| - By Megha Chaturvedi
In Thane district, yet another virgin unspoilt resort is
Jawahar. Far from the maddening crowd, Jawahar is one of the
lesser know hill station retreats of the state. Rich in scenic
beauty with striking dales, forest and a pleasant climate,
Jawahar is the ultimate destination for a relaxing weekend.
At an altitude of 518 m. the temperature in Jawhar stays between
25°C to 30° C.
Located 180 kilometers from Mumbai, Jawahar is the settle
of the Warli tribe, famous for their paintings. Known as the
Mahabaleshwar of Thane district, Jawahar is steeped in history
and culture
Prime Attractions
Jai Vilas Palace: Jawhar was a princely
state during the British rule. It was ruled by the Munke family.
Tourists can visit Jai Vilas, the Palace of the tribal lords
that offers an exclusive opportunity to depict and enlighten
with the tribal way of life.
Normally not open to the public but if one pesters the caretaker
he generally obliges to show the massive palace with 80 rooms.
Bhupatgad: The Relics of Bhupatgad, a small
fort are also worth a visit.
Waterfalls: Tinted in different shades of
green, the place is vibrant and is abuzz with abundant waterfalls.
The thundering gush of Dadar-Kopra Falls is a splendid sight.
Situated on the way to Jawhar, six kilometers from Vikaramghad
(25 kilometers before Jawahar) is another picnic spot with
a major fall in the region is Palusa. A horse shoe cascade
dropping down more than 30 feet into a vast pool surrounded
by hills is a marvelous veil for water babies.
Other Attractions: Besides the falls, there
region is also known for its historical importance. Chattrapati
Shivaji Maharaj camped at Shirpamal near Jawahar on his way
to Surat. The Morkhud Dam near Vikaramghad and Jai Sagar Lake
at Jawahar are a hit with revelers. In normal weather Hanuman
Point and Sunset Point offer a panoramic view of valleys.
Other places of tourist interest are Jayasagar Dam, Surya
Dam, Kohoj Hill fort, Peshwa temple (about 18km from Vikramghad)
and Mahalaxmi temple.
Best Time to Visit: September to May
How to Get There
Air: Nearest airport from Jawahar is Nashik
at about 80-km.
Rail: Nearest railway station from this
place is Igatpuri 61-km on Central Railway but Nashik is a
convenient railway station. On Western Railway nearest railway
station for Jawahar is Dahanu 65-km.
Road: From Mumbai Jawahar is 180-km away
by road; from Nashik 80-km from Kasa 39-km, and from Trimbakeshwar
56-km. Regular bus services are available from Mumbai, Thane,
Dahanu and Nashik
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