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MAHARASHTRA

Lonavla and Khandala are two hill resorts near Mumbai. These twin places are just 106 km from the rat race of Mumbai. In recent years the heavy flow of weekenders and conference groups from Mumbai has changed the demography of the area dramatically. Khandala gives a good view of the rain water fed waterfalls while Lonavla acts as the base for the Karla & Bhaja Caves. These caves date back to the 2nd century B. C. and are one of the finest examples of rock temples by the Hinayana sect in India. The Karla caves were carved by the monks and the artisans who tried to imitate the carvings on wood. The light filters inwards through the Sun window. The Dagoba or representation of Buddha is protected by a wooden umbrella. The pillars are topped by kneeling elephants who have seated figures. These 37 pillars are the circumambulatory aisles. The ceiling is ribbed by teak beams. Out side the cave a stambha with four back to back Lions stands. This pillar is associated with Ashoka and is believed to have been kept there later. The Bhaja caves are older and peaceful than the Karla caves. Bhaja has out of 18, cave ten are vihars and one is an open chaitya. There are 14 stupas just outside these caves. Lohagad fort and Visapur fort are also nearby.

Lonavla Photo Gallery

MATHERAN - Hill station near Neral on Mumbai - Pune rail route, narrow gauge toy train connects Nearl with Matheran (13 km, 5 hour), Panorama point, arbut point, Hart point, Monkey point, Porcupine point, Louise point, One tree point, Honeymoon point, Alexander point, Lord point, Echo point, Coronation point, Mary point, Olympia point, Pay master park, Chaelotte lake, Madhavji point and Bazaar are some main attractions in the 'car free' hill station.

Matheran Photo Gallery

MAHABALESHWAR (1438 m) - Hill station, famous for Strawberry, vantage points are Wilson point, Kate's point, Bombay point, Elphinstone point, Babbington point, Arthur's seat etc., Venna lake - boating, waterfalls like Chinaman, Dhobi, Ludwig, Lingamala. Pratapgad fort (24 km), Panchgani hill station (25 km) : Table land.

Mahabaleshwar Photo Gallery