra is served with cooked rice and soft breads. Vada or Amboli, is a special rice-puri served as a part of the main meal in Maharashtra. Some other specialties of Maharashtra include Chaat, Pani Puri, Bhelpuri, Paw Bhaji Dosai, Kebabs, Baida Roti, Tandoori Chicken and Fish Koliwada. Maharashtra - Hills
Blessed with natural beauty, Maharashtra also shows evidence of a divine hand in its mountains and hills. The Western Ghat range running parallel to its coast from north to south, at an average height of 1,200 metres. With its foothills sometimes approaching the sea-coast and sometimes moving 50 to 60 kms away, Maharashtra Hills seem to be playing the hide and seek game with the beautiful Arabian Sea. Within
these mountains, lies the hill stations of Maharashtra. Popular hill stations of Maharashtra include Mahabaleshwar, Khandala, Panchgani, Amboli, Bhandardara, Chikhaldara Hills, Jawahar, Lonavala and Karla, Malshej Ghat Matheran, Panhala and Toranmal. Maharashtra - Caves
Built artistically several centuries ago, some dating to the 2nd B.C, the Caves of Maharashtra offer an exceptional appeal and aura. Situated amidst the formidable Sahayadri ranges, the caves housed the monks of different religions in olden days. Known for their excellent paintings and sculpture, the Maharashtra Caves will leave you spellbound. While you visit Maharashtra don’t forget to pay a visit to these caves. Most popular caves are Karla Caves, Kanheri Caves, Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves, Elephanta Caves, Junnar Caves, Bhaja Caves and Aurangabad Caves.
Maharashtra - Shopping
Although Maharashtra has several places for shopping, but Mumbai is the ultimate shopper’s paradise. Mumbai offers exciting shopping opportunities under the sun as well as under the moon. In Mumbai, Chor Bazaar, Zaveri Bazaar, Breach Candy, Kemps Corner, Colaba Causeway, Fashion Street are the famous shopping areas. In these bustling markets, you can shop a wide range of products. Maharashtra has also a rich heritage of handicrafts, while shopping you can buy handicraft items in the shopping centres of the state. Apart from Mumbai, Aurangabad is also a good destination for doing some shopping. Aurangabad region is renowned for 2000-year-old craft of weaving Paithani Sarees. Popular items which you can check out in Maharashtra are Paithani
and Himroo Sarees, Narayan Pethsaris sarees, Lacquer ware, Bidri Ware, Warli Tribal Paintings and Kolhapuri Chappals. How To Reach
Mumbai is one of the busiest cities in India, always bustling with enthusiasm. The international and domestic airports are located to the north of the city, Sahar, at a distance of 30 km from downtown. Mumbai handles flights from 37 airlines, which fly to the major cities in asia, the far and the middle East, major destinations in Europe - such as London and Paris - and New York and Chicago. Both the terminals are furnished with world class facilities to satisfy an international traveller. On arrival at Sahar International Airport, the immigration, baggage retrival and customs
counters precede the remaining of the services. Exchange can be obtained at bank counters just outside the customs area. Tourists will also get innumerable taxis and autorickshaws just outside the airport premises. Mumbai is well connected to the rest of the country by central and western railway lines. Trains to Mumbai for most central, southern and eastern regions arrive at CST which is located at the heart of the city. Trains from Northern India arrive at Bombay Central. Both stations are centrally located and taxis are readily available.
Across Mumbai Central Station is the terminus for interstate buses. Maharashtra State buses terminate at Asiad Bus Stand at Dadar. As an important junction on the National Highway network of India, it is limked to all major towns and cities of the country. NH 3 connects Mumbai to Indore and Gwalior, NH 4 to Pune, and NH 8 to Ahmedabad and Delhi. The port of Mumbai is located to the south of the city and handles around 1/6th of India's total inborne trade. A better route to Maharashtra may be to avail a ferry service. One can get ferry ships from the Ferry Wharf, near the Prince's Dock, as well as the Gateway of India. The Port of Mumbai operates its own railway, running between Ballard Pier and Wadala. This is linked to the Central and Western Railways at the interchange Railway Yard at Wadala.
More quality links below.
Labels: Forts, Western India
posted by Rishil Babu @ 12:50 AM,
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Fascinating Heritage Forts and Palaces of Rajasthan.
INDIA a country so different from the rest in the world, a country which is blessed with Nature and a country which can boast of a lot of peace and tranquility entices every single individual in the world to pay a visit to this wonderful Mystical and
Mesmerizing place. And in this country, the state of Rajasthan is again a jewel in the necklace of this adventurous country India.Rajasthan is situated in the north part of the country and is most famous for its deserts. To the outer world, this state is basically famous for its vast deserts and rich cultural and traditional heritage and artifacts. Rajasthan is where all the country's similes and metaphors appear to have come together. Sand dunes, wooded hills and amazing lakes, palaces and rugged forts, men and women in colorful turbans and skirts, bustling towns and quiet villages, camels, elephants and tigers, harsh sunlight and the cool evening breeze - are all there in abundance.
But they form only part of an intricate tapestry. Beneath the surface, expect to find many contradictions. Where ever you travel, particularly when you escape from the popular tourist destinations you will come across the unexpected, whether it is a local fair or breathtaking view. The mood and the rhythm of the country side changes from one region to another, and from season to season. It is a land of surprises; it is a land of amazing natural beauty that can fascinate even the most seasoned traveller.
Here are some of the best Heritage Forts & Palaces of Rajasthan, a must visit tourist destinations
Bila Quila Fort, Alwar
This huge fort,constructed before the rise of the Mughal empire, stretchs 5 km from
north to south and 1.6 km from east to west, and stands 304 metres above the city and 595 metres above the sea level. This huge fort has 15 large and 51 small towers and 446 openings for musketry, along with 8 huge towers encompassing it.
Junagarh Fort, Bikaner
One of the most imposing forts of Northern India-- Junagarh Fort has remained unconquered till date. This fort was built in 15th century by one of the most able and trusted generals of Akbar, Raja Rai Singh.
City Palace, Alwar
The City Palace was built in 1793 A.D. by Raja Bakhtawar Singh. It represents a
intermingling of Rajput and Mughal stvles. It has graceful marble pavilions set on lotus flower bases in the central courtyard.Fateh Prakash Palace, Chittorgarh
Chittorgarh Fort is a massive structure with a 1 kilometre zigzag accent to it. The road leads through seven gates to the main gate Rampol (meaning Gate of Ram). On the climb between the second and third gate you see two Chattris cenotaphs built to honour Jaimull and Kulla heroes of 1568 siege by Emperor Akbar.
City Palace, Jaipur
Located in the heart of the walled city, The City Palace Complex gives you an idea about the far sightedness of the founder of Jaipur Sawai Jai Singh. He left behind a legacy of some of the most imposing and magnificent architecture, art and craft structure in the city. Jai Singh built the outer walls but its many buildings were built later and some of them date in the twentieth century too.
Jaisalmer Fort, Jaisalmer
Known as SONAR QUILA or the Golden fort, rising from the sand , the mega structure
merges with the golden hues of the desert ambience and the setting suns in its most colourful shades gives it a fairy tale look.Lake Palace, Udaipur
The Lake Palace is located on the Jag Niwas Island and covers the whole of 1.5 hectare of the island in the middle of the Pichola Lake. Built by Maharana Jagat Singh in 1743 it was meant as a royal summer palace and now converted in to a five star palace hotel.
How to Reach:
International Airport : Jaipur is the only International Airport in Rajasthan and only daily international flight of Indian Airlines from Dubai. The infrastructure at the airport is being upgraded so that more international airlines open Jaipur as their destination.
AIR
Rajasthan has airports at Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur, while the airport at Jaisalmer opens from 1st October to 31st March. Government run airline Indian Airlines and private airline Jet Airways operate daily services to all airports in Rajasthan from New Delhi and Mumbai. The domestic airport at New Delhi and Mumbai are located near the international airport and flight to Rajasthan operates from domestic airports only.
TRAIN
India has one of the worlds biggest railway services network managing over 60,000 kms of track and transporting over 11 million passengers every day. Indian railways are an efficient service and reliable and cheap means of transport. A variety of services like the super fats, mail, express, inter city and country passenger services are offer to choose from. The services are also classified for comfort in travel like the most luxurious in air-conditioned first class. Most of the trains offer air-condition service in other classes also two tier, three tier and chair car.More Quality Links available below.
Labels: Forts, Heritage, Northern India, Palaces
posted by Rishil Babu @ 12:19 AM,
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