Excursions in Mumbai
Lion
Safari Park/Krishnagiri Upv/Sanjay Gandhi National Park: The national Park,
also called Krishnagiri Upvan has the Gandhi Smriti Mandir on Pavilion Hill.
The Lion Safari park gives visitors an opportunuity to watch the Indian lion
from special, closed vehicles. The Lion Safari park is open on all days, except
Monday. Closed on Tuesday if Monday happens to be a public holiday.
Elephanta Caves: The Elephanta island is known as Gharapuri (fortress
city). The 7th century cave temple complex, which has been carved out of rock
under two small holls, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and was a flourishing place
of pilgrimage tilla few centuries ago. It has a magnificent 18 feet high, three-headed
bust of Shiva- the Maheshmurti. The main cave, which is known as Elephanta,
is supported by masasiva pillars, each restin gon a supported by massive pillars,
each resing on a square base with fluted shafts. Inside is the main hall housing
sculptures of various gods in the Hinu mythology. This well known tourist spot
is accessible by boat from the Gateway of India.
Erangle Beach
The suburban electric train stops at malad, from where the journey must be made
by road. Hotel accommodation available. Gorai Beach(59km) The nearest railway
station is Borivili. Private shacks are available here.
Juhu Beach: A 5 km long beach fringed with palms and coconut trees, it
is a popular picnic spot and has a number of hotels and restaurants.
Kanheri Caves: Carved out of native rock, the 112 caves that form the
complex are believed to have been occupied by Buddhist monks for nearly a thousand
years, starin g2nd century A.D thus nmaking them one of the oldest rock monasteries
in the country. Caves No. 1,2 and 3 are noteworthy for their massive pillars,
scuptures and stupas.
Chodbunder: The suburban electric train stops at Borivili from where
Chodbunder is 9.6 km by road. It is an enchanting picnic spot.
Kerala Caves: The Buddist rock-cut Chaitya Hall of Karla dates to the
2nd century B. and is said to be the most perfect od its kind. An inscription
at the entrance attribters its excavation to Bhutapal of Vaijayanti. The caves
are approached by a rough path of about 2 km. Sedan chairs available.