DARJEELING (West Bengal , INDIA)

What can I see in DARJEELING?

1)TIGER POINT:

Located at the highest point in the Darjeeling area, Tiger Hill is best known for the dazzling sunrise view of the Kanchenjunga and the snow covered peaks of the entire eastern Himalayan range. On a clear day you can even see the mount Everest from here. Tiger Hill is located 11km from the Darjeeling Town and takes about 40 minutes to reach by car. 

2)BATASIA LOOP:

Located 5km from Darjeeling Town and just below Ghoom, Batasia Loop as the name suggests, is a loop or a spiral of a narrow gauge railway track where the Toy Train negotiates a sudden sharp descent from Ghoom. It's a wonderful viewing place with manicured gardens, streams and falls, from where you can get a wide range view of the Darjeeling's landscape, Kanchenjunga and the other Eastern Himalayan peaks. 

 3)DARJEELING MALL & CHOWRASTA:

The Chowrasta or the Mall is the town center in Darjeeling. This is a lovely little flat area, a public square where four roads meet. This public place is where you would like to lounge & bake in the sun, sit and watch the wonderful views of the mountain range and see many locals and tourists hanging around. One side of the mall is lined with pine trees through which you get wonderful mountain vistas, the other side is lined with lovely boutique shops of different kinds. And all around the mall, you have benches to sit and relax. 

4)ROCK GARDEN & GANGA MAYA PARK:

These two are scenic parks in wonderful settings located a few miles away from the Darjeeling town. Rock garden is about 10km and Ganga Maya is another 3km from there. Rock Garden is all about terraced gardens at different levels that have been cut through the rocks having a waterfalls with nice seating arrangements. Ganga Maya is more spread out and has a beautiful stream flowing through it on a valley, has flower gardens, fountains and more. 

5)JAPANESE TEMPLE & PEACE PAGODA:

About 10 minutes by car, you will reach a wonderful area that is symbolic of peace and tranquility. Located in the Jalapahar hill, the Japanese Temple is built in traditional Japanese style where you can join the prayers and feel the spiritual peace amongst humming and chants. Close to it is the Peace Pagoda where there are four large avatars of Lord Buddha. The view from the top is magnificent. You can see the snow peak range from here including the Kanchenjunga.

6)BENGAL NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM:

What started as a modest effort in 1903 to display butterflies and birds of the Darjeeling district, has grown to house a large collections of mammals, birds & nests with eggs, reptiles & fishes and even insects of wide varieties. The displays are actually specimens of real creatures that had been captured, stuffed and preserved. The Bengal Natural History Museum can be reached by few minutes walk from the Chowrasta Mall. 

7)DARJEELING ROPEWAY:

This is one way you can be part of special diverse offerings from the nature and all in one place. From the ropeway of Darjeeling which is also known as the Rangeet Valley Passenger Cable Car, you can have mind blowing view of the valley below, see the spread of lush tea gardens, dense forests, mountain streams in their full flow, waterfalls, and the awesome snow peaks at the background. Get off at a lower station and enjoy the tea estates, walk through the tea gardens, or just relax and enjoy the view around. It's hard to find all these together in one place. 

8)HAPPY VALLEY TEA GARDEN:

Situated 1 km away from the town of Darjeeling, the Happy Valley Tea Garden is located on the Lebong Carter Road and provides a peaceful and relaxing getaway from the hustle and bustle of  Darjeeling. 

9)PADMAJA NAIDU HIMALAYAN Zoological Park:

Established in 1958, this zoo is dedicated to the memory of Padmaja Naidu, the former governor of West Bengal. Among one of the best zoos in the country, this is one of the only zoo which raises wild wolf in captivity. The zoo is also home to endangered species like the Red Panda, Siberian Tiger and the Snow Leopard.

10)DARJEELING  HIMALAYAN RAILWAY:

Also known as the "Toy Train", the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway plies between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling and is a narrow gauge railway. This railway is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers beautiful views of the scenic mountains on its way to Darjeeling. 

GOA (India)

What can I see in Goa?

1)Candolim Beach : Located 14 kms north of Panaji in the state of Goa, the Candolim Beach is a part of a long extension of beach coastline along the Arabian Sea that begins at Fort Aguada and ends at Chapora Beach.This place is also famous as it is the birth place of Abba Faria, considered to be one of Goan freedom fighters and the Father of Hypnotism.

2)Miramar Beach : Miramar Beach is situated 1 kilometer ahead of the confluence of Mandovi River and the Arabian Sea. It is situated on the way towards Dona Paula, about 3 kilometers from Panjim, the capital city of Goa. MiramarBeach of Goa is also known as 'Gasper Dias'. 

The Miramar Beach in Goa begins at the gulf and then culminates in the Emerald Coast Parkway. It is a golden beach fringed with palm trees. The soft sands of the beach makes it the best site for evening walks. Moreover, 'miramar' in Portuguese implies 'viewing the sea'. Tourists can get a glimpse of the majesty of the Arabian Sea from the Miramar Beach at Goa.

3)Majorda Beach : Majorda Beach is situated in the southern part of Bogmola. It is one of the marvelous beaches in Goa that is located about 18 kilometers from Dabolim Airport. Marjorda Beach in Goa is connected to Margao with an excellent network of roadways, including buses, auto rickshaws and taxis. It is one of the most popularbeaches of Goa. 

Majorda Beach of Goa has a strong bearing upon the Indian mythology. Legends believed that Lord Rama was kidnapped and brought to the Majorda beach in his childhood. It is also said that Lord Rama came to the beach in search of his wife, Sita. He is said to have come to Cabo-de-Rama, which lies in he southern part of the beach.

4)Mobor Beach : Mobor Beach is an ideal location for the adventure tourists. It is one of the most popular beaches in Goa, which enables the tourists to indulge in adventure sports such as water skiing, water surfing, jet ski, banana and bump rides and parasailing. The beach can be visited throughout the year; however, the best months to visit Mobor Beach of Goa is between the months of September and March. 

The Mobor beach in Goa is one of the most popular tourist sites in the city. Every year thousands of tourists come to the beach to indulge in water sports. In fact, the Cavelossium-Mobor is famous for water sports.

5)Colva Beach : The Colva Beach lies about 6 Kms to the west of Margao and is the oldest, largest and the most spectacular beaches of South Goa. The beach consists of about 25kms of the fine powdered white sand and is bounded along its coast by coconut palms that stretch from Bogmalo in the north to Cabo de Rama in the south along south Goa's coastline. 

In the colonial days it used to be the resting area for Margao's high society, who would visit Colva for their "Mundanca" or change of air. Today the area that is reminiscent of the luxurious lifestyle of the aristrocratic class has the beautiful houses or villas that dot the village.

6)Anjuna Beach : Located about 18kms from Panaji and situated in Bardez taluka, the Anjuna Beach is the part of a 30 km extended beach coastline along the west coast of Goa by the Arabian sea. 

The Village of Anjuna, a five square mile area is nestled between the Arabian Sea and the Hill overlooking the beach. The beach is famous for its stunning natural beauty with swaying palms trees and soft powered white sands.

7)Varca Beach : Varca Beach is one most popular tourist sites in Goa. It is one of the most beautiful and exotic beaches of Goaand is situated about 2 kilometers from Benaulim. The beach is marked by a number of wooden boats, belonging to the fishermen of the city. 

The Varca Beach in Goa is known to its soft white sands and its cleanliness. It is one of the cleanest beaches in Goa that allows the tourists to spend some time in solitude. 

8)Sinquerim Beach: The Sinquerim Beach of Goa is located some 13 km away from Panaji and is stunningly beautiful and quieter than the other beaches of Goa. This long, extended sandy terrain that runs incessantly along the coast is ideal for taking a walk. The feel of the glistening sands and the cool water caressing the feet gives you out of the feeling. The beach is one of a series of tranquil and spectacular stretch of sand and an ideal place for swimming. The tourists come down to this beach and prefer it for its pristine and serene setting.The lovely beach of Sinquerim is one of the oldest preserved beaches in Goa. The famous fort Aguada is located near the beach. Fort Aguada was built by the Portuguese in the early 17th century Portuguese fort that was built by the Portuguese to defend themselves against any foreign attack and to control the entry of the intruders through River Mandovi. 

     9)Baga Beach : Baga Beach is a popular beach and tourist destination in North Goa. Baga is located at the north end of the contiguous beach stretch that starts from Sinquerim, Candolim, leads to Calangute and then to Baga. The beach contains rows of shacks and fishing boats, and at high tide the beach is narrow.

The beach is named after the Baga Creek, which empties into the Arabian Sea at the north end of the beach.

Baga Beach is also famous for parasailing, water sports (banana ride) and dolphin cruises.

10) Goa Churches : Goa churches enjoy their share of popularity. There are several churches in the state owing to the long history of Portuguese rule in Goa. These churches other than being a place of worship, also makes for beautiful pieces of architecture from by gone days. Some of the popular churches in Goa are St Cathedral Church, St Francis of Assisi, Basilica of Bom Jesus, St Augustine Church among others. These churches are visited by most of the tourists heading to the state of Goa.

   11) Arvalam Waterfall : Arvalem Waterfall is located 2 km from the town of Sinquelim in the North of Goa. The 24 feet high waterfalls makes for a beautiful picnic spot. One can have a look at the waterfall from the staircase of the famous Rudreshwar Temple. The government has also constructed a park near the waterfall to help people have a closer look of the fall and appreciate its beauty. 

      12) Aguada Fort: Aguada Fort stands tall as one of the most known representatives of the Goan history. The fort was constructed in 1612 by the Portuguese afearing an attack from the Marathas and the Dutch. The fort had a fresh water spring that provided for the water requirements of all those who used to pass through the place. The giant fort served as crucial point for all the important operations of the Portueguese.

    13) Chapoli Dam : Located about 40 km from Margoa, Chapoli Dam is blessed with scenic charm as it lies in a valley which is surrounded by hills. If you are fond of fishing, this eco-tourist spot of Goa, is a place for you.

    14) Mahalaxmi Temple: Mahalaxmi Temple situated in Bandora Village of Goa, is dedicated to goddess Mahalaxmi (Goddess of power and strength). The Temple has a beautifully constructed Chowk which is its major attraction. The temple constructed as early as 1413 A.D, is visited by tourists all across the country especially during the Navratri which is celebrated with a great pomp and show at the place.

   15) Mangeshi Temple : Mangeshi temple in Goa is an amalgamation of modern and traditional Hindu pieces of architecture. The Temple is a dedication to Lord Mangueshi, incarnation of Lord Shiva. Legend has it that Lord Brahma himself consecrated the Linga that is worshipped here. The idol of the presiding deity is taken out in a procession every week on Monday.

MAHABALESHWAR (Maharashtra , INDIA)

What can i see in Mahabaleshwar?

Mahabaleshwar is also known as the "Land of Strawberries"

1)Venna Lake

The Venna lake is one of the major tourist attractions of Mahabaleshwar. The lake is surrounded by trees on all sides.

In Mahabaleshwar you can get hotels for all budgets from budget hotels to 3 Stars hotels. You can get hotel from where you can enjoy the Lake's View or in midist of the mahabaleshwar's famous market.

2)Arthur's Seat

Arthur's seat is a point at an elevation of 1340 mts. The point was named after Sir Arthur Mallet, who sat here and gazed at the Savitri River, where he lost his wife and children in a tragic ferry mishap.

3)Kate's Point

Kate's point is located to the east of Mahabaleshwar and is famous for its view of two reservoirs, Balakwadi and Dhom. The point is around 1280 mts high.

4)Needle Hole Point

Needle hole point is located near Kate's Point. One can see a natural rock formation with a hole in between, thus giving the name Needle-hole. The point is also famous for the view of Deccan traps, which look like an elephant's trunk.

5)Wilson Point

Named after Sir Leslie Wilson, the Governor of Bombay from 1923–26, Wilson Point is the highest point in Mahabaleshwar at 1439 mts. Known as Sindola Hill during the colonial rule, Wilson point is the only location in Mahabaleshwar where both sunrise and sunset can be seen. It offers a spectacular glance of Mahabaleshwar in all directions.

6)3 Monkey Point

Named because of the natural sculpture of the stones which looks like three monkeys sitting beside each other and portraying 3 monkeys of Gandhiji..

ALSO VISIT,

• Babington Point
• Wilson Point
• Kate's Point
• Bombay Point (Sunset Point)
• Elephant's head Point
• Lingamala Falls 
• Lodwick Point

LONAVLA & KHANDALA (Maharashtra , INDIA)

        What can i see in Lonavala and Khandala? (Best time to visit: Monsoon)

         

1)     Rajmachi Point : It is located about 6.5 km from Lonavla. This point commands a view of Shivaji's famous fort, Rajmachi (Royal terrakouioce) and the surrounding valley. Regular State Transport buses ply between Rajmachi Point and Lonavla from the State Transport Bus Stand. The famous Vaghjai Dari is also located here.

       2)  Ryewood Park & Shivaji Udyan: This is an extensive garden situated in Lonavla. The garden covers a lot of ground and it is full of tall trees. There is an old Shiva temple in the park. The garden has plenty of place for children to play.

       3)    Valvan Dam: Valvan Dam has a garden at its foot, and is a popular evening spot 2 km from the town. The dam supplies water to the Khopoli power station at the foothills of the Sahyadris for generating electricity. The Kundali River feeds into the dam's reservoir.

        

       4)     Lonavla Lake: Lonavla Lake is surrounded by natural scenery, about 1.6 km from the town. The lake dries up during the winter months.

5)     Duke's Nose: Duke's Nose stands 12 km from Lonavla, clearly visible from the highway while driving towards Mumbai. This landmark in Khandala is popular with hikers. The cliff owes its name to the Duke of Wellington, whose ample nose it resembles.

                

       6)    Tiger's Leap : Tiger's Leap also known as Tiger's Point is a cliff-top with a sheer drop of over 650 m, giving an extensive view. Buses are available up to I.N.S. Shivaji and the remaining distance of about 1.6 km has to be covered on foot.

Just around tiger's leap, there is a small waterfall active only during the monsoon. It serves the purpose of relaxing in the water better than Bushy dam, as the force of the fall is higher. Also, after the brief steep descent, the fall becomes a stream with a fair amount of force to go all the way down to the base of the Tiger's Leap. Adventurers can trek down the stream whilst intermittently stepping back on land where the water current is too strong and the fall is steep.

7)  Karla caves: Karla caves, located near Lonavla, is a complex of cave shrines built by Buddhist monks around 3rd to 2nd century B.C. A famous temple of Goddess Ekvira Devi is also present here.

      

      8)  Lohagad Fort: A robust climb of about 11.2 km from Malavali Railway Station takes you to the 'Iron Fort', once a formidable battle-station of Shivaji. The fort commands a view of the surrounding hills and hamlets.

      

      9)  Bhushi Dam: A waterfall near the dam is a popular spot between Lonavla and I.N.S. Shivaji. Buses running on the I.N.S. Shivaji Road stop here.

     

      10)  Lion Point:  Scenic point midway between Bhushi Dam and Aamby Valley .

      11)  Tungarli Lake and Dam: This lake and Dam come to life during the Monsoon season, where youth climb the mountain top to the Dam. This dam was built during the British era and features a serene surrounding.

      12) Shooting Point: Another scenic point in the town of Khandala (Bazaar peth), which provides magnificent view of the Rajmachi Fort and the valley. Also the home for the St. Mary's villa.

PUNE (Maharashtra , INDIA)

What to see in Pune?

Shaniwar Wada : Shaniwar Wada was the palace of the great rulers Peshwa Dynasty in Pune. The structure was built by the Peshwa Baji Rao in 1730. The Palace was destroyed in a big fire in 1827; the mammoth structure of the walls survived the fire. Shaniwar Wada stands testimony to the Maratha culture and its architectural design shows influences of Mughal style and features of Maratha artistic styles too. The 21 feet tall massive door of the palace known as Delhi Darwaza is one of the remains of the grand old Palace.

Dagadusheth Halwai Ganapati Temple : The temple was founded in 1893 by Dagadusheth Halwai, a sweetmart seller who became a wealthy businessman. Halwai had lost his son the previous year, and at the request of his guru created murtis (image of a deity) of Ganesha and Dattatreya. He later established the Halwai Ganapati Trust.Bal Gangadhar Tilak, during the British Raj, gave a public form to the Ganesh festival celebrations as a way of getting around an order that barred public meetings

Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum : Raja Dinakar Kelkar Museum is located at the busy Bajirao Road in the heart of the Pune city. This museum displays a variety of artefacts which showcases the vastness and diversity of culture of the country and people. The Museum houses many items collected by Dr. D. G. Kelkar. The spectacular museum offers unique exhibits like the foot scrubber in the form an elephant-shape, images of Lord Ganesha, and a brass scorpion having a secret lock system. 'Mastani Mahal' which was reconstructed in the museum is a major attraction here. It also exhibits 20th century pottery, paintings of 17th century and carved doors of temples and palaces. It is a museum which is worth a visit.

Saras Baug : Saras Baug constructed by Nanasaheb Peshwa is located against the scenic background of Parvati Hills. The imposing garden is a popular relaxation spot and is exquisite with elegant fountains and lush green lawns. The garden houses a renowned temple constructed in 1774 by Madhav Rao Peshwa. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and there is a Ganesh Murthi Museum, enclosing large number of Ganesh statues. Saras Garden has been used by citizens of Pune as a walking and jogging track and it also serves as a beautiful hangout for the populace during the weekends and evenings.

Parvati Hill : Parvati hill is a picturesque spot perched atop Pune city. Parvati Hill Temple, believed to be built during the 17th century, is an important Hindu religious destination here. It enshrines the idols of Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha, Lord Vishnu, Devateshwar and Lord Karthikeya. This temple was solely used for the prayers by the Peshwa rulers in bygone era & was only later opened to the public. Steps with artistic stone work of the Maratha's lead to this hill temple. The Parvati Hill is an ideal location for trekkers. Nearby attractions include Parvati Museum enclosing old manuscripts, rare coins, weapons, the Sati Monument and Vetal Chabutra.

Osho Ashram : Ashram of Bhagwan Rajneesh (Osho Ashram), in a 32 acre beautiful campus, is in Koregaon Park area of Pune. The ashram is a prime attraction for tourists who are followers of Bhagwan Rajneesh ideologies & preaching. It is a resort for Meditation and Yoga.

Vishrambaug Wada : Vishrambaag Wada is a fine mansion situated at central Pune's Thorale Bajirao Road,was the luxurious residence of Peshwa Bajirao II, the last Peshwa of Maratha confederacy, in early nineteenth century. The 20,000 sq. ft. wada presently houses a post office on its ground floor, a few other offices of the municipal corporation and a small museum of Maratha artefacts put together by noted Maratha historian, Babasaheb Purandare. This structure is famous for its fine entrance and the balcony with carved woodwork.

Bund Garden, Pune: Bund garden in Pune is a place filled with natures beauty in abundance & scenically located on the banks of the rivers of Mula and Mutha. The Bund Garden was constructed Sir Janshedji with an aim to provide water to the poor for farming. Bund Garden, also known as Mahatma Gandhi Udyan is an ideal place for visitors looking for some calm & peace away from busy city life.

Chaturshringi  Temple : The Chaturshringi Temple is a Hindu temple in the city of Pune, Maharashtra, India. The temple is located on the slope of a hill on Senapati Bapat Road. It is said to have been built during the reign of the Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Raje Bhosle. The temple is looked after by Chaturshringi Devasthan (Temple) trustees, with full dedication.

Chaturshringi (Chatur means four) is a mountain with four peaks. The Chaturshringi temple is 90 feet high and 125 feet wide and is a symbol of power and faith. One has to climb more than 100 steps to reach the shrine of Goddess Chaturshringi. In the temple premises there are also temples of Goddess Durga and Lord Ganesh. This includes eight miniature idols of Ashtavinayaka. These small temples are located on the four separate hillocks.

One can  also visit various malls like ,

Phoenix Market City	Viman Nagar
Amanora Town Centre	Hadapsar
Inorbit Mall	Wadgaon Sheri
Kumar Pacific Mall	Shankar Sheth Road, Near Swargate
SGS Magnum Mall	Cantonment
Ishanya	Shastri Nagar
Mariplex Mall	Kalyani Nagar
Pulse Mall	Kalyani Nagar
Shoppers Stop	Shivaji Nagar
Pune Central	University Road, Shivaji Nagar, Bund Garden , Deccan Gymkhana
Koregaon Park Plaza	Koregaon Park
Seasons Mall	Magarpatta City
Abhiruchi Mall	Sinhagad Road

Hello!

Hello everyone,
I am Shubhesh Amidwar. I am an Engineering student. So , i am now going to start blogging from today.
I am going to blog about cities , countries which one can see when he/she visits or travels . I myself staying in India will share a vital information of Incredible INDIA as well as other countries round the world . Hope my information is useful to one and all. If any mistake , feel free to give reviews. Hope you enjoy your time reading my blogs.

THANK YOU!