Road Trip to Mumbai – Nashik – Shirdi – Aurangabad – Pune
This is a journey across a scenic part of Maharashtra blessed with both magnificent monuments and rare marvels of nature.
Head out of Bombay/Mumbai and connect with NH 3, the Bombay Agra road. This is a very busy road that needs to be widened and although it is repaired periodically, the volume of traffic and the heavy rainfall in this region often damages sections of it. But it’s a very picturesque drive, especially in the monsoons when wild flowers are seen everywhere and gushing waterfalls flow down the lush green hills, forming new lakes and filling old ones.
Beyond Shahapur, the road begins to climb gradually with the real ascent starting Kasara onwards. In the wet season, the Kasara Ghat is usually covered with thick fog so please drive carefully. The climb ends in Igatpuri and the well laid out Manas Resort here, is a popular place to break journey and halt for refreshments. There are also several other hotels along this busy highway.
Igatpuri onwards, the road is flat and on a clear day, Kalsubai the highest peak in Maharashtra is visible to the south.
From one of Hinduism’s most holy sites drive to Shirdi, the abode of one of Maharashtra’s most revered saints. Most of the journey is on country roads, patches of which are narrow and not too well surfaced. But it is a fairly scenic drive with some cultivated fields
decorating the countryside and all along the route you have rustic stalls selling farm fresh sugarcane juice, fruits, vegetables, etc.
The Panchvati Motel in Sinnar, is a good place to stop for refreshments and Shirdi also has some nice hotels now.
Road Trip
Shirdi – Aurangabad
It’s an interesting drive on a surprisingly good road, but carrying some packed lunch may be a good idea as there are limited facilities along the way.
A little short of Pravara Sangam where there is a huge lake that attracts large flocks of birds, you will join the Ahmednagar Aurangabad road. This highway is much wider and smoother and then it’s a straightforward sprint to Aurangabad.
Road Trip
Aurangabad – Pune
Retrace the route back to Pravara Sangam and carry on straight to the ancient city of Ahmednagar, which was established in 1490. The historic fort here has witnessed many battles and also served as a prison for Indian leaders during the freedom movement. Interestingly, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of India, is said to have written his famous treatise ‘Discovery of India’ while a prisoner at this fort.
Based on the outskirts of Ahmednagar, is the Armoured Corps Centre and School, which is the cradle and training ground for the tank crews of the Indian army. One of its former Commandant’s also helped establish the very impressive Cavalry Tank Museum here that is the only one of its kind in Asia, and has on display a remarkable collection of 40 armored vehicles and tanks from all over the world. The collection includes a rare 1914 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost Armored car, and provides a fascinating insight into the history of battle tanks. It’s definitely worth spending a few hours at this unique museum.
On the road to Pune, you will come across simple stalls serving fresh fruit juice and if you are in the mood for something more substantial then stop at Smilestone, a fine motel that is about 21 kms from Ahmednagar. Then it is straight onto Pune, the former capital of the Peshwas.
Bhubaneshwar is the capital of Orissa and also the former capital of the ancient kingdom of Kalinga. It is often referred to as the ‘Temple City’, because it had a thousand temples at one time. Dominating the skyline of Bhubaneshwar is three easy to identify monuments, the Lingaraj Temple with its soaring spire, the white-domed peace pagoda atop Dhauli Hill and the pink temple of Lord Mahavir on the Khandagiri Hills. Other attractions include the Mukteshwar Temple, which with its famous stone arch at the entrance is known as the gem of Orissan architecture.
Located on the outskirts in the Khandagiri Udayagiri complex is the very impressive Rani’s Gumpha or Queen’s Cave. On the Dhauligiri Hills, around which the bloody Kalinga battle was fought and which finally converted Ashoka the Great into an apostle of peace, stands a modern monument dedicated to world peace – the `Vishwa Shanti Stupa’. This impressive peace pagoda has been built with Indo-Japanese collaboration. Other places worth a visit include the Orissa State Museum, the Handicrafts Museum, Tribal Museum and the Nandankanan Zoological Park. It was here that for the first time ever, gharials and white tigers were bred in captivity. Nandankanan also offers a lion and white tiger safari.
Konark
Konark
The Sun Temple in Konark is one of the most stunning symbols of temple architecture in India and is also a world heritage monument. Built in the 13th century, the entire temple was designed in the shape of a colossal chariot, to carry the Hindu Sun God, Surya. There are seven horses to pull the chariot temple and the 24 giant wheels of the chariot symbolize the division of time. The Sun Temple is a brilliant chronicle in stone, with thousands of sculptures and images including deities, heavenly damsels, musicians, lovers, dancers, birds, animals, and a plethora of different scenes from everyday life, including several erotic sculptures that vividly portray the delights of gender.
Every day, the Sun God, rises from the lap of the blue ocean close by, and casts His first gentle rays on the temple built for Him. He then circles the temple and during the course of the day, illuminates the three magnificent images of the morning sun, the mid-day sun and the setting sun. The gigantic figures of the war elephants holding aloft a dazed soldier, or the lions guarding the entrance to the temple, or the beautifully carved couples engaged in myriad modes of pleasurable physical union, are all a glorious tribute to the skill of the artist and the richness of Orissa’s past, frozen forever on the shores of time. The Noble Laureate poet Rabindranath Tagore provided possibly the best description of the Sun Temple by saying, “The language of man here is defeated by the language of stone”.
Konark also has a pretty and peaceful beach that offers a good view of the sunrise. It is also a good place to observe the lives of local fishermen. Accommodation for tourists is very limited but there are several eating places. Given this, it is best to spend the day in Konark and then proceed to Puri.
Gopalpur
Gopalpur
Situated on the East coast of Orissa, facing the blue waters of the Bay of Bengal is the white-grained beach of Gopalpur-on-Sea. Goplapur was once a humming seaport buzzing with maritime activities. You can still see the crumbling walls and pillars of the old jetty and the eye-catching lighthouse, all of which are proof of the past commercial glory of Gopalpur.
Gopalpur is an attractive destination but as it has to yet establish itself with tourists, the choice of accommodation is limited, with the Swosti Palm Resort being the best choice. Another interesting option is the family run, Hotel Song of The Sea, which is located on the beach and right next to the lighthouse. It is aptly named because the song of the splashing surf can be heard from every room. Simply delightful!
Visakhapatnam
Visakhapatnam
With the Eastern Ghats on one side and the Bay of Bengal on the other, Visakhapatnam also known as Vizag, was once a small fishing village. Over the years it has witnessed the reign of Ashoka, the Pallava, Cholas, Gangas and the British, who transformed it into a port town. Now it is the second largest city in Andhra Pradesh and also has India’s largest shipbuilding yard. Visakhapatnam is famous for its several golden beaches and the green hills that surround it. Other attractions include the Buddhist sites that have recently been excavated and the exquisitely sculpted Simhachalam Temple.
For more information on road trip to Bhubaneswar Konark Visakhapatnam contact Swan Tours, one of the leading travel agents in Connaught place.
Kerala’s golden beaches and long coastline have resulted in it becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Also Visit – Best of Kerala with Taj Hotels
Cochin/Kochi
Cochin or Kochi, is a cluster of islands on the vast expanse of the Vembanad Lake, which opens out into the Arabian Sea to form one of the finest natural harbours in the world. This seaport is the commercial capital of Kerala and the most cosmopolitan of its cities. It has an eventful and colorful history and for several centuries, merchants from distant lands flocked here to trade in the famous spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger and the most valuable of all, pepper the ‘black gold’ of the Malabar Coast. Kochi was known as the ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’ and due to the ‘spice trade’ that dates back some 3000 years, it was a port of call for the Greeks, Romans, Chinese, Arabs, Portuguese, Dutch, French, and British. Such was its reputation as a seafaring commercial town that Nicolas Conti, the Italian traveller of the middle ages said, “If China is where you make your money, then Kochi is the place to spend it”.
The influence of the varied foreign visitors and their cultures can still be seen in Kochi. The Jew Town and Synagogue in Mattanchery, the Dutch Palace, Bolgatty Palace, Willingdon Island, Fort Kochi and its European Churches, the Chinese Fishing nets and other such remnants of the ‘spice trade’ are clearly evident even today, and have all merged harmoniously with the traditional fabric of Kochi.
Munnar
Munnar
Located in the high ranges of the Nilgiri Mountains at a height of 1652 meters, Munnar is known for its tea plantations that occasionally get lost in the clouds. But the pleasant fragrance of tea wafting out of the several tea-processing plants is always there. Also Visit – Kerala Holiday Package
Life in this verdant hill station centers on the ‘two-leaves-and-a-bud’ most of us sip out of a cup, every morning. But tea was not always grown here. It was after the British defeated Tipu Sultan and established their rule over this region, that tea was introduced. A British officer explored the area by following elephant trails and brought in some Scots to help him clear the dense jungles. Then these pioneers planted tea and a town grew around the plantations. Though the times have changed with Tata Tea now owning almost 70% of the plantations, much has remained the same. The High Range Club established by the pioneers, remains the focus of all activity and retains its colonial character and norms. The hills are a sea of green and as you stroll through the enormously attractive tea estates, you find women workers plucking the fresh shoots and throwing them into the wicker baskets on their backs. Planters move around dressed in their traditional shorts and wearing a hat. And the Nilgiri Tea is as good as it has always been.
Tourists have now discovered Munnar and several new hotels have come up. Visitors should make the 16 kms excursion to the Eravikulam National Park, which hosts the elephant, deer, gaur (Indian bison), leopard and the endangered Nilgiri Tahr or ibex. About a third of the world’s population of this rare mountain goat lives here and they are fairly easy to spot. And when in Munnar, do not forget to carry home the fresh and aromatic tea.
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary Thekkady
Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary / Thekkady
Over a hundred years ago, a dam was built across the Periyar River located in Thekkady, to supply water to Madurai and this gave birth to the Periyar Lake. Today this lake is the heart of the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary that spreads over an area of 777 sq. kms.
This rich bio diverse ecosystem supports a huge variety of wildlife, with the star attractions being the regal tiger and the mighty elephant. Boat rides on the lake organized by the forest department are the best way to see this fascinating sanctuary and view the wildlife. As the veil of the morning haze lifts, Periyar slowly comes to life with the first calls of langur monkeys ricocheting across the lake valley. As the boat glides smoothly on the shimmering waters, keen eyes scan the gentle grasslands and dense jungles of the Western Ghats that cradle the lake within their folds. A herd of gaur (Indian bison) coming down to the water’s edge to quench their thirst is sighted. Wild boars make an appearance and are followed by some sambar, India’s largest deer. Then the avian orchestra consisting of 260 species of colourful birds starts to play and the jungle transforms into a magical viewing gallery that gives you a glimpse of a beautiful and wild world. This is Periyar, a natural paradise that possesses misty mountains, lush green rainforests, a picturesque lake and abundant wildlife. Also Visit – Kerala Luxury Package
This delightful destination is not only about the joy of watching wildlife. Thekkady is also famous for its plantations of cardamom, pepper, etc, that are generously spread across the aptly named, Cardamom Hills. You could visit these spice plantations and even go for a trek in the wooded hills, which is a great way to commune with nature and rekindle your spirit of adventure.
Kumarakom
Kumarakom
The forty odd rivers that flow down to the Arabian Sea from the Western Ghats form the backwaters of Kerala. This fascinating network of rivers, canals, lakes and estuaries has for centuries, provided a livelihood and been a means of transportation for people and goods moving between the hinterland and the port towns along the coast. These backwaters have shaped the life of this region and everything here is linked to the regime of water. The waterways with fertile alluvial banks are responsible for making this region the ‘rice bowl’ of Kerala and are the secret of its stunning canopy of greenery. As the palm fringed canals meander through the vast expanse of paddy fields, you come across tiny hamlets with simple thatched huts, framed in dazzlingly colored bougainvillea and bordered by groves of cashew trees and blooming hibiscus.
You see children happily playing along the bunds, fishermen patiently casting their traps and nets, women washing clothes and going about their daily chores, numerous birds that frequent the sanctuary here and country boats plying back and forth, laden with both smiles and sorrows. The gentle breeze carries the sound of tolling bells and prayer chants across the water and as you venture deeper into the labyrinth of rivers and canals, the channel becomes increasingly narrow, until suddenly, it opens up into the breathtaking panoramic vista of Iake Vembanad, one of Asia’s largest freshwater lakes.
Situated on the hanks of the Vembanad Lake, Kumarakorn is a tiny hamlet that is now a gateway to the amazing backwaters of Kerala, one of the most popular destinations. And some of the credit for putting this mesmerizing place on the world map, should go to the Casino Group (now known as cghearth), who were amongst the first to establish a resort here. Hidden among the palm trees on the eastern shore of Lake Vembanad, is their Coconut Lagoon Heritage Resort. This remarkable resort can only be reached by boat and provides all the ingredients to make your holiday on the backwaters an extremely enjoyable and rewarding one. Another very appealing option is the historical country house of the Bakers that has now become the Taj Garden Retreat. Several other new and interesting resorts have also come up recently. You could also stay in a ‘floating hotel’. Many have converted traditional houseboats (Kettuvallams), into well equipped self contained hotels and you could go for a cruise or choose a scenic spot to park in. Also Visit – Kerala Vacation Package
Paravoor
At the edge of the Arabian Sea and connected with the backwaters, lies the calm fishing village of Paravoor. Adjacent to it is the enchanting Aquaserene Backwater Resort, an isolated abode of joys for sun and sea worshippers. If you want to get away from it all and relax in a peaceful and luxurious retreat, this is the place for you. It also has an ayurvedic health treatment and herbal beauty centre.
Varkala
Varkala
Further down the coast is Varkala, a Hindu centre of pilgrimage. It has a 2000-year-old temple, a century old tunnel and the comfortable Taj Garden Retreat Resort that is situated atop terraced cliffs with a commanding view of the coastline.
Trivandrum/Kovalam
Built on seven low coastal hills, Trivandrum or Thiruvananthapuram as it is known now, is an interesting mix of narrow winding lanes, massive whitewashed houses with red tiled roofs set in cool green gardens, ancient temples and palaces and a long sea coast washed by the waves of the Arabian Sea. It is the capital of Kerala, but unlike other state capitals, it has a relaxed atmosphere and despite its huge size and commercial and political importance, it still has the feel of an overgrown village or market town.
The 16th century Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple is the city’s most impressive landmark and is among the most sacred Vishnu Temples in India. It is also a very fine specimen of South Indian temple architecture, but only Hindus are allowed inside and they too have to wear a dhoti in traditional style. The other places of interest are – The Palace Museum and Napier Museum.
Kovalam, which is 14 kms further south, was once just a series of sandy bays separated by rocky promontories. But all this changed in the 1970s, when foreign tourists discovered this curving strip of golden sands with a few fishing villages scattered under the coconut palms. It is now an internationally known holiday destination with several sea resorts and hotels, and it attracts a multitude of tourists from all over the world. An interesting place to stay could be the Logoona Davina. This idyllically situated resort at the edge of a fresh water lagoon facing the Arabian Sea, is owned by Davina Taylor, an English lady who came here as a tourist She fell so much in love with the place, that she stayed back and started this small and charming resort that has been described as Davina’s particular slice of paradise.
Kanyakumari
Kanyakumari
Kanyakumari that was once known as Cape Comorin, lies at the southern most land tip of the Indian peninsula, where the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal meet and merge. Also Visit – Best of Kerala Tour
There is a Latin saying “The sun rises only to set again”, and nowhere is the passage of the sun, more of an optical feast than it is here. On the full moon day in the month of April, the sun and moon face each other on the same horizon and on other full moon days, the sun sets and moon rises almost simultaneously, as if by prior arrangement.
Kanyakumari is where calm abides and peace reigns, all under the august aegis of the sun and moon. The long beach has multicolored sand with several temples overlooking the shore, including the one dedicated to the Virgin Goddess, Devi Kanyakumari, from who this beautiful place gets its name. The Swami Vivekananda Memorial is an impressive monument built on one of the twin rocks jutting out from the sea about 200 metres offshore and the lighthouse provides sailors of the sea, ocean and bay with a safe passage.
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