About 40 kilometers north of nasik is a stretch of the sahyadri mountains known as the ajantha satmala range . The average height of peaks here is about 4500 feet . The tallest ( around 4600 feet ) in the group is dhodap towards the centre of the range and saptashrungi towards the western side . Saptashrungi is well known because of temple àtop the hill dedicated to goddess saptashrungi .There are two routes to saptashrungi the first is via vani chandakpur on the nasik saputara road . The distance between nashik and vani via dindori is 39 kilometers while via pimpalgaon it is 51 kilometres .Going by this route means you have to climb up all the way to the top of the mountain . There are steps to reach the temple . An easier alternative is the road via nanduri village 14 kilometers after vani .Nanduri village is in the foothills of saptashrungi and a regular minibus service run by the state transport corporation plies from here to the top of the plateau .From the plateau it is a relatively easy half hour climb up 250 steps to the temple . The temple is situated within a slight hollow in the mountain and is not visible even from the plateau. The sight of hundreds of devotees from the very young to the very old making the long tiring climb up to this temple is very moving . The statue of the goddess is on top floor of this two storeyed temple . During the nine days leading up to dassera an annual festival is held and all routes to the temple are literally choked with devotees. Since the temple is at a height it affords a splendid view of the surrounding hills , While climbing down from saptashrungi near nanduri village the mohindri mountain with its gaping hole can be seen . Villagers say that after wining a fierce battle the goddess saptashrungi disappeared through the mountain leaving behind a gaping hole ! .The height of saptashrungi ensures that it has a cool climate through out the year . In winter it can get quite cold . It is possible to stay the night in the temple complex and arrangement for food can also be made here . This one place that is not only attractive to the devout but even to the ordinary tourist .

Formerly known as bori bunder and also victoria terminus the chatrapati shivaji maharaja terminus in mumbai is an outstanding example of victorian gothic revival architecture in india , blended with themes from Indian traditional architecture. Designed by the british architect f.w.stevens this railway terminus building was built over 19 years beginning 1878 and its high victorian gothic design was based on late medieval italian models . The stone dome , turrets , pointed arches and eccentric ground plan resemble indian palace architecture giving a distinct style that is unique to mumbai . This building became a symbol for mumbai as a mercantile port in the british commonwealth and at the the same time an outstanding example of 19th century railway architecture when the railway was introduced in india . The busiest railway station in the world this building houses the terminus for suburban as well as long distance trains named after the great king of the maratha empire chhatrapati shivaji maharaj it was designated a UNESCO world heritage site in 2004 .

A scenic religious town jejuri is largely visited by pilgrims from neighborhood towns on most weekends and festive occasions associated with shiva . A lovely drive on a smooth road through lush countryside and small towns ideal for a tea break or an early breakfast of wada pav then a halt at a colorful bazar that marks the town .Shops essentially stock what pilgrims seek puja baskets , fresh flowers and heaps of turmeric the main offering to the presiding deity lord khandoba. It’s almost as if the entire town and its inhabitants are engulfed by a haze of haldi ( turmeric ) every deity stone sculpture the temple floor the pujaris dhoti , people clothes. As part of the offering devotees throw handful of turmeric powder into the air accompanied by loud chanting . According to legend shiva appeared as a turmeric plant to a group of shepherds and hence it is considered as an offering . Again the residing deity khandoba is often described as shining like gold and the sun covered in turmeric. A popular family deity in maharashtra, khandoba also finds mention in folk songs . His wives mhalsa and banai are also identified with shivas wife parvati and ganga . A flight of 350 steps lined with stone deepmala ( tall stone oil lamp holders ) lead up to the temple . It is a good idea to take a break during your ascent to enjoy the views of surrounding hills . Once at the top the vibrant yellow of turmeric everywhere and the deep red of kumkum will greet you as you enter the temple premises. The main doorway has a nagarkhana superimposed on it . There are long queues along the large courtyard of people waiting for darshan for those disinclined there are panoramic views and an opportunity to picnic outside the temple complex . A fortress like structure the shrine has 18 kamani ( arches ) and 350 deepmalas , a deepstambha in front of the temple and a rather imposing mandap an ornate devali styled nagara shikara is decorated with motifs , figurines of animals , deities and demi gods . The garbhagriha has two lingas one of khandoba and another of mhalsabai . The older of the two shrines in jejuri the ancient temple of kadepathar is peculiar for its two lingas . Getting to the temple involves a steep climb but you will be rewarded by breathtaking vista’s of the yellow flowers that dot the landscape. A few dhabas in the temple premises cater to tired visitors serving tea and snacks .

How many cities in india have railway station that double up as tourist attractions? Or a mangrove dotted coastline that is home to thousands of pink flamingoes for the better part of the year ? Where else will you find long wooded pathways and nature trails just minutes away from the bustle of sprawling malls and five star hotels ? Welcome to navi mumbai the low profile counter magnet to mumbai and with an area of 344 sq km the world’s largest planned city . Navi mumbai is linked to mumbai by three bridges across the thane creek.  The mankhurd vashi bridge runs along the sion panvel highway entering navi mumbai at the central node of vashi . The highway runs the entire southern length of navi mumbai joining the mumbai pune expressway at panvel . The eastern eastern freeway from south mumbai and jijabai bhosale marg from the eastern expressway highway at ghatkopar are quick links to the sion panvel highway . Airoli bridge links north east and north west mumbai to navi mumbai running from eastern express highway in mulund to the thane belapur road in the northern node of airoli . The thane belapur road runs the entire northern length of navi mumbai till sion panvel highway in vashi . The thane kalwa bridge links thane city to the north most node of digha . The satellite city of navi mumbai was planned with an objective of decongesting mumbai . To the first visitor arriving via the mother city the first impression its younger avatar gives is definitely one of infinitely more breathing space . Driving and this is the best way to explore navi mumbai through its planned roads and intersections you instantly know that this city was conceived keeping structure spaces and green zones in mind . The sobriety is refreshing for those who revel in peace and quiet. Navi mumbai is spread along thane creek mirroring the north south alignment of mumbai which lies across the creek.  The city has been planned and developed by maharashtra city and industrial development by maharashtra city & industrial development corporation ltd ( cidco ) . Cidco built the new metropolis atop vast stretches of paddy fields , mango plantations , salt pans , brick kilns and what constituted a fisherman’s paradise along the 30 km coastline originally inhabited by the agris , kunbis & kolis . Their gaothans remain in the midst of steel and concrete of navi mumbai. The city is divided into several nodes spanning a 35 km north to south distance of which digha , dahisar , airoli , ghansoli , turbhe , kopar khairane , vashi , sanpada , nerul , and CBD belapur including kharghar , kamothe , new panvel , kalamboli , ulwe , pushpak , and dronagiri fall in raigad district.  Each node is further divided into sectors each has its own residential and shopping zones and green spaces all of these connected by wide and spacious roads making them easy to navigate . Each node also has its own character vashi the first node reached from mumbai is the core of the city and the epicenter of shopping , entertainment and nightlife . Belapur is the administrative and business hub . Nerul is the largest populated residential node and home to a concentration of spaces of worship but kharghar is fast catching up . Eastern navi mumbai the entire stretch lying along the ghats to the east of thane belapur and sion panvel highways which form a spine cutting through all nodes is heavy industrial. For all the hectic pace of construction bits and pieces of history have survived the 40 years of navi mumbai’s expansion.  There are a few monuments here to see and chief among these is belapur fort . Navi mumbai’s node also each other have their own shrines , with temple’s , gurudwara’s , mosques & churches standing close together.  Of all these religious centres the most monumental is the nerul node which has its own saat dham yatra . Navi mumbai also has interesting architectural sights from grandabouts like the greco roman pillared utsav chowk in kharghar to triangular or circular high rise in seawoods darave & kharghar . What navi mumbai could do with more of cultural spaces theaters , libraries , auditoria , museums . But one of navi mumbai’s biggest advantages is its proximity with the ghats and its connection to the highways leading out of the metropolitan region to the many lush weekend escapes . All the sights that follow are southward from vashi towards panvel.  The ghansoli forest is the one sight in the residential and industrial nodes north of vashi . The forest with its gavli devi temple’s attracts many picknickers. But the falls here are dangerous to bathe in especially in the monsoon .

The greatly loved siddhi vinayak temple was constructed in 1801 by rani ahilyabhai holkar of indore as a replica of the temple in siddhatek ( 98 kms east of pune ) where river bhima once flowed . The idol earlier installed under a tree today resides in a large structure that combines tradition with modernity . The present temple though multi storyed has a small main mandapam or hall with the shrine of siddhivinayak . The inner roof of the sanctum is plated with gold and wooden doors to it are carved with image of ashtvinayaka. Most icons of ganapati depict the elephant faced god and wooden doors to it are carved with images of ashtvinayaka.  Most icons of ganpati depict the elephant faced god with his trunk curled towards the left . But here the lord is depicted with four arms bearing a lotus , an axe , modakas , and a garland of beads. This unusual blackstone idol has a third eye on the forehead and a serpent tied around the shoulders in place of sacred thread . Every tuesday devotees throng the temple in the firm belief that their wishes and prayers will be fulfilled.  In fact they walk to the temple from flung corners of the city often barefoot everyone including film stars , industrialists , politicians have done the tuesday morning barefoot walk . Queues of worshippers stretch upto 2 km .

The vitthal temple said to be over two millennia old has a scripture that dates back to 1195 .It lists the donors who funded the renovation of the temple then . Devotees rub their back on this scripture in the belief that they will be exempted from 84 lakh births . The roof and the stone pillars of the vithal temple have exquisite carvings . The main entrance is known as the mahadwar.  Saint namdeo lord vithal’s ardent devotee has his shrine on the first step of this entrance . This is called the namdeo payari ( step ) . To pay tribute to namdeo saintly devotion .it is custom not to touch it with the one’s feet but to worship it . The newly constructed darshan mandap opposite the main temple entrance can accommodate 80,000 devotees during the vari ( procession ) . Inside the temple there is another huge wall known as the solkhambi mandap.  It is imposing 16 pillared stone structure , constructed in 1802 . All the pillars  have exquisite carvings while the inner one known as the garuda khamb has been worked in silver . As per tradition devotees embrace this pillar before praying the lord . Pandharpur is a small place and most of the temple’s can be covered on foot . The vitthal temple is centrally located on the highest hillock in pandharpur . The perennial chandrbhaga flows a kilometer away from the temple in north south direction . The vitthal temple is said to be about 2,000 years old and could be better kept . The black sandstone idols of vitthal and rukmini are truly enchanting. After the vari is over the temple is washed with water and idols are given a different diet of spices and sugar and a new set of clothes since they are tired after a hectic day .During navratri and dusshera the deities are adorned with new clothes everyday.  Both vitthal and rukmini have an exquisite array of jewelry that includes gold , pearls, diamonds , and the navratnas ( precious & semi precious gems in nine colors ) Situated on the river bank opposite the vitthal temple the pundalik temple is dedicated to vitthal’s ardent devotee . The kolis or fisherfolk manage it . There isna warm water spring outside the temple and devotees wash their feet in it before entering . Outside the temple is a small stone boat approximately 3 feet by 2 feet which is too heavy to lift with bare hands . But put it in the water and it actually floats . One legend says that sant tukaram sang some abhang which made it float . Take a ferry across the river to gopalpur where lord krishna used to graze cattle.  It is a small place to pray . An old stone temple . Also on the other bank is ISKCON temple a quite place to pray . An old stone temple to mhasoba also stands on the opposite bank of chandrabhaga . These temple’s are about a kilometer from one another and the ferry stops at each . Vishnupad ( lord vishnu ‘s footprints ) is a rock in the middle of the chandrabhaga there’s a beautiful view of the river here . Ferries stop at vishnupad before going on to gopalpur .

 
Shivaji the great maratha was here . This legendary truth is often repeated when devotees speak of the temple to bhavani in tuljapur. The goddess is kulaswamini the patron deity of maharashtra. With shivaji many conquests attributed to her she has defined the state both geographical & spiritually.  It is said that the goddess herself gifted the bhavani talwar the divine sword to shivaji.  He set forth upon his many battles after having sought the blessings of ma bhavani his ishta devtaa ( favourite deity ) Why in the glorious glint of sunshine that flashes off the tapering temple pinnacle in the exuberant colors or red sindoor and yellow turmeric that paint the fervent pictures of the goddess grand possessions in the touching faith of her legions of devotees it is almost as if he is still here . The goddess welcomes us all in the same manner as him with her searing gaze which is fierce and compassionate ar the same time . 
The hemaad panthi style architecture marks 12th century tulja bhavani mandir which is separated from the rest of the town by a stone wall . The peshwas of pune deeply revered bhavani . Ssmartha ramdas swami and sant eknath wrote poetic verses in praise of the powerful deity . Most of the sights in tuljapur can be covered on foot . The ample space around the bhavani temple known as praangana is very useful when huge crowds of 10,000 or more devotees congregate here . To the left of the entrance is 40 ft by 16 ft stone tank the kallol tirth . Bathing in it before sunrise is said to rid one of all diseases.  At gomukh tirth a few steps ahead from kallol tirth water flows from a stones cow head set at a height of 6 ft . Equated to the ganges large crowds throng here . The vishnu tirth is on the north eastern side of the temple . It has stone steps and three entrances.  It said that lord vishnu blesses the devotee so that he may get the blessings of tulja bhavani. Goats and chicken are offered to the deity a practice that pilgrims may be witness to . Two striking deepmalas built by shivaji in memory of his triumph againist afzal khan stand on either side of homa kund . Inside the temple a stone pillared sabha mandap features images of gods and goddesses . The exquisite idol is said to possess eight to nine petya ( boxes ) of ornaments which one box equals to kilogram of gold ! One of the necklaces called tikli bears the name chatrapati shivaji maharaj on each of its gold pieces.  A beautiful marble statue of a lion ( bhavani matas vehicle ) a bed upon which the goddess rests her delicately carved simhasan ( throne ) and a shivlinga are also to be seen in the temple . Behind the bhavani temple is a round stone known as chintamani.  It’s believed to help the devotee take the right decision.  To its right is a temple to matangi the goddess who slayed the demon matanga . Uniquely the shrine is cared for by mahars , members of a dalit community . Shrines of khandoba , yammee devi and narsimha are also situated in temple premises.  The chabina a special palanquin with hand painted wooden images of animal and birds carries the deity during festival occasions and on every tuesday , friday , sunday , and purnima ( fool moon day ) . The procession which goes around the main temple is witnessed by thousands of devotees.  Sindoor and turmeric powder are thrown into the air as the goddess name is chanted. 

The main temple the samadhi temple was originally known as buttiwada gopal butti a baba devotee constructed it as a shrine to lord vitthal . However the baba has to have told butti I will come to reside here one day . When baba passed away on oct 15 , 1918 his disciples decided to bury his mortal remains inside the wada ( abode ) . A white marble tomb and a life size statue of baba stand here today . Mumbai sculptor bhausaheb talim created this masterpiece installed in 1954 . The statue of lord vitthal has since been moved to dixit wada museum . Present day shirdi has grown around the shirdi sai baba sansthan located on busy ahmednagar manmad state highway making the temple the centre of the town . Most hotels have come up around the temple premises . The sansthan is about 2 km north east of the state transport bus stand . It is possible to see the shrines in and around the sansthan in a single day . But shirdi needs to be savoured peacefully with shraddha ( faith ) and saburi ( patience ) the twin virtues professed by baba . Four aarti take place in the samadhi mandir and one needs to experience as many of them as possible. There are many other shrines you can visit besides a library a museum and a beautiful garden . A large complex of administrative buildings and spiritual shrine the sansthan is an oasis of peace and cleanliness. The sansthan’s library shri sai vangmay kaksha is in shanti nivas the administrative building . Near the reception is a reading hall . You could fortify yourself with a hot cup of tea , coffee or milk at the 24 hr canteen also near the reception if ever there were an award for the most clean pilgrimage spot in india , shirdi would have been strong contender for the top place . Four main aartis are organized inside this temple which houses sai baba’s samadhi . While the distance from the entrance to the samadhi is about 800 m it has been punctuated with several benches so pilgrims may rest . Metal bar seperates neat rows for queues . There are washrooms on en route . We strongly recommend that visitors try to be present for inspiring kakad aarti at 5:15 am . A copy of the aarti booklet available at the sansthan book store will be handy . An aarti lasts for about 25 min . The kakad aarti timing also provides an opportunity to witness the baba ritual bath performed by the pujaris at 6 am . A small temple is built near the neem tree under which baba is said to have medidated . It houses a shivlinga and a photograph of baba . Thursday and fridays are popular in the shrine filled with the fragrance of incense that devotees light . Located just outside the samadhi mandir . Dwarkamai a dilapidated masjid to which baba would retire every other night must be seen too . It still houses the community fire ( dhooni ) where logs of wood burn 24 hrs a day supplying udi to baba’s devotees as it was during his lifetime. The udi is given the same way ( vibhuti ) sacred ash is given in the temple’s of southern india. One corner of the masjid has the grinding stone with which baba used to grind wheat for the poor who visited him everyday. A chawadi a small town structure is where the baba’s is said to have rested every alternate night . Today it houses two large images of baba . Location both are about 20 steps from the side exit of the gurusthan . This is the home of one of baba’s most ardent followers and houses some interesting memorabilia. It is a small green colored cottage . Located opp chawadi . This charming compact museum has rare black and white photographs of baba . It also displays his kafni ( long robes ) leather padukas his chillum ( smoking pipe ) gramophone records water tumblers cooking utensils and bathing stone . Located almost at the center of the sansthan’s complex .The samadhi of the the babas four key lifetime associates tatya patil kote , maharaj kumbhar , pv padmanabha aiyyar and nanavall have been constructed adjacent to reception area of the sai baba sansthan . This is a serene spot . Location to the west of sansthan’s complex . Baba has said to have spent a lot of time in the garden called lendibagh. It’s now beautifully landscaped . Here too is the well that baba used known as shivadi. An akhand deep ( continously burning lamp ) glows under the pipal tree that baba planted here . Location at the entrance of the sansthan . This small temple where baba said to have halted on his first visit to shirdi . As you enter exit from the extreme right hand corner of the sansthan you will be on a street full of souvenir stores . The shirdi sai store diagonally opposite to dwarkamai stocks a wide variety of related items . The sai baba sansthan offers a range of accommodation at saiprasad 1 , saiprasad 2 , atithee griha , bhakta nivas a new facility about 2 km from the temple. Bhakta nivas has a pretty landscaped garden with illuminated fountains . Upasani Maharaj Ashram ( 6 kms south ) upasani maharaj was babas contemporary and follower . His samadhi and that of his disciple godavari mata are located inside the quite ashram .

1. Mumbadevi Temple , Kalbadevi
2. Jogeshwari Caves
3. Dwarkadheesh Temple
4. Gaondevi Mata Mandir , Gamdevi
5. Prabhadevi Temple , Prabhadevi
6. Marubai Gaondevi mandir Matunga
7. Sitladevi Mata Mandir , Mahim
8. Sridevi Padmavati Mandir , Powai
9. Sharadambal Madir , Chembur
10. Bhuleshwar Mahadev , Bhuleshwar
11. Shri Bombay Panjrapole , Bhuleshwar
12. Banganga Tank & Walkeshwar Temple Complex , Malabar Hill
13. Babulnath , Malabar Hill
14. Shree Siddhivinayak , Prabhadevi
15. Vazira Naka Ganpati , Borivali
16. Garodia Nagar Ganpati , Ghatkopar
17. Fanaswadi Balaji mandir , Girgaum
18. Thakurdwar Mandir , Girgaum
19. Mumbai’s Ayodhya , Wadala
20. Ashthika Samaj , Matunga
21. Udupi Sri Krishna Mandir , Sion
22. Ghanti Mandir , Khar
23. Iskcon , Juhu
24. Siddhasanathan Kendra , Juhu
25. Ayappa Temple , Goregaon
26. Chedda Nagar Temple , Chembur
27. Ahobila Mutt , Chembur

The north south length  of the island mumbai is more . The central railway passes through the place of brahma of mumbai city . Therefore the railway board gets less profit from the central railway and even it is not developed to the extent . The western railway passes through the western part of mumbai . The west is the direction of air therefore fast moving vehicles have progressed in the western direction . As more sea is on the west of mumbai the western suburbans have also progressed more than the eastern suburbans .