Page 22 - Seniors Today - June 2021 Issue
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refuge in the Sahyadri Hills has over 30 Once a summer retreat for British officials,
vantage points overlooking the magnificent Panchgani boasts of beautiful colonial period
Western Ghats. Don’t feel that you are getting cottages amidst lush forests of silver oaks. It
into a prickly spot, if you head towards is also famous for the fancy schools providing
Porcupine Point! More aptly known as international quality education.
Panorama Point, it is actually the perfect place
to witness gorgeous sunsets. Avid hikers Beaches
should head out to the ruins of Prabalgad Fort Equally stunning are the beaches. Unknown
through the densely forested route to enjoy it’s beaches such as Kashid, Ganeshgule,
rich bio-diversity. Those with a sweet tooth Ganpatipule and Mandwa are so spectacular
will love Matheran’s famous hard candy – that one can spend weeks touring the area.
chikki. The sea forts along the coast line like Janjira
The twin hill stations of Lonavla and and Sindhudurgadd to the allure.
Khandala– also in the Sahyadri ranges – are Along the Konkan Coast, Ganpatipule is
a favourite monsoon tourist destination. known for three things – pristine beaches,
Lonavla- home to INS Shivaji, the Indian sparkling waters, and a temple dedicated
Navy’s Premier Technical Training Institute. to Lord Ganesha. The 400- years old
is conveniently accessible by air, rail and Swayambhu Temple attracts pilgrims who
road - through the well-connected Mumbai- often stay back to enjoy the lovely, sleepy
Pune Expressway. A trip to these hill stations seaside town. Apart from the beautiful beach,
can be combined with sight-seeing visits of you can visit the clifftopJaigad Fort, enjoy
various caves and fortresses, amongst other watersports and indulge yourself to the
things of interest. Adventure lovers are spoilt delicious Konkan food.
for choice with options of trekking (including Malvan is a beachside town where you can
night treks), camping, photography trips, and do scuba diving or just laze around on the
waterfall rappelling. pristine beach. You could also explore the
The ancient Buddhist shrines carved out of stunning seaside Sindhudurg and Padmagarh
rock - Karla Caves and the Bhaja Caves are Forts. Apart from Malvan, Maharashtra’s
famous for the intricate relief sculptures and Tarkali Beach and VengurlaMalvan Beach are
massive pillars. In the vicinity you can visit he famous for their white sand and crystal clear
imposing Lohagad Fort and Bhushi Dam. waters.
Nestled in the picturesque Western Ghats, If you are a wildlife enthusiast, head out
Mahabaleshwar is equally known for its to the small eco-village of Velas to see the
captivating natural beauty as it is for the amazing sight of the endangered Olive Ridley
ancient temples as well a British architecture, turtles who lay their eggs on this beach.
making it the most sought-after weekend Although during hatching season, visitors are
getaways from Mumbai and Pune. This allowed on the beach during hatching season
enchanting hill station offers attractive during specific hours only to promote the
options to avid travelers as well as nature well-being of the turtle hatchlings. Worth a
lovers. Take time out to bask in the sun while visit!
feasting your eyes on the captivating slopes Vasai’s Bassein Beach located close to
and stunning views, and relishing the fresh Nalasopara, is less than 2 hours by train from
strawberries YOU have picked! Mumbai. This spotless beach entices you to
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