Tuesday, 13 June 2017

Famous Waterfalls

🐾 *मस्त पिकनिक स्पॉट्स* 🐾

🌧☕🌽🍻🚌🚂🏕

पावसाळा सुरू झाला की वेध लागतात ते पावसाळी पिकनिकचे. रिमझिम बरसलेल्या पावसामुळे मुंबईकरांची मान्सून पिकनिकची तयारी सुपरफास्ट ट्रॅकवर आहे. कैक फुटांच्या उंचीवरून येणारे फेसाळते पाणी अंगावर घेण्याची मजा काही औरच असते. लोणावळा, खंडाळा, माळशेज घाट यांसारख्या गजबजलेल्या ठिकाणांबरोबरचं जवळपासचे धबधबे शोधण्याची जोरदार धावपळ सुरू झालीये.

*भिवपुरी*
माथेरानच्या कुशीत असलेले हे ठिकाण मुंब ईपासून अगदी हाकेच्या अंतरावर आहे. भिवपुरी रेल्वे स्टेशनजवळ हॉटेल्स आहेत. गावकऱ्याना सांगितल्यास ते जेवणाची सोय करतात.

*चिंचोटी*
इथे पोहोचताना हिरव्या झाडाझुडपाच्या दाटीतून जावं लागतं. या मार्गावर ठिकठिकाणी धबधबे पाहायला मिळतील.मुख्य धबधब्याजवळ पोहचायला सुमारे तासभर चालावं लागतं. दहिसर टोलनाक्यानंतर ‘कामण’ जंक्शनजवळ हे ठिकाण आहे. ट्रेनने जायचं असेल तर नायगाव स्टेशनला उतरून रिक्षाने जावे लागते.

*तुंगारेश्वर*
येथे नदी आणि धबधबा अशा दोन्ही ठिकाणचा आनंद घेता येतो. मुंबईपासून सुमारे २ तासांच्या अंतरावर तुंगारेश्वर आहे. पर्यटकांसाठी डोंगरावर कोणतीही जेवणाची व्यवस्था नाही.

*राधा फॉल*
सह्याद्रीच्या पर्वतरांगात विल्सन डॅमपासून तयार झालेला हा धबधबा. या ठिकाणी जाण्यासाठी गाडी हा एकमेव पर्याय आहे. इगतपुरीजवळ असलेल्या विल्सन डॅमजवळ हा धबधबा आहे. या ठिकाणी जेवणासाठी हॉटेल्सची सोय नसली तरी इगतपुरीजवळ जेवणाची व्यवस्था होते.

*पांडवकडा*
खारघर परिसरात पांडवकडा हा धबधबा गेल्या दहा वर्षांत मुंबई, ठाणे आणि नवी मुंबईकरांच्या लीस्टमध्ये अग्रभागी आहे. या धबधब्यावर जाण्यास बंदी घातली असली तरी अनेक पर्यटक पांडवकड्याला भेट देतात. आजूबाजूच्या डोंगराने नेसलेला हिरवाकंच शालू पर्यटकांना भुरळ घालत असतो. हार्बर रेल्वे मार्गावरील खारघर स्टेशनवरून या ठिकाणी जाता येते.

*झेनिथ*
खोपोली शहरापासून २ किमीवर असलेल्या झेनिथ धबधब्याच्या पाण्याचा फोर्स खूप आहे, पण तरीही तरुणाईला पिकनिकसाठी झेनिथला जाण्याचा मोह काही आवरत नाही.म्हणूनच शनिवारी-रविवारी या धबधब्यावर मोठी गर्दी होत असते. इथल्या प्रत्येक कोपर्यावर पंजाबी धाबे आहेत.

*पळसदरी*
मुंबई-पुणे महामार्गावरच्या चौक फाट्यापासून १८ किमी दूर आणि पळसदरी रेल्वे स्टेशनपासून दोन किमी अंतरावर पळसदरी धबधबा आहे. रेल्वेमार्गाचा पर्याय असल्याने या ठिकाणी गर्दीचे प्रमाण जास्त असते. जेवणाची सोय या ठिकाणी होते.

*गाढेश्वर*
पनवेल तालुक्यात पावसाळी गर्दी गाढेश्वर नदीकाठी पाहायला मिळते. मनसोक्त डुंबण्यासाठी इच्छुक असणारे पर्यटक या ठिकाणी आवर्जून येतात.

*फणसाड*
फणसाड अभयारण्यामधील या धबधब्यात चिंब होणं म्हणजे एक रोमहर्षक अनुभव आहे. या धबधब्यात सचैल स्नानानंतर अभयारण्यात पक्ष्यांचा किलबिलाट आणि झाडांची हिरवाई पाहण्यात एक वेगळा आनंद आहे.

*सवतकडा*
मुरुड-जंजिरापासून ११ किमी अंतरावरील सवतकडा धबधबा पर्यटकांनी शोधून काढला आहे. मुरुड-आगरदांडा रस्त्यावरील शिघ्रे गावातून सवतकड्याची पाऊलवाट जाते. या पाऊलवाटेवरून जाण्याचा थरार अविस्मरणीय आहे. जवळपास खाण्याची सोय नाही.

*गवळीदेव*
नवी मुंबईतील घणसोली गावाजवळ असणारा गवळीदेव धबधबाही आसपासच्या पर्यटकांना खुणावत आहे. शहराच्या इतक्या जवळ असूनही हा धबधबा आणि गवळीदेव डोंगर अनेक मूलभूत सोयीसुविधांपासून वंचित आहे.

*कोंडेश्वर*
ठाणे जिल्ह्यातील बदलापूरपासून सहा किलोमीटर अंतरावर कोंडेश्वरचा धबधबा आहे. इथे दोन धबधबे आहेत. बदलापूर पूर्वेकडून भोज-दहिवली शेअर रिक्षा उपलब्ध आहेत. कुंडात डोह असून त्यात कपारी  असल्याने येथे पाण्यात उतरताना पुरेशी खबरदारी घ्यावी लागते.

*भगीरथ*
वांगणीपासून चार किलोमीटर अंतरावर पर्यटकांचे प्रमुख आकर्षण ठरलेला भगीरथ धबधबा आहे. बेडीसगावापासून धबधब्याकडे जाण्यासाठी पायवाट आहे. या ठिकाणी जेवणाची सोय नाही.

*टपालवाडी*
नेरळ रेल्वे स्थानकापासून तीन किलोमीटर अंतरावर असणार्या आनंदवाडी आदिवासी वाडीजवळ यथेच्छ पोहण्यासाठी छान डोह असणारा एक धबधबा आहे. अलीकडच्या काळात पर्यटकांपैकीच कुणीतरी ‘टपालवाडीचा धबधबा’ असे त्याचे नाव ठेवले आहे. ठिकाण अतिशय निसर्गरम्य असले तरी येथे जेवण तसेच कोणतेही खाद्यपदार्थ मिळण्याची व्यवस्था नाही.

*आषाणे*
भिवपुरी-कर्जतदरम्यान भिवपुरीपासून पाच किमीवर असलेल्या आषाणे गावाजवळील धबधबा हेही पर्यटकांचे आवडते ठिकाण आहे. इथे जाण्यासाठी भिवपुरीपासून रिक्षा मिळते. आषाणे ग्रामस्थ पर्यटकांना मागणीनुसार जेवण करून देतात.

*थिदबीचा धबधबा*
पावसाळ्यात माळशेज घाटाकडे जाताना दूर डावीकडे डोंगरात खूप उंचावरून कोसळणारा धबधबा आपल्याला दिसतो. कल्याण-माळशेज रस्त्यावर घाटाच्या पायथ्याशी साबर्णे गावापासून पुढे थिदबी गावापर्यंत ३ कि.मी. कच्च्या रस्त्याने चालत जावे लागेल.

*निवळी*
निवळी घाट चढताना पर्यटकांना आकर्षित करतो तो हिरव्या दाट झाडीतून कोसळणारा धबधबा. निवळी धबधब्याचे मनोहारी दृश्य पाहण्यासाठी घाटातच पर्यटकांसाठी खास पॉइंट तयार करण्यात आला आहे. ज्या पर्यटकांना प्रत्यक्ष धबधब्याजवळ जायचे असेल त्यांच्यासाठी पायऱ्या तयार करण्यात आल्या आहेत.  

*मोहिली धबधबा*
कर्जतपासून ६ ते ७ किमीवर उल्हास नदी पार करून मोहिलीत प्रवेश होतो. डोंगरावरून भिरभिरणारा वारा, हिरवीगार वनराई असे नयनरम्य दृश्य डोळ्यात साठवून ठेवावं, असे वाटते. धबधब्याजवळ थंड वातावरणात गरम गरम वाफाळता चहा आणि मक्याची कणसे खाण्याची मजाच काही औरच आहे. लोणावळ्याचे भुशी धरण,त्यापुढे असणारी टायगर लीप दरी, या ठिकाणी पावसाळ्यात बरेच पर्यटक जातात. इथून जवळच असलेला कोरीगड, तैलबैला,घनगड, कैलासगड इत्यादीसारख्या किल्ल्यांना पावसाळ्यात भेट देण म्हणजे काही औरच मजा आहे.

*ताम्हिणी घाट*
लोणावळ्याजवळील कार्ला-भाजे लेण्या, लोहगड,विसापूर, राजमाची, तुंग,तिकोन्याच्या वाटेने पुढे पौडमार्गे मुळशी धरणाला रस्ता जातो, तोच रस्ता खाली कोंकणात माणगाव-कोलाडला उतरतो. हाच तो ताम्हिणी घाट. मुळशी धरणाच्या काठाकाठाने जाणारा हा गाडी रस्ता अतिशय सुंदर असून एकीकडे धरणाचा पाणवठा आणि त्याचबरोबर उंच डोंगर आणि खोल दर्याचा देखावा एक अविस्मरणीय आनंद देतो.

*पळूचा धबधबा*
माळशेजघाटाआधी मुरबाडजवळ असणारा पळूचा धबधबा हे एक उत्तम स्थळ आहे. याच्यामागे असणारी भीमाशंकरची डोंगररांग पावसाळ्यात विलोभनीय दिसते आणि त्याचबरोबर आपण गोरखगड, सिद्धगड, मच्छिंद्रगड इत्यादी एक दिवसाचे ट्रेकसुद्धा करू शकतो.

*जव्हार*
ठाणे जिल्ह्यातील जव्हार म्हणजे डोंगरदऱ्या असंख्य धबधबे, दूरवर पसरलेली भातशेती, यांनी नटलेले छोटेसे हिल स्टेशन. इथला हनुमान टेकडी, शिर्पा माळ, दाभोसा धबधबा ठिकाण पाहण्यासारखा आहे. कसारा घाटाअलीकडे बळवंतगड हा छोटासा किल्लादेखील पाहण्यासारखा आहे. नाशिक त्र्यंबकेश्वर परिसरात असणारे कावनई, गडगडा, त्रिंगलवाडी, हरिहर, बसगड, अंजनेरी इत्यादीसारख्या बर्याच किल्ल्यांची सैर पावसात करता येते.

*तानसा आणि भातसा*
ठाणे-नाशिक महामार्गावर आटगावहून तानसा आणि याच भातसा धारणाकडे जाणारा रस्ता आहे. इथेदेखील एक दिवसीय पावसाळी सहलीला जाता येईल.

*कळसूबाई*
कळसुबाई, भंडारदरा आणि रंध धबधब्याला पावसाळ्यात भेट द्या. इथले अमृतेश्वर मंदिर आवर्जून पाहण्यासारखं आहे. साम्रद गावाजवळील सांधण दरी अप्रतिम आहे. रतनगड किल्लादेखील याच परिसरात असून अनेक मंडळी रतनगड ते हरिश्चंद्रगड असा ट्रेकदेखील करतात.

*तोरणमाळ*
धुळे-नंदुरबार इथून जवळ असलेल्या तोरणमाळ या ठिकाणची सुंदरता काही औरच आहे.इथले जंगल, डोंगरदऱ्या, पक्षी, रंगीबेरंगी फुले आपले मन प्रसन्न करून टाकतील यात वादच नाही.

*पावणादेवी* 
नाशिकच्या पुढेच असणाऱ्या चाळीसगावाजवळील पावणादेवी आणि त्या परिसरातील जंगल हे पावसाळ्यात पर्यटनाचे आणखी काही पर्याय ठरू शकतात. इथे असलेला कण्हेरगड किल्ला आणि केदारेश्वर धबधबा पाहण्यासारखा आहे.

*चिखलदरा*
हे अमरावतीहून जवळ असणारे आणि विदर्भवासीयांचे आवडते ठिकाण. इथे असणारा गाविलगड किल्ला, किचकदरा यासारखी बरीच ठिकाणं पाहण्यासारखी आहेत.चिखलदर्याहून जवळच्या मेळघाट व्याघ्रप्रकल्पाला नक्की भेट द्या.

*कासचे पठार*
सातारा जिल्ह्यातलं कासचे पठार म्हणजे महाराष्ट्रातील व्हॅली ऑफ फ्लॉवर्स. साधारण सप्टेंबर महिन्यात या पठारावर असंख्य विविधरंगी फुले फुलतात आणि त्याचा आनंद घेण्यासाठी हजारो पर्यटक इथे भेट देतात. कासबरोबरच साताऱ्या जवळ नदीकिनारी आणि जुन्या मंदिरांचा समूह असणाऱ्या माहुली तसेच अजिंक्यतारा, सज्जनगड, ठोसेघर धबधबा पाहण्यासारखा आहे. सातारहून ८ कि.मी. असलेल्या कण्हेर धरणाला सुद्धा भेट देता येईल.

*पन्हाळगड ते विशाळगड*
ट्रेकर्सनी पन्हाळगड ते विशाळगड हा पावसाळी ट्रेक नक्की करावा. मसाईचे विस्तीर्ण पठार, शेती, जंगल, ओढे, नदी, नाले, छोटी छोटी गावे अशा ठिकाणांहून हा ट्रेक पूर्ण होतो.

*वरंधाघाट*
पुण्याहून भोरमार्गे महाडला जाणाऱ्या वाटेवर वरंधाघाट लागतो. वरंधाघाटा लगतच कावळ्या या किल्ल्यावर जाता येईल. डोंगरातून वाहणारे छोटे मोठे झरे, धबधबे, बाजूला खोल दरी आणि त्या दरीत दिसणारं छोटंसं गाव, आणि त्या गावालगत वाहणारी नदी असे वेड लावणारं सौंदर्य वरंधाघाटात आहे. वरंधाघाट उतरल्यावर शिवथरघळ इथली गुहा आणि त्या गुहेबाहेर पडणारा पाऊस, धबधबा म्हणजे क्या बात!

*सुरगड किल्ला*
रायगड जिल्ह्यातील नागोठणेजवळील सुकेळी खिंडीजवळ खांबगाव नजीक सुरगड किल्ल्याला देखील भेट देणं छान वाटेल. मुंबईहून महाडकडे जाताना याच सुकेळी खिंडीपासून पायवाटेने साधारण २० मिनिटांनंतर एक उंच धबधबा दिसतो. त्या धबधब्याचं पाणी आणि नदी हे एक अतिशय सुंदर आणि सुरक्षित ठिकाण आहे.

*दुरशेत*
रायगड जिल्ह्यात खोपोली पाली रस्त्यालगत दुरशेत गावाआधी उंबरखिंड हे स्थान आहे. खंडाळ्याच्या डोंगरातून पडणारे पाणी उंबरखिंडीत येते आणि नदीमार्गे कोकणात जाते.दुरशेतहून पुढे जांभूळपाड्यामार्गे भेलीव गावालगतचा मृगगड हा किल्ला आणि त्याकडे जाणारा नदीलगतचा मार्गही पर्यटकांना भुरळ पाडतो. गणपतीच्या पाली गावाआधी ठाणाळे हा लेणी समूह आणि त्याच्या आजूबाजूचा परिसर पावसाळ्यात आपले विलोभनीय रूप दाखवतो. पाली गावालगतच सरसगड हा किल्ला आहे, आणि तेथून पुढे असणारा सुधागड किल्ल्याला देखील पावसाळ्यात भेट देणं मस्तच.

..ठरलेल्या ठिकाणा शिवाय वरील पर्याय सुदधा उपलब्ध आहेत. विचार करुन लवकर सांगावे.

Waterfalls

Sunday, 4 December 2016

Sasawane Beach

The 2 villages are located 18 Kms north of Alibag. Sasawane is famous for the Karmarkar sculpture museum which is worth seeing. From Awas Sasawane beach, Mumbai skyline can be seen during day & at night Mumbai skyline looks like illuminated with lights. The Nagoba Mandir at Awas is worth visiting.
Sasawane is a beautiful unexplored beach.It has the famous Karmarkar studio which is a Tourist attraction.Sasawane village too, has a charm of its own with its beautiful groves of coconut palm.A good place to visit near Mumbai.
  • Getting Activities to do :
    Water sport facility available (except during monsoon)
  • Accommodation :
  • Getting There : 
    There is a road from VADKAHAL NAKA on Mumbai–Goa highway.
  • By Air : 
    The closest International Airport is Mumbai.
  • By Rail : 
    Konkan Railway trains from CST Mumbai stop at Pen, 28 km from Alibag, from where you can take a bus, autorickshaw or taxi.
  • By Road : 
    Alibag is 108 km from Mumbai by road, a journey of 3 hours via Navi Mumbai. The quickest way to get there however would be to catch a ferry from Gateway Of India. Along the same Alibag-Rewas road, 14 kms off Alibag, you turn left at Awas to reach Sasawane, which is 6 kms from the main road.
  • Places to see nearby :
    Akshi-Nagaon , chaul/Revdanda , Varsoli , Awaas/Saswane , Thal , Kihim , Mandwa
  • Official Website : www.alibaugtourism.com
  • Map : Sasawane Beach Map.

The Ganesh Temple at Ganapatipule

Laced with the evergreen ranges of Sahyadri and an endless stretch of unpolluted silver sand, lined with innumerable trees of mango, cashew, coconut and casurinas at the coastal side of konkan is Ganapatipule which is a 'Swayambhu'(self- originated) holy place of Lord Gajanan. This place is a

famous pilgrimage centre too. Many devotees have generously donated to the Deity, the daily activities at this holy centre, festivals and many other programmes carried out at Ganapatipule, a place of scenic splendors at the western coast of India. Let all the people who visit this place be able to be a part of the various activities of Lord Gajanana undertaken here and let the all -Pervading God who is the rescuer of the earth shower His blessings on all to make them prosperous.

HISTORY OF THE HOLY PLACE
The Ganesh Temple at Ganapatipule in Ratanagiri district of konkan which is located at a distance of 350 kms from Mumbai is very ancient, right from the time of Peshwas. In ancient literature like Mudgal - puran etc. this ' Siddhivinayaka's (Ganesh) temple is being referred as “Paschim Dwar- Devata “(Western Sentinal God) various myths are prevalent about the temples and deity in Konkan.

Ganpatipule is one of the" Ashta Dwar Devatas" (Eight Welcoming Dieties) of the subcontinent and is known as Western’s Sentinel God. During the reign of Moguls (about 1600 years before), there was a' kevda' (Flower tree) Jungle at the foot of the hill where the temple of the 'Swayambhu' Ganapati is presently situated. Here lived Balbhatji Bhide, a brahmin, who was a renter of the village, during the moghul period. Bhide encountered a major personal problem. Bhide being a determined person, that he was, made up his mind to give up food and water till being relieved of the personal calamity. He stayed in the Kevda - Jungal for penance and to worship his tutelary direty' mangalmurti' (Lord Ganesh) during this period, Bhide had a vision about Lord Ganesh who said, “I have come to Aagargule (Ganesh Gule) to fulfill the wishes of my devotees. You worship and propitiate here, and will be relieved of all your difficulties”
During the same period, one of the cows of Bhide was not giving milk, for which reason, the cowherd kept a close watch on her. He was astonished to see that the milk was flowing from the cow's udder on the place where the idol of the God is placed at present. The cowherd narrated the incident to Bhide. After cleaning up the entire area Bhide found the idol of Lord Ganesh which he had seen in his vision He built a shrine here and started performing the rituals.

Ganapatipule derived its name from “Ganapati" or the Lord of "Ganas"(army) and Pule' which means sand dune.

Ganpatipule has a fine blend of religion and recreational activities. This is the land of the 400-year old Swayambhaoo (a naturally formed idol) Ganpati and a glittering white sand beach. Ganapatipule is ideal for family outing. The temple is 400 years old and is at the foot of a hillock. Most pilgrims believe in taking a 'Pradakshina' around the hill instead of just the temple. (Pradakshina is a form of showing obeisance wherein devotees walk in a circle around the idol of the deity or around the temple in which the idol is housed). Lord Ganpati of Ganpatipule is also called as the ‘Paschim-Dwar Devata' (Western Sentinel God). Two grand festivals are celebrated every year - one is Bhadrapad Shuddha Chaturthi (Ganesh-Chaturthi) and another is Magh Shuddha Chaturthi (Vianayaki Chaturthi).
Ganpatipule is a small village, serene, sedate and unspoiled. The beach here is still as natural and pristine as ever and traveling by roads is an experience by itself. There is something new to discover, in whichever direction you go: narrow roads, red soil, roofed houses, clean courtyards, innumerable fruit-bearing trees (including mango, betel nut, banana, jackfruit, etc.) and casuarinas lining the coast are a common sight. The entire western coast is covered with these trees. The locals are as warm and cheerful as their surroundings - ever ready to chat with the visitors and make them feel at home.
This is very renowned tourist destination in Ratnagiri district. Distance from Ratnagiri is 15-20 kms. There is pleasant seashore with scenic plantation of cypress trees. It is not advisable to venture in the deep sea alone as the level suddenly deeps to dangerous depth. Many a drowning accidents happen due to over-enthusiasm of the tourists. One can have a panoramic view of beautiful seashore up to Kotwade at one side, seashore of Malgund Varawade and Tivari port at other side of Ganpatipule from the hill behind the temple. Nearby villages are worth visiting. Ganeshgule, Kotwade, Malgund, Jaigad, Tivari Port, Kolisare etc. can be visited from Ganapatipule.

  • Accommodation : 
    Hotels are available in Ratnagiri city.
  • Getting There : 
    There is a road from Nivali on Mumbai–Goa highway. To go to Ganapatipule via Nevre–Kotvade from Ratnagiri city is also easily possible. Ganpatipule is also connected to Jaigad Road from Malgund, Varavde side.
  • By Air : 
    Nearest airport is Belgaum, 299 kms.
  • By Rail : 
    On Konkan Railway Bhoke is 35. kms and Ratnagiri is 45 kms
  • By Road : 
    Kolhapur - Ganpatipule, 144 kms.
    Belgaum – Ganpatipule, 299kms.
    Pune – Ganapatipule, 331 kms. Via Satara;
    Mumbai – Ganapatipule, 375 kms. Via Mahad. State Transport buses ply from Mumbai and Ratnagiri to Ganapatipule.
  • Places to see nearby :
    Malgund : Just a kilometer away from Ganapatipule, Malgund village is famous Marathi poet Keshavsoot’s birthplace.
    Pawas : It is serene and naturally beautiful. The place is also prominent for the ashram of Swami Swarupanand. Jaigad Fort: The legendary fort stands high and proud on the cliff with a spectacular view of the sea. The fort is at the entrance of the Sangameshwar river and is 35 kms. away from Ganapatipule.
    Marleshwar Temple and Waterfall : It is 60 kms. From Ganapatipule, famous for its Shiva temple and watrerfall.
    Derwen : 85 kms. From Ganpatipule which is well known for its Shiv Shristi ( an exhibition on Chhhatrapati Shivaji. )
    Parshuram Temple :It is 112 kms. away from Ganaptipule, known for Parshuram Temple.
    Jaygad Fort
    Arevare Seaface and Beach
  • Official Website : www.ganpatipuletourism.in
  • Map : Ganapatipule temple

Tag :ganpatipule,ratnagiri,picnicplans,picnicplan,ganesha,

Saturday, 20 August 2016

किल्ले प्रचीतगड (Prachitgad Fort)

Prachitgad, Picnic Plans

संगमेश्वर तालुक्याच्या शृंगारपूर या ऐतिहासिक गावाजवळ प्रचितगड आहे. या गडावर सह्याद्री पर्वतामधून वाट काढत जायचे म्हणजे बिकट परिस्थितीची व अनेक संकटांची प्रचिती घ्यावी लागते.
गडावर जाण्याच्या वाटा

* शृंगारपूर गावामधून साडेचार तासांची अवघड चढण पार केल्यावर प्रचितगडावर पोहोचता येते.
* कंधारडोह येथून तीन तासांचे अंतर चालून गेल्यानंतर संगमेश्वर तालुक्यातील सह्याद्रीचा मुकुटमणी असलेल्या प्रचितगडावर पोहोचता येते.
* नेरदवाडी येथून किमान सहा तासांची पायपीट करावी लागते. नेरदवाडीतून तीन तासांचे अंतर मळेघाटमार्गे पार केल्यावर सातारा जिल्ह्याची हद्द लागते.
सातारा जिल्ह्याच्या हद्दीतून मार्गक्रमण करीत कंधार या प्रसिद्ध डोहावर जावे लागते. कंधार डोहाची छायाचित्रे व माहिती इंटरनेटवर असल्याने देशाच्या विविध राज्यांतून असंख्य तरुण पर्यटक हा प्रसिद्ध डोह पाहण्यासाठी येतात.

महत्वाची सुचना
चांदोली अभयारण्यातून वाट काढत जाण्यासाठी सोबत वाटाडे असणे महत्त्वाचे आहे. प्रचितगडावर चार तोफा व पडिक वास्तू असून येथील कातळाच्या तळघरात असणारे थंडगार पाणी म्हणजे निसर्गाचा एक चमत्कारच म्हटले पाहिजे.

किल्ले प्रचीतगड, महाराष्ट्रातील किल्ले ,प्रचीतगड ,वनदुर्ग


Prachitgad (also known as Uchitgad) is a fort in the Sahyadri mountain range in Maharashtra state, India. It covers an area of 5 acres (20,000 m2).

Location:-It is located at 17°13′34″N 73°41′25″ECoordinates: 17°13′34″N 73°41′25″E on the western edge of Chandoli National Park in Ratnagiri district at Shringarpur. The closest city is Sangameshwar which is approximately 22 km away. The place is accessible only by foot from Shringarpur near sangmeshwar which is a 5 to 8 hour climb and trek through treacherous terrain or from chandoli dam which is a 14- to 15-hour walk through the forest.

History :- It is not known who built the Prachitgad fort, but its masonry suggests that it was built during the Muslim rule (16th century). The Maratha king Shivaji captured the fort in 1660s, and repaired it.

It was ruled by Suryajirao Surve. His divan Shirke betrayed him which led Shivaji Maharaj to win this fort in 1660. The battle was led by Tanaji Malusare with 1000 soldiers. Suryajirao Surve had only 150 soldiers as Shirke - divan had purposely sent all soldiers for farming. After winning this fort Surves were staying in Kumbharkhani and Shirkes were allowed to manage Peachitgad activities. Lateron Sambhaji Maharaj were staying there. Today Jadhavs and Mhaskes are staying there.

After Sambhaji Maharaj It does not appear in historical records as the site of any notable event until 1817, when it was captured by Chitursingh, the younger brother of the Raja of Satara. On 10 June 1818, the fort was captured by a British East India Company force led by Colonel Cunningham. By 1862, the fort was in ruins, and had been deserted.
Places to visit
Being in the Chandoli National park Prachitgad is studded with beautiful spots. Two main spots being Sada and Kandhar Doh. Sada is the formation made up of frozen lava. Kanddhar Doh is the water fall on the river Warana.
There is old Bhairav Bhawani temple at Prachitgad
Ancient Sun temple called as Karneshwar near Sangameshwar
also check :

Shri Kondeshwar(कोंडेश्‍वर) Temple & Waterfalls Badlapur,Thane | Kondeshwar Lake - Bhoj Dam

जांभवली गावाच्या पलीकडे कुंडली नदीच्या उगमापाशी कोंडेश्‍वर महादेवाचे देऊळ आहे. तीनही बाजूंनी उंचावलेल्या डोंगरात पाण्याच्या नैसर्गिक कुंडापाशी महादेवाचे देऊळ आहे. कोंडेश्‍वराच्या गाभार्‍यात देवाचा पंचमुखी मुखवटा आहे. बाहेर जुन्या काळातील उंच दीपमाळ आहे. आवारात जुनी शिल्पे आहेत.

मंदिराच्या समोरच्या कड्यावर गेल्यावर खाली कोकणकडा व सह्याद्रीच्या रांगांचे सुंदर दृश्य पहायला मिळते.

टीप - पुण्याहून लोणावळ्याला डांबरी रस्त्याने जाताना कान्हे रेल्वे स्टेशनच्या अलीकडे कान्हे फाटा लागतो. तेथून वडेश्वर धरणाकडे रस्ता जातो.

Kondeshwar is a small picnic spot near Badlapur town in Thane District. There is a lake named Kondeshwar Lake which is formed by Bhoj Dam. The Kondeshwar Temple is situated near the Kondeshwar Waterfalls

The Kondeshwar Temple waterfall is barricaded so that there is no entry for swimmers in the dangerous section of waterfall. This waterfall is notorious for high death rates. Hence there are police officers guarding the entry of people. No one should cross the fence and go on other side. The downside of fence is safe unless until there is no flash floods.

The small temples of Kondeshwar are submerged during monsoon and inaccessible as seen below. During very heavy rain the temple is fully submerged and the area is closed.

This the dangerous section of Kondeshwar waterfall which reported many deaths. Though it looks deceiving as it does not has much height but there are rocks hidden below and have very strong downpull.

There are many waterfalls around Kondeshwar Temple. Many rivers come down to the temple through the top of the hills. Along its way many people have fun

Location :- Kondeshwar is situated near the high hills of Badlapur. Chanderi Fort, Tavli Peaks are all nearby and can be seen. Kondeshwar is situated at its base. Below is the high hill range.
Kondeshwar is accessible via road. Nearest station is Badlapur East. One can hire a auto till Kondeshwar temple at a price of 50Rs per person. Go in groups as they take only when the vehicle is full i:e 5 people per vehicle. One can also take their private vehicle.
No bus service is there. Private buses go upto a certain point after which walking is necessary.
Below picture is the entry point of Kondeshwar. It is a narrow road with parking problems during peak time like Sunday. There are small stalls selling water, some cold drinks, maize and biscuits.

Sunday is the peak time where many people come. The area is in a mess with plastic plates and broken glasses of alcohol. People come here to drink and eat as a picnic but leave all wastes behind. Some times the drunk people engage in fight too. This is polluting the area and environment. Whole area is litter with wastes. PLEASE ENJOY BUT DO NOT LEAVE ANY WASTES BEHIND. KEEP NATURE CLEAN.

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Friday, 19 August 2016

The Kanheri Caves

The Kanheri Caves (Sanskrit: कान्हेरीगुहाः Kānherī-guhāḥ) constitute a group of rock-cut monuments that are located to the north of Borivali on the western outskirts of Mumbai, the capital city of Indian State of Maharashtra. Located within the forests of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, the caves are 6 km from the main gate and 7 km from Borivali Station. Tourists can enter after 9:00 a.m. The Kanheri Caves demonstrate the Buddhist influence on the art and culture of India. Kanheri comes from the Sanskrit Krishnagiri, which means black mountain.They were chiseled out of a massive basaltic rock outcropping

Description - These caves date from the first century BCE to the 10th century CE. One hundred and nine caves have been carved from the basalt. Unlike the elegant splendor of the adjacent Elephanta Caves, the earlier cells are spartan and unadorned. Each cave has a stone plinth for a bed. A congregation hall with huge stone pillars contains the stupa, a Buddhist shrine. Farther up the hill are canals and cisterns, the remains of an ancient system that channeled rainwater into huge tanks.Once the caves were converted to permanent monasteries, the rock was carved with intricate reliefs of Buddha and the Bodhisattvas. Kanheri had become an important Buddhist settlement on the Konkan coast by the 3rd century CE.

Most of the caves are used as the Buddhist viharas, meant for living, studying, and meditating. The larger caves were chaityas, or halls for congregational worship; are lined with intricately carved Buddhist sculptures, reliefs and pillars; and contain rock-cut stupas for congregational worship. The Avalokiteshwara is the most distinctive figure. The large number of viharas demonstrates the well organized establishment of Buddhist monks. This establishment was also connected with many trade centers, such as the ports of Sopara, Kalyan, Nasik, Paithan and Ujjain. Kanheri was a University center by the time the area was under the rule of the Maurayan and Kushan empires. In the late 10th century, the Buddhist teacher Atisha (980–1054) came to the Krishnagiri Vihara to study Buddhist meditation under Rahulagupta

Paintings in the caves :-
Cave number 34 has unfinished paintings of Buddha on the ceiling of the cave.

Location :-The caves are located deep inside Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Bus transport is available every hour. Visitors must pay entry fees at the park gate and at the cave entrance.

The Kanheri Caves

The Kanheri Caves (Sanskrit: कान्हेरीगुहाः Kānherī-guhāḥ) constitute a group of rock-cut monuments that are located to the north of Borivali on the western outskirts of Mumbai, the capital city of Indian State of Maharashtra. Located within the forests of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, the caves are 6 km from the main gate and 7 km from Borivali Station. Tourists can enter after 9:00 a.m. The Kanheri Caves demonstrate the Buddhist influence on the art and culture of India. Kanheri comes from the Sanskrit Krishnagiri, which means black mountain.They were chiseled out of a massive basaltic rock outcropping

Description - These caves date from the first century BCE to the 10th century CE. One hundred and nine caves have been carved from the basalt. Unlike the elegant splendor of the adjacent Elephanta Caves, the earlier cells are spartan and unadorned. Each cave has a stone plinth for a bed. A congregation hall with huge stone pillars contains the stupa, a Buddhist shrine. Farther up the hill are canals and cisterns, the remains of an ancient system that channeled rainwater into huge tanks.Once the caves were converted to permanent monasteries, the rock was carved with intricate reliefs of Buddha and the Bodhisattvas. Kanheri had become an important Buddhist settlement on the Konkan coast by the 3rd century CE.

Most of the caves are used as the Buddhist viharas, meant for living, studying, and meditating. The larger caves were chaityas, or halls for congregational worship; are lined with intricately carved Buddhist sculptures, reliefs and pillars; and contain rock-cut stupas for congregational worship. The Avalokiteshwara is the most distinctive figure. The large number of viharas demonstrates the well organized establishment of Buddhist monks. This establishment was also connected with many trade centers, such as the ports of Sopara, Kalyan, Nasik, Paithan and Ujjain. Kanheri was a University center by the time the area was under the rule of the Maurayan and Kushan empires. In the late 10th century, the Buddhist teacher Atisha (980–1054) came to the Krishnagiri Vihara to study Buddhist meditation under Rahulagupta

Paintings in the caves :-
Cave number 34 has unfinished paintings of Buddha on the ceiling of the cave.

Location :-The caves are located deep inside Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Bus transport is available every hour. Visitors must pay entry fees at the park gate and at the cave entrance.