And if you get tired of visiting sites in Mumbai
and want to get away from the city to spend some time
in tranquility, move out to visit the many cool and
calm destinations around the city. This would include
the thrilling caves of Elephanta, the Karla
caves, the unique Kanheri caves and the best
known hill stations of Mumbai, Matheran and
Lonavla. All these places make the favourite
destination not only for the tourists who visit Mumbai
but also for the local people who come here on holidays
and vacations.
Elephanta Caves
Located nine kilometres by sea from the Gateway of
India, are the Elephanta Caves, a place you must include
in your excursion itinerary. The Elephanta Caves are
characterised by rock temples carved out of two hills
that emerge from the centre of the island. It is said
that the Portuguese named this island after the stone
elephant they found here. At Elephanta you can see
the cave shrine to Lord Shiva, which belongs to the
sixth century, and a massive three-headed sculpture
representing Brahma the creator, Vishnu the preserver,
and Shiva the destroyer. You can also find the other
interesting sculptures here include those that depict
the marriage of Shiva and Parvati.
Kanheri Caves
A small trip of about four miles will take you to
the famous Kanheri Caves a must visit excursion spot
of Mumbai. The caves are believed to have been carved
out by Buddhist monks between the 2nd and 9th centuries
and have many interesting facts related to them. Situated
in the centre of Mumbai's Borivili National Park,
the Kanheri caves are also regarded as one of the
biggest Buddhist monastic establishment on the Konkan
coast. An unusual feature at Kanheri is the number
of open benches cut out of rocks. Almost all the caves
have benches in their verandahs or front courts. Sit
down on one of these. And with the evening breeze
that comes from the sea refreshing you, you realise
their purpose at once.
Karla Caves
Rock-cut structures are one of the most primitive
forms of architecture found in several parts of India.
The Karla Caves in Maharashtra are one of the finest
examples of this architectural style. The Caves are
located high in the surrounding hills. A narrow winding
path, leads up to them. Built by Buddhist monks, the
caves are in keeping with the Buddhist ideas of simplicity.
The caves are characterised by many halls and a huge
stone stupa along with the 2000-year-old teak wood
ceiling which is still intact. Outside the cave is
a pillar crowned with lions. This was an emblem of
the Buddhist King Ashoka, now adopted by the Indian
Government as the state emblem.
Lonavla
Located at a distance of 120 kilometres from Mumbai,
Lonavla is a favourite hilly destination around Mumbai.
Ideal for a day or weekend trip, Lonavla is beautiful
and cool hill station decorated with gurgling streams
and quiet glided walks. The waterfalls of Tungarly
or trek up to the Duke's Nose (a gigantic hillock
)will also give you the complete feeling of being
close to mother nature. A must visit to be included
in your excursion itinerary.
Matheran
Matheran is one of the nearest hill stations of Mumbai.
Calm and undisturbed, Matheran makes a favourite getaway
for the city dwellers who want to take a break from
the city hustle and bustle. Discovered in 1850, Matheran
provides very nice view of the nearby places from
the Hart point. A human buggy is the main mode of
transport in Matheran. Interestingly one thing that
dominates the market is chikki, a confection made
of gram flour, jaggery and cashew nut. You can also
buy this universally popular sweetmeat in large quantity
to carry back home. Matheran has retained the tranquility
and peace of a hill station by not allowing any kind
of motor vehicle into the town.
