The incredible caves of Ajanta are dedicated exclusively to Buddhism. There are around 30 caves here and are divided into 'Chaitya-Grihas' (stupa halls) and 'Viharas' (dwelling halls). Around five of these caves (9, 10, 19, 26 and 29) are 'Chaitya-Grihas'. The rest of the caves are 'Sangharamas' or Viharas (monasteries). The caves 1, 2, 16 and 17 are important from the art point of view. They are great pieces of art compared to the contemporary art world.
These caves have exotic paintings illustrating the life and incarnations of Buddha. The carvings and the paintings of the Ajanta caves tell us about the imagination and creativity of the artist. The murals on the walls of these caves are still in a good condition, maintaining the freshness of the color and spreading vibrancy in the atmosphere. Visitors will definitely enjoy watching these great historical pieces of art.
The Viharas
The Ajanta caves were divided into several viharas (dwelling halls) and chaitya-grihas (stupa halls), scooped out of the sloping rocks in the fifth century CE. The viharas consisted of a broad verandah. The roof of this verandah was supported by pillars and giving towards the interior on to a hall averaging in size about 35 ft. by 20 ft. Also there are dormitories to the left, right and back , opening on to this hall. The number of dormitories varied according to the size of the hall, and in the larger ones pillars supported the roof on all three sides, forming a sort of religious residence running round the hall.
There is also a shrine of lord Buddha in a niche facing the entrance and sometimes facing the subsidiary shrines to the right or left of the entrance. With the help of carvings, the facades of the viharas were decorated and the paintings adorned the walls and ceilings.
The Chaityas
The chaitya-grihas are greater than the viharas. The largest chaitya-grihas being 94 1/2 ft. from the verandah to the back and 41 1/4 ft. across, including the cloister. Earlier, the chaitya-grihas at Ajanta had stupas, but later they had a standing or seated image of the Buddha in front of them.
One of the signs of changing patterns of worship is the bodhisattva cult that was practiced at Ajanta. The Bodhisattvas are heavenly beings on the brink to Buddhahood. It is said that they chose to remain in the world to help others towards salvation. The figures off these bodhisattvas are carved at the entrance of a vihara or chaitya-griha or are painted on walls.
Paintings
The famous wall paintings in Ellora are found in 5 caves, but these paintings are preserved only in Kailasa temple. These paintings were painted in two series, first, at the time of carving the caves and second, after many centuries later. The paintings of the first series show Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. In the later series the main composition is that of a procession of Shaiva holy men. The paintings also show gracefully flying 'Apsaras'. Sadly, very few such murals in the Jain temples are well preserved.
Festival
The MTDC organizes the famous Ellora Festival of classical dance and music at these caves every year in the third week of March.
Conclusion
The Ajanta caves and the treasures they house are a landmark in the overall development of Buddhism as such. It provides a unique opportunity to study the early phases of Buddhist sculpture, painting and architecture, which later influenced artistic traditions in central Asia and Far East.
Reach Ajanta
Air : The nearest airport from these caves is situated in Aurangabad (15 kms). It is a domestic airport.
Rail : Aurangabad is the nearest railway station on South Central Railway Line. Mumbai - Aurangabad via Manmad is 388-km and via Pune it is 400-km.
Road : Aurangabad is a major city of Maharashtra, therefore it is well connected by road. To reach Ellora Caves tourists should take a taxi from Aurangabad. State buses run from Mumbai, Pune, Ahmednagar, Jalgaon, Shirdi, Nasik, Dhule, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Indore and Bijapur to Aurangabad
A Portuguese stronghold till 1739 when the Marathas took over, Bassein Fort is a place you should not miss on your tour of forts in Maharashtra. Standing guard over the Arabian Sea, for centuries it has overlooked the Bassein Beach that thrives as a popular tourist destination and was once an important shipbuilding site.
You can also visit the temples (Vajreshwari Temple) and churches that have survived the beatings of time. Also of historical significance is the capital of Konkan, now a small village near Bassein called Nalasopora. Bassein's wide beaches lined with palm groves, Akoli Hot Springs, and fort ruins resemble the Goan coastline to a large extent and are the ideal place to relax.
FACTS & FIGURES
Built in : 1678
Built by : Prince Azam Shah
Location : Aurangabad
Bibi Ka Maqbara is the tomb of Begum Rabia Durani,wife of Emperor Aurangazeb. The monument is an excellent example of Persian Architecture. The arched aclove surmounted by a swelling dome, the idea had acquired its own reputation in India. Bibi Ka Maqbara is considered to be a poor imitation of Taj Mahal in Agra. The layout and surrounding of the tomb is very much similar to that of Taj but some how the architecture fails to produce the magic of Taj. Nevertheless, the monument has its own charm and has been attracting tourist far & wide.
The Construction
The Bibi-Ka-Maqbara is made mostly of sandstone and has plastered walls (a cost cutting measure), and a marble dome. The expert - Ustad Ata-ullah came from Persia. Bibi Ka Maqbara is known as the South Indian Taj. However, if the delicacy of work is compared, it falls far short of the glory of the Taj at Agra. Below the tomb, lattice works are in marble. However, the lattice work and inlay decorations of flowers and creepers are beautiful. The Masjid is to the west. A high wall with bastions runs around edifice and the recesses have little minarets. The entrance leads to an arch and from this point, a fine view of the structure ahead may be obtained. The pavement that leads to mausoleum is flanked by oblong reservoirs.
Added Attraction
There is a new newest attraction - every October, MTDC celebrates the Bibi Ka Maqbara annual festival.
General View
The interior decoration has nothing comparable with the great architectural wonder at Agra. Yet a comparison apart, Bibi-ka-Maqbara has its own splendour and grace. It is considered as a fine piece of Moghul architecture in the Deccan region.
One of the major attractions of Maharashtra, the Elephanta Caves is located near the metropolitan city of Mumbai. The Elephanta Island is located 10 km away from the Gateway of India. There are various rock cut temples present in these caves, which are as old as 5th century.
The Elephanta Island was named by the Portuguese, after the statue of an elephant near the landing area of the island.
Construction of the Caves
The rock cut temples in Elephanta caves are carved out of rock. There are columns, internal spaces and images within these temples. The whole temple is associated to a big statue. In fact one can walk through the corridors and chambers of this sculptured temple. Created through a process of rock removal, the entire complex is an interesting monument. Some of the rock surfaces here are finely finished whereas some are unfinished bare rock.
There are three entrances to the temple. The eastern and the western entrances mark the axis of the temple. There is a 20 pillared hall that lines the axis, and on its western end is a cell in which a Shivalingam enshrined.
The Mystical Images
The magnificent image of Sadasiva, a manifestation of Shiva, is carved in relief at the end of the north south axis. The stupendous 20 feet high image of the three headed Shiva, known as Trimurthy is a magnificent one. It is regarded as a masterpiece of Indian art. This huge image represents Panchamukha Shiva, whose only three faces are carved into the wall. It attracts your attention just as you enter the temple through the northern entrance.
Along with this image there are grand sculptured images of Kalyanasundara, Gangadhara, Ardhanariswara and Uma Maheswara on the southern wall. Other sculptured images of Nataraja and andhakaasuravadamoorthy are to the west of the northern entrance and the images of Yogiswara and Ravanaanugrahamurthy are to its east.
Reach Elephanta Caves
The Elephanta Island can be reached only by boat. Ferry rides are available from the Gateway of India and it takes just 15 minutes to reach the Elephanta Island. It is one of the most adventurous ride as the boat cruise up and down the wavy sea making it a life time experience.
Haji Ali Mosque
This mosque is located in the causeway protruding into the Arabian Sea. The white mosque is the tomb of Saint Haji Ali. Haji Ali was a rich Muslim who renounced the world and proceeded to Mecca. It is said that he died in Mecca and the casket miraculously drifted and came to the spot where the mosque is built toady.
Jehangir Art Gallery is situated at Kala Ghoda locality of Mumbai, Maharashtra. Constructed in 1952, this art gallery is the most prestigious and modern place for Indian artistes in the city. There are four demonstration halls to exhibit the work of art here.
There is massive rush of artistes in this gallery to show one's works. Many of the artistes have to pass the time a couple of years to exhibit their works in this gallery. The gallery has a huge media notice and coverage.
Donated by Cawasji Jehangir, Jehangir Art Galleryis it is managed by the Bombay Art Society. The building of the gallery is an vast gorgeous mansion. Jehangir Art Gallery is one of the Mumbai's well-known art galleries.
22 Kms. From Aurangabad. Khuldabad is called the "Valley of the Saints" because of a large-scale Sufi migration to this spot a number of hundred years ago.
It is a sacred shrine for the Muslims and contains the tomb of the last Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb. The Urs celebrated here for five days is a very well-known fair and gathers a large number of Muslims.
Legends about Mastani and her presumed stay at Shaniwar Wada apart, it is most certain that Bajirao I did build for her a palace at Kothrud. Laying waste in the wilderness, the Mahal was recreated by Pune's 'Kaka' Dinkar Kelkar. An avid art collector, 'Kaka' transplanted the fine wooden pillars and wall paintings to his museum at Pune.
The living room of the Wada as assembled in the same style from the original woodwork here reveals the intricate architecture and woodcarving as well as wall paintings. The superb furnishings evoke the atmosphere of the home of Mastani,whose portrait on glass is also present in the museum
National Maritime Museum is situated in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The museum conserve the historical assets of India obtained from other countries and models of ships built in Mumbai. The Indian Navy set up the museum for this purpose.
Mumbai port is one of the busiest ports of India, handling approximately 40% of India's maritime trade. British developed this natural harbor port. Mumbai is well associated by air, rail and road with any part of India.
Prince of Wales Museum King George V, who as Prince of Wales, laid the foundation stone of this museum in 1905. Situated near the gateway of India, it was designed in the indo-Saracenic style to commemorate the King's first visit to India.
During the First World War, it was used as a hospital. It was opened as a museum in 1923 and has three main sections: Art, Archaeology and Natural History.
One of the best museums in the country, it is a treasure house of art, sculpture, China, rare coins and old firearms. It also has a priceless collection of miniature paintings.
The major endeavour of the Art section at the museum was to develop its collection of Indian paintings so that it represents the different styles and phases. Consequently the collection presents the evolution of painting in India, ranging between 11th and 12th century illustrated palm leaf manuscripts to early 19th century Pahari paintings. Exquisite examples of all the main schools of miniature painting are on view, Rajput, Mughal, Pahari, and Deccani Each school with its characteristic style has its own delicacy of form and colour.
The glistering white marble dome crowning this building can be sighted from a distance as it lies nestled amidst a well-laid out garden.
Shahaji Chhatrapati Museum is at fresh Palace in Kolhapur, Maharashtra. Curious and interesting set from the possessions of Maharaja Shahaji Chhatrapati like guns, trophies and clothes are potted here.
The Maharaja was died freshly died in 1983. British architect Charles Mant designed the New Palace in 1881 in the Indo-Sarcenic style. The museum also has large, brilliant weapons collection, including a gold-plated, double-barreled shotgun, some swords, and other guns.
There is also one of Aurangzeb's swords at the Shahaji Chhatrapati Museum. Kolhapur is well associated by air, rail and road with major cities of India. Hotels are existing in Kolhapur
Taraporewala Aquarium (Mumbai)
Taraporewala Aquarium is at crowded locality of Marine Drive in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It has nautical life and rare kind of fishes and beautiful pearl jewellery.
The aquarium has plans to renovate shortly into a high-tech Aquarium with special attractions like glass vision sea-world and an underwater sea walk.
The first President of free India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad officially opened it in 1951. The Aquarium has sea life like shark, octopus, kite fish, corals, worms, sea flower, sea horses, pearls and shells. Articles crafted from shells and pearls are also displayed here.
Mumbai is well linked by air, rail and road with major cities of India.
Taraporewala Aquarium is at crowded locality of Marine Drive in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It has nautical life and rare kind of fishes and beautiful pearl jewellery.
The aquarium has plans to renovate shortly into a high-tech Aquarium with special attractions like glass vision sea-world and an underwater sea walk.
The first President of free India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad officially opened it in 1951. The Aquarium has sea life like shark, octopus, kite fish, corals, worms, sea flower, sea horses, pearls and shells. Articles crafted from shells and pearls are also displayed here.
Mumbai is well linked by air, rail and road with major cities of India.
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A major landmark of Mumbai city is the Victoria Terminus, designed in Italian Gothic style by Architect F. W. Stevens. Recently renamed as Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus, it is one of Mumbai's most prominent buildings and architecturally one of the finest stations in the world.
The building construction commenced in 1878 and was completed in 1885. With a frontage of over 1500 feet, The administrative offices form three sides of a rectangle enclosing an ornamental garden and the entrance gate is guarded by a massive stone Lion and Tiger. The most prominent feature of this building is the high 160 feet dome crowning the centre. On top of the giant dome is a statue of a women with a torch held aloft to symbolize progress.
At the top of the central dome stands the triumphant figure of Progress. The station was christened to commemorate Victoria Jubilee Day in 1887 when India's first steam engine puffed out to neighboring Thane, about 45 kms away. Today it has been rechristened Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus after the Maratha warrior. And the old steam engines have been replaced by electric ones. But to the 2.5 million commuters who push past its massive portals everyday, this is still VT, the pulse of a throbbing city.
Once naval bases, Vijaydurg and Sindhudurg bear testimony to Maharashtra's martial supremacy during Shivaji's reign. Vijaydurg or Victory Fort was strengthened around the seventeenth century by Shivaji, to whom it owes its finest features -- the triple line of walls, the numerous towers and the massive interior buildings.
Once seized by the British and renamed Fort Augustus, Sindhudurg or the Ocean Fort at Malvan port has history etched all over. Constructed by Shivaji in 1664, at a site personally selected by him. The construction of a sea fort is a stupendous task, and at Sindhudurg no efforts were spared. Over 2000 khandis (4000 mounds) of iron were used for casting and the foundation stones were laid down firmly in lead.
Tourism of Central India can also customize your tour to the Forts in Maharashtra, to include other stunning forts in Maharashtra namely Daulatabad, Gavilgad, Ghodbunder, Murud-Harnai and Sinhagad. We can also club your tour with beaches in Maharashtra tours so that you can have an enriching and entertaining vacation in Maharashtra.
Even today, as one approaches the fort past a rocky reef, navigable through a narrow channel, one marvels at the transportation of such heavy material through such choppy waters. Within its precincts are temples holding the shrines of Maruti, Bhavani, Mahadeo, Jarimai, Mahapurush and also of Shivaji -- the only such shrine in the country. As for Vijaydurg and Sindhudurg beaches, they offer the visitor one of the most serene and beautiful coastal views in India.
Bombay Natural History Society
This private institution was established in 1883, A unique centre, its behavior are manifold and involve publications like the Journal of Bombay Natural History Society, usual newsletters and books on Indian animals, birds and nature.
The exhibits include replicas and specimens of vertebrates and insects, mammals, birds, reptiles amphibians and fishes, all from the Indian subcontinent. However, the BNHS is not open to public and interested visitors should seek prior permission for admission.
Flora fountain stands at a busy five-point intersection in the heart of the comercial fort area. The beautifully sculptured fountain was erected in the memory of the Governer, Sir Henery Bartle Edward Frere, as a tribute for his contribution towards the building of Mumbai.
This fountain, located in the heart of the city, was built in 1869 in honour of Sir Bartle Frere, who was governor of Mumbai from 1862-67. Flora Fountain marks a junction of five streets and is referred as the 'Piccadilly Circus' of Mumbai. Decorated with mythological figures, the fountain is a stone structure with a sculpture of the Roman Goddess of abundance, at the top. Many of the major banks and offices are located in Flora Fountain. Close to the fountain is the Cathedral of St. Thomas. The construction of the chapel began in 1672 and completed in 1718.
In its present renovated avatar, a formation of the Pune Municipal Corporation in 1983, the Lal Mahal resembles more a sandstone- red palace, than a traditional Wada. Historians assume it to have been built by Dadaji Konddev in 1640, two years after he had ownership of the city from the Adilshahi Sultans.Konddev brought Shivaji up here, and hence the modern structure built accords pride of place to a marble bust of Jijabai.
It was also in this configuration that the Mughal general Shaista Khan sent by his king and nephew Aurangazeb to end Shivaji's political power lost three fingers while trying to escape through the window on being taken by surprise by a small band of Maratha soldiers in the dark of the night.
Nehru Science Centre exhibits actively involve the visitor in discovering information through participation in the demonstration process. A huge sprawling four storeyed building houses the nine galleries. The hexagonal gallery, Science for Children, has an assortment of exhibits where children play with soap bubbles, primary colours, geometrical shapes and forms, tricky, puzzles, all of which make science learning a tun thing.
Sound and Hearing and Light and Sight are specialized galleries and clarify how sound is formed and heard, what resonance is, interference, echo, musical notes, the properties of Ught and colour, use of lenses, complexity of the human eye. A small gallery deals with life sciences and the evolution of man. Here a transparent woman, a mannequin, explains to visitors about the human anatomy.
Discovery and computers are highly popular. The science park gives visitors a chance to experiment with exhibits, press levers, turn wheels, roll balls, pull strings and look through periscopes and telescopes. S.ciimce at the Centre is not a dry, theoretical subject. Instead, through inspection, involvement and other related behavior scientific awareness and formulae is inculcated in children.
This is the very heart of Maratha country -- Raigad, the capital of Shivaji's kingdom. Strategically perched atop a wedge-shaped block of hill, split off from the Western Ghats and inaccessible from three sides. Stories of incredible valour and heroic deeds are etched on every pebble at Raigad.
It was here that Shivaji built his capital city in the 14th century, and here that he crowned himself Chhatrapati. For six years up to his death, Raigad remained the capital of the Marathas with its broad gates and magnificent monuments. There was only one pathway leading to the top, and prizes were offered to those who scaled the fort through unconventional methods. Though parts of Raigad are in ruins, yet they inspire an aura of grandeur.
Shivaji's impregnable capital, the place where he was crowed and where he died. Besides the fort, you'll find his samadhi and the remains of his palace.
For its immence beauty, Raigad remains a hiker's paradice.The formidable Pratapgad fort with its equestrian statue of shivaji is an interesting excursion.
You can also visit Gangasagar Lake or worship at the nearby Jagadishwar Temple or pay your respects to the great Maratha warrior at his Samadhi.
For Trekking
There are many interesting routes to Raigad, varying from the relatively easy to the challenging. The path starts from Pachad, 24 kms from Mahad, a shallow sea port on the banks of the Savitri River. Raigad can also be an adventure-filled day excursion from the hill station of Mahabaleshwar or from Pune.
Places to see near by
Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum is in Pune, Maharashtra. The museum has nearly around 20,000 collections of objects paintings, handicrafts, armour-suits, musical instruments and many other objects of art and artifacts collected from all over the world. The building has been designed in a Rajasthani-style, but the galleries give a clear depiction of the life and culture of the Marathas.
Dinkar Kelkar spent almost 60 years traveling and purchasing objects from the remote areas and towns of India. Dividing into 36 sections, the collections are confined mostly to everyday life like pots, lamps, containers, nutcrackers, pen stands. 'Mastani Mahal' is regarded to be the masterpiece to this museum, which was erected here in its original form.
The wood carvings include carved wooden doors and windows from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka and Kerala. The metal objects include locks, ink pots, ritual bowls and nutcrackers. There are also an assortment of oil lamns in and copper. Another collection is of the paintings from addition is the section on women, which depicts their important role in Indian society.
Articles belonging to Mughal and Maratha periods that date back to 17th century are displayed at Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum. Musical instruments, metalwork, exquisite chitrakathi Paintings and a unique lock collection are the other attractions of the museum.
Getting There
Air : Nearest airport is Pune 126 kms.
Rail : Nearest railhead is Pune.
Road : Mumbai-Raigad 210 kms. via Mahad. Pune-Raigad 126 kms. Mahad-Raigad 27 kms. State Transport buses ply from Mumbai, Kolhapur and Pune to Ratnagiri and also from Ratnagiri to Pawas via Bhatye.
Hello..Thanks for sharing detailed information about various popular tourist attractions in Mumbai. Taraporewala aquarium is one of best choice for people who love sea world. Check Taraporewala Aquarium timings and plan a visit accordingly.
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