Peb Fort (Vikatgad)

Peb Fort Height : 2100 ft
Peb Fort Type : Hill
Base Village: Neral 
District : Raigad

Trekking near Mumbai to Peb Fort or Vikatgad around 4 km from Neral Station a very enjoyable trek in Monsoon season passing through a local village, waterfalls this trek offers all ladders, rock patches, caves, dense forest, ridge walking. Trek can be combined with Matheran visit or you can trek till Panorama point Matheran till here. Excellent for new trekkers a village guide or guided tour will make the trek more enjoyable.


Peb Fort History :
It is assumed that this fort derived its name Peb from the 'Goddess Pebi' at the base of the fort. Historical references clearly indicate that Shivaji Maharaj used the caves on the fort as silos for grain storage.

The cave on the fort is occupied by disciples of Swami Samarth, a great saint. They have contributed a lot to development on this fort from last ten years. They have managed successfully to keep the cave and the fort clean, and maintained the dignity of the fort. Near to this cave are meditation caverns, which are underground. These caverns are still in good condition. One has to crawl into these and only one man can enter at one time. In monsoon two of these are filled with water. On the top we can go by climbing the wall of the fort. On the top we can see some remnants. The main attraction here is the bastion on the topmost part. This faces the mountain of Matheran. Here we can clearly see the ridge connecting mountains of Matheran and Peb. When we stand here we feel to be at the top of the world.

On the other side of the fort is a temple of a deity. Here is a big cistern. The disciples are constructing a good temple here. We can reside here for some time.The beautiful waterfall on the way is the main attraction here. Surrounding scenery looks marvelous from the cave in the monsoon. From here we also see the pinnacles of Navara-Navari, Bhatoba and Irshaal, along with forts of Chanderi, Prabalgad and Malanggad and also Nakhind. This trekking is pleasant in all seasons.

How to reach : Peb Fort or Vikatgad

By Train from Neral station :

• Alight at Neral Railway Station (Central Railway Route)
• Walk pass ticket booking center and take right.
• Walk towards Matheran Taxi stand keep walking till main road
• After reaching main road left goes to Matheran
• Cross the road and keep walking straight.
• Some houses under construction could be used as landmarks on the way.
• Proceed towards the huge electric towers on the way near 2nd electric tower we see a big waterfall.
• Trek path starts from here Base Village Anandwadi - Fanaswadi
• You can hire a guide from village it takes 3 hours to complete this trek
• Please carry water and food along with you
• From Matheran Panorama point a way to Peb is available you can reach the cave within 6 hours carving of eagle is seen at the base of cave.
Peb Fort Stay:
A small cavern is available which can accommodate 10 people max

Kanheri Caves

One of the airiest places in the city, the Kanheri Caves premises offers a pleasant break from the pollution and the noisy, metropolitan life. Nestled in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park at Borivali, the Kanheri Caves are also known as the 'lungs of Mumbai', because this is the only place in the city with the maximum amount of greenery and consequently, a lot of fresh air. The caves date back to 1st century BC and are believed to be one of the oldest cave formations of the country. The Kanheri Caves are renowned for their natural Basalt formations, ancient Indian styled architecture and the 109 special entrances to the caves. The word Kanheri originates from the Sanskrit term 'Krishnagiri'. Each cave here, unlike the other caves in the country, is adorned with a 'splinth' or a rock bed. Congregation halls with large stupas also indicate that the caves were Buddhist shrines and a focal point during the Buddhist settlement in the 3rd century. The Kanheri Caves became a distinctive Buddhist institution for congregational worship, study and meditation.

A Cluster Of Rock Cut Monuments 
When one visits the Kanheri Caves, there is a lot to see, in terms of what the caves have to offer and even around the caves. There are about 34 unfinished paintings of Buddha within the Caves. Apart from the paintings, one should also visit the 'Vihara' (prayer hall) and the different monasteries around the cave for a glimpse of former Buddhist occupation and life. If you have had enough of history and you are looking for a bit of excitement, then planned tours, adventure sports such as rappelling/trapeze and treks around Sanjay Gandhi National Park or the Silondha Trail can also be arranged by local tourist guides. The hilly terrain of the caves also creates several, small waterfalls which are beautiful to see. Natural streams and rivers around the Kanheri Caves offer stunning views and beautiful locations for families to enjoy a small picnic while visiting the caves.

Eating Out
There are a number of local eateries outside the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Restaurants such as Greens Veg Restaurant, Cascade, Bay View Restaurant and Aura Restaurant that offer the best of local cuisine. Local food vendor's can be found right outside the national park, selling nuts, juices, cotton candies, freshly baked crisps and the local Chaats.

How To Reach 
By Road 
The Kanheri Caves, situated within Sanjay Gandhi National Park, are located in the heart of Mumbai. You can reach this place with local transport (auto-rickshaws, taxis and local buses). Once at the national park, you can either decide to trek to the Kanheri Caves or opt for paid transport within the park.

By Rail 
The Borivali and Malad stations are the closest disembarkation points if you want to get to the Kanheri Caves. From here, you can opt or local transport to take you the Kanheri Caves.

The Kanheri Caves are one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mumbai. Apart from the caves, feel free to explore the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, but with supervision and permission from the local authorities. The caves offer tourists and picnickers a perfect getaway and transport visitors into a historical world that once flourished.

Lohagarh Visapur Fort

With a 2000 year old history and at 3400 ft high, Lohagad one of the magestic forts in the region. The climb to the fort takes you to panoramic vantage points, huge balconies, doors and reminds you how important this place was which was used to defend freedom. Surrounded by lakes on all side the views from the fort are breathtaking specially from vinchu kata (Scorpion's tail).

Brief Info about Lohagad Fort:
This fort is 10km from Lonavala (100 Kms from Mumbai and 60 Kms from Pune). It belongs to the period of Chattrapati Shivaji's reign and was used for keeping prisoners in the year 1564.

In 1670, Shivaji Maharaj won this fort and in the year 1751, Gaikwad and Dabhade family were incarcerated in this fort. The entrance to this fort is impressive and is aptly called 'Delhi Gate'. There are three gates one after the other.

How To Reach: 
Train or Road:
Alight at malavli station which is the next station after lonavala. Lonavala is midway between mumbai and pune. Cross the mumbai pune express highway via overhead bridge and turn walking towards mumbai direction to bhaje village which is approx 2 Kms. From bhaje walk towards lohagad. After a gruelling but scenic trek of about 2 and half hours (7 KMS) you reach the foothills of the fort. The small village there houses couple of small hotels. It can be a pretty hectic trek for 1 day if you don't have your own vehicle. Take plenty of water in summers(Feb to June). Best time to visit is between July and December.




Nearby attractions :
Visapur Fort
Bhaja Caves - 2 km (1.2 mi) from Malavli, once home to Buddhist monks.
Karla Caves
Lonavala - 20 km (12 mi), a famous and scenic hill station.
Aamby Valley City - 22 km (14 mi) from Lonavala.

For more pics Click Here

Elephanta Caves

The Elephanta Caves are a complex of ancient cave temples on Elephanta Island, an hour-long ferry ride from Mumbai. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, Elephanta Island is not only a worthy destination in itself, it also provides a great view of Mumbai's skyline and an escape from the chaos of the city.
The Caves will be closed on Monday.

History


The origins of the temple caves, thought to date from about the 7th century, are obscure. It is known, however, that the island was originally called Gharapuri - the Portuguese renamed it Elephanta after they found a large stone elephant near their landing place. The figure collapsed in 1814 and was subsequently moved to the far-off Victoria Gardens and reassembled.
Shortly before the Elephanta temples were created, Bombay had experienced the golden age of the late Guptas, under whom the arts flourished. Sanskrit had been finely polished, and Kalidasa and other writers had helped incite a Hindu religious revival under the court's liberal patronage. Shaivism, the worship of Shiva, inspired the building of these temples.
Many of Elephanta's priceless statues were damaged or destroyed by the Portuguese, who apparently used the Hindu gods for target practice. There have also been reports of vandalism and carelessness by modern visitors, so take extra care to avoid damage during your visit.


What to See


The hour-long ferry ride provides a good introduction to Hinduism thanks to the guides on board. Try to plan your trip so you see the sunset over Mumbai on your return journey.
Elephanta Island is quiet and picturesque, with light-green foliage and monkeys scampering about. Try not to bring food to avoid harassment by the monkeys.
Entry to the caves is via the main northern entrance to a massive hall, supported by large pillars, where the enormous Mahesamurti statue is housed. At 6.3m (18 ft.), the remarkable sculpture depicts Shiva in his three-headed aspect: as Creator (facing right), Protector (the crowned face at the center), and Destroyer (facing left, with serpents for hair).
Other sculptures near the doorways and on side panels celebrate Shiva's accomplishments. The beauty of this stonework lies in the grace, balance, and sense of peace conveyed in spite of the subject's multiple actions.
One statue shows Shiva bringing the Ganges River down to Earth, letting it trickle through his matted hair. He is also depicted as Yogisvara, lord of Yogis, seated on a lotus, and as Shiva Nataraja, the many-armed cosmic dancer.
Left of the Mahesamurti is Shiva as both male and female, Ardhanarishvara, an aspect suggesting the unity of all opposites.


How To Reach :


The Elephanta Caves can be reached  from the Gateway of India, Mumbai.
Nearest railhead are Churchgate (W.R.) & Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST, C.R.)

Thanale Caves (NeaR Pali)

These caves are some of the most ancient rock-cut temples not only in Maharashtra but in whole India and were located at complex site of the trade route, where the path goes through complicated mountain pass. Here have been found punch-marked silver coins from the times of Emperor Ashoka (268 - 227 BC). Thus it is possible that they were created in 3rd century BC, although it is possible also that they were built somewhat later. At their heyday these temples were luxurious and most likely quite influential. It is possible that these caves are "Siristan" mentioned in inscriptions at Pandav Leni Caves, Nashik.

At the end of 5th century AD the port of Chaul declined and trade routes changed. Around this time caves were abandoned. Once lively and beautiful complex of temples was forgotten.

In January 1890 caves were rediscovered to the science by missionary J.A.Abnot, although earlier these caves served as a hideout to revolutionary Vasudev Balwant Phadke.

Nowadays the beautiful location and exciting aura of these caves has turned them into popular destination for trekkers. Unfortunately this has turned into humiliation of Indian heritage - beautiful stone-cut ornaments and sculptures of gods and goddesses are covered with worthless graffiti left by "lovers".

Description

Ancient rock-cut chambers are located in beautiful mountainous site. Most frequently used path starts in Thanale village and goes through dense forest, along waterfalls and mountain scenery.

Caves are located at the foot of overhanging enormous cliff. All caves are cut in a row. Unfortunately time has taken its toll - facades of caves have been lost due to natural circumstances - fall of rocks. Southernmost 8 - 10 caves are blocked by collapse of cave roof.

In total there were made 28 caves. Several caves have exquisite adornment - stone carvings on portals of the doors and ceilings including an impressive relief above the cell-door showing serpent deity - naga.

Cave 3 (counting from the northern side) contains 13 stupas.

Cave 13 contains remnants of plaster with paintings, discovered by M.N.Deshpande. Most likely these paintings were created in late period in the history of these caves - circa 5 century AD. Ancient artists used just a few colors - red and two shades of yellow, dark blue and white.

Other Points to See:

There is a Hot Spring water source Just Ahead of pali, 

Address:	Asia, India, Maharashtra, Raigad district, some 55 - 60 km west from Pune, 11 km east from Pali, 1.6 km south-east from Thanale village can reach from Pali - Ballaleshwar (Ashtavinayak)
Alternate names:	Thanala Caves
Age:	3rd - 1st century BC
Religion:	Buddhism

Karla Caves ( Ekvira Devi)

 Karle Caves is a complex of ancient Buddhist  Indian rock-cut architecture cave shrines developed over two periods - from 2nd century B.C to 2nd century C.E. and in 5th - 10th century. Even though the caves were constructed over a period of time and the oldest one is believed to date back to 160 BC.Located in Karli near Lonavala ,Maharashatra. For More Pics Click Here

Kondane Caves

These caves are famous because of their Buddhist style .These caves offers an ancient life style of Buddhist followers. There are many Sculptures and stupas which are the architecture of the ancient period of Buddhist.

For Photos Click Here

Kondana Caves situated in Karjat offers the ancient lifestyle of Buddhist followers. Ancient rock-cut caves, Kondana Caves are very famous Buddhist caves. These caves enclose sculptures, vihara, cahitya and stupa. Sculptures and stupas are specimens of the ancient period Buddhist architecture. There was a natural disaster in the form of an earth quake in early 1900 by which many stupas, front entrance and floor of the caves were damaged.


These ancient caves attract lots of tourists and Buddhist devotees all through the year. There are some restrictions on these protected ancient caves. Smoking and the consumption of liquor and aromatic foods are prohibited nearby places of the caves.


How To go ?

Reach Karjat Bus station catch sanshi bus and get down at khandpe stop (bus ticket 8 rs per head)
from khandape reach Kondivade around 30 min walk
and from Kondivade to Konadana caves 1 hr


or
reach karjat sation and hire auto till Kondivade. (approximate 200 rs 8 to 10 seat)



When to go?
After Rainy season.



Where to stay?
There are food and staying facility at Kndivade villege.
but at kondana caves you don't get any food.