Saturday, December 8, 2012

TRAVEL SPECIAL.... QUICK GETAWAY



TRAVEL QUICK GETAWAY

FROM MUMBAI: JUNNAR: 153 KMS, 3 HRS, 30 DEGREES APPROX
    
Junnar is situated in the Pune district. It is an ancient cave city and quite popular with tourists. One can visit the Shivneri Fort, the birth place of Shivaji Maharaj, which is located close to this city. Junnar is also home to scenic ghats like Darya Ghat, Nane Ghat and Malshej Ghat. Some of these are used as family picnic spots as well. Among the caves, the most frequented ones are Tulija Lena and Ganesh Lena. These caves were discovered between second century B.C and third century A.D. Here’s a little more about them: Tulija Lena Caves: The Chaitya hall here is quite a sight. The ceiling is in the form of a circular dome and several special chaityas are found inside the caves.
    Manmodi Lena: These caves have immense
    archaeological importance and hence attract curious visitors all the time. Ganesh Lena Caves: The most famous of the three caves, it is known for chaityas and cells. The chaitya in cave number six is said to be truly an attraction.
By road: Take NH 222 to proceed. By rail: Pune is a convenient railhead to get to Junnar.

FROM BANGALORE: KODAGU, 252 KMS, 4.5 HRS, 20 DEGREES APPROX
    
It’s amazing how coffee is steadily being lauded as the new-age corporate beverage. And when it can be sipped on while strolling in a picturesque coffee estate and a coffee expert giving details about Arabiata and Robusta (types of coffee), the trail can be informative and indeed loads of fun.
    Kodagu, the erstwhile Coorg is a haven of coffee plantations, where coffee trails are now gaining popularity. These estates offer good home stay and resort facilities for
weekend lovers.
    An ideal place to go off-roading with family, Kodagu enjoys a green, fresh and cool weather away from the road blocks of Bangalore.
    With several places to ‘pit stop’ during your drive, don’t forget to indulge in some traditional bites such as Mudde Idli, which is steamed rawa idli in a banana leaf covering. Served with yummy coconut chutney and sambar, it’s light on the stomach and an instant hit with kids. The filter coffee is a must-try. Apart from traditional eateries enroute to Kodagu, many international fast food chains have opened, making it an ideal place to stop by for a few minutes to refresh and then continue on the road journey.
By Road: Take NICE road or Bangalore-Mysore Highway. By Rail: The nearest railway station is Mysore, about 55 kms away. Places to stay: Honey Pot Homes, Tamara Resort and Orange County. FROM DELHI: MEERUT: 88 KMS, 1 HRS, 30 MINS, 23 DEGREES, APPROX
    Meerut has a number of places that can be covered with the entire family in tow. One must visit Hastinapur, which is also mentioned in the Mahabharata. Today Hastinapur is more known for the Jain temples in its midst. The Shwetambar temple has recently been renovated. Augarnath temple is located at the site where the 1857 war soldiers had planned their operations. The old temple has now been replaced with a new version and it also has a memorial built to honour the martyrs of this war. Augarnath temple is locally famous as Kalipaltan mandir. Another important religious structure here is that of the Jama Masjid, that is even older than the Qutb Minar. It is often referred to as the first masjid in North India. Visit Gandhi Bagh and unwind with family and friends. The musical fountain show, held every evening is another attraction.
By Road: Get onto NH 58 to proceed to Meerut. By Rail: Get off at Meerut Railway Station and explore the city.


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