Excursions 
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.
BASSEIN
FORT A 15th Century Portuguese fort, with interesting slights
around it.
ERANGAL 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.
KARNAKLA
BIRD SANCTUARY AND FORT About 150 species of birds have been
spotted here, 30 of which are migratory. The rare Ashy Minive, a native of
the Phillippines, has also been seen here
LION SAFARI PARK/KRISHNAGIRI UPV/SANJAY GANDHI
NATIIONAL 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.
MADH,
MARVE AND MANORI BEACHES By suburban electric train to Malad and
thence 12km, 5.6 and 6.4 respectively by road. Ferry sevices feom Marve
Beach to Mnori Beach are available. Allow full day, Accomodation available.
MATHERAN HILL RESORT A
motorable road has been constructed and is open to light vehicle traffic.
Trains available from Mumbai CST (Victoria Terminus) to Neral and then
toMatheran.
POWAI AND VIHAR LAKES
26.6 and 28 km respectively by suburban electric train to Kurla or Andheri
and thence by road. Buses from Andheri Railway Station on Sunday and
holidays. Allow full day.
TANSA LAKE
By suburban electric train to Afgaon and thence 14.4 km by road .
Allow full day
TULSI LAKE By suburban electric train to
Goregaon and thence 6 km by road. Allow full day.
URAN
SEA-SIDE RESORT 9.6 km by sea Motor Launches available from new
Ferry Wharf. Allow full day.
VAJRESHWARI
HOT SPRINGS/ GANESHPURI ASHRAM By suburban electric train to
Bassein Road and thence 28.9 km by road, or to Thane distance 33.7 km by
road.
VERSOVA BEACH 29km By
suburban electric train to Andheri and thence 5 km by road. Allow half a
day.
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