PALKHI YATRA, ALANDI PUNE

Palkhi yatra :- 

Alandi

Palkhi, a unique feature of Maharashtrian culture, is a 1000-year-old tradition followed by the warkaris - people who follow the wari (a fundamental ritual). People collectively go singing and dancing, chanting Dnyanba-Tukaram in what are called as dindis (organised group of warkaris) to the holy town of Pandharpur in Hindu months of Ashadh (June-July) and Karthik (November-December).

The Palkhi starts in the month of Jyeshth (June) and the whole process lasts a total of 22 days. Every year on the eleventh day of the first half of the month of Ashadh, the Palkhi reaches Pandharpur. Every saint, right from Sant Dnyaneshwar to Sant Tukaram was following the wari tradition. In the year 1685, Narayan baba, the youngest son of Tukaram was a man of innovative spirit and decided to bring about a change in the dindi-wari tradition by introducing the Palkhi, which is a sign of social respect. He put the silverpadukas (footsteps) of Tukaram in the Palkhi and proceeded with his dindi to Alandi where he put the padukas of Dnyaneshwar in the same Palkhi

This tradition of twin Palkhis went on every year, but in 1830 there were some disputes in the family of Tukaram, concerned with rights and priveleges. Following this, some thoughtful persons decided to break-up the tradition of twin Palkhis and organise here after, two separate Palkhis - Tukaram Palkhifrom Dehu and the Dnyaneshwar Palkhi from Alandi.

From that time till date, both the Palkhis meet in Pune for a brief halt and then diverge at Hadapsar to meet again at Wakhri, a village nearby to Pandharpur.

Along with times, the popularity of this ancient tradition has soared immensely. A total of approximately 1.5 lakh devotees proceed along with the Sant Tukaram Palkhi from Dehu village, while a total of 2-2.25 lakh devotees march along with the Sant Dnyaneshwar Palkhi. At present a total of 43 Palkhis including the above two visit Pandharpur every year.

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MONSOON HOLIDAYS IN MAHARASHTRA

Monsoon holidays in Maharashtra
Come monsoons and all you trippers can come up with is that weekend getaway in your favourite resort in Khandala, Lonavla or Mahabaleshwar! We’re not deriding your choice. Indeed, they are gorgeous during rains. But why not try trekking up some lesser-known, but equally mesmerising monsoon destinations this time? Here’s a handy guide:
Bhandardara: 


Imagine lush green hills, brisk waterfalls and serene lakes. You get it all and more at this quiet hill station. Climb up to see the Ratangad and Harishchandragad fort, follow the trails that lead to Ajoba and Ghanchakkar peaks, or try conquering the highest peak in Maharashtra, Mount Kalsubai (1646 m). And once at the summit, don’t miss out on the panoramic view of the Sahyadris. Bhandardara is 185 kms from Mumbai and is easily accessible by road. The nearest railway station is Igatpuri, where you could board a state transport bus or take auto rickshaws to reach your resort.
Jawhar: 


Known as ‘Mahabaleshwar of Thane district’, Jawhar is famous for its rich cultural heritage. Home to the Warli tribes, Jawhar remains untouched by modern concretisation. Visit the Dadara Kopra Falls, Jai Vilas, the palace of the tribal kings, the Hanuman and Sunset Points and the Shirpamal, where Shivaji chose to camp on his way to Surat. You could drive down or take a bus.
Panhala:


Its history is intrinsically intertwined with that of the Maratha Empire and with its founder, Shivaji. This lush green hill station was the Maratha State capital until 1782. Apart from the famous Panhala fort, an equally interesting tourist attraction would be the Parashar caves. About 20 kms from Kolhapur, Panhala is well connected.
Amboli: 


It’s the last hill station before the coastal highlands of Goa. Not so well explored, Amboli is nestled in the Sahayadri Hills of Western India and is one of the world’s ‘Eco Hot-Spots’. Stop by at Hiranya Keshi, Nagatta Falls, Mahadev Gad and Narayan Gad for making it a memorable holiday. Amboli is well connected by road to the cities — Kolhapur, Belgaum, Panjim (Goa) — and the nearest airport is at Goa, about two hours drive away.
Chikhaldara: 


The only coffee growing area in Maharashtra, Chikhaldara has an interesting history. Mentioned in the Mahabharata, this is where Bheema killed the villainous King Keechaka and threw him into the valley. The sole hill resort in the Vidarbha region abounds in wildlife, and nurtures panthers, sloth bears, sambar, wild boar and more. Animal lovers, this one’s for you! Close by is the famous Melghat Tiger Project which apparently has 82 tigers. The nearest railway station is Badnera and the nearest airport is Nagpur.
Toranmal: 


A placid plateau, Toranmal situated at the height of 1,461 metres above mean sea level, gets the maximum footfalls during a yatra to Gorakhnath Temple on Mahashivratri. Must visit are the Yashavant Lake, Lotus lake covered with lotus flowers, that jumps down the cliff in Sita Khai, into a gorge forming a riveting waterfall during rains. At 510 kms from Mumbai, the best way to travel is to take a train to Dhule or Chalisgaon.
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PANCHGANI

PANCHGANI :



Geography and climate

Panchgani is nestled at middle of five hills in the Sahyādri mountain ranges,also there are five villages around the Pachgani are Dandeghar,Khingar,Godwali, Amral & Taighat .The Krishnā River flows nearby which made the lake of Dhom dam on the Krishna 9 K.M. from Wai. BOUNDARIES:- Panchgani is situated about 285 km, 100 km 18 km,45 km & 10  respectively, from Mumbai, Pune Mahābāleshwar Satara & Wai. The east of the Pachgani is Wai, Bavdhan & Nagewadi dam, at west there is Gureghar,at south is Khingar & Rajpuri,& on north is Dhom Dam.
The temperature in Panchgani is around 12C during the winter, and sometimes reaches 34C during the summer; however the humidity level is very low. The Monsoon rains hit here hardest and the rainy season spans between June and February, allowing the region three months of relatively dry and sunny spring.

Tourist attractions

Sydney Point: This point is situated on a hillock facing the Krishna Valley. One can see from here the glittering waters of the Dhom Dam, and Pāndavgad and Mandhārdeo. Sydney point is about 2 Km from Panchgani Bus stand.[2]
Table Land: This flat large expanse of laterite rock is the second longest mountain plateau in Asia. Some spacious caves including the “Devil's Kitchen” are visible from here.[3]
Parsi Point: This scenic point is situated on the way to Mahabaleshwar, and overlooks the Krishna valley and the blue shiny waters of the Dhom Dam.
Devil's Kitchen: Situated at the south of the table land, the Devil's Kitchen has a mythology associated with it: It is believed that the Pāndavas of the Mahābhārat epic had stayed here for a while. Pāndavgad Caves (near Wāi) are also said to be built by them then.
Mapro Garden: Situated on the curvaceous roads between Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar, it is easily accessible by buses originating both from Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar. A haven for tourists hungry for strawberry delicacies as well as factory fresh items like jams, syrups squashes and confectionery items by Mapro Foods Pvt Ltd.
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MATHERAN

Matheran
Travel Information
The nearest airport is in Mumbai that is located around 100 km away from Matheran. Matheran has a narrow gauge railway station in the town center. The old Matheran Hill Railway is offering several daily trains to Neral - this takes some hours for just a 8 km distance but is a railway adventure. At Neral you will have to change to Mumbai suburban railway which is taking you directly to Mumbai CST Station on the CST-Karjat route. Matheran is also very well connected by road with Mumbai and Pune. Matheran can be reached from Mumbai via Navi Mumbai and Panvel. Just after going up you will reach Dastiru Naka, which is the last stop up to which the vehicles are allowed and about 1.5 miles or 2.3 km away from the town center. Up to this point, one can also hire a direct taxi from Mumbai.
From Mumbai
Set off on the old Mumbai-Pune road (NH-4) through Dadar, Chembur, Navi Mumbai
Get on to the Mumbai Pune Expressway at Panvel (Near McDonalds). Get onto the expressway to avoid the congested road through Panvel.
Take the first exit (Shedung/Khopoli Exit)that comes less than 5 minutes after you get onto the expressway at McDonalds. (Here you will need to Pay a Toll at the toll-booth for using the expressway).
This exit gets you back onto the Old Mumbai-Pune Road. Follow directions to proceed towards Pune. Once again you will have to pay a toll for using the old Bombay Pune Road. (Toll in both places is about Rs.25 each).
Follow the old Mumbai-Pune road for approximately 10 km. This will bring you to a crossing where a big green sign asks you to turn left for Karjat/Matheran. (Do not miss this crossing as otherwise you will end up in Khopoli. There is a large statue of Hindu god Shiva on right side of the old Mumbai-Pune Highway which can be seen from a long distance. The left turn about 50 metres before the statue).
9 km After turning left you reach another crossing called Charphata Karjat where you need to turn left towards Neral.
A board of warning on Matheran road
11 km After turning left, you will reach the bottom of the Matheran Hill ghat road.
Turn left here and climb 7 km to the Matheran Dasturi Car park.
Matheran Ghat
It is a steep and narrow road but well surfaced for the most part. When you reach the car park find a parking space in the designated area and park your car. The parking entrance fees and daily parking fees need to be paid here.
Matheran Entrance
No vehicles are allowed beyond this point. Matheran center is a 40-minute walk from Dasturi Car Park. Before you enter the limits of Matheran, Matheran Municipal council charges a fees of Rs 25 per adult and Rs 10 for children.
Once you enter, red dusty pathways welcome you to the nature. Porters are available to carry luggage. You can enjoy the walks through the red pathways or ride on horse. Manual 'rickshaws' are also available, each rickshaw is 'driven' by a couple of operators.
From Pune
Set off towards Mumbai on the Pune-Mumbai expressway. Get off the Pune-Mumbai Expressway at the Khopoli exit after passing Lonavla/Khandala and get onto the old Pune-Mumbai road. Approximately 18 km later, you turn right as per a big green sign, in Chouk town. Follow the signs from then on.
One can also exit Pune-Mumbai NH4 at Haal Phata near Khopoli to enter SH 35 which will take you straight to the bottom of Matheran Ghat Road.
Instructions on how to get from Neral to Matheran can be found on the corresponding Mumbai-Matheran section.
By Train
Matheran is connected by toy train to the mainline rail route at Neral Junction. Neral Junction is well connected by local trains from CST along the CST-Karjat route. Click to get the Subarban rail map and timetable. Those coming by long distance trains should alight at Karjat Junction. Many trains on Pune-Mumbai route can serve the tourists coming from Pune side.
The journey is a visual delight for the tourists with a range of scenes to enjoy. The ascent begins a little after the Hardar Hills and reaches the Jamnapatti station, where it appears that road and rail have almost come together. They part here, though to meet again a little further beyond the steep slope of Bhekra Kund. The Horseshoe embarkment near the Mount Barry is a captivating scene to look at. The route runs another mile before it enters into the lone tunnel on the way. Emerging from the tunnel, the line zig zags sharply backwards and forward twice. Thereafter, the train crosses the Panorama Point and the Simpson Tank to reach straight to the Matheran Bazaar.
The journey on a 2 feet gauge commences from Neral at 08.40 hrs, 11.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs. The journey from the other direction begins at 17.45 hrs, 13.10 hrs and 14.35 hrs. The train covers a maximum of 12 miles in an hour thereby allowing the passengers ample time to soak in the beauty of the surroundings.
It is advisable to have your bookings done earlier through internet or by other means as getting tickets for the toy train becomes difficult in peak tourist seasons.
Route covered
Neral - Hardal Hill - Jammapatti Station - Bhekra Station - Mount Barry- Panorama Point - Simpson Point - Matheran Bazaar.
By foot
A road inside the Matheran Town
Matheran is popular among trekkers. Dasturi gate (Mathern car park) is approximately 8 km from Neral junction and a beautiful landscape can be seen from Neral itself. Streams cut through the farms. One can follow the road or walk through the countryside along the stream and take the trail used by localites. There aren't direction signs along the trail, so you'll have to take directions from localites or trek keeping the road in sight.
The trail crosses farms, streams, railway track at several places to add to the stunning landscape. Trekkers can rest and enjoy a snack midway at Janmapatti rail station where the road and track meet. There are a few eateries run by localites. Second leg of the trek is difficult than the first as the path gets steeper. Following the road should get you to Dasturi gate after which one has to take the unpaved trail till Matheran Bazaar. All trails in Matheran are well marked and getting around shouldn't be difficult.
Places of interest
Detailed Map of Matheran
Mountain peak near Lord's Point
Beautiful Lake in Matheran
There are altogether 28 points, 2 lakes, 2 parks, 4 major worship places and a racecourse to visit inside Matheran. If you want to see all of them then you may need 2–3 days on your feet. One can move around on foot or horseback, but it is recommended moving on feet to take the best glimpse of nature. If you are on Horse back you may not be able to spend your desired time on the points. All the points’ gives a unique view and you can’t miss them.There are many walking paths for a leisurly walk. Points to see;
Alexander Pt.


Rambag Pt
Little Chowk Pt
Chowk Pt


One Tree Hill Pt
Belvedere Pt
Olympia Race Course
Lords Pt
Charlotte Lake


Cecil Pt (Actually a water fall mouth)
Echo Pt.
Porcupine Pt (Sun Set Pt)
Panorama Point (Sun Rise Pt)
Khandala Pt
Madhavji Garden & Point

Matheran Railway Station
Louisa Point
Mayor Pt

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