Travellog

Rajmachi Trek

2019-06-30T16:37:00.000+05:30

Rajmachi Trek

Short Summary:

Starting Point: Pune Junction.

Total Distance: 78km

Travel Time: 2hr 10min.

Ideal Start time: 7am.

Rajmachi is an ancient fort situated in Pune district of Maharashtra. Rajmachi is one of the popular tourist place near Mumbai. Rajmachi fort in Maharashtra lies at an altitude of 2710 ft. Rajmachi Fort has two stronghold forts, Shrivardhan and Manaranjan.

There are two ways to reach the Rajmachi fort, one is from Lonavala, roughly 15 km flat walk and the other one is from Karjat, a gradual climb of around 5 km. For beginners, it would be better to trek from Lonavala as this is a much easier path. It will take about 5 hours of hiking to reach Udhewadi, the base of Rajmachi fort by this route.

Historically, Rajmachi fort was a strategic fort to control Bor Ghat which was a historical trade route. It is one of the ideal one day trip near Mumbai. The fort was originally constructed by the Satavahanas. In 1657 CE, Shivaji Maharaj captured this fort along with other neighbouring forts from the Adilshahi ruler of Bijapur. In 1704 CE, the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb captured the fort from the Marathas. However, the Marathas regained its control in 1705 CE. In 1713 CE, Shahu Maharaj handed over Rajmachi fort to Kanhoji Angre. Eventually in 1818 CE with the downfall of the Marathas, the British took over the Rajmachi Fort.

Ancient Buddhist caves known as Kondhane caves are situated on the western side of the Rajmachi plateau, which were carved during 200 BC. There are 8 Buddhist caves of the Hinayana Buddhist tradition. The Kondhane caves enclose sculptures, Vihara and Stupas of ancient Buddhist architecture. Although many Stupas, front entrance and the floor of the caves were damaged in an earthquake only the Chaitya remained intact.

Prabalgad Trek

2019-06-28T20:30:00.001+05:30

Prabalgad Trek

Prabalgad is located between Matheran and Panvel and comes under the Raigad District in the state of Maharashtra, India. The Prabalgad Fort stands at an elevation of 2,300 feet in the Western Ghats

This monsoon trek takes you to the top to see the Prabalgad Fort as well as its sister fort, called Irshalgad, to bring you an experience of seeing the green scenery around from that height. Get an experience of trekking through green forests and reaching the top that gives you the most experience of the regions around.

The journey will start from Panvel station, then you have to travel to Thakurwadi. Later head to Prabalmachi. The trek to Prabalgad Fort is a moderate one and would be a great experience for beginners. You can easily make your way up through a series of rock cuts. However, as there are no safety railings, make sure that you watch your step and follow basic safety rules.

Once you reach the top of the fort, you will realize that the challenge you had endured was worth it. A breath-taking, panoramic view will welcome you. Get a chance to witness the glory of the sunrise from the fort, as dawn breaks. From here, you can also spot a number of forts, such as Kalavantin Durg, Matheran , Malanggad, and Vikatgad. Kalavantin Durg was a watchtower for Prabalgad and climbing it is even more challenging, because of the steep architecture and stone-carved steps with no protection of any kind. Monsoon season makes it even more challenging to climb, as the steps get slippery.

The top of the ruined Prabalgad fort is covered with dense trees and also has a water cistern. There is also a small Ganesh Temple located in the fort’s premises, with idols carved out of stone. Once you are done exploring the fort, start your descent back to the base village.

No matter if you are an amateur or experienced trekker, Prabalgad Fort trekking tour will be an experience you will never forget. So pack your bags and be ready with your trekking gear, because this amazing 2-day trekking tour will be full of fun, games, and adventure.

Mumbai Travel

2019-06-25T23:09:00.000+05:30

Mumbai Travel

Mumbai is a densely populated city of India . It's the India's largest financial centre . The city is also famous for "BOLLYWOOD FILM INDUSTRY". Offshore, nearby Elephanta Island holds ancient cave temples dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. On the Mumbai Harbour waterfront stands the iconic "GATEWAY OF INDIA" stone arch, built by the British Raj in 1924. Mumbai is India’s financial powerhouse, fashion epicentre and a pulse point of religious tension.

Top Sights :

Gateway of India.

The Gateway of India is located on the waterfront at Apollo Bunder area at the end of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Marg in South Mumbai and overlooks the Arabian Sea The monument has also been referred to as the Taj Mahal of Mumbai,and is the city's top tourist attraction.The Gateway of India is an arch monument built during the 20th century in Mumbai, India. The monument was erected to commemorate the landing of King-Emperor George V and Queen-Empress Mary at Apollo Bunder on their visit to India in 1911.Built in Indo-Saracenic style, the foundation stone for the Gateway of India was laid on 31 March 1911. The structure is an arch made of balast, 26 metres high. The final design of George Wittet was sanctioned in 1914 and the construction of the monument was completed in 1924. The Gateway was later used as a symbolic ceremonial entrance to India for Viceroys and the new Governor of Bombay .It served to allow entry and access to India.

Taj Mahal Palace.

Taj Mahal Palace is the Mumbai's most famous landmark and India's second most photographed monument . It was built in 1903 by Parsi Industrailist JN Tata . Dozens of people were killed during terrorist attack in 2008. The hotel was rebuild after the attack and reopened on Independence Day 2010.Today the Taj fronts the harbour and Gateway of India, but it was originally designed to face the city.

Elephanta Island.

The Island is located about 2km away from Jawaharlal Nehru Port.The Elephanta Caves contain rock cut stone sculptures that show syncretism of Hindu and Buddhist ideas and iconography. The caves are hewn from solid basalt rock. Except for a few exceptions, much of the artwork is defaced and damaged.The origins and date when the caves were constructed have attracted considerable speculations and scholarly attention since the 19th century. These date them between 5th and 9th century, and attribute them to various Hindu dynasties. They are more commonly placed between 5th and 7th centuries. Most scholars consider it to have been completed by about 550 CE.

Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum.

This gorgeous museum, built in Renaissance revival style in 1872 as the Victoria & Albert Museum, contains 3500-plus objects centring on Mumbai’s history – photography, maps, textiles, books, manuscripts, bidriware , lacquerware, weaponry and exquisite pottery. The landmark building was renovated in 2008, with its Minton-tile floors, gilded ceiling mouldings, ornate columns, chandeliers and staircases all gloriously restored.The museum, which also hosts a bevy of temporary exhibitions, is located in the lush gardens of Jijamata Udyan; skip the zoo.

Iskcon Temple.

Iskcon Juhu plays a key part in the Hare Krishna story.

The temple compound comes alive during prayer time as the faithful whip themselves into a devotional frenzy of joy, with kirtan dancing accompanied by crashing hand symbols and drumbeats.It's a compelling place to visit for intense, celebratory worship in the sedate suburbs.