INDIAN
TRAVEL GUIDE
Western
India Travel Guide
AHEMDABAD
Ahmedabad
blends harmoniously an ancient heritage with a vibrant present. The city's prosperous
and eventful past and present is embodied in its rich kaleidoscope of history,
art and culture, rich architecture and imposing monuments. Tourists can visit
Ahmedabad throughout the year.
AURANGABAD
The city has come a long way since it was founded by Moghul emperor, Aurangzeb.
Today, it is known for some of the finest colleges and university in Maharashtra.
And it is the fastest growing industrial town in India. But the charm and glory
of its long past has not been lost. And its heritage is rich and varied - the
result of the artistic and cultural influences of several dynasties since its
first Stone Age inhabitants.
AJANTA
About 107 kms. from the city of Aurangabad, the rock-cut caves of Ajanta nestle
in a panoramic gorge, in the form of a gigantic horseshoe.
Among the finest examples of some of the earliest Buddhist architecture, caves-paintings
and sculptures, these caves comprise Chaitya Halls, or shrines, dedicated to
Lord Buddha and Viharas, or monasteries, used by Buddhist monks for meditation
and the study of Buddhist teachings.
ELLORA
The cave temples and monasteries at Ellora, excavated out of the vertical face
of an escarpment, are 26 kms. north of Aurangabad. Extending in a linear arrangement,
the 34 caves contain Buddhist Chaityas, or halls of worship, and Viharas, or
monasteries, Hindu and Jian temples.
Spanning a period of about 600 years between the 5th and 11th century AD, the
earliest excavation here is of the Dhumar Lena (cave 29). The most imposing
excavation is, without doubt, that of the magnificent Kailasa Temple (Cave 16)
which is the largest single monolithic structure in the world. Interestingly,
Ellora, unlike the site of Ajanta, was never 'rediscovered'. Known as Verul
in ancient times, it has continuously attracted pilgrims through the centuries
to the present day.
GOA
Goa which was liberated on 19th December, 1961 alongwhh Daman and Diu from 451
years Portuguese Colonial Rule, became the 25th State of the Indian Union when
it was conferred Statehood on 30th May, 1987. The State of Goa has a Legislative
Assembly with a strength of 40 elected members. Besides, Goa has three elected
representatives in the Central Parliament. The Governor is the Head of the State
and is advised by a Council of Ministers headed by Chief Minister. However,
for administrative purposes, the State has been divided into two districts:
North Goa and South Goa with headquarters at
Panaji and Margao respectively, and six divisions comprising 11 Talukas.
MUMBAI
The enigmatic city of Mumbai was a cluster of seven islands of Koli fishermen
who lived on the shores of the Arabian Sea and worshipped Mumbadevi. Hence,
the place got the name Mumbai. Mumbai was given by Portuguese as dowry to Charles
II of England when he married Catherine. The group of seven island was leased
to the East India Company who offered freedom of business and religion to persons
who came and settled here. Initially a few Parsis and Gujarati came but soon
a sizeable population began to thrive here. This was way back in the 17th century.
Today also Mumbai is a city of migrants. People from all over the country have
come and settled here. This gives the society of Mumbai a multi-lingual and
multi-cultural colour.
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