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BASSEIN
FORT
The remains of the Portuguese fortified city
of Bassein are on the northern side of the
river which separates Greater Mumbai from
the Indian mainland. After securing the area
in 1534, the Portuguese built a city of such
pomp and splendour with a cathedral, five
convents and 13 churches, that it came to be
known as the court of the North. Bassein is
reached by train from Churchgate to Vasai
Road and thereafter 11 kms. by rickshaw from
the railway station.
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Juhu
Beach - Courtesy:MTDC
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JUHU
BEACH
This is Mumbai’s most popular beach, 18
kms. north of downtown Mumbai and a
favourite haunt of the City’s movers and
shakers. It is not advisable to swim in the
sea although many locals do. Snacks and fast
foods are available daily. In the afternoons
there are horse rides, dancing monkeys,
acrobats, cricket matches, toy sellers and
every other type of Indian beach
entertainment. It is located on the west
side of Santacruz Railway Station (Western
Railway).
SANJAY GANDHI NATIONAL PARK
Tel: 8860362; 0900 to 1700; Mon Closed. Also
known as Borivali National Park, the 104 sq.
kms. of virgin forest are located about 35
kms. north of Mumbai on the Western Express
Highway. Great picnic spot and log huts can
be hired on a daily basis. The park also
offers a ‘Lion and Tiger Safari’. Entry:
Adult: 4/-, Child: 2/-. Nearest station is
Borivali(Western Railway).
KANHERI CAVES (KRISHNAGIRI UPAVAN)
Tel: 8860362. Inside the Sanjay Gandhi
National Park, these caves hold some of the
best sculptures in India. There are ten
caves, all of which are worth seeing. Also a
picnic spot. Nearest station is Borivali
(Western Railway).
MARVE AND MANORI BEACHES
Manoribel Hotel Tel: 2691301 and Domonica
Beach Resort Tel: 4449735/4462161. Marve is
about 50 kms. north of Mumbai and beyond
Juhu beach. Unlike Juhu beach, there are no
vendors. A beautiful stretch of unspoilt
sand with private cottages dotted amongst
trees. Old Portuguese church, fishing
village and grove of cashewnut trees nearby.
Manori beach is close to Marve and
accessible by ferry boat from Marve. Holiday
cottages are available for rent. Take the
train from Churchgate to Malad, then bus No.
272 to Marve and a ferry across to Manori.
VAJRESHWARI WARM SPRINGS
An hour’s ride by a State Transport bus
from Vasai Road Station (Western Railway).
The Vajreshwari Temple, dedicated to the
patron Goddess Vajreshwari Mata, is
surrounded by fortifications resembling
Bassein Fort and was built by Chimaji Appa.
The 21 springs are 2 kms. from the
temple.These sulphur springs are known to
have therapeutic properties for rheumatism
and certain skin diseases.
ELEPHANTA CAVES
The beautifully sculptured rock-cut temples
on Elephanta Island are 9 km. north-east of
Apollo Bunder. They are thought to have been
created between 450 and 750 AD, when the
island was known as Gharapuri, the Fortress
City. The Portuguese renamed it Elephanta
because of a large stone Elephant near the
shore (now standing in Victoria Gardens).
The caves are reached by a steep stairway
that begins near the ferry landing.
Palanquins are available for those who need
to be carried up. It costs Rs. 5/- to enter
the cave area at the top of the hill. The
best time to visit Elephanta is during the
week when it is less crowded. When you've
had your fill of the cave temples, sit back
at the tree-top terrace of the MTDC's
restaurant bar and take in the expansive
views of Mumbai Harbour. Launches depart
from Apollo Bunder by the Gateway of India.
Ordinary boats cost Rs. 65 return and luxury
launches, which are met at Elephanta by a
free tour guide, cost Rs. 85/-. Tickets are
sold from booths near the Gateway. Both type
of launches leave every half-hour from
around 0900 to 1430 The last boat leaves
from Elephanta at 1730 For enquiries Tel:
2026364. An alternative to the launches is
the Catamaran which leaves daily from Apollo
Bunder at 1030 and returns at 1400 and the
fare is Rs. 125/-. For enquiries Tel:
2875473.
MURUD-JANJIRA
Discover Murud-Janjira, the impregnable
island fortress of the Siddis, who grew and
prospered within its walls. Palaces and
stately mansions once lay here protected by
huge cannons placed strategically on its
many rounded bastions. Murud-Janjira is
reached by a 90 minute launch from Mumbai's
New Ferry Wharf (Baucha Dhakka) to Rewas and
then by bus via Alibaug and Chaul. MTDC has
a holiday resort with basic accommodation.
MANDWA-KIHIM
Beautiful beaches and dense coconut groves
make a visit to these twin beaches a must.
Situated just 20 kms. north of Alibaug, one
can either go by road (135 kms. from Mumbai
via Panvel) or by Ferry Service from Mumbai’.
New Ferry Wharf (Baucha Dhakka) to Rewas and
then by road to Kihim. Kihim Beach Resort:
Kihim Village, Alibaug, District Raigad.
Tel: (021433) 8172. Mumbai Tel: 4932254/
2998 Fax: 4952371.
SHREWARDHAN HARIHARESHWAR
Visit these unspoilt beaches with clean
waters which can be reached by road (approx.
170 km.) from Mumbai on the Mumbai-Goa
highway. Check with MTDC and Tour operators
for accommodation.
GANAPATIPULE
A popular tourist destination offering
scenic beaches, lush greenery and a famous
Ganesh Temple. MTDC Resorts available but
stay in MTDC’s tented camp which is more
fun, although only equipped with the bare
necessities. Water sports such as water
scooters, wind surfing etc. available.
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