Excursions in Mumbai
ELEPHANTA CAVES
The Elephanta island is known as Gharapuri (fortress city). The 7th century
cave temple complex, which has been carved out of rock under two small holls,
is dedicated to Lord Shiva and was a flourishing place of pilgrimage tilla few
centuries ago. It has a magnificent 18 feet high, three-headed bust of Shiva-
the Maheshmurti. The main cave, which is known as Elephanta, is supported by
masasiva pillars, each restin gon a supported by massive pillars, each resing
on a square base with fluted shafts. Inside is the main hall housing sculptures
of various gods in the Hinu mythology. This well known tourist spot is accessible
by boat from the Gateway of India.
BASSEIN FORT
A 15th Century Portuguese fort, with interesting slights around it.
ERANGAL BEACH
The suburban electric train stops at malad, from where the journey must be made
by road. Hotel accommodation available. GORAI BEACH (59km) The nearest railway
station is Borivili. Private shacks are available here.
JUHU BEACH
A 5 km long beach fringed with palms and coconut trees, it is a popular picnic
spot and has a number of hotels and restaurants.
KANHERI CAVES
Carved out of native rock, the 112 caves that form the complex are believed
to have been occupied by Buddhist monks for nearly a thousand years, starin
g2nd century A.D thus nmaking them one of the oldest rock monasteries in the
country. Caves No. 1,2 and 3 are noteworthy for their massive pillars, scuptures
and stupas.
CHODBUNDER
The suburban electric train stops at Borivili from where Chodbunder is 9.6 km
by road. It is an enchanting picnic spot.
KERALA CAVES
The Buddist rock-cut Chaitya Hall of Karla dates to the 2nd century B. and is
said to be the most perfect od its kind. An inscription at the entrance attribters
its excavation to Bhutapal of Vaijayanti. The caves are approached by a rough
path of about 2 km. Sedan chairs available.
KARNAKLA BIRD SANCTUARY AND FORT
About 150 species of birds have been spotted here, 30 of which are migratory.
The rare Ashy Minive, a native of the Phillippines, has also been seen here
LION SAFARI PARK/KRISHNAGIRI UPV/SANJAY GANDHI NATIIONAL
PARK
The national Park, also called Krishnagiri Upvan has the Gandhi Smriti Mandir
on Pavilion Hill. The Lion Safari park gives visitors an opportunuity to watch
the Indian lion from special, closed vehicles. The Lion Safari park is open
on all days, except Monday. Closed on Tuesday if Monday happens to be a public
holiday.
MADH, MARVE AND MANORI BEACHES
By suburban electric train to Malad and thence 12km, 5.6 and 6.4 respectively
by road. Ferry sevices feom Marve Beach to Mnori Beach are available. Allow
full day, Accomodation available.
MATHERAN HILL RESORT
A motorable road has been constructed and is open to light vehicle traffic.
Trains available from Mumbai CST (Victoria Terminus) to Neral and then toMatheran.
POWAI AND VIHAR LAKES
26.6 and 28 km respectively by suburban electric train to Kurla or Andheri and
thence by road. Buses from Andheri Railway Station on Sunday and holidays. Allow
full day.
TANSA LAKE
By suburban electric train to Afgaon and thence 14.4 km by road . Allow full
day
TULSI LAKE
By suburban electric train to Goregaon and thence 6 km by road. Allow full day.
URAN SEA-SIDE RESORT
9.6 km by sea Motor Launches available from new Ferry Wharf. Allow full day.
VAJRESHWARI HOT SPRINGS/ GANESHPURI ASHRAM
By suburban electric train to Bassein Road and thence 28.9 km by road, or to
Thane distance 33.7 km by road.
VERSOVA BEACH
29km By suburban electric train to Andheri and thence 5 km by road. Allow half
a day
