Western India covers states like Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra
West India include the states like Goa and Gujarat in addition to Maharashtra. Western Part is popular because of Bombay, Goa (For its beaches), Rann of Katch (Gujarat), Temples of Ajanta & Ellora ( Aurangabad, Maharashtra) & Wildlife Santuaries in Gujarat. After the vibrant atmosphere of Bombay, allow the palm-fringed beaches of Goa to warm your spirit in the sun and relax your mind. Or meditate in cool and ancient Buddhist caves tunnelled out of solid rock on the craggy hillsides – a dramatic contrast from the colourful fairs and festivals in unspoiled Gujarat. The choice is once again tremendous in this land that offers everything Bombay – Gateway of India.
GOA STATE
Variously known as “Rome of the East”, “Tourist Paradise” and “Pearl of the Orient”, the state of Goa is located on the western coast of India in the coastal belt known as Konkan. The magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendours of its temples, churches and old houses have made Goa a firm favourite with travellers around the world.
Places to see
Panaji: The capital of Goa and headquarters of North Goa District, a small a charming city on the left bank of silvery Mandovi River, with beautiful red-roofed houses, built in Latin style, also boasts of many modern houses, well laid garden, statues and avenue’s lined with Gulmohar, Acassia and other trees. Enchantit panorama unfolds from atop Altinho (Hill Top).
Wildlife
The rugged western ghats make it an ideal haven for many species of birds and animals and also provide a corridor for migration. The western ghats called the Sahyadris in Goa, extend for a total of 600kms in Goa of their total length of 3702 kms. The widest belt of forests along the western ghats is in Goa and neighbouring Karnataka state. The high rainfall accounts for this because the elevation of the mountain range here is lower.
Cuisine in Goa
Visitors to Goa tend to think that food and drink in Goa means the famous fish, curry, rice and feni package. And for most Goans these are indeed the three basic necessities of life — fish, curry and rice. They combine to make a heavenly daily meal for the average Goan. But Goan cuisine, like the land itself, has many flavours and tastes with its vast treasure trove of culinary delicacies.
People and lifestyle
Goa’s isolation from the rest of India for more than four centuries under the Portuguese rule, its geographical borders in the form of the Sahyadri ranges and the tidal rivers have managed to give the people of Goa a unique and separate identity. The people of Goa prefer to call themselves Goans and not Goanese as mentioned in guidebooks and brochures. Goans are very much aware of this unique identity; they are proud of it and guard it fiercely.
GUAJARAT STATE
The most convenient entry point into Gujarat is through the metropolis of Ahmedabad. The city contains some very fine museums, the Calico Museum of Textiles being considered among the world’s finest. Ahmedabad’s walled city is a living testimony to its heritage of crafts as women walk by in dazzling embroidered garments and flashing ethnic silver jewellery. Traditional Ahmedabad combines mosques of inspired workmanship, wooden Jain temples, unique stone stepwells and houses with ornately carved wooden balconies and window screens.
Modern Ahmedabad, just across the River Sabarmati spanned by four bridges, is a showpiece of contemporary architecture with designs by Le Corbusier, Louis Kahn and the best known Indian architects. Ahmedabad is a convenient base for a number of excursions, Modhera being the best known. 106 km away, this is one of the very few sun temples in the country.
Gujarat’s loveliest beach – and the state is well endowed with them – is Ahmedpur Mandvi whose chief attraction is the ethnic beach resort. Cottages modelled on rural Gujarati architecture look out onto a secluded beach, one of the state’s chief centres for water sports:
MAHARASHTRA STATE
Maharashtra, a state where a millennium of culture weaves a tapestry of myriad charms. The spiritual solace of centuries. The sylvan serenity of the countryside. The stillness of a thicket disturbed only by a tiger flashing past, or the symphony of tradition from its varied population. All abound in a unique togetherness. In Maharashtra, a state as vivid as vivacious.
Maharashtra, a state where a millennium of culture weaves a tapestry of myriad charms. The spiritual solace of centuries. The sylvan serenity of the countryside. By Air: There is an extensive network of flights from Mumbai’s Sahar (international) and Santa Cruz (domestic) airports. There are domestic flights to all the major cities of the country.
History
The Chinese pilgrim, Hiun Tsang, visited Maharashtra during AD 640-641 and was very impressed by the prosperity of the country, the efficiency of the administration and the character of the people. He called the land Mo-ho-lo-cha (Moholesh), and was perhaps the first person to discuss the region and its people.
Places to see
Mumbai (Bombay): Mumbai was given by Portuguese as dowry to Charles II of England when he married Catherine. The group of seven island was leased to the East India Company who offered freedom of business and religion to persons who came and settled here. Initially a few Parsis and Gujarati came.
Bombay Natural History Society : This private institution was established in 1883, A unique centre, its activities are manifold and involve publications like the Journal of Bombay Natural History Society, regular newsletters and books on Indian animals, birds and nature. The exhibits include replicas and specimens of vertebrates and insects, mammals, birds, reptiles amphibians and fishes, all from the Indian subcontinent. However, the BNHS is not open to public and interested visitors should seek prior permission for admission.
Modern Festivals of Maharashtra : Every year, MTDC seeks to present the myriad facets of Maharashtra’s rich heritage of the performing arts through a series of festivals held at important cultural centres. The years have added a mesmerising allure to these events, now avidly awaited by lovers of Indian music, art and culture, who appreciate the artistry of India’s leading exponents of classical music and dance who come from all over the country to perform at the festivals.
All the best destinations on VilleTravel.com
By: Basile
Posts Tagged ‘Western India’
West India
November 16th, 2009Architectural and Multi-Cultural Worship Places in Pune
October 5th, 2009Pune is the second largest city in the Maharashtra state. The city has many mosques, temples and other religious structures that stand as a story all its own. The people of Pune are great devotees and have deep sentiments about their local gods and goddess. Holy places in Pune reveal its architectural and multi-cultural strength from past to present life.
Pune is a Maharashtra state in Western India. It is the seventh largest city located 160 kilometers southeast of its capital. Its name comes from the word Punya Nagari, means the City of Virtue in Sanskrit.
It started to exist during-937 AD founded by the Shivaji from the Maranatha Empire. Nowadays, there are many religious places like mosques, temples and churches throughout the city. There are Hindus, Protestants and Muslims worshippers that strongly give importance to their own faith.
Below are some of the worship places that reflect the city’s multi-cultural and architectural diversity:
Chaturshringi Temple
Chaturshringi temple is dedicated to Goddess Chatshrungee. It is located on a hill rock just near the Senapati Bapat Road during the reign of Shivaji Maharaj. Today, it is surrounded by the big IT companies and commercial buildings. People who visit this temple seek the blessing of God Devi Ambareshwari.
The temple has a scale model on its entrance. A Hindu festival is being held annually during Navarati. There are lighted lamps decorated in an Indian tradition style.
Fire Temple
Fire temple is also called as Agiary (a place of worship of Zoroastrians). It is situated along Agiary Street, now Dastur Meher Road. The temple was established by Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy in year 1844.
The structure protects the Holy Fire and Sacred Holy Book (Atesh Adaran Saheb). In November 1844, the holy fire was first lighted inside the Pune Fire Temple amidst the Cyprus trees. It was still burning without turning off even once. It is adorned by a fountain in a triangular field. It became the erected source of Pune’s water supply.
Ganapati Temple
Ganapati Temple is dates back to 17th century on the banks of river Krishna at Sangli in Theur. It was built and dedicated to Lord Ganesha, an elephant headed Hindu deity also known as Ekadanta, Ganapati, Vinayaka. It is one of the beautiful temples in the southern part of Maharashtra. It is carved with black stones and doors made up of multi-colored woods. It is one of the Maharashtrian marvels that feature a rich design and inspiring architecture.
A Maharashtrain festival was held in the temple during Ganesha Chaturdashi. The temple is decorated with mixed adornments. People come to visit the place to pay respect to their protector.
Pataleshwar Cave Temple
Pataleshwar Cave Temple is dedicated to the God of the Underworld known as Lord Pateleshwar. The temple rock-cut cave architecture lies on the Jangali Maharaj Road in Shivaji Nagar. It is one of the heritage site dated back 8th century AD.
It is of unique structure made out of a single block of stone that houses big pillars, Nandi bull and Lord Shiva’s shrine. It has a striking display with small rooms for the visitors. The worship area in a cube-shape room includes statues of Sita, Laxman, Rama and other Hindu Gods and Goddess. The temple’s museum is enlisted in Guinness Book of World Records. It exhibits 5,000 characters using grains of rice.
St. Mary’s Church
St. Mary’s Church is one of the oldest protestant churches on Staveley Road, Pune. It was consecrated by Bishop Heber and was built for the British soldiers and officers in 1825.
The Gothic style architecture of the church is one major attraction. It was originally adorned with a huge tower. It was replaced with shorter concrete in 1982. There is stained glass at the altar which costs about 200 pounds. The church interior is boasting with memorial plaque for Colonel William Morris memory.
Omkareshwar Temple
Omkareshwar is a major tourist attraction situated on Mutha River. It was constructed in 17th century during the reign of Sadashiv Bhau. It is dedicated to Goddess Parvati, the wife of Lord Shiva. The extraordinary style of stone carvings proves an exotic view of columns and arts.
The white dome is made up of soft soap stone on the upper portions. Columns are carved in polygons, circles and squares. Its tower is built in Nagara style with 5 layers that represents different images of a Hindu God.
Parvati Hill and Temple
Parvati Hill temple is dedicated to Hindu deities like Ganesha, Vishnu, Parvati, Kartikeya and Devadeshwar. This temple is located on high hills of 108 steps. The entire temple offers a full view of the city.
There is an adjoining museum that contains things of the contemporary society of the Peshwas. Artifacts include old manuscripts, weapons, replicas of ancient paintings and coins.
By: David H. Urmann