India travelguide

NEW DELHI - National museum, Dolls museum, Rail transport and philatelic museum, National art gallery, Jumma masjid - largest mosque in India, Hazrat Nizamuddin's shrine, Hauz Khas - Feroz Shah's tomb and deer park, Mughal gardens, Raj Ghat, Shanti vana, Vijay Ghat, Secretariat, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Birla House, India Gate (42 m high) - memorial to over 90,000 soldiers who died in second world war with 13,516 names inscribed on it, Janpath, Supreme court, Parliament house, Bahai Lotus temple with marble tiled 27 petals constructed in 6 years (1980-86), Red fort and inside palaces. Qutb Minar (18 km, 72.5 m high) - World heritage centre, tallest stone tower in India with rust free Iron pillar.

OLD DELHI - Adilabad fort, Ashoka pillar, Humayun's tomb - World heritage centre, Jantar Mantar observatory (1724 AD) of Raja Jai Singh, Purana Qila built by Sher Shah Suri in 1545 AD, zoo, Safdarjang's tomb.

SHOPPING - Chandni chowk, Connaught place, State handicraft emporia.

FESTIVALS - Republic day (26th January), Festival of flowers (August/ September), Ram Lila (September/October).

Capital : New Delhi.

Area : 1, 483 sq.km.

Literacy : 81.5%.

Languages : Hindi, English .

Roads : 25, 283 km.

Railways : 172 km.

Airports : Palam (Delhi), Indira Gandhi International Airport.

When to visit : Oct to Mar.

Climate(in °C) : Summer 45 to 7 Winter 20 to 7.

Monsoon : June to Sept

Districts : 9, Central, East, New Delhi, North, North East, North West, South, South West, West.

Capital : Kohima.

Area : 16, 579 sq.km.

Literacy : 67%.

Languages : Nagamese, English, Sema.

Roads : 13, 732 km.

Railways : 19 km.

Airport : Dimapur.

When to visit : Nov to Mar.

Monsoon : May to Sept.

Districts : 8, Dimapur, Kohima, Mokokchung, Mon, Phek, Tuensang, Wokha, Zunheboto.

Places of Tourist importance : Veda peak, Kohima - village, war cemetry, Longwa village, Dzukou valley, Chui village, Intangki national park - Wild life.

Capital : Aizawl.

Area : 21, 081 sq. km.

Literacy : 88.49%.

Languages : Mizo, English, Bengali.

Roads : 6, 910 km.

Railways : 2 km.

Airports : Aizawl.

When to visit : Oct to May.

Climate(in °C) : Summer 18 to 29 Winter 11 to 24.

Monsoon : June to Sept

Districts : 8, Aizawl, Champhai, Kolasib,Lawngtlai, Lunglei, Mamit, Chhimtuipui, Serchhip.

Places of Tourist importance : The Blue mountain, Pukzing caves, Tam dil lake, Zotlang, Lunglei, Thenzawl hill station, Dingdi art gallery, Saitual resort.

Capital : Shillong.

Area : 22, 429 sq.km.

Literacy : 63.6%.

Languages : Khasi, Garo, Bengali.

Roads : 8, 391 km.

Heliport : Shillong, Tura, Umroi.

When to visit : Oct to Mar.

Climate(in °C) : Summer 25 to 15 Winter 16 to 4 .

Districts : 7, East Garo Hills, East Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills, Ri Bhoi, South Garo Hills, West Garo Hills, West Khasi Hills.

Places of Tourist importance : Ward's lake, Lady Hydary park, Bishop Beadon falls, Elephant falls, Kyllang rock, Uniam lake, Nohsngithiang falls at Mawsmai, Khasi hills: Cherrapunji, Mawsynram, botanical garden.

Capital : Imphal.

Area : 22, 327 sq.km.

Literacy : 68%.

Language : Manipuri.

Roads : 10, 760 km.

Railways : 1 km.

Airports : Imphal.

When to visit : Nov to May.

Climate(in °C) : Summer 29 to 14 Winter 25 to 7 .

Monsoon : April to Oct.

Districts : 9, Bishnupur, Chandel, Churachandpur, Imphal East, Imphal West, Senapati, Tamenglong, Thoubal, Ukhrul.

Places of Tourist importance : Imphal - war cemeteries, Govindajee temple, women bazaar, Loktak lake, Keibul Lamjao (the only floating national park in the world), Orchid yard at Khongampat, Sendra island.

ANJANERI FORT (1303 m) - Nashik to Trimbakeshwar by bus (30 km). ST stand to Anjaneri village and then to fort (5 km).

BRAHMAGIRI (1303 m) - Near Trimbakeshwar. Regular steps leads to the temple at the top. Trek takes 1.5 hour. Harhar fort (1123 m) and Fani Dongar are nearby.

DHODAP (1454 m) - From Nashik/Lasalgaon to Vadala bhoi (50 km) by bus. Then to Dhodambe by truck (7 km). Walk to Hatti village and then to Sonar's village at the upper Plateau (10 km). The top can be reached by a 70 m rock climb.

IKARIA PINNACLE (1454 m) - Near Dhodap and it is purely rock climbing route.

CHANDWAD - From Lasalgaon railway station, ahead of Nashik, get Chandwad bus (20 km). A temple is on the ridge and the way leads to top. Access to the fort requires a 13 m rock climb with rope.

INDRAI KILLA (1373 m) - Proceed on Mumbai - Agra NH 3 from Chandwad and follow a cart road on left. 8 km walk and a steep climb takes one to the fort. Caves and temples are at top. Sade Teen is nearby.

RAJDHER FORT (1093 m) - From Indrai Killa proceed to Rajdher village and then to backside of the fort. A 100 m rock climb with rope takes one to top.

HADBI CHI SHENDI - A thumb like pinnacle (75 m), 5 km after Manmad railway station. Reach Katarwadi village and climb to the base of the pinnacle. Climbing the pinnacle is difficult due to unsafe rocks.

SALHER (1617 m) - Highest fort in Sahyadri. A huge cave and water cisterns just below the top and a temple at the top. From Nashik to Tahirabad via Satana and then to Mulher. Mulher fort can be climbed in 3 hour. Reach Vaghambe by bus and walk towards the col of Salher and Salota. Regular steps leads to top. From the col a rocky staircase leads to Salota.

BHAIRAVGAD (866 m) - From Kalyan travel to Morroshi (after Vaishakare). From Malsej Ghat road the pinnacle can be seen. A track at the right side of the road climbs to the base of the pinnacle. To and fro trek takes 3 hour. A formidable rock climb takes to top.

HARISHCHANDRAGAD (1427 m) - Kalyan to Malsej by bus (2 hour). On Malsej ghat get down for fort. The road over bund leads to Khireshwer (3 km). A broad path leads to a gully and a flat long walk takes to base of the fort. It is a remote fort with water reservoirs, temples and caves. There is a cave with large 'linga' at the centre of water. Konkan Kada, a huge semi circular wall of 300 m, is the main attraction. Light objects when thrown are lifted by strong winds. To and fro trek takes 8 hour (5+3).

SHIVNERI (1080 m) - This fortress was the birth place of Shivaji (1637 AD) located 3 km from Junnar. Large arch and minarets of a mosque are visible from a long distance. From the two storied temple one can get down through a steep route (located at the middle of the fort/behind hotel Ashiana on main road). To and fro trek takes 2 hour. From Junnar one can visit the nearby ruined fort. Lenyadri caves are nearby - Astavinayak, pilgrim centre. 12 huge radio telescopes are near Narayangaon.

CHAWAND (990 m) - By Ghatghar/Anjanavale bus reach Kukudeshwar from Junnar. An easy steep climb leads to top (Steel ladder is visible from the road). Ancient temple and water cisterns are on the summit. To and fro trek takes 1.5 hour.

JIVDHAN (1147 m) - Reach Ghatghar from Junnar by bus . A flat walk (3 km) takes one to a ridge at the left side of the fort. From the base of the rock wall left side exposed route leads to the base of Vandar lingi pinnacle (60 m). A steep rock climbing route to the top for professional climbers. Traverse on right side leads to blown away steps of the fort (15 m). It has good foot and finger holds for climbing up. From the top one can see Nane ghat and Vandar lingi pinnacle. To and fro trek takes 3.5 hour.

NANE GHAT/PASS (832 m) - It is a prominent nose like projection when viewed from Malsej road. Nane pass has inscriptions, water cisterns and caves on the way. From Ghatghar walk on the unmettaled road to the pass. A broad route climbs down to Konkan (Vaisakhare on Malsej road, 20 km).


GHORAKHGAD-MACHINDER PINNACLES - From Kalyan/Karjat reach Mhasa by bus (30 km). Travel to Dehri by jeep (10 km). Walk towards the pinnacles over the ridge at right. Ghorakhgad has a huge cave and water cisterns at the base. A steep rocky staircase leads to the temple at top. Excellent views of Machinder and Siddhagad (984 m, access from Nariveli ghat). Trek takes 6 hour except the final rock climb on Machinder.

MACHINDER PINNACLE - From the base of the Ghorakhgad traverse to the col of the pinnacles. Climb over the ridge steeply to top. Final stage (20 m) is rock climb with rope over loose rocks. Go prepared for the climb and be careful while descending.

MAHULI - The pinnacles can be seen from Asangaon station. Reach Mahuli village by auto (5 km) and follow the right ridge to top. Bandaragad fort is near and can be reached by basic rock climbing. Palasgad is at the same plateau. To and fro trek takes 4 hour.

KULANG (1473 m) - Kulang offers one of the highest climbs from the base. From Igatpuri to Bavli (8 km) by Manveda bus. Follow the road 1 km and take the left track which climb to Kulangwadi (2 hour, one way). Reach the base of the col of
Kulang and chota Kulang. Left track leads to a ridge. Climb the ridge via carved steps to top (4 hour trek from Kulangwadi to fort and back). Excellent views of Madangad, Alang and Kalsubai. A huge cave and water cisterns are on the fort.

MADANGAD (1473 m) - The fort has a huge hole at the right hand top. Reach Kulangwadi as in Kulang and approach the col of Alang and Madangad (Shiv Khind). From the col follow the right exposed track to the bottom of the rock climbing
wall. After a 13 m rock climb with rope steps leads to top. Excellent views of Alang and Kulang. A cave at good condition at the top. The trek from Kulangwadi to fort and back takes 5.5 hour.

ALANG (1482 m) - Three fourth of the fort has to be traversed in atleast three times. From the col of Alang and Madangad (Shiv Khind) descend on left to the forest. A flat traverse to almost end of the fort and a small rock climb takes one to the next level of the fort. Another long flat exposed traverse takes to the other end of the fort near Madangad. A cave can be seen here and the track climbs to the top. The summit has water cisterns and a temple.

PATTA (1421 m) - Travel to Taked/Adsure dam by bus (20 km). Trek to fort via Konkanwadi. Avandh (1322 m) is nearby. The final lap of this fort is of rock climbing.

KALSUBAI (1650 m) - Highest point in Maharashtra. By Bhandardara bus get down at Bari village. The track gradually climbs to top. Three iron ladders on the way makes the climb easy. At the top there is a temple of Kalsubai. For a change, climb down to Udhavne village on the other side. To and fro trek takes 4 hour.

GHANCHAKKAR (1536 m) - It has many ridges and walls on all sides. By Sangamner bus get down at Randha falls after Bhandardara and walk to Katalpur. A long climb over the barren slopes to top. To and fro trek takes 4 hour.

AJOBA (1378 m) - From Bhandardara lake reach Kalthembe via Muthkel (10 km). Track leads to base of Ratangad and then to col of Kathra. Descend to Kumshet village and reach the base of Ajoba. A zig zag tricky route leads to top. Kathra (1410 m) is between Ajoba and Ratangad fort (1300 m).

PETH (473 m) - Travel from Karjat to Jamrukh and get down at Ambivili. Walk to Peth village and then to Bhairobas's cave. Rock hewn steps leads to top in 3 hour.

MATHERAN (768 m) - It is a popular hill station with large number of trekking routes. Neral junction (39 m ASL) is on the Mumbai-Pune rail route. Matheran is 6 hour journey by toy train (13 km) and 30 min. by Taxi. From 1, 3 point one can trek down to Bhorgav via Shivaji's ladder and then to Karjat in 3 hour. Another trekking route is from Porcupine point to Dodhani village (1 hour) and then to Panvel by bus.

CHANDERI FORT (794 m) - It is a fascinating and intricate looking fort. From Vangani railway station (near Kalyan) travel to Goregaon by auto. Right side road climbs to Chinchavli village (4 km). A right track goes towards a water nullah from a hut and reach the col of Mahasmal-Chanderi. The route is over boulders and is difficult to find. Climb left ridge for the fort. A cave temple is at the base. An exposed and tricky traverse takes you to the centre of the massif. A rocky staircase leads to the top. To and fro trek takes 7 hour.

MAHASMAL (611 m) - From the col of Mahasmal - Chanderi climb right to the base of the pinnacles. Going around reach a narrow col between the second and third pinnacles. Climb the second pinnacle over the scree and boulders. A descent of 10m on the other side and a final climb of 15 m takes one to the top. On descent be careful !

DHAK PLATEAU (708 m) - Karjat to Sandshi by bus or auto. A 10 km climb to the top via Dak village. One can visit Bhimashankar or Rajmachi fort via Bhairoba Dhak cave and Valvande.

BHIMASHANKAR - One of the 12 jyotirlingas is a famous pilgrim centre. Travel from Karjat to Khandas by bus (14 km). 10 km steep climb takes you to top in 4 hour. Shiv temple is on the other side of the rock face. On the way one can see a rocky massif - Padar killa. From the gully between Bhimashankar-Padar killa climb to the top of Padar Killa.

KARNALA (470 m) - Bird Sanctuary with fort on the Panvel-Pen road. Fort has thumb like pinnacle of 50 m, which provides opportunities for rock climbing. Take care of scree and bees.

MANIKGAD (572 m) - Travel from Panvel to Vashivli and get down at Vadgaon phata. Trek to Manikgad village and then to fort in 1.25 hour. Manikgad lingi and Sankshi fort are nearby.

HAJI MALANG (800 m) - Travel to Vavanje by bus from Panvel. Trek to darga of Haji Malang. The Malangad is visible to a long distance. Above the darga there are many opportunities for rock climbing . A thrilling climb takes you to top of the pinnacle via rope bridge. To and fro trek takes 6 hour. Tavli hills (800 m), a group of three pinnacles, is nearby. Tavli caves at the base of the pinnacle can be reached by a tricky and exposed traverse. Another approach is from Kalyan by bus.

MAMA BHANJA - From Thane reach Wagle estate by bus, it has good rock climbing opportunities.

MUMBRA - Near the railway station there is an interesting place for rock climbing.

DUKE'S NOSE - Lonavla to Kuruvande by auto (5 km). 45 minute walk takes you to the top of Duke's nose. Rappeling down from here is a great fun as the rockface is steep. Kuruvande village is famous even from the time of Chatrapati Shivaji. On
this hilly route Shivaji attacked his enemies and become victorious. 1.5 hour climb down takes you to Chavni village at Konkan. Travel to Umbre/Khopoli by Vikram/auto. Another route takes you to Phalyan, base village of Lion's point. Trek takes 2 hour (tower line) from Duke's nose. Return to Khopoli via Parali.

LION'S POINT trek - From Lion's point one will be attraced by the beauty of a sharp peak : Babita/Moradi hill. By Khopoli - Pali bus get down at Parali and travel to Mangaon by Vikram/auto. A 2.5 hour takes one to top. On the way 25 m rock wall
has to be climbed. The final rock dome (15 m) is of rock climb. To and fro trek takes 5 hour. A guide from Mangaon/Phalyan is prefered.

UMBER KHIND - From Lonavla reach Lion's point, a famous tourist spot, by bus/jeep. Just before the Lion's point one can see the transmission lines. Follow the water nullah (in dried condition during summer) near the tower line. The narrow and deep gorge climbs down to Mangaon (6 hour, rope is advised). From the village travel to Parali on the Khopoli - Pali road and then to Lonavla.

BEDSE BUDDHIST caves (60 m) - From Lonavla travel to Kamshet by local train and then to Pawna dam by jeep or bus and get down on the way for caves (3 km).

PAWNA DAM - A beautiful large reservoir which has Tung and Tikona on one side and Lohagad and Visapur on the other side. Access is from Lonavla-Kamshet.

TIKONA FORT (1100 m) - Kamshet to Tikona by Paud bus or jeep (8 km, via Pawna dam). Climb over the ridge near the road to top (1 hour).

TUNG FORT (1077 m) - A sharp peak surrounded by waters of Pawna dam. From Pawna dam get a boat/launch to reach Tung village. A track slowly climbs to the base of the fort. Follow the road and reach the Hanuman temple. A steep climb takes to the temple at the top (1 hour). The road at the base of the fort leads to Essar junction (10 km, 2 hour walk) on Lonavla - Sahara road. Travel to Lonavla by bus. The bus service to Tungi is less frequent.

LOHAGAD FORT (1040 m) - It is a beautiful fort in good condition near Lonavla. It was captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji in 1648 AD. From Malvali railway station walk to the Bhaje village (3 km). One can visit the group of Buddhist caves located at the base of the fort. Climb to the col of Visapur - Lohagad forts. Lohagad fort is at the right side of the col. A broad route leads through the fortifications to the top. A darga, temple and lots of construction can be seen on the fort. Panoramic view of Pawna dam, Tung, Tikona, Visapur and Lohagad forts.

VISAPUR FORT (1084 m) - Reach the col of Visapur - Lohagad and follow the left track. Trek up through the gully. One can climb down to Malvali from the other side of the fort.

RAJMACHI FORT (828 m) - It is an isolated twin fort on the Bohr pass. The higher fort is called Sreevardhan and the lower is Manranjan. From Lonavla to Tungarli lake by auto (4 km). Walk towards left and follow the road. A 10 km walk takes one to the base village Rajmachi. From the col of these forts a narrow track leads to the top. From Rajmachi one can climb down to Ulhas valley to visit Kondana caves. Cross Ulhas river and climb to Takurwadi railway station on the Karjat route. Trek takes 5 hour. From Ulhas valley one can visit BHAIROBA DHAK (10 hour trek from Tungarli lake) rock cut cave reached after a steep climb over rope - a scenic place with pinnacle and a narrow gully.

KOREGAD FORT (931 m) - From Lonavla reach Ambavne by bus or jeep (25 km). Walk towards the fort's centre. A steep route through the forest (well hidden) takes to top. Get down on the other side of the fort through regular steps. Sahara lake city and Mulshi lake (3 km) are nearby.

SUDHAGAD (620 m) - Take Bhambarde bus from Lonavla and get down at TEL BAILA. The twin pinnacle is a prominent landmark. A 4 km flat walk takes you to base of the massif. A narrow track climbs to the base of rock climbing wall where a temple is located. Tel Baila (1015 m) is a tough and interesting rock climbing route. Rope and improvised ladder are advised. From Tel Baila village get down to Konkan via Wazri pass (2 hour) and reach Dondse village. From Dondse village one can visit Sudhagad fort by following a water nullah and cross it at right. Trek takes 3 hour. Huge gateways and temple are at top. From Dhondse travel to Pali by bus. Tanale and Karsambla caves are nearby.

TANALE CAVES - From Pali to Tanale by bus (30 min). To and fro trek takes 3 hour. 12 Buddhist caves, bioluminscent tree nearby.

SARASGAD - Pali is famous for Ganesh temple. Track on backside of the temple leads to Sarasgad fort (2 hour). Excellent views of the Pali town from the fort.

SINHAGAD FORT (1320 m) - From Swargate, Pune to Sinhagad base by bus (24 km). A well defined path leads to Pune darwaza of the fort (1 hour). A TV tower with lots of old construction can be seen on the top. The fort witnessed many battles during the Maratha period. In 1670 AD Tanaji won the fort for Shivaji. One can get down through the Kalyan Darwaza to Kalyan village and then to Kondhanpur. A motorable road reaches the upper plateau of the fort.

RAJGAD (1320 m) - It was the first capital of Shivaji for 25 years. From Swargate, travel to Gunjavne (30 km). A 2 hour trek through the ridge takes to the top. A steep rock face (Bale killa) climb is a thrilling experience. On top, the remenants of the Shivaji's palace can be seen. One can trek to Torna fort as it is connected via a ridge.

TORNA FORT (1403 m) - From Swargate travel to Welhe (35 km). Torna was the first fort captured by Shivaji at the age of 16. It is a 2 hour trek over the ridge. From the twin tower of Torna get down to the ridge for Rajgad. In a one day exhaustive trek one can visit Torna and Rajgad (7 km).

PURANDAR FORT (1393 m) - From Swargate travel to Saswad (30 km). Purandar bus takes you to base (7 km). It is a twin fort - Purandar and Vajragad. At the top there is a church in ruins and Bombay saphire camp. Kedareswar temple is at the top. Both forts can be covered by 5 hour trek. A motorable road reaches the upper plateau of the fort.

KAMALGAD (1378 m) - From Kate's point of Mahabaleshwar get down to Nandgaon, cross the Krishna river to Partewadi and follow the route to the top. Or from Panchgani (Table land) descend to Chikhlun and to Asangaon and then to fort (7 km).

PRATAPGAD (1393 m) - Fort is 24 km from Mahabaleshwar and is famous because of Afzal Khan's tomb. To and fro takes 2 hour .

RAIGAD FORT (862 m) - Mahad to Pachad and to the base of the fort by bus. Capital of Shivaji, connected by a rope way (Rs 60), trekking will be more enjoyable (to and fro 3 hour). Plenty of space and lot of constrution on top - Shivaji's samadhi, thrown, palace, market place, temples.

MUMBAI (BOMBAY) - Chhatrapati Shivaji terminus / Victoria terminus : a World heritage centre, Elephanta caves : a World heritage centre (caves of 700 AD, 1 hour/10 km by boat from Gateway of India), Prince of Wales museum, Victoria and Albert museum, Gateway of India commemorates the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India in 1911. IMS Vikrant (Ex INS Vikrant Museum ship near Gateway of India), Hanging gardens and Kamala Nehru park on Malabar hills with panoramic view of Marine Drive. At night, the lights of Marine Drive appears to be Queen's
necklace. Nariman Point with skyscapers - Reserve Bank of India building, Bombay Stock Exchange, Air India, Mantralay, Mahalakshmi temple, Haji Ali tomb reached by a long causeway, which can be crossed at low tide, Nehru Planetarium and science museum, gardens, parks, Juhu beach, Siddhi Vinayak temple, Double deckker bus, Sripati Arcade (154 m , highest building in India), Borivilli national park (35 km), Kanheri caves (109 caves of 1 C BC, 40 km), Manori, Gorai and Marve beaches (40 km), Esselworld fantacy park, Powai lake (27 km) - Indian Institute of Technology, picnic spot, Vasai fort (45 km) - large Portuguese fort with churches.

ARNALA island fort - From Virar station get a bus to Arnala (18 km) and then to fort by boat. Seperate cylindrical watch tower is an attraction. Fort has a temple and darga.

VAJRESHWARI - Temple with hot springs at Ganeshpuri (35 km from Kalyan). Akolola hot springs (2 km) are near by.

MATHERAN - Hill station near Neral on Mumbai - Pune rail route, narrow gauge toy train connects Nearl with Matheran (13 km, 5 hour), Hart point, Monkey point, Porcupine point, Louise point, 1-3 point, Honeymoon point, Alexander point, Lord point, Echo point, Caronation point, Mary point, Olympia point, Pay master park, Chaelotte lake and Bazaar are some main attractions in the 'car free' hill station.

LONAVLA - Charming hill station on Sahyadri with an average annual rainfall of 500 cm. During the monsoon the area become scenic with lots of waterfalls and greenary. Tata dam (2 km), Bushi dam (7 km), Lion's point (12 km), Sahara lake city (25 km), Duke's nose (8 km), Valvan dam (4 km), Induri fort near Talegaon. Karla caves (12 km, 80 BC), Bhaja caves (8 km, 18 in no.), Bedsa caves (10 km, near Pawna dam) etc. are some main attractions. KHANDALA (5 km) : Hill staton, Rajmachi point - a good vantage point, Bhor ghat route to Khopoli (8 km) is enjoying.

PUNE - Agha Khan's palace with Kasturba samadhi, temples, Saniwarwada fort, Raja Kelkar museum, Khadakvasla dam (18 km, National Defence Academy), Panshet dam (45 km) - picnic spot, Osho (Bhagawan Rajnish) ashram, Sinhagad fort (25 km), Jejuri - Khandoba temple (38 km), Purandhar fort (45 km), Torna - Rajgad (40 km), Dehu (30 km) - pilgrim centre, Alandi - Pilgrim centre.

ASTAVINAYAK TEMPLES : Swayambhu figures of Sri Ganesh. Madh (15 km from Khopoli), Pali (38 km from Khopoli), Theur (25 km from Pune), Moregaon (15 km from Jejuri, Pune), Ranjengaon (53 km from Pune), Leniyadri (90 km from Pune), Ojhar (75 km from Pune), Sidhatek (20 km from Daund).

12 JYOTIRLINGAS : Bhimashankar (Pune), Grishneshwar (Aurangabad), Vaijyanath (Parali/Bid), Nageswar/Aunda Nagnath (Nanded), Trikambeswar (Nashik), Viswanath (Varanasi), Mallikarjun (Srisailam, AP), Mahakaleswar (Ujjain), Mamaleswar (Omkareswar, Indore), Somnath (GJ), Rameshwaram (TN), Kedarnath (UA).

BHIMASHANKAR - Jyotirlinga, pilgrim centre (100 km from Pune).

ALIBAUG - Beach and Kulaba island fort - at low tide one can walk to the fort (1.5 km). Time : 3 to 6 pm. CHAUL - fort, ancient town.

MURUD - Janjira island fort with one of India's largest cannons - Landa Kasam, beach, 12 m wall, 165 km from Mumbai, 300 year old fort of Siddis, palace, nearby Padmadurg fort (3 km by boat), Korlai and Revdanda forts on Alibaug - Murud route.

MAHABALESHWAR (1438 m) - Hill station, famous for Strawberry, vantage points are Wilson point, Kate's point, Bombay point, Elphinstone point, Babbington point etc., Venna lake - boating, waterfalls like Chinaman, Dhobi, Ludwig, Lingamala etc. Pratapgad fort (24 km), Panchgani hill station (25 km) : Table land.

GANAPATIPHULE - Ancient Ganapati temple, beach. 50 km from Ratnagiri.

RATNAGIRI - Longest rail tunnel in India (6.5 km) at Karbude, fort, beach, mangoes. MALVAN - fort and beach, Sindhudurg island fort nearby.

KOLHAPUR - Panhala fort (18 km), Girloi park, deep gorge of Pavan khind, Kopeswar temple at Khidrapur, Renkha Bhairav temple, Mahalakshmi temple and old palace, Sri Chhatrapati Sahu museum, Town hall museum, Ran kele lake.

AMBOLI - Hill station, flowers.

SATARA - Ajinkyatara fort, Parali fort (Sajjangad), palace, museum, nearby forts are Chandan Vandan forts, Prachitgad, Vasota (From Khed to Chowane by bus, trek to Vasota via Nageshwar temple - steep route. Or from Kas lake, Bambanoli of Satara - 10 hour).

PANDHARPUR - Hindu pilgrim centre (August - October).

BHANDARDHARA - Picnic spot, lake, Kalsubai (1650 m).

NASIK - Hindu pilgrim centre, Simhastha fair is held here once in 12 years, temples, Ramkund - the holy tank 27 m*12 m, Muktidham marble temple, coin museum, Pandav leni - 24 Jain caves of 100 BC. Trimbakeshwar (35 km) - Jyotirlinga, temple, caves, Brahmagiri hill, Anjaneri fort.

SHIRDI - Major pilgrim centre, Sai Baba temple. 85 km from Nasik.

AURANGABAD - 9 caves, Bibi ka Maqbara : Tomb of Rabia Durani (w/o Emperor Aurangazeb), Pan Chakki : Water mill (1695 AD), Rani Begum gardens (24 km), Daulatabad fort (13 km) : large fortress and cannon, tomb of Aurangazeb at Khuldabad.

ELLORA Caves (26 km from Aurangabad) - A world heritage centre. Dance festival in March. 34 caves consisting of Buddhist (1-12), Hindu (13-29), and Jain caves (30-34) of 500 to 1100 AD. Kailasha temple is the main attraction, which is carved out of a monolith, is the biggest cave temple : 84 m * 47 m. Grishneswar jyotirlinga temple.

AJANTA Caves (110 km from Aurangabad) - A world heritage centre of 200 BC. 29 caves containing numerous images of Buddha and painting on walls. The caves are located in the hills in horse shoe shape.

LONAR CRATOR (170 km from Aurangabad) - Formed 50,000 years ago by a hyper velocity meteorite (18 km/s), 100 m in diameter and weighing 2 million tonnes. The circular saline lake is 1.83 km in diameter and 150 m deep. The crator rises to 20 m above the surrounding land. It is the 3rd largest crator in the world.

FESTIVALS - Mahashivratri and Holi (Feb/March), Ganesh Chaturthi (Aug/Sept).

Capital : Mumbai.

Area : 3, 07, 713 sq.km.

Literacy : 77.9%.

Languages : Marathi, Gujrathi, Hindi.

Roads : 3, 59, 262 km.

Railways : 5, 554 km.

Airports : Aurangabad, Mumbai, Nagpur, Pune, Akola, Kolhapur, Nanded, Ratnagiri, Solapur.

When to visit : Sept to Mar.

Climate(in °C) : Summer 39 to 22 Winter 34 to 12.

Districts : 35, Ahmadnagar, Akola, Amravati, Aurangabad, Bhandara, Beed, Buldana, Chandrapur, Dhule, Gadchiroli, Gondiya, Hingoli, Jalgaon, Jalna, Kolhapur, Latur, Mumbai , Mumbai Suburban, Nagpur, Nanded, Nandurbar, Nashik, Osmanabad, Parbhani, Pune, Raigarh, Ratnagiri, Sangli, Satara, Sindhudurg, Solapur, Thane, Wardha, Washim,
Yavatmal.

Places of Tourist importance : Mumbai, Lonavla, Mahabaleshwar, Ajanta - Ellora caves.