LONAVALA - Hill Station
Last weekend we travelled to Lonavala and Kandala, Maharashtra for a two-day getaway out of the city. Lonavala and nearby Kandala are "hill stations" in the Western Ghat of India. A hill station is a town located at a higher elevation than the nearby valley or plain. Lonavala is known for the 2000 year-old Buddhist caves. Cut into the side of the mountain, this monastic community was believed to be built here in Lonavala because it was close to major trade routes. Buddhists were associated with early traders - they relied on the donations of merchants for their food, shelter and medicine needs.
"The main cave features a large, intricately carved chaitya, or prayer hall, dating back to the 1st century BC. This is among the largest rock-cut chaityas in India, measuring 45 metres (148 ft) long and up to 14 metres (46 ft) high. The hall features sculptures of both males and females, as well as animals such as lions and elephants." (Wikipedia)
We also did a lot
of trekking up the hillside to see this Lohagad Fort (means "Iron Fort"). It has 4 fortified doors, and parts of the fort also date back 2000 years. It was used up until the 1800s.
We thoroughly enjoyed seeing the greenery of these hill stations. Evidently this is the time of year (Monsoon, end of Monsoon) to visit them since everything is very lush and green, and there are various waterfalls around. It was also great to get out and walk/hike up the hills. As you might expect, there aren't a lot of big stretches of green space to walk in the city of Mumbai.
GANPATI VISARJAN - The Immersion of the Ganesh Idols into the Sea
One event that I was sorry to miss was the immersion of the Ganesh idols into the sea/pond/lake that occurred on Saturday, Sept 29, 10 days after the celebration of Ganesh's birthday. (see last blog). Evidently, this year's festival scored the highest decibel level ever. From 3pm onwards the traffic is basically at a standstill as "floats" of Ganesh idols and their devotees and accompanying drummers journey to the sea to immerse Ganesh.
For additional pictures of this event, go to
5m5.in/2012Oct01Album
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| Panoramic Photo by Sam and iPhone "Panorama Free" |
Last weekend we travelled to Lonavala and Kandala, Maharashtra for a two-day getaway out of the city. Lonavala and nearby Kandala are "hill stations" in the Western Ghat of India. A hill station is a town located at a higher elevation than the nearby valley or plain. Lonavala is known for the 2000 year-old Buddhist caves. Cut into the side of the mountain, this monastic community was believed to be built here in Lonavala because it was close to major trade routes. Buddhists were associated with early traders - they relied on the donations of merchants for their food, shelter and medicine needs.
"The main cave features a large, intricately carved chaitya, or prayer hall, dating back to the 1st century BC. This is among the largest rock-cut chaityas in India, measuring 45 metres (148 ft) long and up to 14 metres (46 ft) high. The hall features sculptures of both males and females, as well as animals such as lions and elephants." (Wikipedia)
 |
| MAIN CAVE - CHAITYA |
We also did a lot
of trekking up the hillside to see this Lohagad Fort (means "Iron Fort"). It has 4 fortified doors, and parts of the fort also date back 2000 years. It was used up until the 1800s.
We thoroughly enjoyed seeing the greenery of these hill stations. Evidently this is the time of year (Monsoon, end of Monsoon) to visit them since everything is very lush and green, and there are various waterfalls around. It was also great to get out and walk/hike up the hills. As you might expect, there aren't a lot of big stretches of green space to walk in the city of Mumbai.
GANPATI VISARJAN - The Immersion of the Ganesh Idols into the Sea
 |
| GANPATI VISARJAN |
For additional pictures of this event, go to
5m5.in/2012Oct01Album
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