Maharashtra - Tourism - Forts @ whatisindia.com

FORTS
Daulatabad
Rising dramatically over 600 ft above the Deccan plain is the arresting sight of Daulatabad. Once known as Devgiri, this fort served as the head quarters of the powerful Yadava rulers. In the 13th century, Mohammed bin Tughlak, the Sultan of Delhi, made it his capital and renamed it Daulatabad, or City of Fortune.

One of the world's best preserved forts of medieval times, surviving virtually unaltered, Daulatabad still displays many of the internal contrivances that made it invincible. A series of secret, quizzical subterranean passages lie amidst the fort. Its defense systems comprised fortifications of double and even triple rows of massive walls. A fortress conquered only by treachery!

The most notable structures at Daulatabad are the Chand Minar, Jami Masjid and royal palaces. The tapering 30-metre high tower of the Chand Minar is divided into four storeys, and was faced with glazed tiles and carved motifs. The Minar probably served as a prayer hall or a victory monument in its time. The Jami Masjid was a mosque built by the Khilji ruler of Delhi, Qutubuddin Mubarak. The palaces consist of spacious halls, pavilions and courtyards. The fort is open till 6 pm.

How to get there
Air: Aurangabad is the gateway to the region, and is generally where you would arrive or depart from. Aurangabad airport is conveniently located, around 10 kms east of the town, and is directly air-linked to Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur and Udaipur.
Rail: Aurangabad is well connected to Mumbai and other cities. There are two trains that depart daily from Mumbai. The Tapovan Express leaves Mumbai early morning arriving in Aurangabad by late afternoon, while the Devgiri Express is an overnight train.
Road: Daulatabad Fort is a part of the MTDC tour to Ellora from Aurangabad, but it can be accessed by private taxi or by the local bus that runs between Aurangabad and Ellora.
Accommadation: There are several luxury and budget hotels in and around Aurangabad city. The MTDC has a tourist lodge, near the Aurangabad railway station. There is also a youth hostel in the city.

Gavilgad
Shrouded in mist and myths is the Gavali tribal fort of Gavilgad or Gavaligad, on the Chikhaldara plateau, now under the Melghat Tiger Project. Featured in the epic, the Mahabharata, this is the place where Bheema killed the villainous Keechaka in a herculean bout and then threw him into the valley. It thus came to be known as Keechakadara -- Chikhaldara is its corruption. At Gavilgad, the bloody history continues, though the serenity of the dense forests around it camouflage the turbulent past.

Built by the Gavlis, or cowherds in the 12th/13th centuries, the fort was occupied later by the mighty Gonds, the last of the sub-continental powers to fall to the Mughals. Today although no signs of dramatic battle remain, the fort walls and ramparts still stand. Four gates guard the strategic entrances with only a cool wind whistling past them. There is no trace of the tunnel, reputedly linking it to the nearby Gond fort at Narnala. You could trek to Narnala, or drive through the thick forest to discover yet another blend of Gond and Mughal influence.

How to get there: The nearest railhead is Badnera on the Central Railway branch line, 110 kms. Chikhaldara, 763 kms from Mumbai, is connected to most major cities by road. Regular ST buses connect Chikhaldara to Amravati, Nagpur, Wardha, Akola and other cities.
Accommodation: The MTDC has a resort in a Chikhaldara which includes a convention centre.

Ghodbunder
Beyond the hustle bustle of cities, is an option that’s happily rustic. An option that gives you a panoramic view of the Bassein Creek, Winding Rivers, lofty hills and playful little island fanned by tall palms. And at Ghodbunder Forts, you can relive the excitement of the Portuguese and Maratha occupations.

How to get there
Air: Nearest airport is Mumbai 23 kms.
Rail: Nearest railhead is Borivali, on Western Railway suburban/main line 8 kms.
Road: Mumbai- Ghodbunder, 43 kms. State Transport, Best buses ply from Thane and Borivali to Ghodbunder.
Accommadation: Self-contained rooms (5 blocks).

Murud and Harnai
South of old Harnai fort, the palm-fringed beach of Murud is famous for its clean, white sands and safe waters. Visit the Goa Killa or Harnai Fort, which is built on different levels. See Panhale kazi, the Famous rock-cut monument, 30 kms. from Murud-Harnai. Stay in MTDC’s luxurious huts, and definitely sample the local Konkan cuisine.

How to get there
Air: Nearest airport is Mumbai.
Rail: Nearest railhead is Khed, 45 kms. on Konkan Rly.
Road: Mumbai-Murud-Harnai, 247 kms via Panvel-Pen-Lonere Phata-Dapoli.
State Transport uses ply from Mumbai, Pune, Mahad to Murud-Harnai.
Accommodation: 2/6/8 bedded huts available (Seasonal).

Murud and Janjira
Formerly the capital town of the Siddis of Janjira, Murud is today popular for its alluring beach, whispering casurina, coconut and betel palms and an ancient fort. On a hillock to the north is the shrine of Lord Dattatreya, the three heads representing Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara. Battered on all four sides by sea waves, its strong walls yet standing intact and 40 feet high even at full tide is the majestic island fortress of the Siddis -- Murud-Janjira.

Never conquered by an enemy for over 350 years since its construction by the Ahmednagar rulers under the supervision of their regent Malik Ambar in the 15th century, Murud-Janjira is probably the only impregnable fort on the 720 km Maharashtra coastline. Neither the Portuguese nor the British could subjugate the fort. And the Marathas, despite their repeated attempts failed to subjugate the Siddi power. The palace of the Nawab and the Janjira Caves are also a must for the tourist. And just a few kilometres away are two undiscovered beaches: Nandgaon and Kashid. Nandgaon is famous for its Ganapati temple and the annual fair held in honor of this elephant-headed god every February.

How to get there
Air: Nearest airport is Mumbai, 65 kms.
Rail: Nearest railhead is Roha 50 kms.
Road: Mumbai-Murud-via Revdanda, 165 kms. Pune-Murud via Mahad, 230 kms. Alibag-Murud, 52 kms. State transport buses ply from Mumbai, Pune to Murud.
Accommodation: 2/4/6 bedded self-contained 14 rooms.

Reference:
http://www.maharashtratourism.gov.in/

Home Page

Archives | Links | Search
About Us | Feedback | Guestbook