Maharashtra
is the land of famed warriors. Ridged by the Western ghats and
covered by dense forests, it has witnessed a valiant history - rise
and fall of Maratha empire. Shivaji is still an immortal legend
here, his memories alive in the innumerable forts scattered across
the countryside. The rock cut caves at Ajanta and Ellora eloquently
record the earliest mingling of all faiths - the Buddhist, Jain and
Hindu sculptures and frescoes co-exist in complete harmony.
Since ancient times Arab traders touched the Indian ports on the
west coast of Gujarat and a multi-product export import trade
flourished. The mythical port city of Dwarka supposed to befounded
by Lord Krishna5000 years ago, had been recently excavated from
below the sea. The ruins of Harappan civilization discovered in
Lothal date back 3500 years. Gujarat is still steeped in history.
The Muslim culture in Ahmedabad founded by Ahmed Shah and the
memories of life and work of Mahatma Gandhi who spent a part of his
life here, are a living presence still.
Goa conjures another world. Ancient temples and majestic churches, a
rich tradition of classical music, truly exuberant folk
entertainment, delectable cuisine and a beautiful 100 km coastline
with nearly year round sunshine combine in magical alchemy to make
it an ideal getaway holiday resort.
Mumbai - Gateway of India
India's western gateway is Mumbai, with a major
international airport and harbour. The city's rise from the
dowry of a Portuguese queen to the country's foremost sea port,
commercial centre and producer of films has been nothing short
of meteoric. There is a powerful life force at work in this
thriving, modern commercial city, with its plate-glass
skyscrapers and hectic colorful street life. The pace and
confusion is vibrant, with businessmen hurrying to work, hooting
traffic, fisherwomen in their bright saris and ‘tiffinwallahs’
hurrying with their metal containers to deliver the
businessman’s lunch direct from his home to his office. Mumbai's
Gothic architecture is embodied in the Gateway of India, Mumbai
High Court, Old Secretariat, University Buildings and Victoria
Terminus. Open spaces in this crowded city include Chowpatty
Beach, Juhu Beach and Sanjay Gandhi National Park, the latter a
fine wildlife park at Borivili. After relaxing on Chowpatty
beach under the cool evening sky, sipping refreshing milk from a
large green coconut, you will start to love Mumbai. You will
feel ready to visit the elegant and world famous Taj Mahal hotel
for a delicious snack or drink while watching the sunset over
the many boats in the harbour. In the luxury and quiet of a
hotel room, sightseeing can be planned.
Consider a visit to the lofty Hanging Gardens next door to the
intriguing Towers of Silence; or maybe win a million at the
beautiful Mahalaxmi Racecourse, one of the finest in India. A
glamorous day visiting the famous Mumbai film studios can be
arranged, and perhaps a chat with one of the many film stars.
Relive the ancient stories of the Hindu gods sculpted on the
walls of caves at Elephanta. This well known island, where
monkeys scamper across your path, is a short and pleasant boat
ride from the famous landmark in Mumbai - the Gateway of India.
Mumbai is the country's premier cultural centre. Jehangir Art
Gallery attracts regular art exhibitions; Prithvi Theatre is
well known for its theatrical performances, and the national
Centre for Performing Arts periodically hosts Indian and
international concerts of music and dance. When ready to leave
this city of tycoons, commerce, skyscrapers and film stars,
prepare for adventures of a very different kind which await at
its doorstep.
The Magic Around Mumbai
There is so much choice and so many wonders to see around
Mumbai. Aurangabad, 400 km from Mumbai, is linked by
Indian Airlines flights. Spectacular rock cut caves and cave
paintings exist at two nearby places, Ajanta and
Ellora. The most notable feature of these cave temples is
that entire hillsides were cut away with the artisan's chisel in
silent contemplation to produce some of the world's most
exquisite sculpture. Ellora's 34 caves are over 10 centuries old
and represent elaborate sculptures of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain
faiths. The caves at Ajanta date back to the 5th
century and contain paintings and sculptures of major events in
the life of the Buddha. Feel the aura and power left behind by
the Buddhist monks living 2000 years ago.
Northwest lies Gujarat, the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, the
father of the nation. The region is famous for exclusive
garments and hand made silk saris, and for being the last refuge
of the Asian lions, found deep in the Gir Forest. Join in with
the village people in their brightly coloured costume rejoicing
in one of the many festivals and fairs that abound in this
state. Ahmedabad, the principal textile city of the
country, is well known for the Sabarmati Ashram founded by
Mahatma Gandhi, where his ideals of peace and non-violence are
still promoted; visitors are welcome. 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. Palitana, 215 km away, is a
hilltop place of pilgrimage for Jains. 863 temples of all sizes
crowd the hill which has to be approached on foot. Stone and
marble spires with their rich detail of carving make for
Palitana's very special appeal.
Portuguese rule in India included the territories of Goa,
Daman and Diu, the last two lying within the state of
Gujarat. Diu, a tiny island off the extreme south of the
mainland, is even now a seculded beach resort near a colonial
town of great charm, with whitewashed churches and tile roofed
villas. 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. As Jawaharlal
Nehru observed, this great man of indomitable spirit was
certainly not of the common clay that all of us are made of.
Mahatma Gandhi’s birthplace can be seen at the fishing village
of Porbandar. Stay at one of the cool and relaxing hill stations
such as Matheran or Mahabaleshwar, popular with the inhabitants
of Mumbai. Take an evening stroll around the peaceful Bund
Gardens in pleasant and airy Pune. All these adventures will
entertain and fascinate in the magic and beauty around Mumbai.
Goa - Sun, Sand and Sea
Relax and experience the idyllic peace that only India can
give in sunny Goa. If you have ever dreamt of a warm land
of space and light, where the beaches stretch for silvery miles,
where the glittering sea always beckons you, where the people
are always smiling, where the succulent juice from a bite of
ripe pineapples or papaya drips on your hot skin as you
luxuriate lazily on the white sand, then Goa, a fascinating
blend of Latin and Indian cultures, will be a place where the
wish to linger will be overpowering. Goa's 100 km long coastline
provides endless sun drenched crescents of sand. Vagator, Anjuna,
Baga, Calangute and Candolim stretch out in an unbroken palm
fringed line. Other beaches are at Miramar and Colva. Which
beach to choose from possibly Colva with its warm turquoise sea
and fishermen hauling in their nets by hand in the clear morning
light as they chant an ancient sea song; or maybe sophisticated
Aguada, with its jet-set beach and sixteenth century fort. Try
the experience of a full-moon party at Anjuna, or mingle with
the variety of people in Calangute selling handicrafts,
jewellery and modern fabrics. Enjoy the old Portuguese fort in
Chapora, surrounded by secluded and sandy beaches and dense
green coconut palms. Visit all the beaches or just adopt one and
make it your home. Parasailing, yachting, windsurfing and deep
sea diving are some of the more popular water sports, facilities
for which are available. Decide when to sit in the shade under
the palm trees sipping the feni, or lemonade, or when to return
to the hot sand to deepen your tan, or when to swim in the cool
refreshing water.
As well as being a place for relaxation, Goa is also lively and
modern, with many western style entertainments. there is a
choice of luxurious hotels with plenty of night life, or
simplicity and tranquillity in one of the inexpensive, clean and
comfortable rooms with their own charm, right on the beach. The
Portuguese influenced food is mouthwatering. Choose massive fish
steaks fresh from the sea or a wide and delicious choice of both
continental and Indian dishes. Inland, 451 years of Portuguese
rule has imbued Goa's towns and villages with a unique culture.
White washed chapels and churches that dot the landscape are
surrounded by sleepy villages and rice fields.
Panaji (Panjim), the capital city, is an easy-going town
with Portuguese styled cafes, whitewashed churches and
overhanging balconies; a delight after your journey. 0ld Goa,
east of Panaji, now deserted, was once the capital of the
eastern Portuguese Empire. Now, it is little more than a
fascinating small village surrounded by huge convents and
churches dedicated to the zeal of Christianity, including Se
Cathedral with its Iberian exterior, the Convent and Church of
St. Francis of Assisi, the starkly beautiful Convent of Saint
Monica and the famous Basilica of Bom Jesu which enshrines the
mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, who spread Christianity
among the subjects of the Portuguese colonies. Mapusa, a market
town, comes alive every Friday with a quaint pavement bazaar.
Wild boar and sambar in their natural habitat in the hills of
the Western Ghats can be seen in Bondla, one of the Goan
wildlife sanctuaries. In addition, the region is justly famous
for its many colourful festivals, including Mardi Gras,
celebrated with Christian fervour.
There are so many delights in Western India and so many glorious
choices; from the vibrant life of commercial Mumbai to the home
of the indomitable Mahatma Gandhi then down to the peace and
magic of sunny Goa - the choice is yours.