Places
nearby
Caves,
Forts & Pilgrimage
Hill
Stations
Beaches
Wildlife Parks
MTDC
Resorts
Caves,
Forts & Pilgrimage
Caves
Maharashtra
has the largest number of rock-cut caves in India - at least 1,000, of
different sizes and degrees of elaboration, with Buddhist monasteries.
Karla
and Bhaja
About
50-60 kms away from Pune, and situated among the lush green mountains, these
rock-cut Buddhist caves date back to the 1st and 2nd centuries BC. The caves
consist of several viharas and chaityas. The Karla caves near Lonavala are
the supreme achievement of the early temple excavators. The chaitya hall is
remarkable for retaining the best features of wooden elements. A rock-cut
screen with triple entrances and a pillared celestory above faces its
impressive propylaeum. The interior of the grand apsidal hall, nearly 125 ft
in length and 45 ft wide, has a column of 37 pillars. The wooden rib ceiling
is believed to be the original, nearly 2,000 years old.
Ajanta
The
Ajanta caves are situated about 100 km from Aurangabad. Built in the 2nd
century, there are about 30 in number, some unfinished. The caves contain
numerous images of Buddha. Also featured in Ajanta are the paintings of
Bodhisattvas, celestial beings personifying the virtues of the Buddha. Under
the royal patronage of the ruling dynasties, the monks and professional
artists left a record of contemporary life, with palaces, halls and
processions and tales of piety and faith on the cave walls. .
Ellora
The
Ellora caves are situated about 30 km from Aurangabad and are even more
impressive that those at Ajanta in terms of architectural splendor. There
are about 34 caves in Ellora, each carved out in a curve on the slope of low
hills - 16 caves are Hindu, 13 Buddhist and five of the Jain faith. These
rock temples also have monasteries constructed between the 5th and 8th
centuries.
Kanheri
The
Kanheri caves at Borivali National Park in Mumbai contain illustrations from
Hinayana and Mahayana (two different sects) Buddhism. There are about 100
caves, of which some are mere rock shelters. The centre hill, in which the
caves are situated, is dotted with a chain of cisterns and connecting steps
cut into the rock joins the caves. According to cave inscriptions, the
excavation was done between the 1st and 2nd centuries.
Elephanta
The
caves of Elephanta are situated on Elephanta island, accessible by launch
from Mumbai. The cave temple is mainly dedicated to Lord Shiva and opens on
three sides, letting in light from many angles, so that the sculptures seem
to move in the transition from light to shadow. The plan of the temple is
symmetrical, with important focal points worked out in a geometrical mandala,
the magical design that represents
Forts :
The
historic might of the Maratha Empire, particularly during the 17th
century, is linked closely with the forts of the mountainous Deccan region.
The forts played a pivotal role in the foundation, preservation and
expansion of Maratha rule. Chhatrapati Shivaji, the visionary founder of the
Maratha empire, identified the immense potential of forts as strategically
located power centers and exploited their peculiar architectural facets as
weapons of warfare. These forts, either captured or built, were designed to
be a chain along the hills and formed a strong line of Shivaji's defense.
There are over 350 such forts in Maharashtra, which have stood for
centuries, defying the vagaries of time and
LAND
FORTS
Lohagad and Visapur
52
kms away from Pune, atop an impressive hill, Shivaji built these majestic
forts in the 18th century. They are separated by a one km-long ridge and are
excellent sites for trekking.
Shivneri
The
fort, where Shivaji was born, is just 94.5 kms away from Pune. A magnificent
site!
Raigad :
It
was at Raigad, capital of the Maratha kingdom, that Shivaji's coronation
ceremony took place in 1674 AD. Strategically perched atop a wedge-shaped
hill, Raigad is split off from the Western Ghats and inaccessible from three
sides. The only path that leads to the top starts from Pachad, 24 kms away
from Mahad, and is extremely challenging. Once at the top of the hill,
visitors can wander through the mile-long market, mansions of Shivaji's
eight-member council, elephant stables and the queen's mansions and around
Gangasagar lake, said to have been filled by the waters of the sacred river
Ganga at the time of the coronation. The Jagadishwar temple and Shivaji's
samadhi, where the remains of this great warrior are enshrined are also
popular sightseeing destinations. Steep cliffs surround Raigad, and Takmak
cliff and Lingmala rockface are particular favourites with adventurous
mountaineers.
Rajgad
The
main fort of Shivaji Maharaj, Rajgad has seen some of the most significant
events in the ruler's life, including tussles between the Marathas troops
and Afzal Khan, Shaista Khan and Mirza Raja Jaisingh, the burial of Afzal
Khan's head, the birth of Shivaji's son, Rajaram, and the demise of Saibai,
Shivaji's wife.Rajgad
today is home to ruins - most of the buildings, including the
palace,ministers' mansions, and the market are derelict. Only the Mahadev
and Padmavati temples are in fairly good condition, with the nearby massive
water tank more or less a heap of rubble. There is another smaller fort on
Rajgad, known as Balekilla. The ascent to this rampart is not easy, but the
view of the entire surrounding region is well worth the effort - the forts
of Purandar, Vichitragad, Rayreshwar, Lohgad, Visapur, Tikona and Sinhagad
are clearly visible. The Janani and Mahadev temples are also located on the
Balekilla.
Pratapgad
Built
in 1656, Pratapgad fort is about 24 kms west of Mahabaleshwar and is
connected with the dramatic encounter of Shivaji and Afzal Khan. Today, the
tomb of Afzal Khan marks the heroic encounter. Pratapgad holds an ancient
statue of Shivaji, as well as Mahadev and Hanuman temples and a garden.
There is a splendid view of the lush green valley and the distant forts
Raigad and Makarandgad.
Sinhagad :
Named after the lion-hearted general of Shivaji - Tanaji Malusare - this awesome fort stands at a height of 1,290 metres, 25 kms away from the city. The samadhi of Tanaji is a reminder of his inspiring feats. Valor is etched into every stone of Sinhagad fort. It was here that Shivaji's general, Tanaji Mulusare, launched a dare-devil attack to recapture the fort for his regent. While the steep precipice on which the fort was built would have seemed invincible to most, Tanaji climbed the overwhelming height using his ingeniuity - he sent his pet iguana, Yashwanti, up the cliff, a strong rope tied to its tail. After the iguana had anchored a firm grip on the rock high above, the troops followed, using the rope. The ensuing battle saw the Marathas emerge as victors. Tanaji valiantly died, but captured the fort. On hearing this, a grieving Shivaji is believed to have said, "Gad aala pan sinha gela (the fort is won but the lion's gone)." And hence this fort, once called Kondhana, was renamed Sinhagad - the Lion fort. Today a motorable road takes visitors to the top, to see the memorial of Tanaji, the tomb of Rajaram, Shivaji's son, Dev Taka water pool and Dongiri cliff. Noted freedom fighter, Lokmanya Tilak's bungalow is also built on the fort.
Daulatabad
The
fortress with an amazing history was originally built as a Hindu stronghold
that was captured and plundered in the 13th century. Made the second capital
of the Delhi Sultanate a hundred years later, Daulatabad was held as a fine
fortress by successive dynasties in the Deccan. Dominated by a great conical
hill, Daulatabad commanded a natural pass; man-made scarping made it
impregnable, as did an elaborate system of booby traps and underground
passages. The Chand Minar, a 30-foot-high minaret with three circular
galleries, looks down over the approach from the north and east and played a
defensive and religious role in the fortress.
Panhala
The
sprawling complex of Panhala fort (3,127 ft above sea level) has the bracing
weather of a hill station. Situated about 23.7 kms from Kolhapur, the
fortress has a history dating back to the 3rd century BC. The ancient cave
carvings of Pandavadara and Pohale and later excavations of the Satavahana
period reveal that the fort was ruled by a group of tribals known as 'Naag'
or 'Pannag' (meaning serpent). In 1052 AD, the fort was renovated and
developed by Raja Bhoj II of the Shilahara dynasty. The fort houses a high
school, a military boy's hostel and the ancient temple of goddess Ambabai
built during the reign of the Yadavas. A profusion of historical relics,
like the Sajjakothi, Tabak Udyan, Ambarkhana, Teen Darwaza, Sambhaji Mandir
and the statue of the great
warrior
Baji Prabhu make a visit to Panhala memorable.
SEA
FORTS
Sindhudurg
:
Sindhudurg
reflects Shivaji's great vision and personal involvement in the construction
of maritime forts to keep foreign powers at bay and check the growing menace
of the Siddis of Murud-Janjira. Situated on a rocky island off the Malvan
coast, Sindhudurg fort is a fine example of Shivaji's military genius. Over
6,000 skilled hands were employed to construct the rampart walls - 30 feet
high, 12 feet thick and two miles long. Visitors can see - under two small
domes - the impressions of Shivaji's palms and his footprint preserved on
slabs of dry limestone. The clear blue sky, lush coconut trees, cool breezes
and sparkling seas make Sindhudurg a picture-perfect spot to visit.
Murud-Janjira
:
Battered
on all four sides by the waves, with its imposing stone walls standing 40
feet
high
even at high tide is the majestic island fortress of Murud-Janjira. Never
conquered
by
enemy forces for over 350 years since its construction by Malik Ambar (15th
century
AD),
an Abyssinian regent of the Ahmednagar kings, Murud-Janjira is probably the
only impregnable fort on the 720-km stretch of the Maharashtra coast.
Visitors can still see the ruins of the palaces and stately mansions of the
invincible Siddis, who prospered within the stronghold. The short boat ride
to and from the mainland is enjoyable.
Bassein
The
legendary 'Court of the North', Bassein was built by the Portuguese
conquistadors in 1532 AD. The beauty of Portuguese-style architecture is
still visible in the ruins of stately mansions, huge palaces, cobble-stoned
courtyards and cathedrals with spires that once reached for the clouds.
Indeed, the spirit of Bassein is immortal. Two centuries of Portuguese rule
have left their imprint, so profound that even the Marathas - who under
Chimaji
Appa, laid a three-year long siege to the fort - have not been able to
deface it.
Today
visitors can see the Matriz (cathedral of St Joseph). A spiral stairway
leads to the top of a watch-tower which provides a fascinating view of the
sea, and the Bhayender Creek, which rings the fort on three sides. The
Corinthian pillared hall and the Porte da Mer (sea gate) are also must-sees.
Pilgrimage
Centers
Being
a cosmopolitan state, Maharashtra has a long tradition of tolerance and
symbiotic interaction between different religious faiths. The state has
imbibed the cultural and religious influences of the Aryans from the North
and the Dravidians from the South. As a result, the Hindus of Maharashtra
are inclined towards both, Vaishnavism (worship of Lord Vishnu) and Shaivism
(worship of Lord Shiva). The latter extends its ambit to the worship of Lord
Ganesha, the son of Lord Shiva. As a matter of fact,
Ganesha, the elephant headed deity, is a very popular God among Maharashtrians.
Ramtek
Lord
Ram, the hero of the Hindu epic, the Ramayan, tarried here a while withhis
brother Laxman and wife Sita while in exile - hence the name, Ramtek.The
town has abundant natural beauty; in fact, it was this which inspired the
Sanskrit poet Kalidas to write his epic, Meghdootam. Ramtek is famous for
its Shri Ram temple, which bears the beautiful idols of Ram and Sita, and
has clearly discernible Buddhist architectural fetaures. The Kalidas
Memorial, Ramgiri hill, Ramsagar Lake and Khindsey Lake are also worth a
visit.
Shirdi
Devotees
from all over India visit Shirdi and pay their respects at the shrine of
Saibaba – the contemporary saint of Maharashtra. People belonging to all
faiths consider the town holy and pilgrims are seen in large numbers here,
all through. Fairs are organized on Ramnavmi, Guru Pournima and Dussera. The
Dwarkamayi mosque and Sakori Ashram are popular places to visit.
Nanded
Situated
on the bank of the Godavari, Nanded is a sacred place for the Sikhs. Of the
many gurudwaras (holy buildings of Sikh worship), the shrine of Guru
Govindsingh, known as Sachkhand Gurudwara, is particularly famous. The Sikh
festival of Hola Mohalla is celebrated in Nanded with the procession of
Panch Pyare starting from Sachkhand Gurudwara. The Sikhs participate in
large
numbers in this procession.
Pandharpur
The
most prominent pilgrim center in Maharashtra, Pandharpur is located on the
shores of the Bheema river and draws thousands of devotees from all over the
country. The ancient temple of Lord Vitthal is visited by pilgrims all
through the year, particularly during the festive months of July-August, (Ashadhi
Ekadashi) and October-November (Kartiki Ekadashi).
Shrines
of the great Maharashtrian saints, Namdev and Chokhoba are situated close to
the temple, along with the Laxmi, Pundalik, Vishnupad, Trimbakeshwer and
Shri Ram temples.
Nashik
Nashik
is considered one of the holiest cities in Maharashtra and has over2,000
monuments dedicated to the myriad Hindu gods - the Rameshwar or Naro Shankar
temple is the richest and most elaborate. It stands on the bank of the
Godavari river opposite the
Balaji and Tarakeshwar temples, and to the east of Ramagaya pool, where Lord
Ram performed funeral services in memory of his father.
Besides
major temples and shrines along both sides of the river, there are
innumerable small shrines, dedicated to Lord Mahadev, Lord Ganesh and Lord
Maruti. Old Buddhist caves (BC 250-AD 600) of Pandu Lena, also dot the
landscape, with beautiful images of Gautam Buddha, Bodhisattva, Vajrapani,
Padmapani and Tara. The caves overlook a splendid view of the city. Nashik
is reputed for its brass and copper vessels.
Dehu-Alandi
A
pilgrim center 22 kms away from Pune is Alandi, where the samadhi of the
famous saint-poet Sant Dnyaneshwar is situated. Dehu was the birthplace of
the greatest Marathi saint-poet of the 17th century - Sant Tukaram. It is
situated on the banks of the river Indrayani.
Bhimashankar
122
kms from Pune is the elaborately carved Shiva temple of Bhimashankar, one of
the 12 jyotirlingas in the country. A fair is held here annually during
Mahashivratri.
Jejuri
Jejuri
is known for its famous Khandoba temple and its annual fair.