Panakh Tours & Travels

The twin hill resorts of Khandala and Lonavala have a special attraction for the Mumbai crowd seeking a convenient weekend holiday in the hills.

A mere 3 hours by road from Mumbai, beautifully landscaped Lonavala and Khandala are famous for their seemingly innumerable varieties of chikki, But they also offer many sites worth visiting. Trekking Is a good way to get around. but having a vehicle (even a bicycle) is still better. as some points of interest are quite some distance from the main towns.

The Pench National Park and Tiger Reserve extends over an area of 257 sq. km. in the lower southern reaches of the Satpura hill ranges, along the northern boundary of Nagpur District.lt was declared a National Park by the Government of Maharashtra in 1975 and received the official status of "Tiger Reserve of lndia" in February' 1999.

The park gets its name from the Pench River. which meanders through it like a mammoth python, dividing it down the center. Rich in its biodiversity, its terrain defined by hills. valleys and the occasional precipitous slope. Pench is an important ecosystem supporting an abundance of flora and fauna, including a rich variety of aquatic life.

Ganapatipule is one of the most spectacular beaches along the Konkan Coast - an idyllic getaway that attracts peace-seekers, beach lovers, and pilgrims alike.

The temple of Swayambhu (self-originated) Ganesh is much frequented by thousands every year, The God is considered to be the Paschim Dwardevta (Western Sentinel God of India), and those who vislt Ganapatipule, make It a point to pay their respects to this great deity.

Aside from its clean beach and clear waters, Ganapatipule is rich in flora, including mangroves and coconut palms. Here. you can leave the hectic world behind as you laze around on golden sands or explore the many trails that lead from the beach.

The reservoir of Khekranata lies amidst the lush forests of the Khapa Range. In the north-eastern Vldarbha region. Just 55 kms from Nagpur On the Chhlndwara Road. near Khapa. this spot Is ideal for setting up base camp for an invigorating trek through the rugged. low-lying hills that surround the reservoir.

Indeed. there Is much to see and Imbibe. There Is a wide variety of nora and fauna - including the occasional tiger- that will intrigue wildlife enthusiasts and scientists alike. The Shivs temple. located in a natural cave, is also worth a visit.

Soaring peaks, Breathtaking valleys, Lush flora. Cool, crisp mountain air. This is 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. lndeed, 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 Mahabaleshwar with its hotels, shops, restaurants, outlying bungalows, government offices, and jostling crowds.

Matheran is truly what it means: Forest on Top. This lush, green hill station, at an attitude of 800 mts, is close to Mumbai. but starkly contrasts with the latter in terms of life. nature and environment Ever since Hugh Malet. the then collector of Thane District chanced upon it during one of his expeditions in 1850. it has remained a popular weekend geteway with the city crowd.

Matheran is perhaps Asia's only hill station Where there is a total ban on all types of motor vehicles within the town limits. This concerted effort to curb noise and environmental pollution has made Matheran an unbelievably tranquil respite. and a walker's delight. Just follow the red mud tracks and Zig-tag trails and you will come to point after point offering panoramic views of the plains below. in fact, on a clear day you can see (and supposedly even hear) far-away Mumbai from Porcupine Point or Louisa Point.