Paithan

[ Elephanta Island | Ghodbunder | Harihareshwar | Jawhar | Jayakwadi ]

Places around
A variety of resident and migratory birds can be sighted here. The best season for bird - watching is between October and March. The most interesting attraction of this area is the huge Gyaneshwar Udyan, built on the lines of the famous Vrindavan Gardens in Mysore, Pinjore in Haryana and the Shalimar in Kashmir. Paithan was famous as a seat of learning. A trip to the garden at the Jayakwadi dam with its dancing fountains and special observation points for bird watching is also an option. The modern village of Paithan was built on top of a large settlement of mound that extends back to early history. It was previously known, as Pratisthan and was the ancient capital city of the Satvahanas from 2nd Century BC. Located deep in the Daroq Mountains, Paithan caves are not often visited by nightmare adventurers because of its tradition of death.

Elephanta Island
(Telephone 2848323 Mumbai Exchange)
9 Nautical miles across the sea from the Gateway of India lies Elephanta, also known as 'Gharapuri'. Visit this green island for the wonders of the 7th century; the painstakingly hewn rock-cut cave temple, dedicated to Shiva. The Maheshamurti panel in which Shiva is shown as a creator, protector and destroyer is a sight that should be enjoyed at least once in a lifetime. regular excursions to Elephanta start every day from the Gateway of India. Make sure you visit the Chalukya restaurant run by MTDC.

Getting There:

By Air- Nearest airport is Mumbai, 20 kms. up to Gateway and 9 nautical miles across the sea.

By Rail - Nearest railhead are Churchgate (W.R.) & Chhatrapati Shivaji terminus (CST, C.R.)

Accommodation
Self contained rooms (2 blocks)
Checkout Time: 5.00 p.m. (No night halt)
Reservation: Mumbai and Elephanta.

Top    

Ghodbunder
(Post Mira, District. Thane - 401 104, Telephone 811 2185)
Beyond the hustle-bustle of cities, is an option that's happily rustic. An option that gives you a panoramic view of the Bassin Creek, winding rivers, lofty hills and playful little island fanned by tall palms. And at Ghodbunder fort, you can relive the excitement of the Portuguese and Maratha Occupations.

Getting There:

By Air - Nearest airport is Mumbai, 23 kms.

By Rail - Nearest railhead id Borivali, on Western railway suburban/main line, 8 kms.

By Road - Mumbai - Ghodbunder, 43 kms.
State Transport buses ply from Thane and Borivali to Ghodbunder.

Accommodation
Self contained rooms (5 Blocks)
Checkout Time: 8:00 a.m.
Reservation: Ghodbunder and Mumbai.

Top    

Harihareshwar
(District Raigad. Telephone: (02147) 26036).
The town of Harihareshwar, known for its tranquil and picturesque beach is also landmarked by Kalbhairav - the Shiva Temple. If you are adventurous enough to take a small boat to the north side of the bay, you can see where the Peshwas of Prime Ministers of the Maratha Kingdom originally resided. Also see the 'Peshwa' Smarak and visit the Bankot Fort at Bagmandala, about 4 kms. away.

Getting There:

By Air - Nearest airport is Mumbai, 215 kms.

By Rail - Nearest railhead is Mangaon, 65 kms. on Konkan Railway.

By Road - Mumbai - Harohareshwar, 230 kms via Mumbai-Panvel-mangaon-Goregaon Phata on Mumbai - Goa Highway. Shiwardhan - Harihareshwar, 20 kms. Magmandala - Harihareshwar, 4 kms.

Top    

Jawhar
>(District Thane - 401 603)
Not for nothing is it named the 'Mahabaleshwar of Thane District'. In beauty and climate it is no less. And there's so much to see - the majestic Dadara Kopra Falls, Jai Vilas, the palace of the tribal kings, the Hanuman and Sunset Points and the enthrilling Shirpamal, where Shivaji chose to camp on his way to Surat.

Jawhar also offers you the unique opportunity to expose and enlighten yourself with the tribal way of life especially with the Warli paintings.

Getting There:

By Air - Nearest airport is Mumbai.

By Rail - Nearest railhead is Igatpuri, 61 kms. On Central Railway but Nashik is more convenient railhead. On the Western Railway, nearest railhead id Dahanu, 65 kms.

By Road - Mumbai - Jawahar, 180 kms via Kasara - Khodala. Mumbai - Jawahar, 166 kms. via Kasa. Nashik - Jawahar, 80 kms. Kasa - Jawahar, 39 kms. Trimbakeshwar - Jawahar, 56 kms.
State Transport buses ply from Mumbai, Thane and Nasik to Jawahar.

Top    

Jayakwadi
(Tal. paithan District Aurangabad - 431 907)
Jayakwadi (Paithan) was formerly a prosperous trade center called Pratishthan. It was once a capital of the famous Satvahan dynasty and was also home to the poet.- Saint Eknath. Today it's the favorite haunt of archaeologists and is particularly well known for its Paithanis - the beautiful silk sarees with elaborate zari work. While in Paithan, make sure to visit the beautiful garden and try your hand at the exciting water sports.

Getting There:

By Air - Nearest airport is Aurangabad, 60 kms.

By Rail - Nearest railhead is also Aurangabad, 50 kms. On South Central Railway. Mumbai - Manmad - Aurangabad, 375 kms.

By Road - Mumbai - Paithan via Manmad, 438 kms, Mumbai - Paithan via Pune 363, kms. Aurangabad - Paithan, 50 kms. Ahmedabad - Paithan, 75 kms.
State Transport buses ply from Ahmednagar and Aurangabad to Paithan.

Travel information:
By Air : Nearest airport is Aurangabad 60 kms
By Rail : Nearest railhead is Aurangabad, 50 kms. on South Central Railway. Mumbai-Manmad-Aurangabad, 375 kms.
By Road : Mumbai-Paithan via Manmad, 438 kms. Mumbai-Paithan via Pune, 363 kms. Aurangabad-Paithan, 50 kms Ahmednagar-Paithan, 75 kms.

Top