Panhala Fort - It Presents Some Out Of This World Views.

PANHALA FORT

AT

KOLHAPUR

Panhala Fort is located in panhala, 20 km northwest of Kolhapur in state of maharastra.This is place is around 3127 feet above the sea level and hence the climate around here is very cold but pleasant.

There are many a remains of the fort which are now being looked after by the Archaeological Survey of India.

The fort can be visited during any season but what make it more compelling, mysterious and exciting are the fog and the dense greenery that sprouts up during the monsoon.

 There are hotels aplenty in Panhala and you can enjoy here the typical Kolhapuri cuisine. While entering Panhala you will come across the mausoleum of Vir Shiva Kashid whose statue is at the entrance of the fort. Walk along the opposite side of this statue and you will reach the Parashar cavern which possibly could have been a Buddhist cave.

Further, at the summit of the roads is the statue of Bajiprabhu Deshpande. From there a road leads to the three-storied andharbaw (the dark well) and Teen Darwaja and Konkan Darwaja along with their fortifications.

The other leads to the Sajja Koti which was built by Ibrahim Adil Shah to watch over the lower regions. Then the third road leads to Someshwar or Somale Tank which has a mention in the medieval treatise ‘Karveer Mahatmyam’.

In the centre of the fort is situated the Amberkhana or granaries, three in number built in typical Bijapur style. Apart from these, the Naykinicha Sajja (place of the courtesan), Dharm koti, Wagh Darwaja and Rajdindi are worth visiting.

Along with these beautiful medieval architectural specimens, there is a monument dedicated to Sambhaji Raja and temples of Ambabai, Mahakali, Someshwar along with mausoleums of Jijabai, Sambhaji Raja II’s wife, Ramchandra Pant Amatya and Moropant, the famous Marathi poet.

Today this place is a one of the upcoming tourism spot and hill station in Maharashtra although the place is developed to extent it could be due to lack of interest of Maharshtra government to develop tourism industry here but due to few sebsible business people from kholhapur who put their efforts to promote the tourism in this place have supported lots of development over here.

 This is one of the best and very reasonable palce as far as the hill stations around the India are concerned. 

There are many small and medium hotels providing reasonable accommodation with the facility of restaurant only one thing you will not get the liquor over here as it is prohibited in this area by the Maharashtra government.

By Air

The nearest airport is at Pune. There is a domestic airport at Kolhapur but there is no regular air service.

By Rail

Kolhapur is well connected to all the major cities. Miraj, at one hour distance from Kolhapur is the major rail junction.

By Road

Kolhapur is well connected to all the major cities. Kolhapur is linked to Pune- Bangaluru highway. There are regular ST buses as well as private buses plying to Kolhapur.

 Panhala Fort - It presents some out of this world views.

GATEWAY OF INDIA

Gateway Of India

The Gateway of India is one of India's most unique landmarks situated in the city of Mumbai. The colossal structure was constructed in 1924. Located at the tip of Apollo Bunder, the gateway overlooks the Mumbai harbor, bordered by the Arabian Sea in the Colaba district. 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 of 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 favourite spot for tourists, nowadays, this monument attracts vendors, food stalls and photographers. The passing of the 'First Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry' was recorded as the first main event that took place at the Gateway of India. This ceremony was conducted on February 28, 1948, when the last set of British troops and divisions left India, post-independence.

Visiting Hours

People can visit the monument at any time of the day. The best time to visit the Gateway of India is during the period of November to March, as the post-monsoon climate is very pleasant and there are very less chances for downpours at this time.

2.5 km from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminal and 2.4 km from Churchgate

MUMBADEVI TEMPLE

MUMBADEVI TEMPLE

Mumba Devi Temple is a renowned ancient temple dedicated to 'Goddess Mumbadevi'. This beautiful temple situated in Mumbai was built in the 18th century. 

The 'Koli' fishermen or the early inhabitants of Mumbai greatly respect and honor Goddess Mumbadevi and consider her as their guardian. Goddess Mumbadevi is recognized as 'Goddess Shakti' or the Goddess of Power.

Today, this elegant temple is sited amidst the crowded steel and cloth markets of Mumbai. Within the jam-packed Zaveri Bazaar, one can see the Mumba Devi Temple surrounded by several flower shops.

 People attend the 'aartis' in this temple that are conducted in the mornings and evenings. The Mumba Devi Temple is open on all days except Mondays. Apart from the regular devotees who flock the temple, tourists from all over the world too, come to admire this gorgeous temple in Mumbai.

 Mumbai city derives its name from the Goddess Mumbadevi and therefore, this temple is truly an important structure for the dwellers of this beautiful city.

Mumba Devi Temple is one of the most ancient temples situated in Mumbai and was built in the 18th century. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Mumbadevi. Tourists from all over the world make sure to visit this sacred temple while in Mumbai. It is a fact that Mumbai city has been named after the Koli fishermen's deity-Goddess Mumbadevi.

By Air

Mumbai has an excellent connectivity with all the major cities of the world. Most of the domestic flights are linked to Mumbai making it the busiest hub in the country.  Mumbai’s main airport is Chatrapati Shivaji airport, which is India’s busiest airport and one of the many international gateways to the country. Many international airlines such as British Airways, Delta, Emirates, Malaysia Airlines, Lufthansa, Qantas & Singapore Airlines, fly into Mumbai. Low-cost carriers such as Air Asia also fly to the city. The airport has two terminals for domestic and international purposes.

By Road

One can hire auto-rickshaws or taxis to Bhuleshwar where the Mumba Devi Temple is located.

By Rail

One can reach Mumba Devi Temple easily by boarding local trains from the city. The Charni Road Station is only 10 minutes from Bhuleshwar. Churchgate Station is also located close to Bhuleshwar.

Timing

Open all days except Monday.

The Temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.

JUHU BEACH

JUHU BEACH

The Juhu Beach in Mumbai is one of the most famous Indian beaches. This beach is known to be the one of the most-visited beaches of India and is situated in 'Ville Parle'. It is located approximately 18 km from the city center and is a desired location for most film shootings. Juhu Beach borders a posh locality where most celebrities stay and therefore, it is quite common to find famous celebrities jogging along the sands of this popular beach of Mumbai. Tourists visit this beach because of its peaceful atmosphere and its scenic beauty. Juhu Beach is also famous for its local delicacies and street food. The food stalls set up here offer excellent cuisines and snack items. People in Mumbai visit this beach to relax and enjoy after a long, tedious day. There are extravagant hotels and apartments located at the southern end of the beach. Watching the sunset in this wonderful place, guarded by the vast Arabian Sea, is a dream-like vision for anyone who visits the beach.

Best Time To Visit
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

By Air
Juhu Beach is situated very close to the domestic airport, as well as the international airport. One can hire a taxi or auto from the airport to the 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.

GIRGAUM CHOWPATTY BEACH

 CHOWPATY BEACH

Chowpatty Beach, also called Girgaum Chaupati, is one of Mumbai's prestigious beaches which is known for its local eateries.

Chowpatty Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Mumbai. Located in the heart of the city, this beach is most popular for its local delicacies which most people enjoy whenever they visit Chowpatty Beach. Watching the glorious sunsets from this beach is a sight worth seeing! This beach is a retreat from a tedious routine for many. Most people visit this beach to relax after a long, tiring day. People of all age-groups come here to enjoy the scenic beauty offered by the beach. The sea, adorned by its long stretch of white sand in addition to the magnificent sky above, is like a heavenly dream for anyone who visits this beach. One can find beach vendors selling balloons, toys and local dishes such as spicy raw mango, roasted peanuts and Mumbai fast-food (or chaats). Tourists who visit Mumbai make it a point to visit this beach to experience the peaceful and serene atmosphere. People come here with their friends and families to spend several hours on this relaxing spot. A stroll on Mumbai's Chowpatty Beach will guarantee you an experience of a lifetime.

By Road
Chowpatty Beach is well-connected by roads. One can easily hire an auto or taxi from the city to reach the beach. Many local buses are also available.

By Rail
Churchgate Station is the nearest railway station to Chowpatty Beach. From Churchgate station, one can board a local train to Charni Road and walk from there to the beach.