Lonavala

Lonavla or Lonavala (Marathi: लोणावळा) is a hill station in Pune district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is about 64 km away from the city of Pune and 96 km away from the city Mumbai. It is famous throughout India for the hard candy sweet known as Chikki and is also a major stop on the rail line connecting Mumbai and Pune.For Mumbai suburbs local trains are available from Karjat It is also an important town on the Mumbai-Pune road link. Both the Mumbai-Pune Expressway as well as the Mumbai-Pune highway pass through Lonavla.

Lonavala is an epic poem created by God. Beautiful mountain ranges trying to reach the sky are sites that please the human mind and give an experience of heavenly pleasure. The morning sun rising over here appears as if it is sprinkling rose water all over. Chirping birds gently awaken oneself and all of this makes it a really Good Morning. The whole place is covered with a thick blanket of fog early in the morning; this is how the day begins here.

Matheran

Matheran was discovered by Hugh Malet in 1850. The British developed Matheran as a popular tourist resort.

At an elevation of around 800m (2,625 ft) above sea level Matheran is a hill station located about 100 km from Mumbai. Matheran literally means jungle on top. All vehicles (Except emergency vehicles) are banned here.

The only modes of transport are on Horseback, by man-pulled rickshaw, or on foot. Every one living in cities needs this sort of change once in a while. Old British-style architecture has been preserved in Matheran and most structures are now heritage structures.

Matheran has been declared an eco sensitive region by the Union Environment Ministry (GoI).

Mahabaleshwar

Mahabaleshwar is located in Satara district and is 65 kms from the Satara City. It is very well known for its scenic beauty, Tapola Lake, Starwberries, Mahabaleshwar Temple, Lush greenery, hosetlised schools and is one of the prominent tourist destinations in Maharashtra.

Mahabaleshwar is situated 4710 feets above the Sea Level and the average rainfall is 250 inches. The Mahabaleshwar city is divided into Kshetra Mahabaleshwar and Mahabaleshwar whichare seperated by 4 kms. There is an ancient temple of Krishnamai in Kshetra Mahabaleshwar. Mahabaleshwar is the origin of the 5 main rivers of South Maharashtra, these are Krishna, Venna, Gayatri, Savitria and Koyna. All the 5 rivires originate from and ancient temple of Panchganga in Kshetra Mahabaleshwar.

There are many "Points" in Mahabaleshwar like Bombay Point, Kates Point, Elphiston Point, Aurthur Seat Poing, Lordweek Point etc. Venna Lake is famous for boating. Lingmala, Chinaman and Dhobi are famous waterfalls in mahabaleshwar.

Other Tourst Destinations Around Mahabaleshwar are Tapola lake, Pratapgarh, Makarandgarh etc.

Best time to visit Mahabaleshwar is Between February and May.

Sajjangad

Sajjandgad is located 16 kms west of Satara City. Its has a rich historical & cultural background which is blessed by the great Maratha King - Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his spiritual guide Samarth Ramdas Swami. This was the place where Samarth Ramdas Swami preached spirituality and politics.

The daily activities here include morning prayers, Abhishek and Puja, Maha Naivedya, Bhajans and reading of the manuscript Dasbodh written by Samarth Ramdas Swami. The main doors of the fort are closed on sunset to sunrise and hence you cannot enter the fort or even exit from the fort during this time.

How to reach Sajjangad - Sajjangad is 16 kms from Satara and can be reached by all vihicles, from there its a walking distance of about 1 km. Regular buses from Swargate ST Stand PUNE and rickshaws or buses from Satara.

Things to Watch - There is a temple of lord Rama and a Math of Shree Samarth Ramdas Swami and mousoleum (Samadhi) of Samarth Ramdas which is managed by Swami Sansthan.

There are 2 lakes Urmodi, and Kaas. Other sight-seeings include the Windmills of Chalkewadi & Thosegar.

Accomodation facalities are also available on the fort.