WEST
INDIA ...............................................................
Recommended
acommodations
If you are interested
to taste the metro life in India, west India gives
you a thrilling time in Mumbai,the largest metro
in India. A description about West India must
have more space for Mumbai , the vibrant Industrial
city of India in the State of Maharashtra, then
comes Goa with its enchanting beaches and Palm
trees. This region of India is comprised of the
States Maharashtra, Goa and Gujarat. Apart from
the pomp of City life in Mumbai, Maharashtra features
world famous Ajanta, Ellora caves and some of
India’s most important historical sites.
Then comes the opportunity to visit Gujarat, the
state where Mahatma Gandhi, the father of our
nation was born. Also, Gujarat has no dearth for
undisturbed beaches, magnificent temples and some
rare Islamic architectural structures. Above all,
Gujarat boasts of a history of Mohanjo Daro Civilization
over 2000 years before the birth of Christ. Goa
attracts the tourists with its calm, serene beaches,
fascinating monuments and places. Undoubtedly,
Gujarat unveils life with its rare colours.
Maharashtra:Though the origin
of the word Maharasthra stands obscure, historic
records mention about Maharashtra in the inscriptions
of 17th century. Here, 80% of people are Hindus,
the rest is comprised of Islam, Budhists and Christians.
About 90% of people speak Marathi:- the regional
language. Maharashtra has an exclusive share of
festivities, the colourful Rangapanchami and Holi,
Janmastami, Ganesh Chathurthi and Muharam are
the major festivities. Today, Modern Maharashtra
is described as India’s commercial backbone.
PLACES TO SEE: Mumbai: It’s
India’s largest city and the centre of business,
fashion, and filmmaking. Prince of Wales Museum:
It’s one of the finest examples of Victorian
architecture. It has been built to the memory
of King George V’s visit to Mumbai. National
Gallery of Modern Art, Gateway of India: the most
important monument in Mumbai, Marine Drive and
Chowpathy Beach. Malabar Hills :A premium residential
area where rich people live. This place offers
the spectacular view of the city. Hanging garden
is at the one end of this hill. Mahalakshmi temple,
Sidhivinayaka Temple : A 200 year old temple located
in Prabha Devi area of Mumbai. Juhu Beach : A
beach with vendors, amusement, food outlets etc.
Chatrapathi Siviji Terminus Railway Station. Formerly,
it was Victoria terminus. Its the most remarkable
example of Victorian architecture. The first train
in India was flagged off from here. Elephantana
Caves.This heavily forested Island is 10 kms away
from Mumbai. The caves in this Island were carved
out by Hindu Craftsmen 1000 years ago. Mahabaleswar:
A whet area of western ghats. It;s a main hill
station for Pune and Mumbai. Kashid Beach.A neat
3 km silver sand beach near the town of Alibag.
Nashik (North-west Maharashtra)This place is an
industrial city, it can also be charecterised
as a pilgrim centre. Aurangabad (Central Maharashtra)
It,s a good, spacious town. Ajantha and Ellora.Ellora
Caves.This is a group of 34 caves –12 of
them were abandoned- historical caves lie near
an ancient trade route between Ujjain in Madhya
Pradesh and West Cost. There Budhist caves were
carved in volcanic rocks. Ajanta Caves:- Built
during a period between 200 BC and 650 AD 3, The
caves were discovered by British Army officers
in 1819. Pun e. This is a small modern town, noted
for its presence of Industries, IT houses, Educational
institutions. World famous Osho Ashram is based
in Pune. Lonavala.It’s a reputed hill station
near Mumbai. Karla and Bhaja Caves. These largest
and best-preserved Budhist caves (1 and 2 centuries)
are easily accessible from Lonavala. Kolhapur.
This place was founded under the 10th century
Yadavs. Today its a wine production region in
India. Wardha This place is famous for the sevagram
Asharam of Gandhiji.
GOA: As far as India is concerned
Goa is a tiny costal satae. Wide estuaries of
Zuari and Mandovi rivers border the north and
south of the state. During olden times, Goa was
known as Sindbur. Then, this region was ruled
by different Indian dynasties till the advent
of Portuguese in 1510.A nd the portughese continued
up to 1948. Still Goan life has the foreign influence.Geographically
Goa is beautiful with lush green paddy fields,
Coconut trees and beaches.
Places to see: Idalco Palace
built before 1600s Largo da lgreja - a place with
ancient churches and buildings. Old Goa. Once,
it was the Portuguese capital. In mid 16th century,
St. Francis was here. The chapel of our Lady of
the Rosary (1526), Royal chapel of St. Anthony,
Tower of St. Augustine, Museum of Christian Art
are common places of interest.
Tomb of St. Francis Xavier (1696): A tomb, carved
by florentine sculptor Giovanni Batsta foggini.
St. Francis Church of Assisi, St. Catherine Chapel,
Archeological museum and portrait gallery are
the other attractions. Northern Beaches: Sinquerim
beach is 13 kms away from Panaji. Its ideal for
beach walks and sun bath. Beach parties at Anjuna
beach are famouse. Arambol is a seashore village
with a marvellous beach.Different kinds of water
sports packages are available in these beaches.
Central Goa:This is the Railway terminus and industrial
heart land of Goa. Bogmalo, Holland Beach and
the Santra Beach are the beaches in Central Goa.
All these beaches offer water sports facility.Southern
Beaches Agonda has an unspoilt beach. Velsao,
Arossim, Utorda, Majorda are the beaches scattered
in villages. Colve - A most popular beach in Goa.
Benaulim is a tranquil and pleasant end of Colva
beach.
GUJARAT:Like any other state
in India, Gujarat displays an identity in terms
of natural beauty, architecture and history. History
of Gujarat dates back to stone age. In Guarat
15% of population is tribal. Majority of people
speak Gujarati, an indo aryan language derived
from Sanskrit
Places to see:
Ahamadabad the industrial and commercial city
of Gujarat showcases terrific examples of Gujarati
provincial architecture. The Jain and Hindu temples
at Palitana and Modhera reflect the uniqueness
of its architecture. Gujarat has ports of 15 century
origin. Historical importance of Gujarat is, no
doubt, towering Mahatama Gandhi’s birth
place Porbandar is in Gujarat. His ashram ‘Sabarmati’
is situated near Ahmadabad. Rann of Kachchh has
rare distinction of a place that has the only
surviving wild asses in India and Velavadhar protects
the rare swift footed blace buck, Gir National
park has the last Asiatic Lions. Some stone age
settlements were found around Sabarmathi and Mahi
rivers. The remains of Inus vallay and Harappa
civilization have been discovered at number of
places including Lothal, Dhoravira, Rangapur,
Amri, Lakhabaval and Rozdi..
NORTHERN GUJRAT: Ahmadabad. Formerly,
this place was state’s capital. Mahatma
Ganthi’s Sabarmati Ashram and Calico museum
are the key attraction of this place.Places to
see: Jami Masjid : It’s an ancient mosque
with a lot of specialties. Sayid Usman’s
Mausoleum: Its situated on the west side of Ashram
Road. This building reflects begarha style .Rani
Rupmati Masjid. A 16th century masjid at South
west of Delhi gate. Shreyas Museum:Displays a
wide array of rural textile products. Sanskar
Kendra Museum has a huge collection of miniatures
from Mevar, Rajastan, Mugal, Kangra and other
schools. Gandhi Nagar: This new capital city of
Gujarat is named after Mahatma Gandhi, the father
of the Nation. And this is a well planned city
that was designed by Le Corbsier. Akshardham:
This is a temple with a cultural complex and entertainment
park. It houses a 2 M gold leaf idol and some
relics of Sri Swaminarayan who headed a vedic
revivalist movement 2000 years ago. Patan: This
place has more than 100 beautifully carved temples
and many attractive traditionally carved wooden
houses. Vadnager. A place known for North Gujarat’s
typical 12th century Kiriti. Stambha pillars and
torana arches. 17th century Haktesvar temple is
the another attraction of this place. Taranga
:A place known for 12th century Jain temples.
Vadodara. During ancient period, it was the capital
of one of the most powerful princely states. Lakshmivilas
Palace. Built by R.H. Chisholm during 1880-90.
The palace has an impressive interior. Maharaja
Fatesing Museum: It has a great collection of
19th century paintings by Raja Ravivarma. Pawagath
Fort: An imposing structure dominating the skyline.Dabhoi
Fort: Built in 13th century in tune with Hindu
Gugarat architecture.Surat: From 1600 onwards,
Surat was a commercial centre in India .Diu: An
island with fascinating history and a peaceful
atmosphere. There are beautiful beaches near Diu.ss
Porbandar: This place is, today, famous as the
birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi. Dwaraka; One of
the most sacred Hindu Shrine.
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