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.
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.
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.
