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West India Hill Station
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Hill stations located in Western India are an interesting blend of fantastic
natural splendour, peace and adventure. Famous for its lush vales and exotic
locales all of the West Indian hill stations are a great favourite amongst
holiday seekers. And if you are an adventure enthusiast you can even go for
mountaineering, camping, trekking and paragliding in the famous hill stations of
Western India. Perfect for any occasions like honeymoons, family holidays and
corporate meets, the hill stations of West India are a favourite amongst
national as well as international tourists alike.
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These are some famous Hill station in Eastern India. |
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Khandala |
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Lonavala |
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Mahabaleshwar
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Panchmarhi |
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Khandala |
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Location : Western part of the state of Maharashtra |
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Khandala, set at a height of 625 mt, located on the wester n slopes of the
Sahyadri mountain range is a hill station in Maharashtra. Fascinating panoramic
beauty adorns this place. Deep valley on one side and high hills on the other
side divide Khandala and Lonavala. Luckily, modern industrialisation has not
adversely affected Khandala. |
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Prime Attractions
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Tiger's Leap |
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It is one of the most fascinating places in this area. If someone carefully
observes the valley from this point, it will appear as if a tiger is leaping
into the valley. Thus, the place has been named as Tiger's leap.
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Amrutanjan Point |
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Amrutanjan point is yet another point located high up in Khandala. It provides
excellent view of the places nearby.
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Duke's Nose |
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Duke's Nose is a cliff here, which has been named after the Duke Wellington, as
he had a pointed nose, which the cliff resembles. However, it is also known as
"Nagfani" (Hood of Snake), as it also looks like the hood of a snake. Duke's
Nose can be easily reached from INS Shivaji and Kurwande Village. Apart from its
scenic beauty, it also attracts visitors with its mountain climbing trails.
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Karla and Bhaja Cave |
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Karla and Bhaja Caves are historical rock cut caves, situated at a distance of
16 km from Khandala. They are one of the main attractions here, due to their
enormous antiquity and beauty. Located amidst hills, their origin dates back to
the 2nd century. These caves belong to the Hinayana sect of Buddhism and are one
of the finest examples of rock cut caves in India.
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How To Get There
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By Air : Nearest airport is situated in Pune at 64-km.
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By Railway : Lonavala is on the main railway line between Mumbai and
Pune. All express trains plying between the two cities stop here. There is also
an hourly shuttle service for Pune.
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By Road : Khandala situated on the Mumbai Pune Highway. It is 104-km from
Mumbai and 64-km from Pune.
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Lonavala |
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Location : SSituated On Mumbai-Pune Highway, Maharashtra.
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Lonavala is located in the western part of the state of Maharashtra. It is set
amongst the slopes of the Sahyadri mountain range. Also known as the "Jewel of
The Sahyadri", Lonavala is a place of this regionwhere nature is present in its
entire splendor. It has become famous because of nature's gift of beautiful
valleys, hills, milky waterfalls, lush greenery, and pleasant cool winds. |
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Prime Attractions
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Rajmachi Point |
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Located around 6.5 kilometers from Lonavala, the Rajmachi Point gives a
spectacular view of Rajmachi Fort, which once belonged to Shivaji. One can also
get a panoramic view of the valley that surrounds it. This place is a must visit
when you come to Lonavala.
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Ryewood Park and Shivaji Udyan : Another prime attraction of Lonavala,
Ryewood Park and Shivaji Udyan are beautiful gardens that have perfectly
manicured grass, tall trees, beautiful flowers and lot of place to sit around
and relax.
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Lonavla Lake : Yet another beautiful lake, Lonavala Lake is the place to
be if you are looking for peace and beauty. The lake is surrounded by natural
beauty and you can see nature at its best, over here. Though it parches up in
summers, the lake comes to life during monsoons and remains so throughout
winters.
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Karla Caves : The Karla caves are important historic Buddhist sites that
were built around 2-3rd century BC. The cave shrines are popular among all
tourists and are visited by everyone who come to Lonavala.
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Lohagad Fort : The Lohagad Fort of Lonavala was the battleground of the
Maratha warrior, Shivaji. From here, you can get a lovely view of the lush green
surrounding hills and the steep valleys.
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How To Get There
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By Air : Nearest airport is situated in Pune at 64-km.
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By Railway : Lonavala is on the main railway line between Mumbai and
Pune. All express trains plying between the two cities stop here. There is also
an hourly shuttle service for Pune.
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By Road : Lonavala situated on the Mumbai Pune Highway. It is 104-km from
Mumbai and 64-km from Pune.
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Mahabaleshwar |
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Location : Situated In The Heart of Sahyadri Hills In Satara District,
Maharashtra.
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Mahabaleshwar is one of the most fascinating and largest hill station on the
Western Ghats. This place was established as a health resort in the year
1829.One of the few Evergreen forests of the world are present in Mahabaleshwar
of Satara district in Maharashtra. This place is an evergreen vast plateau with
beautiful long roads where you can go for horse riding through the forests.
Mahabaleshwar is located at a distance of about 120km from Pune. This vast
plateau of about 150 sq. km in area is situated at an elevation of 4500 feet
above sea level. Its distance from Mumbai is about 220 km.
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Prime Attractions
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Wilson Point or Sunrise Point |
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At 4,710 feet above the sea level, the Wilson Point or the Sunrise Point is the
highest point in the whole of Mahabaleshwar hill station. It’s actually a
plateau and a very popular tourist spot. From here, you can get a breathtaking
view of the sunrise and sunset every day.
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Connaught Peak |
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This is the second highest point at Mahabaleshwar. Connaught Peak is also
frequented by tourists for the same reason as the Wilson Point - its panoramic
view of sun rise and sunset. Surrounded by peaceful, lush greens on all sides
and with clouds flirtingly kissing the grounds, you are bound to feel
transported to a different world here.
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Venna Lake |
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If you are in Mahabaleshwar, you just cannot miss visiting the Veena Lake.
Cocooned within hills from three sides, its calm waters will goad you to hire a
boat and go navigating. You can also engage in fishing here.
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Waterfalls
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Only a short distance away from Mahabaleshwar, there are a number of mesmerizing
waterfalls. For instance, there are Chinaman that about 2.5 Kms away, Dhobi (3
Kms) and Lingamala (6 Kms). Arthur's Seat 12 Kms away is another beautiful
waterfall here.
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Excursion
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Arthur's Seat
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Arthur's Seat is situated at a distance of 12 Kms from Mahabaleshwar and is
regarded as the Queen of all points here. You catch spectacular views of deep
deserted Savitri River in the Konkan valley on the left and the dense forests of
'Brahma-aranya' of Deccan to the right.
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Pratapgadh Fort |
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Found at a distance of 24 Kms from the hill resort, the Pratapgadh Fort has
ample historic significance. It was constructed way back in 1656 by Shivaji
(founder of Maratha empire in India) to restrain the defiant Satraps in the
neighboring Javali Basin area. This fort also houses a statue of Shivaji named
Bale Killa.
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How To Get There
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By Air : You can land at Pune airport first, which is about 120 Kms from
Mahabaleshwar.
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By Railway : The closest rail head is again at Pune (120 Kms).
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By Road : Fine motorable roads link Mahabaleshwar with both Pune and
Mumbai. A number of bus and taxis run to and fro between these points (places).
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Pachmarhi |
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Location : Madhya Pradesh
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At an altitude of 3,555 feet, surrounded by Satpura hills is located the summer
capital of Madhya Pradesh- Pachmarhi. As a hill station this place has been
untouched and unexplored. The natural beauty of Pachmarhi has remained
unexploited and is lesser known to the foreign tourists. Geographically
Pachmarhi is a group of waterfalls. Apart from the ancient temples and
buildings, this place is known for its natural beauty. Though Pachmarhi has no
comparison with the hill stations of the Himalayas still it carries a charm of
its own which is unique to this place.
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Prime Attractions
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Pandava Caves |
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An important tourist landmark in Panchmarhi, Pandav Caves lend their name to
this picturesque hill resort of Madhya Pradesh. According to local legends and
popular beliefs, the five Pandav brothers of Mahabharata, along with their wife
'Draupadi', spent a part of their exile here.
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Catholic Church/td>
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Built by the British in 1892, this ancient monument displays a striking blend of
French and Irish architecture. The stained glass windows beautify the edifice
and add to its magnificence. It also has an old cemetery attached to it. The
tombstones here dates back to 1859, World War I and World War II.
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Priyadarshini Point |
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Earlier known as Forsyth Point, it was named after Captain James Forsyth who
discovered Panchmarhi from this point. Witnessing the spectacular sunset views
from this vantage point, when the three peaks - Chauradeo, Mahadeo and Dhupgarh,
play with various hues, is a privileged sight.
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Apsara Vihar (Fairy Pool) |
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This pool is located near the Pandava caves and is accessible only on foot. A
waterfall plummets from a height of 30 ft to form this pool. The water gets
deeper as it nears the fall, but the shallow ends of the pool remains ideal for
swimming and diving. Tourists flock to this place to take refreshing dips in the
mountain water.
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Handi Khoh |
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Earlier known as 'Andhi Kho' amongst the natives, it is the deepest of all the
gorges at Pachmarhi and is nearly 300 ft deep. It is shadowed in a wild thicket,
with dramatically steep sides. According to legends, Shiva imprisoned a large
snake, which actually was a demon, and buried it in a solid rock in this ravine
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Rajat Prapat (Big Fall)
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A ten-minute walk from Apsara Vihar leads to the top of Rajat Pratap, the Big
Fall. This fall is nearly 350 ft in height. It is a thrilling experience to
watch straight down into the bottom of the fall, as it cascades its way from the
high precipice. The journey that leads to the fall is bliss for the
adventure-seekers.
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How To Get There
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By Air: The nearest airport is Bhopal (195 km), connected by regular
flights with Delhi, Gwalior, Indore and Mumbai.
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By Railway : Pipariya (47km), on the Mumbai-Howrah mainline via
Allahabad, is the most convenient railhead.
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By Road : Pachmarhi is connected by regular bus services with Bhopal,
Hoshangabad, Nagpur, Pipariya and Chhindwara. Taxis are available at Pipariya.
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Climate |
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Pachmarhi is surrounded by hills so the weather is very pleasant here throughout
the year. The temperature is never above 37 degrees during summers and below 7
degrees during winters. The best season to visit this place is between October
and June.
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