Ajanta caves: Situated at a distance of 60 km from Jalgaon, 103 km from Ellora caves and 106 km from Aurangabad, there caves were discovered by British hunting party in 1819. The caves date back from 200 B. C. to 650 A. D. There are 29 caves of which 1,2,4,6,7,9,10,16,17,19 & 26 are important. The Buddhist them of the Ajanta paintings depicts vibrant world of many centuries ago. The sculpture of Buddha in Ajanta caves changes from smiling to meditating when the light is thrown on it from different angles.

Malik Ambar first founded it. After his death is become part of Mughal Empire and Aurangzab gave the city its present name. Aurangabad is the most convenient place to stay and visit caves of Ajanta and Ellora, Daultabad.

Places of Interest:

1. Bibi-Ka-Maqbara: Aurangzeb's son for Rabia ud Darani, Aurangzeb's wife, built it in 1679.

2. Aurangabad Caves: They are couple of km north of the Bibi ka Maqbara and were built around 6^th and 7^th century A. D. They consist of nine caves, four in eastern group and five in Western group, which are about a km distant and are all Buddhist caves.

Excursion:

1. Daultabad: Situated at a distance of 14 km from Aurangabad, on way to Ellora Caves, is magnificent hilltop fortress of Daultabad. In 14^th century Muhammed Taghlaq, Sultan of Delhi made it new capital of his kingdom and force the entire population of Delhi to Daultabad and after 17 years later, made Delhi capital again and the population marched back to Delhi.

   Chand Minar, Tower of Victory was constructed by Raja Bhillam Dev Yadav in 1435 A.D. Tower soars 60 meters high, five meters less than Qutub Minar.

2. Ellora caves: Situated at a distance of 14 km from Daultabad, 28 km from Aurangabad and 103 km from Ajanta Caves, there are 34 caves at Ellora of which 12 caves are Buddhist, 17 Hindu caves and 5 Jain Caves, North to south, the caves covers about 2 km.

   Buddhist caves no: The 6, 10, 11 & 12 are important.

   Hindu caves no: 14, 15,16 are important.

   Jain caves no: 32 to 34 all are important

   Grishneshwar Temple: close to Ellora caves in the village of Verul, this 18^th century temple is dedicated to Shiva. It is one of the temples having Shiva Jyotirlingas.

3. Ajanta caves: Situated at a distance of 60 km from Jalgaon, 103 km from Ellora caves and 106 km from Aurangabad, there caves were discovered by British hunting party in 1819. The caves date back from 200 B. C. to 650 A. D. There are 29 caves of which 1,2,4,6,7,9,10,16,17,19 & 26 are important. The Buddhist theme of the Ajanta paintings depicts vibrant world of many centuries ago. The sculpture of Buddha in Ajanta caves changes from smiling to meditating when the light is thrown on it from different angles.

Air: Airport is 10 km from city Indian Airlines Office.

Rail: Nearest Railhead for Ellora caves in Aurangabad Railway Station. (30 km)

Nearest Railhead for Ajanta caves in Jalgaon Railway Station. (60 km)

Bus: Regular buses to Manmad, Jalgaon, Bombay, Nasik etc.

Bombay is the capital of the Maharashtra State. It is second largest city of India.

Bombay consists of seven islands; namely Mahim, Matunga, Worli, Parel, Mazagon, Bombay and Colaba were the part of wedding dowry. When the Portuguese princess Catherine of Braganza married with England's Charles II in 1661 A. D. In 1668 A. D. British Government leased them to East India Company for an annual $ 10 in gold.

Parsis settled in Bombay in about 1670 and built their first Tower of Silence in 1675. In 1687 the Presidency of the East India Company was transferred from Surat to Bombay.

In 1862 a major land reclamation project joined the original seven islands into a single landmass.

Cosmopolitan city of Bombay with the population of over eight million people, is the second largest city of India, next to Calcutta. Bombay is India's largest industrial city. Bombay ports handling nearly 50% of India's foreign trade. Bombay is also the biggest film-producing city of the world.

There are three main railway stations in the city, namely Bombay Central, Victoria Terminus and Churchgate. Bombay city has two airports Santa Cruz airport for domestic travel and Sahar for international Travel.

Places of Interest:

1. Gate Way of India: This gate way was conceived following the visit of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911 A. D. and officially opened in 1924 A. D.

2. Prince of Wales Museum: This museum was built to commemorate king George V's visit of India in 1905 A. D., while he was still Prince of Wales. The first part of this museum was opened in 1924 A. D. it has sections of arts, paintings, archaeology, natural history etc.

   Museum is open from 10.00 to 17.30 hrs and closed on Mondays.

3. Jahangir Art Gallery: Exhibitions of modern Arts are held here.

4. Raj Bai Clock Tower: This 280 feet high clock tower is situated in Bombay University compound. It is named after Raj Bai, mother of Premchand Raichand, a famous banker and merchant of the 19^th century.

5. Statues of Justice and Mercy: These statues are on the top of the huge High Court Building, which was completed, in 1878 A. D.

6. Flora Fountain: It is named after Sir Bartle Prere, who was the Governor of Bombay during 1862 to 1867 A. D. It is now renamed as 'Hutatma Chowk' you will find major banks, offices and shops around this area.

7. Horniman Circle Area: Several old buildings of Bombay are situated here, among those are the Town Hall, which houses the library of the Royal Asiatic Society, old customs house, the Mint, which was completed in 1829 A. D. etc.

8. Marine Drive: Marine Drive is now renamed as Netaji Subhas Road. It is built on land reclaimed in 1920 A. D. at night, streetlights of Marine Drive resembles diamond necklace.

9. Taraporwalla Aquarium: This aquarium was constructed in the year 1961, has both fresh water and salt water fishes. It is situated near Marine Drive railway station. Aquarium is open from 11.00 to 20.00 hrs and Monday closed.

10. Chowpatty Beach: This beach is glamorous place at evening. There are several stalls selling Bombay's popular snakes Bhel Puri, Bhaji Pau, Kulfi, Ice-cream etc. Large images of the elephant headed God Ganpati are immersed in the sea in annual Ganesh Chaturthi Festival.

11. Jain Temple at Sripalangar: This marble temple was built in the year 1904 and is dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankar Adinath. Cellar temple is decorated with colour glass and mirrors.

12. Hanging Gardens: These gardens were laid out in the year 1881 on the top of the Malabar Hill. They take their name from the fact that they are built on the top of the series of reservoirs that supply water to the City.

13. Kamala Nehru Park: This park was laid out in the year 1962. It offers superb views over Bombay. It is directly across the road from Hanging Gardens.

14. Towers of Silence: This Parasi's tower of silence is beside the Hanging Gardens but it is carefully shielded across from the viewers.

15. Mani Bhuwan: This building is situated at 19 Laburnum road, near August Kranti Maidan. Mahatma Gandhi stayed in this building during 1917-1934. It has pictorial exhibits of incidents in Mahatma Gandhi's life and contains a library of books, by or about Mahatma Gandhi.

16. Mahalaxmi Temple: This temple is strictly open for Hindus. It is dedicated to the goddess of wealth and prosperity - Mahalaxmi. The image of the Goddess laxmi and her two sisters were said to found from the sea.

17. Haji Ali Tomb: It is situated in the middle of the water and can be reached by a long causeway, which can only be crossed at low tide. It is dedicated to a Muslim Saint Haji Ali. Thousands of People of every religion come here for prayer.

18. Victoria Garden: Zoo: Garden is now known as Jijabai Bhosle Udyan. The zoo here contains wide verities of birds and animals. You can enjoy camel, Elephant and Horse rides after 16 hrs. You can enjoy boating too. Garden and Zoo are open from sunrise to sunset.

19. Albert Museum: This museum is situated just out side Victoria Garden. It has a reference library, collection of paintings and metal-wares etc. and also exhibits relating to old Bombay. Just out side the museum building, there is the large stone elephant, which was removed from Elephanta Island in the year 1864 and from this stone elephant, the Island got its name. Museum is open from 10.30 to 17.30 hrs.

20. Juhu Beach: This beach holds great attraction for bathing and swimming. It is also a evening picnic place as there are several snack stalls here. The beach is surrounded by number of luxurious hotels. Iscon temple with guesthouse is situated in this area.

21. Lion Safari Park-National Park at Borivali: 35 km from Bombay central Railway Station. There is half an hour trip to the park in a Safari Vehicle to see the lions. Trips are between 9.00 to 12.00 hrs and 14.30 to 17.00 hrs.

22. Karnala Bird Sanctuary: (68 km via Sion, Panvel)

Air: Santa Cruz Airport now known as Bombay Airport Terminal II for domestic travel. It is 26 km from city Indian Airlines Office at Nariman Point. Sahar Airport is now known as Bombay Airport Terminal I for International Travel. It is 13 km from Santa Cruz Airport.

Rail: Bombay Central Railway Station is under Western Railway Zone. Churchgate Railway Zone for local trains. Victoria terminus Railway Station is under Central Railway Zone.

Bus: Regular buses to Pune, Matheran, Mahabaleshwar, Kolhapur, Goa, Aurangabad, Shirdi, Surat, Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Nasik etc.

This park is only a km form Borivali Railway Station and is 35 km North of Bombay. The park covers an area of 90.95 sq. km January to March are the best months for observing wild life and also enjoying the climate. The park is open throughout the year.

Animals residing in this park are panther, sambhar, chowsingha, mouse deer or a wild boar and Langurs etc. A Deer Park is near the southern end of the park and Lion Safari Park with five lions is at the northwestern edge of the park. Tourists are taken around in a special minibus with a guide in Lion Safari Park.

Accommodation: Tourist Cottages without board is available within the park.

Air: Nearest Airport is at Santa Cruz - Bombay airport (10 km)

Bus: Regular buses to Borivali and Bombay.

Daultabad: Situated at a distance of 14 km from Aurangabad, on way to Ellora Caves, is magnificent hilltop fortress of Daultabad. In 14^th century Muhammed Taghlaq, Sultan of Delhi made it new capital of his kingdom and force the entire population of Delhi to Daultabad and after 17 years later, made Delhi capital again and the population marched back to Delhi.

Chand Minar, Tower of Victory was constructed by Raja Bhillam Dev Yadav in 1435 A. D. Tower soars 60 meters high, five meters less than Qutub Minar.

Ellora caves: Situated at a distance of 14 km from Daultabad, 28 km from Aurangabad and 103 km from Ajanta Caves, there are 34 caves at Ellora of which 12 caves are Buddhist, 17 Hindu caves and 5 Jain Caves, North to south, the caves covers about 2 km.

Buddhist caves no: 6, 10, 11 & 12 are important.

Hindu caves no: 14, 15,16 are important.

Jain caves no: 32 to 34 all are important

Grishneshwar Temple: close to Ellora caves in the village of Verul, this 18^th century temple is dedicated to Shiva. It is one of the temples having Shiva Jyotirlingas.

Matheran is the nearest hill resort to Bombay, is only 104 km away. Situated

at a height of about 803 meters above sea level. Matheran is at its best in November and December. The main attractions here are long, quite walks and panoramic views from the many points.

Places of Interest:

Olympia Race Course, Charlotte Lake, Rambagh Village, Paymaster Park, N. Lord Garden, Pande play Ground, Cathedral Rock, Points.

Matheran has 33 points, each attractive in its own way. Some of the important points are mentioned below with their distances from post office, Matheran.

Alexander Point. (1.2 km), rambagh Point (2 km), Chowk Point (4 km), One Tree Hill Point (3.2 km) Lord Point (1.2 km), Echo Point (2.4 km), Honeymoon Point (2.4 km), Coronation Point (3.2 km), Porcupine Point (3.2 km), Paymaster Park (1 km), Artist's Nook (0.8 km), Heart Point (2.8 km), Mary Point (4 km), Panorama Point (5.2 km), Garbat Point (4.8 km), Olympia (2 km), Charlotte Lake (1.5 km), Mallet Sprint (1.6 km), Mount Bary (5.2 km), Louisa Point (3.2 km).

Air: Nearest Airports are Bombay (134 km) and Pune (134 km)

Bus: There is no regular bus service between Matheran & Neral. There is a jeepable road to Matheran from Neral via Karjat. Private taxies run between Matheran and Neral.

Regular buses from Neral, to Lonavala, Khandala, Bombay, Pune etc.