World Tourist Destinations

Karla Caves is where Buddhism comes alive. Nestling in the hills of Lonavala, the rock-cut Karla and Bhaja Caves rank amongst the oldest and finest examples of Early Buddhist temple art in India. The Karla Cave, the largest Early Buddhist shrine in India, imitates the look of more familiar wooden architecture. Completed in 80 BC, the impressive structure includes a representation of the Buddha, and an aisle made up of 37 pillars and carved elephant heads, which once had real ivory tusks.
The Bhaja Cave complex comprises 18 caves and 14 stupas. Dating from around 200 BC, these architectural curiosities lie amidst thick greenery in a setting that’s so calm, it’s almost mystical. Just outside Karla Caves, Ekvira Temple is visited by thousands of devotees, mainly fisher folk.

The MTDC Resort offers a water park and boating on a private lake. 2/3/4/6 bed AC and non-AC rooms are available.

Nestled among the Sahyadri Hills, Bhandardara has all the makings of a beautiful holiday resort. Sky-high mountains, roaring waterfalls and lush greenery throughout the year, attract tourists from all over.
To reach Bhandardara, detrain at Igatpuri. If you are travelling by road from Mumbai, you need to turn right just a few kilometers after Igatpuri and enter Ghoti. This small town leads to a long narrow road, which cuts across the lofty mountains and ascends to the marvellous retreat. Although it is just about an hour’s journey, the sights are spectacular.
Fluorescent green paddy fields contrast with the bright blue skies above and the murky brown streams that crisscross the whole land. When it rains, and clouds descend from the sky to blanket the earth, the sight is truly breathtaking!
Bhandardara has many attractions - from majestic Wilson Dam to wondrous Arthur Lake. As legend has it, Agasti Rishi meditated here for a year, surviving only on water and air. Pleased with this display of devotion, God came down to Earth and blessed Shri Agasti Rishi with a stream of the Ganga river, which is now known as the Pravara River.
Like all scenic spots, the magic of Bhandardara has to be experienced to be appreciated; if you are a nature lover, this spot should definitely appear on the top of your holiday destination list.

• Built in 1910 on the Pravara River and standing 150 mtshigh, Wilson Dam is the largest earthen dam in India.
• Arthur Lake, a tranquil blue mirror amidst the dense greenery of Bhandardara, is fed by waters from the Pravara River.
• At 1,646 metres, Mount Kalsubai is the highest peak in Maharashtra.
• Ratangad Fort offers spectacular views from its ramparts.
• Built in 1100 AD, Amriteshwar temple is constructed in Hemadpanthi style.
• Located close by are Nashik, Shirdi, Trimbakeshwar.

The MTDC Resort at Bhandardara presents spectacular views of Arthur Lake and Wilson Dam.

Soaring peaks, breathtaking valleys, lush flora, cool, crisp mountain air heralds Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra’s most popular hill station, and once the summer capital of the Bombay Presidency during the British Raj. Mahabaleshwar means ‘God of Great Power’ in Sanskrit. Indeed, the place is great and bountiful, rewarding the visitor with a mix of old-world charm, natural beauty and modernity.
A tour of Mahabaleshwar town and the surrounding countryside would take at least a couple of days as there is much to see and experience. The town bazaar is called Malcolm Peth after the then British Governor of Bombay, Sir John Malcolm. It lies at the heart of Mahableshwar with its hotels, shops, restaurants, outlying bungalows, government offices, and jostling crowds.
Mahabaleshwar has proper, motorable roads to every point worth visiting, so one could tour the place by car, jeep, or even horseback. There are many buildings and sites that take one back to the days of the Raj. There’s Mount Malcolm, the one-time residence of Governor Malcolm; Moraji Castle, where Mahatma Gandhi lived during 1945; and the Mahabaleshwar Club.
A short drive from town is the beautiful Venna Lake, where one can go boating, fishing, and pony riding. Or indulge oneself at the entertainment centre with its numerous food and game stalls. Near the lake, further down the road on the way to neighbouring Panchgani, are the great strawberry fields.
Mahabaleshwar is known for its numerous sightseeing points, each providing a unique perspective of the majestic hill range. En route to Babington Point is Dhom dam, which is a good place to take a break. Or one could visit Old Mahabaleshwar and the famous Panchganga Mandir, which is said to contain the springs of five rivers: Koyna, Venna, Savitri, Gayatri and the sacred Krishna River. There’s also the Mahabaleshwar Mandir, revered for its Swayambhu Lingam.

Malshej Ghat holds special value for hikers, trekkers and adventure lovers. The nature here is at its best. No wonder then that the most exotic migratory flamingos choose it as their monsoon abode. Close at hand is Shivneri Fort (approximately 40 kilometres), birthplace of the legendary Shivaji. The unusual hill has Buddhist Caves dating to the third century and is surmounted by an important historic fort. At Malshej you will experience a revival of mind, body and spirit like never before.

• The Flamingo Hill Resort takes its name from the flamingos that visit the many lakes during the monsoons. Trekkers can have a field day exploring various mountain trails, which wind through fragrant forests, past placid lakes and rolling valleys.
• For the spiritually inclined there’s Ozar and Lenyadri where two Ganesh temples are located.
• The temple at Bhimashankar is an ancient shrine dedicated to Shiva.
• The Bhimashankar Sanctuary is another attraction.
• Sightseeing points include Bombay Point, Hanuman Tank and Gupt Bhimashankar, source of the Bhima river.
• The Harishchandragad Fort has a rich history with its foundations laid in the 6th century. 

Your toy train chugs along slowly without a care in the world. During the two hour ascent, food vendors and monkeys jump on and off as the valley glides by sedately. Sprawling languidly at an altitude of 800 metres is Matheran - an undulating hilltop cloaked in green.
The cliffs of Matheran with incredibly steep drops to the plains below offer stunning viewing points. These panoramic vistas, by day and night, leave you feeling light headed. Standing at Hart Point in pitch darkness you get a breathtaking glimpse of the lights of busy Bombay. Matheran abounds in such quixotically named points, popular sites for picnics and fireside revelry.
The old world charm of the British and Parsi home capitavtes you all the way up to the Charlotte Lake. On each trip through the main bazaar you purchase some of its attractions - care and leather articles, hats, chappals and the irresistible chikki loved by young and old alike.
MTDC provides accommodation facilities, the total capacity being 83.

Situated 6 kilometres south of Malvan and 546 kilometres from Mumbai on the coast of Maharashtra is Tarkarli. The major attraction here is the long and narrow stretch of beach, with its pristine water. On a clear day, you can see the sea bed through a depth of 20 feet. Then of course there are the forts.
l Sindhudurg Fort, a symbol of Maratha naval dominance is situated about 2 km out at sea, off the coast of Tarkarli. Covering 48 acres, Sindhudurg Fort has a 2-mile long rampart wall, 30 feet high and 12 feet thick. Visit the Shivarajeshwar Temple.
l More forts were set up in the neighbouring island of Padmagad and on the mainland of Rajkot and Sarjekot.
l The Sarjekot fort is located about 2 km north of Rajkot, a little beyond Kolamb Creek in Revandi village. It was constructed by Shivaji in 1668, on a hillock at the mouth of the Kalavali Creek, on its south bank. The creek, which extends seven miles north to Masure and then to the north-east, reaching Maland, was once navigable. It was ideal for anchoring and shipbuilding and was also a safe haven for pirates.
l In the process of fortifying Sindhudurg, many more forts like Bhagavantagad, Bharatgad, Nivti and Yashavantgad came into being. Strategically located, they guarded against enemy invasions in the region.
l Tarkarli Creek is home to a variety of local and migratory birds and rare aquatic life. It’s also a major attraction for fishing enthusiasts.
l Deo Baug beach is a few kilometers away from Tarkarli, a good place to unwind and relax, while watching seagulls overhead.
l Located about 20 km from Malvan, Dhamapur Lake offers boating and other water sports facilities. The lake’s clean, crystal clear waters are absolutely irresistible.
While in Tarkarli, make sure to visit the restaurant for the delectable cuisine and experience something unusual - staying in MTDC’s inviting Konkani Huts.
The MTDC resort at Tarkali has Konkani House AC and Non-AC rooms along with Deluxe Bamboo House AC Rooms. Luxurious house boats are also available for dream journeys.