Excursion

Hill - stations
The geography of Maharashtra shows evidence of a divine hand. Running north to south, throughout its length are the steeply rising Western Ghats. The foothills sometimes approaching the seashore and sometimes withdrawing 40 or 50 kms away seem to be playing an eternal game with the Arabian Sea. Settling down reserved in these mountains, some at an altitude of 2000 metres, are the hill stations of Maharashtra. These towns offer clean, calm and a thoroughly refreshing alternative to city life. They are probably the only places in India where you can observe the fall of the land all the way to the shimmering sea. Mumbai, India's commercial capital, and easily the most accessible city in this country, is the perfect gateway to Maharashtra's hill country, with convenient and comfortable links by road, rail, and air.

[ Amboli | Bhandardhara | Chikhaldara Hills | Jawahar | Khandala, Lonavala and Karla | Khindsey Talao | Mahabaleshwar | Malshej Ghat | Matheran | Panchgani | Panhala | Toranmal | Igatpuri Resort or Vipassana Kendra]


Amboli
Grasping blushing, in the southern ranges of the Sahyadri hills, Amboli at an altitude of 690 m is the last mountain resort before the coastal highlands settle, with a sigh, to form flat beaches. Visit numerous viewpoints for a pleasant view of the lush hills and fertile plain. Seaview Point offers a rare view of the land all the way to the golden Konkan coast. You can spend hours angling for a fish at Hiranya Keshi or picnic at Nagatta Falls, Mahadev Gad and Narayan Gad. Another pleasant and different expedition is a visit to the Bauxite Mines, 10 kms away. For a few days of isolation, Amboli is an ideal resort.

Getting around: Taxis and richskaws are available, though horseback and bicycles could add to the feeling of getting away from it all.

Weather: Amboli has a cool and stimulating climate -- a welcome relief in summer.

Getting there: Nearest airport is Belgaum, 64 kms. The most convenient railhead is Sawantwadi, 28 kms on Konkan Railway. Mumbai is 549 kms by road. Pune is 390 kms. State Transport buses from Vengurla, Sawantwadi, Ratnagiri, and Belgaum.

Accommadation: Privatized Resort of MTDC is available. (Self-contained rooms (21-blocks).

Check out time: 12.00 noon.

Reservation: Mumbai, Kolhapur and Amboli

Top    

Bhandardara
Bhandardara Quiet, away, little holiday resort, with lovely picnic spots. Arhur Lake set among scenic forests affords many hours of entertainment. The brook forms the lake deluges down 45m as the Randha Falls. The Wilson Dam at a height of 150 m is yet another lovely sight. Overlooking Bhandardara is Mt. Kalsubai, the highest peak in the state. For adventure-loving trekkers, Bhandardara is an ideal destination. The Ratangad Fort, one of Shivaji's favorite forts, is an interesting climb.

Getting there: Nearest airport is Mumbai. lgatpuri, 45 kms. on Central Railway is the nearest railhead. Mumbai-Bhandardara, 185kms, Pune-Bhandardara, 191kms.

Accommadation: Self-contained rooms (21 blocks), dormitory (1 block)

Check out time: 9.00 a.m.

Reservation: Mumbai and Bhandardara.

Top    

Chikhaldara Hills
Chikhaldara Featured in the epic, the Mahabharata, this is the place where Bheema killed the villainous Keechaka in a very difficult match and then threw him into the valley. It thus came to be known as Keechakadara -- Chikhaldara is its twisted name. But there's more to Chikhaldara. The sole hill resort in the Vidarbha region, it is situated at an altitude of 1118 m and has the added dimension of being the only coffee-growing area in Maharashtra.

It abounds in wildlife -- panthers, sloth bears, sambar, wild boar, and even the rarely seen wild dogs. Close by is the famous Melghat Tiger Project who has 82 tigers. The scenic beauty of Chikhaldara can be enjoyed from Hurricane Point, Prospect Point, and Devi Point. Other interesting excursions include Gavilgad and Narnala Fort, the Pandit Nehru Botanical Gardens, the Tribal Museum and the Semadoh Lake.

Weather: Chikhaldara has an annual rainfall of 154 cms. Temperatures vary from 39 C in summer to 5 C in winter. October to June is the best time to visit.

Getting there: The nearest railhead is Badnera on the Central Railway branch line, 110 kms. Chikhaldara, 763 kms from Mumbai, is connected to most major cities by road. Regular ST buses connects Chikhaldara to Amravati, Nagpur, Wardha, Akola and other cities.

Accommodation: The MTDC has resorts in Chikhaldara.

Top    

Jawahar
Jawahar is also named as 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 enthralling Shirpamal, where Shivaji chose to camp on way to Surat. Jawahar also offers you the unique opportunity to expose and enlighten yourself with the tribal way of life especially with the Warli paintings.

Getting there: Nearest airport is Mumbai. Nearest railhead is Igatpuri, 61 kms on Central Railway but Nashik is a more convenient railhead. On Western Railway, nearest railhead is Dahanu, 65 kms. Mumbai-Jawahar, 180 Kms. via Kasara-Khodala, Mumbai-Jawahar, 166 Kms. via Kasara. Nashik-Jawahar, 80 Kms. Kasara-Jawahar, 39 kms. Trimbakeshwar-Jawahar, 56 kms. State Transport buses ply from Mumbai, Thane and Nashik to Jawahar.

Top    

Khandala, Lonavala and Karla
Khandala and Lonavala are two charming hill stations on the western slopes of the Sahyadris, 5 kms apart straddling the Mumbai-Pune highway at an altitude of 625 m. Very popular with Mumbaities, they also alternate as getaways and health resorts. Khandala is the smaller and calmer of the two, although browsing through Lonavala's bazaar could yield some wonderful surprises. Both towns offer some spectacular scenic views of the surrounding hills and in the monsoon, with myriad waterfalls, the atmosphere is enchanting.

Karla about 12 kms from Lonavala, is the site of the largest chaitya Caves (shrines) in India, built in 80 BC. Amongst the best-preserved Buddhist temples in India, they represent the zenith, in terms of design purity, of this style of temple architecture. About 3 kms from the main road is the more peaceful setting of the Bhaja Caves. Thought to date from around 200 BC, 10 of the 18 Caves here are viharas (monasteries) while Cave 12 is an open chaitya earlier than Karla.

Weather: temperatures vary from 12 C in winter to around 36 C in the peak of summer. The annual rainfall, when the climate is very pleasant, is 450 cms. October to May is the best time to visit.

Getting there: Pune 66 kms away, is the nearest airport. All trains from Mumbai to Pune and the South stop at Lonavala. Mumbai is 104 kms away by road, the last 20 kms of which wind up the ghats through grueling switchbacks. Taxis and auto-rickshaws easily available in Lonavala and Khandala, are the best way of getting to and from Karla.

Accommodation: Besides a number of luxury and budget hotels in both Khandala and Lonavala, the MTDC runs a resort at Karla and another at Rye Woods, Lonavala.

Top    

Khindesy Talao
Khindesy Talao Set like a gem in the green amplitude at the foot of the Ramtek hill is the beautiful lake. A small but charming sit, it is perfect for a quiet holiday. Places worth visiting are Ramtek and Kalidas Smarak.

Getting there: Nearest airport is Nagpur, 60 kms. Nearest railhead is Ramtek, 8 kms. on Nagpur Ramtek section of South Eastern Railway, Nagpur, 60 kms is a convenient railhead, connected to all main stations in India. Mumbai-Khindesy Talao, 919 kms. (Mumbai-Nashik-Dhulia-Jalgaon-Khamgaon-Akola-Kamtee-Ramtek-Nagpur-Khindesy Talao). Nagpur-Khindesy Talao, 60 kms. Ramtek-Khindesy Talao.

Accommadation: Self- contained rooms (2 blocks). Water sports facility available.

Check out time: 12.00 noon

Reservation: Nagpur and Khindesy Talao.

Top    

Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar was the summer capital of the erstwhile Bombay presidency. A popular town, with an air of unspoilt beauty, it meanders leisurely for 5 kms at an altitude of 1372 m. You can while away the hours boating or fishing at the placid Venna Lake or explore the walks or the thirty points that offer panoramic views of the valley and the sea.

The crystal waters of the numerous waterfalls are delight to bathe in. The adventurous could trek down to Pratapgarh Fort, 24 kms away where Shivaji dramatically bested General Afsal Khan. You could just roam through the tiny lanes of the bazaar, shopping for everything from shoes to luscious strawberries,blackberries,jams and jellies.

Getting around: Taxis and rickshaws are easily available though a bicycle, which you can hire by the hour or for the day, is the best way to move around. Weather: Temperatures vary from 13 C in winter to 29 C in summer, with a yearly rainfall of 663 cms. The best time to visit is October-June.

Getting there: Nearest airport pune, 120kms. Nearest railhead is Wathar, but Pune is more convenient railhead. Mumbai _ Mahabaleshwar via Mahad - 247kms. State Transport buses ply regularly between Pune - Mahabaleshwar and Mumbai - Mahabaleshwar.

Accommodation: A choice of different type of Self-contained rooms(110 blocks) and Group accommodation(6 blocks).

Checkout time: 9.00 a.m.

Reservation: Mumbai, Pune, Goa, and Mahabaleshwar.

Top    

Malshej Ghat
Malshej Ghat holds special value for hikers, trekkers and adventure lovers. The nature here is at its best. No wonder then that the most exotic migratory flamingoes choose it as their monsoon abode. Close at hand is Shivneri Fort (approx 40 kms.), birthplace of the legendary Shivaji. The unusual hill has Buddhist Caves dating to the 3-rd century and is surmounted by an important historic fort.

Getting there: Nearest airport is Mumbai, 154 kms. Nearest railhead is Kalyan. Mumbai-Malshej Ghat, 154 kms. via Murbad. Pune-Malshej Ghat via Alephata, 164 kms. Alephata-Malshej Ghat, 39 kms.

Accommadation: Self-contained rooms (17 blocks).

Check out time: 12.00 noon

Reservation: Mumbai.

Top    

Matheran
Matheran is an undulating hilltop cloaked in shady trees, that sprawls at a leisurely pace at an altitude of 800 m. The journey involves an adventurous two-hour ascent in a toy train, with food and drink vendors and monkeys jumping on and off as the valley glides by sedately. Alternatively, a tough 11-km hike through thick and shady forests or a winding car drive can get you there just as well. Matheran's cliffs, with incredibly steep drops to the plains below, create stunning viewing points.

These scenic view, by day or by night, leave you feeling light headed. On a clear night you can even see the lights of Mumbai from Hart Point. In fact, all of Matheran is a series of such imaginary named points that are popular if isolated site for picnics and fireside revelry at night. Charlotte Lake, the Panther's Caves and Paymaster Park are Leisure, especially for children.

Weather: Temperatures vary from 16 C in winter to 32 C in summer, with an annual rainfall of 524 cms. October to May is the best time to visit.

Getting there: Nearest airport is Mumbai, 100 kms. Mumbai-Neral, 90 kms. Neral-Matheran, 21 kms, Pune-Neral, 120 kms. (Neral-Matheran mountain train) Mumbai-Neral-Matheran, 108 kms. State Transport buses ply from Mumbai and Pune to Neral.

Accommodation: Self-contained rooms (38 blocks) Grpoup Accommodation (2 blocks 18 beds) and a Machan (4 beds).

Check-out time: 9.00 a.m.

Reservation: Mumbai and Matheran.

Top    

Panchgani
Panchgani derives its names from the five or 'panch' hills around it. At an altitude of 1334 m it is just 38 m below Mahabaleshwar. These 38 m translate themselves into a breathtaking 18 km approach offering heart-stopping views of the Krishna River on the one side and the coastal plains on the other. Panchagni is the fundamental residential hill station with an Old World charm. This can be seen in the architecture of the British buildings, the Parsi houses and the boarding houses that have been around for a century or more. For quick look of a dead era, a special visit can be arranged to some of the old British and Parsi homes.

Lush trees and vegetation thickly canopy the walkways. The Krishna meanders through tiny hamlets, farms and ravines, hundreds of meters below. Table Land, a flat mountain peak majestically overlooks the coastal plains. Hours can be spent at the bazaar -- Panchgani is one of those rare places that don't crowd anyone yet in its own unhurried way deeply touches every visitor.

Getting around: Taxis are available easily, though here too, bicycles and horseback are recommended for travelling distances.

Weather: In winter the temperatures are around a cool 16 C. Whereas in summer it can get quite hot reaching 35 C. The annual rainfall is 216 cms. September to May is the best time to visit.

Getting there Nearest airport is Pune, 98 kms. Nearest railhead is Wathar, 45 kms om Miraj-Kolhapur section of South Central Railway. However convenient railhead is Pune. Mumbai-Panchgani via Pune, 270 kms. Mumbai Panchgani via Mahad, 266 kms. State Transport buses ply from Satara, Pune, Wai, Mahabaleshwar, Mahad tp Panchgani.

Accommodation: Hotel 'Five Hills's self-contained Standard/Deluxe/Suites (64 rooms) and 2 dormitories.

Check-out time: 9.00 a.m.

Reservation: Mumbai and Panchgani.

Top    

Panhala
The history of Panhala is also the history of Marathas. There are innumerable places of interest, each with its share of weird life story. Sajja Kothi, where Sambhaji was imprisoned. Ambabai Temple, where Shivaji used to seek blessings before venturing on expeditions. Pavankhind, where Baji Prabhu laid down his life to cover Shivaji's escape. In addition to history, Panhala at an altitude of 977 m offers some inspiring scenery and a soothing climate.

Weather: An average temperature of 25 C. Getting there Nearest airport is belgaum, 123kms. Nearest railhead is Kolhapur, 18 kms on south central Railway. Mumbai-Panhala, 428 kms via Kolhapur, Kolhapur-panhala, 18 kms. State Transport buses ply from Kolhapur, Belgaum to Panhala.

Accommodation: MTDC-self-contained 9 rooms and 4 Tents (seasonal). Privatised self-contained 12 rooms and 2 Dormitories.

Checkout time: MTDC 9.00 a.m. Privatised 12.00 noon.

Reservation: Mumbai, Kolhapur and Panhala.

Top    

Toranmal
Tucked away in the Satpuda Mountains at an altitude of 1461 m., Toranmal is one of the most peaceful places on earth. And when you are tired of plain lazing, you could visit the beautiful Yashwant Lake, Seetha khali or any of the charming temples of olden days.

Getting there: Nearest airport is Aurangabad. Nearest railhead is Nandurbar, 76 kms on Surat-Bhusawal lime of Western Railway. A more convenient railhead is Dhule, 128 kms. Mumbai-Toranmal via Dhule Shahada, 510 kms. Dhule-Toranmal, 128 kms. State Transport buses ply from Dhule, Nandurbar and Shahada to Toranmal.

Accommadation: Self-contained rooms (11 blocks). Wooden huts (8 blocks).

Check out times: 12.00 noon.

Reservation: Mumbai, Toranmal, Dondaicha, Dhule.

Top    

Igatpuri Resort or Vipassana Kendra
Vipassana, one of India's most ancient meditation techniques, is traced to Gautama the Buddha. It is the process of self-purification by self-observation. One begins by observing the natural breath to develop concentration and then moves on to observe the changing nature of body and mind and experiences the universal truths of impermanence, suffering and egolessness.

Vipassana, which means, "to see things as they really are", is a logical and pure natural science. Its practitioners claim that as a by-product of mental purification, many psychosomatic diseases also get eradicated. With continued practice, the meditation relieves the tensions of everyday life and develops positive, creative energy for the betterment of the individual and society.

Vipassana International Academy offers you an opportunity to learn the path to Dhamma - Gautama Buddha's technique of meditation. To learn Vipassana, it is necessary to take a ten-day residential course under the guidance of a qualified teacher. These courses are open to anyone who sincerely wishes to learn the technique. People from all backgrounds find that they become better human beings. Thus, without conflict, it cuts across barriers of race, caste or religion, in any place, at any time and will prove equally beneficial to one and all.

If you enrol for the retreat you will remain within the course site having no contact with the outside world for the duration of the retreat. You will follow a demanding daily schedule that includes about 10 hours of sitting meditation. You will also observe silence, not communicating with fellow students. There are three steps to the training.

Advance Booking: At most times the course is completely booked. It's better to make bookings at least two months in advance. This can be done online for the dhamma Giri centre as of now.

Boarding and Lodging Accommodation: The centre has comfortable accommodation for about 600 students, in addition to living quarters for the Dhamma workers (volunteers), kitchen staff and a separate accommodation quarters for monks (bhikkhus) who come for the course. There is no charge for accommodation. You may give a donation if you so wish.

Food: Meals at the ashram are provided free of cost at fixed times.

Daily Schedule:

• 4:00 a.m.: Morning wake-up bell
• 4:30 - 6:30 a.m.: Meditate in the hall or your own room
• 6:30 - 8:00 a.m. : Breakfast break
• 8:00 - 9:00 a.m.: Group meditation in the hall
• 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.: Meditate in the hall or your own room
• 11:30 noon: Lunch
• 12 noon - 1:00 p.m.: Rest break
• 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.: Meditate in the hall or your own room
• 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.: Group meditation in the hall
• 3:30 - 5:00 p.m.: Meditate in the hall or your own room
• 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.: Tea break
• 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.: Group meditation in the hall
• 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.: Video recording of Goenkaji shown
• 9:30 p.m.: Retire to your own room/Lights out

Contact Details: Dhamma Giri, Igatpuri Vipassana International Academy, Dist. Nashik, Igatpuri-422403.

Centers in Maharashtra:

• Vipassana International Academy at Igatpuri,
• Maharashtra Vipassana Long Course Center at Igatpuri,
• Maharashtra Kolhapur,
• Maharashtra Nagpur,
• Maharashtra Dhule,
• Maharashtra Pune City,
• Maharashtra Pune Riverside,
• Maharashtra Aurangabad,
• Maharashtra

Top