Great Road Trips Around The World

A driving holiday can be just about the most perfect holiday experience you can design - provided you have a comfortable vehicle that is, whether four wheeled or two. Driving holidays and road trips give you the freedom to roam, the chance to discover little visited off-the-beaten-track villages and sights, as well as the opportunity to enjoy it all at your own pace, amidst often spectacular scenery. Serendipity is the watchword here - an advantage of old style travel that is so often lost in the modern era of packages and set itineraries. A driving holiday offers all this and more.

Here's a snapshot of some of the world's most scenic routes, from the white beaches of the Pacific Coast Highway to mountain passes, from ancient pilgrim routes to majestic deserthighways.

Icefields Parkway

The Icefields Parkway follows the heart of the Canadian Rockies from Banff to Jasper and is claimed by Canadians to be the most scenic mountain drive in the world. Some of the planet's great beauty spots are found along here, including Banff, Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, Peyto Lake, Honeymoon Lake and Malign Lake. There are innumerable hiking opportunities in summer but watch out for bears. Winter offers great skiing and the bears are asleep.

Amalfi Coast Road

From the exuberant natural beauty of the mountainous landscape overlooking clear seas to the fine detail of the bright villages and stone churches set into the rock of these hills—the beauty of this region warms all who imbibe of its aesthetic riches. A drive along the Coast Road by car or by motorbike (or Vespa) will bring you into the canvas to experience the tantalising aroma of sun-yellow lemon trees among rock-face communities, local fishermen, rich Mediterraneanfood, old smuggling caves, and dazzling beaches that tempt you seaside. The coastline offerings of Amalfi, Positano, Ravello, Sorrento and their smaller neighbours are breathtakingly self-indulgent.

The Atlantic Road, Norway

The Atlantic Road is an 8 km scenic masterpiece set amidst the hills, lakes and rivers of Norway's fine natural landscape. The road zig-zags across bridges and rock-fills from island to island on the lips of the ocean. There are many lay-bys at which to park and marvel at your surroundings, just several feet from the smooth coastal rocks, with excellent fishingopportunities. Also on view is a plethora of wildlife such as seals and whales, and the less preferable weather conditions can often provide water shows crashing against the rocks as you drive.

Leh-Manali Route, The Himalayas

The route that connects Leh and Manali offers the ultimate mountain-driving expedition. And the ultimate Buddhist pilgrimage too. The route starts in Solang Valley and winds up through the Rohtang Pass along the enchanting River Chandra with wonderful glacier and mountainviews, Buddha statues and 'Free Tibet' signs everywhere. The highway to Baralacha-La provides the most breathtaking landscapes of the Himalayas with meadows set amongst the snow-capped peaks. The route navigates along the Lachung-La Pass and its stunning canyon. Stop by the Thasang Tso—a turqiose lake labelled 'emerald of a queen's necklace' and the medicinal hot springs at Chuma-Thang.

La Ruta Del Che, Bolivia

A wonderfully cultural and historical unpaved route in Bolivia's Andean valleys, the La Ruta Del Che follows Ernesto 'Che' Guevara's final revolution-rousing days. From Santa Cruz to the city of Samaipata, following en route to Vallegrande are the beautiful quaint villages of Pucara, and Quebrada del Churo—Che's last residence. Follow along to Higuera, where Che was eventually captured, and end your journey at the final stop of Vallegrande—a sweet charming town where one can find the hospital's laundry room that served as a display for Che's body for the press and public. Other attractions in Vallegrande include the traditional colonial architecture, the Che museum and the Che memorial, that rests on the recently discovered burial ground before his 1997 Cuban burial.

Scotland's Western Highlands

A wonderful 250 mile trip from Edinburgh to the Isle of Skye with Scottish wildlife abounding is exactly what Scotland's Western Highlands offer. For history and architecture lovers, visit Linlithglow Palace, Stirling Castle, the (William) Wallace Monument, Fort William's West Highland Museum and the wonderful Eilean Donan Castle on Skye. Fresh seafood is a near necessity, especially scallops, mussels and oysters. For nature lovers there are seals and otters, highland cows, hare, foxes, deer and any number of birds. Lochs galore, and the coves andbeaches on the Atlantic at Morar in particular are outstanding with the final destination being the Isle of Skye, with sea cliffs and rocky outcrops. In addition there is an amazing range of great places to stay here, from small family run B&Bs to luxury hotels.

The Alaskan Highway

For beauty, stillness and serenity, the Alaskan Highway claims priority. With little to distract your attention, this drive from British Columbia, through the Yukon and into Alaska will bring you back in touch with the natural world of the deep northern territories of America.

You can swim at Liard Hot Springs, place your own sign(s) and read the others in Sign Forest at Watson Lake, visit reindeer near Whitehorse (Yukon) and Santa Claus House in North Pole. Animal lovers will love the elk, wild sheep, grizzly bears, moose and marmots that often chill out on the highway itself. Marine lovers will favour the otters, dolphins, whales and puffers.

Crossworld Holidays gives the best International Group Tour Pacakges from Thane, Mumbai 

Crossworld Holidays Tours & Travels (IATA approved)

Ground Floor, Ram Smruti,
Opp. to New English School,
Ram Maruti Road, Cross Road,
Thane (W) - 400602, India
Tel:+91 - 22 - 4038 4747 
Fax:+91 - 22 - 2542 3427
E-mail: crossh@gmail.com

November special trips—places you cannot skip

If welcoming winter with a trip is high on your mind, this guide to the most amazing places to visit in November in India is just the thing for you. While the more adventurous ones, eager for some wintry time can head to the stunningly white (if snowfall graces it again)Manali, fun lovers can head to the sunny and welcoming Goa or Jodhpur. Varanasi, too, is a huge hit for that perfect winter trip in November. And, of course, you cannot forget Kerala, the God’s land. Down south, Hampi’s ruins and the very hippie things to do there are another lure. Bodh Gaya is, of course, a great getaway for those seeking spirituality.

Varanasi, by the Ganga ghats

There are many legends associated with the ancient city of Varanasi or Kashi. It is believed that the Hindu god Shiva and his consort Parvati lived here on the banks of the Ganga River. It was here that the rivers Varuna and Assi originated and locked a piece of land that flourished decidedly as a Hindu pilgrimage site, specifically as the holiest cremation spot to attain salvation. Till date, Manikarnika and Harishchand ghats see as many as 200 cremations a day. Beside the association of life and death on the ghats, Varanasi has a number of temples, the Buddhist pilgrimage Sarnath and the adjacent towns of Chunar andRamnagar as veritable sight seeing spots. Though one can spend weeks exploring the temples on the ghats

Jaisalmer, of Rajput tales and more

Sonar Kella, a Bengali movie set in the old city of Jaisalmer and its fort, was my first introduction to the city. I still remember the child-like excitement in me when I got the first glimpse of the place from the train and then from the railway station. It is this view and the camel safari that I recall the most about my first visit to Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. During my successive visits, I got to know that there are many places to visit in Jaisalmer. A visit to this place is not just about various historical monuments scattered all over the city and camels. The beauty of this city, the thrill to live in the heart of the desert, the rare flora and fauna at DesertNational Park, the deserted villages and the stories attached to it, the beautiful temple complexes and most importantly, the love and warmth of the people are what brings me back to this place again and again. Winter months are the best months to be here, but it can be visited anytime between October and March when it is not very hot.

Kerala, of coconut groves and sunsets

Kerala’s backwaters—a network of natural waterways, lagoons and lakes—run parallel to its coast. The rich vegetation, biological diversity and gentle pace of village life in the backwaters leave an indelible impression on visitors. The Alappuzha-Kumarakom stretch is the most popular, but there are several other routes which offer quieter yet equally scenic experiences. The backwaters are synonymous with ‘kettuvallams’—houseboats designed like rice barges—but country canoes and public ferries are interesting options for those looking for some local flavour.

Gulmarg, build a snowman

The country’s premier, and possibly only bonafide ski resort town, Gulmarg and its pine-fringed meadows encircled by Mount Apharwat and surrounding snow-capped mountains have been part of popular culture and Bollywood since aeons. Even today, the ‘meadow of flowers,’ attracts droves of visitors in the summer who come here to ride in the world’s second highest cable car, play golf, and take hack rides to the glaciers at Khilanmarg and further up to Al Pather Lake. In the winter, Gulmarg transforms into a faux Alpine ski resort with its famed powder attracting extreme skiers from across the world. Gulmarg is a four hour drive from Srinagar.

Amritsar, beyond the Golden Temple

Amritsar is a famous tourist destination, which falls under north-west part of Punjab state in north India. It is also known as Ambarsar. Founded in 1577 by the fourth Sikh guru Ram Das, Amritsar has derived its name from Amrit Sarovar, amidst which stands the sacred shrine of Sikhism—the enchanting Golden Temple. Inextricably linked with the history of Sikhism, the city has a rich past encompassing various mythical and historical narratives for centuries. It is a city where one can still feel the vibes of patriotism. An evening witnessing the Indo-Pak grand ceremony at Wagah Border or walking through Jallianwala Bagh, which continues to be the most evocative monument of India’s freedom struggle, Amritsar surely preserves the heritage from pre-independent era. Undoubtedly, the city is amongst the most revered sites but somehow has been limited to few tourist attractions.

Hampi, ruins of a lost city

Hampi is a place like no other and so are the activities that you can indulge in when here. Test yourself at bouldering over the hills, ride a bicycle all across the village, row a coracle in the calm waters of River Tungabhadra, spot some Indian sloth bears or get blessed by an elephant—Hampi has a lot to keep you busy. Watching a sundowner across its famous temple ruins is, of course, a delight.

Manali, nothing like the Himalayas

From the snowy delights of Rohtang Pass to the soothing warmth of the surrounding thermal springs, there are several places to visit in Kullu Manali for nature lovers and thrill seekers. With its picturesque views of snow-clad mountains, river valleys, charming cafesand laidback vibe, this hill station in Himachal Pradesh is an immensely popular vacation spot with both domestic and foreign tourists. Its widespread appeal draws everyone fromadventure sport enthusiasts and vacationing families and honeymoon couples and hippie backpackers. Here are seven places you must visit during your holiday.

Crossworld Holidays gives the best 

Crossworld Holidays Tours & Travels (IATA approved)

Ground Floor, Ram Smruti,
Opp. to New English School,
Ram Maruti Road, Cross Road,
Thane (W) - 400602, India
Tel:+91 - 22 - 4038 4747 
Fax:+91 - 22 - 2542 3427
E-mail: crossh@gmail.com

Party the night away in Singapore

Fire up your Singapore nightlife experience as you hit some of the hottest bars, rooftop clubs and music venues in town. Singapore transforms itself from an ever-so-efficient business hub to a buzzing network of bars and nightclubs as soon as the sun goes down. The choices are endless—from energetic Zouk to quirky stock-market style Beer Market. When it comes to letting your hair down in the after-hours, these hotspots will make sure that sleep is the last thing on your mind.

Pangaea

Word to the wise: Dressing to impress takes on a new meaning here. Play your outfit as cool as your attitude.

Tipple of choice: When money is no object, the 'jewel of Pangea' cocktail (SGD 32,000), which comes with a Mouawad diamond, tastes even better.

Described by its owner, dance club doyen Michael Ault, as "the Ferrari of the nightclub world," Pangaea is a party palace for the super elite. Dripping in safari-themed exotica—from the zebra print bar to crocodile skin sofas—this swanky club is the kind of place James Bond would stop by for a dirty martini after shooting a wild boar.

On a regular Thursday night, however, you'll find a contingent of slick entrepreneurs, visiting celebs and model types, all trying their darnedest to feign disinterest in the occupants of the VIP Dragon's Den.

Velvet Underground

Word to the wise: The exclusive venue is favoured by visiting celebrities so dress to impress.

Located within the Zouk nightclub complex, Velvet Underground is as popular for its funky retro decor as the progressive house sets played by international DJs including soul man Norman Jay and trance luminary Paul Oakenfold.

Pop-art prints by Andy Warhol, Takashi Murakami and their contemporaries adorn the velvet-covered walls of the chic, lounge-style venue, while the Philipe Stark-designed furniture props up stylish patrons grooving to the soft, conversation-friendly tunes.

Beer Market

Get ready for market crashes and bull runs as you enter Singapore’s Beer Market. Inspired by the dynamics of the stock exchange, the bar is a perfect blend of food, music and sports and links the price of alcohol to the stock market’s unpredictable index. And when the exchange crashes due to fluctuating peak periods, everyone gets to take advantage of their favourite drink at a fraction of the cost. Beer Market recreates the buzz a stock market gives—patrons watch the exchange on screens which are adjusted to reflect the customers’ drink demands every half hour. And to top it all, the bar offers a menu so comprehensive that’s it as appealing as the beer itself.

Crazy Elephant Bar

Packed to its wooden rafters with folks looking for a grand ol’ time, Crazy Elephant lives up to its name with pulsating rock music intertwined with smooth groovy blues. The music here is always live, loud and rocking and the wooden décor and graffiti give it a rock authenticity that’s unusual in Singapore. Many a famous rock, blues and pop legend has played at Crazy Elephant, with live performances kicking off at 10 pm every night. Among those who have graced the bar’s stage are Deep Purple, Robbie Williams and Ronan Keating. One of the oldest venues in the Clarke Quay district, Crazy Elephant also welcomes any and all to come up and have a jam session on Sunday nights.

Zouk

The throbbing heart of all the action in Singapore, Zouk is a strobe-lit, rambling warren of dance floors, swagger and seasoned music. Having hosted some of the biggest and most cutting-edge acts around Singapore, the pulsating institution continues to push the boundaries of electronic dance music. Zouk is made up of three clubs and a wine bar, with the main room showcasing techno and house music. The shining new Velvet Underground is more relaxed and exclusive while Phuture is more experimental and racier than the rest. Owing to its competitive global reputation, Zouk has hosted some of the world’s leading DJ’s, from Carl Cox and Paul Oakenfold to the Chemical Brothers and Primal Scream.

Crossworld Holidays gives the best 

Crossworld Holidays Tours & Travels (IATA approved)

Ground Floor, Ram Smruti,
Opp. to New English School,
Ram Maruti Road, Cross Road,
Thane (W) - 400602, India
Tel:+91 - 22 - 4038 4747 
Fax:+91 - 22 - 2542 3427
E-mail: crossh@gmail.com

10 reasons why you should visit the desert city of Jaisalmer

The desert city of Jaisalmer is defined by its golden fort. This grand structure was built by Rawal Jaisal, a ruler of the Bhatti clan of Rajputs, from the 12th century onwards, and later expanded and consolidated by subsequent rulers. Jaisalmer was also an important trading centre for caravans passing through the desert. Today, there are plenty of fairytale sights in and around the city to keep both tourists and their cameras busy. Jaisalmer Fort Perched on top of a small hill, this large fort makes for a mesmerising sight. Also known as the Golden Fort, it is surrounded by a 30 foot high wall, and has over 99 bastions and some imposing gateways or pols. Jain temples This set of seven Jain temples lies inside the walls of the Jaisalmer Fort. They are connected to each other, and are all adorned with intricate carvings of mythological and dancing figures. Patwon-ki-Haveli This ornate haveli is among the most splendid in Jaisalmer. It consists of a set of five houses, which were built by five Jain merchant brothers in the 19th century. Sam Sand Dunes These shifting white sand dunes, located close to the village Sam, are a great way to explore the Thar desert. Salim Singh-ki-Haveli This haveli was built by Salim Singh, the prime minister of Jaisalmer in the 19th century. Its most eye-catching feature is its beautiful arched roof with carved brackets shaped like peacocks, and pretty balconies below it. The haveli is also distinct because it’s been constructed entirely of stone, without the use of cement or mortar. A part of the haveli is still occupied, but it’s worth a visit primarily for its exquisitely designed exterior. Bada Bagh This garden, located on the outskirts of Jaisalmer, contains the cenotaphs of the Rajpur rulers. These are pyramidal and domed in shape, and have beautiful carved ceilings and equestrian statues of the rulers. Each chhatri also has inscribed tablets recording the death of the Maharawals. There’s also a set of windmills nearby, which make for a picturesque sight. There are several other attractions close to Bada Bagh. Amar Sagar consists of a beautifully-carved Jain temple located on the banks of a water reservoir. Lodhurva, the former capital of the Bhatti Rajputs, is now in ruins but it still has magnificent Jain temples with a gorgeous gateway. The main temple contains several beautiful sculptures and a silver image of Parsvanath, the 23rd tirthanakara. Gadsisar Lake The beautiful rainwater lake is surrounded by numerous temples and pavillions, and offers magnificent views of Jaisalmer Fort. Jaisalmer Folklore Museum This small museum is located next to the Desert Culture Centre, and is also founded by local historian NK Sharma. Nathmal-ji-ki-Haveli This 19th century haveli was built by two architect brothers, who designed their sections independently but with remarkable harmony. Desert Culture Centre and Museum This museum is a good introduction to the way of life in the state. It exhibits everything from traditional textiles, musical instruments, utensils, coins to rare manuscripts and fossils. It also organises daily puppet shows during the evenings. Crossworld Holidays gives the best  Crossworld Holidays Tours & Travels (IATA approved) Ground Floor, Ram Smruti, Opp. to New English School, Ram Maruti Road, Cross Road, Thane (W) - 400602, India Tel:+91 - 22 - 4038 4747  Fax:+91 - 22 - 2542 3427 E-mail: crossh@gmail.com

10 reasons why you should visit the desert city of Jaisalmer

The desert city of Jaisalmer is defined by its golden fort. This grand structure was built by Rawal Jaisal, a ruler of the Bhatti clan of Rajputs, from the 12th century onwards, and later expanded and consolidated by subsequent rulers. Jaisalmer was also an important trading centre for caravans passing through the desert. Today, there are plenty of fairytale sights in and around the city to keep both tourists and their cameras busy. Jaisalmer Fort Perched on top of a small hill, this large fort makes for a mesmerising sight. Also known as the Golden Fort, it is surrounded by a 30 foot high wall, and has over 99 bastions and some imposing gateways or pols. Jain temples This set of seven Jain temples lies inside the walls of the Jaisalmer Fort. They are connected to each other, and are all adorned with intricate carvings of mythological and dancing figures. Patwon-ki-Haveli This ornate haveli is among the most splendid in Jaisalmer. It consists of a set of five houses, which were built by five Jain merchant brothers in the 19th century. Sam Sand Dunes These shifting white sand dunes, located close to the village Sam, are a great way to explore the Thar desert. Salim Singh-ki-Haveli This haveli was built by Salim Singh, the prime minister of Jaisalmer in the 19th century. Its most eye-catching feature is its beautiful arched roof with carved brackets shaped like peacocks, and pretty balconies below it. The haveli is also distinct because it’s been constructed entirely of stone, without the use of cement or mortar. A part of the haveli is still occupied, but it’s worth a visit primarily for its exquisitely designed exterior. Bada Bagh This garden, located on the outskirts of Jaisalmer, contains the cenotaphs of the Rajpur rulers. These are pyramidal and domed in shape, and have beautiful carved ceilings and equestrian statues of the rulers. Each chhatri also has inscribed tablets recording the death of the Maharawals. There’s also a set of windmills nearby, which make for a picturesque sight. There are several other attractions close to Bada Bagh. Amar Sagar consists of a beautifully-carved Jain temple located on the banks of a water reservoir. Lodhurva, the former capital of the Bhatti Rajputs, is now in ruins but it still has magnificent Jain temples with a gorgeous gateway. The main temple contains several beautiful sculptures and a silver image of Parsvanath, the 23rd tirthanakara. Gadsisar Lake The beautiful rainwater lake is surrounded by numerous temples and pavillions, and offers magnificent views of Jaisalmer Fort. Jaisalmer Folklore Museum This small museum is located next to the Desert Culture Centre, and is also founded by local historian NK Sharma. Nathmal-ji-ki-Haveli This 19th century haveli was built by two architect brothers, who designed their sections independently but with remarkable harmony. Desert Culture Centre and Museum This museum is a good introduction to the way of life in the state. It exhibits everything from traditional textiles, musical instruments, utensils, coins to rare manuscripts and fossils. It also organises daily puppet shows during the evenings. Crossworld Holidays gives the best  Crossworld Holidays Tours & Travels (IATA approved) Ground Floor, Ram Smruti, Opp. to New English School, Ram Maruti Road, Cross Road, Thane (W) - 400602, India Tel:+91 - 22 - 4038 4747  Fax:+91 - 22 - 2542 3427 E-mail: crossh@gmail.com

Discover the Sigiriya Rock Fortress in Sri Lanka

In the center of Sri Lanka, an immense column of rock rises out of the forest surrounding it. The rock is nearly 200 meters (660 feet) tall and is home to the ruins of a fortress as well as an ancient palace complex. It was constructed during the reign of King Kasyapa, which lasted from 477 A.D. to 495 A.D. This site is called Sigiriya, which means Lion Rock. After the king’s death, the palace was abandoned, but was later used as a Buddhist monastery until the 14th century. After this period, no records are found on Sigiriya until 300 years later when it was used briefly as an outpost of the Kingdom of Kandy.

The Sigiriya rock itself is a hardened magma plug from an extinct and long-eroded volcano, similar to the Devils Tower in Wyoming. Archaeologists believe that this region has been inhabited since the third century B.C. King Kasyapa chose this site for his capital because, with the 360-degree view from the summit, it would give him an advantage if attacked. After several years, plans to create a palace complex on the top of the rock finally came to fruition, and the complex became a major palace as well as a fortress. The plans called for an upper palace on top of the rock and lower palaces at ground level.

The king had lavish gardens built throughout the complex. The gardens, one of the most beautiful aspects of Sigiriya, consist of three sections: the water gardens, the terraced gardens, and the cave and boulder gardens. Of the three gardens, the terraced gardens seem to grab the most attention from visitors. These landscaped gardens are among the oldest in the world, and tourists are able to follow the paths through the gardens to the palace at the top of the rock.

Nearly all the visitors strive to reach to the top of Sigiriya where the king’s palace complex is located. There is a stairway made of stone that leads from the bottom of the rock to the top.

About halfway up, there are two lion paws that were part of a massive lion with an open mouth. The open mouth is the entrance to the palace. Today only the lion paws remain.

The Cobra Hood Cave contains paintings more than 1,500 years old. These frescoes, protected from the elements by the cave, depict Sinhalese maidens performing various tasks. Archaeologists do not know if the images show religious rituals or if they depict the numerous wives of the king.

One fascinating feature of the site is the Mirror Wall. Situated on the western side of the rock, the Mirror Wall was a brick wall covered with white plaster so highly polished that it could produce reflections. As time passed, this wall became a graffiti board, covered with messages from the various visitors to Sigiriya. Some of the Sigiri Graffiti has been dated as far back as the eighth century A.D. With so many visitors wanting to leave a message, the tradition was discontinued and the wall is now undergoing protective restoration.

Today, the palace complex is one of the best-preserved examples of urban planning. The fact that Sigiriya still exists for visitors to explore is a testament to the innovative engineering and design used in the building of the palace/fortress.

The Sigiriya Museum has exhibits of tools and other artifacts found during the excavation of the site. It also contains photos and reproductions of the exquisite frescoes found in the Cobra Hood Cave. Additionally, translations of the graffiti from the Mirror Wall are available for viewing at this museum.

It is amazing to see how an untouched rock can be transformed into a living complex as well as an impressive work of art. A visit to Sigiriya should definitely be a part of any itinerary when traveling to Sri Lanka.

Crossworld Holidays gives the best 

Crossworld Holidays Tours & Travels (IATA approved)

Ground Floor, Ram Smruti,
Opp. to New English School,
Ram Maruti Road, Cross Road,
Thane (W) - 400602, India
Tel:+91 - 22 - 4038 4747 
Fax:+91 - 22 - 2542 3427
E-mail: crossh@gmail.com

10 weekend getaways Mumbaikars love

From picturesque hill stations and gorgeous beaches to adventurous getaways, there are many places to visit near Mumbai during the weekends. Mumbaikars take holidaying very seriously but shrinking weekends make it impossible to plan extended trips. This means only one thing: pack in as much as you can and make the most of each day. Based on this philosophy of maximizing your weekends, here are a few weekend breaks from Mumbai. Kolad Just over a 100 kilometres from Mumbai, on the banks of the Kundalika River, Kolad is a sleepy village frequented by adventure junkies who're keen on rafting Saputara Hill Station Located atop a thickly forested plateau in the Sahyadri range, Saputara is the only hill station in the Dang district in the south of Gujarat. Mandwa One the closest getaways from Mumbai where one can try sea kayaking, the village of Mandwa has a beach which is ideal for watersports. Accessible by sea and land, Mandwa has evolved from being a sleepy village known for its seafood to a water sports hub in the last few years with private adventure companies setting up adventure trips and weekend getaways for Mumbaikars. Guesthouses, tents and other kinds of accommodation can be found in Mandwa for those who want to spend more than a day here. Ajanta and Ellora caves Separated by a distance of about 100 km from each other, the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Ajanta and Ellora provide an interesting peek into the ancient sculptures and paintings of different Indian religions—Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. Carved out 29 km north-west of Aurangabad, Ellora is a cluster of 34 caves that were built between 600 CE and 1000 CE. The most unique and popular spot in Ellora is the Kailash Temple (Cave 16), which was designed to resemble Mount Kailash (believed to be the abode of the god Shiva in Hindu mythology). Maharashtra’s other monumental rock-cut attraction is Ajanta, whose caves are home to some of the finest carved sculptures and paintings in Indian history. These were made in two phases from the 2nd century BCE until about 6th century CE, and include everything from a series of Buddha sculptures, battlefield scenes, mountain ranges and sailing ships to forest covers. If you’re a history-buff and love exploring ancient ruins, then you must add these historical masterpieces to your Maharashtra itinerary. Don’t forget to take a guide along. Tarkarli With its white sands and blue waters, the Tarkali beach is a great place to unwind and sample spicy Malvani cuisine, which makes ample use of locally-available,fresh seafood. Lonavla A popular town and hill station in Maharashtra, Lonavla is a major tourist stop-over for those travelling between Mumbai and Pune. Surrounded by a lush blanket of green, this hill-station springs to life during the monsoon season. At every corner, you will find shops selling the famous chikki, a rock-hard, brittle sweet popular in the area. As you stand atop a stunning hill amidst the early morning monsoon mist, you realise that Lonavla is the perfect breather from the craziness of city life. To cool off the day’s heat, you could also head to the many dams and waterfalls that are interspersed throughout the hill-station. While there, you can also visit the nearby Karla and Bhaja Caves, which are one of the best examples of rock-cut architecture in Maharashtra. Matheran Matheran sits atop the Sahyadris Mountain range and is another hot weekend getaway for city slickers. Mahabaleshwar Once the summer capital of the Bombay Presidency during the British Raj, it offers visitors a perfect blend of modernity with old-world charm. Bhandardara For a short hour-long journey, this hill station offers city dwellers a drastically contrasting landscape and stunning surroundings. Crossworld Holidays gives the best  Crossworld Holidays Tours & Travels (IATA approved) Ground Floor, Ram Smruti, Opp. to New English School, Ram Maruti Road, Cross Road, Thane (W) - 400602, India Tel:+91 - 22 - 4038 4747  Fax:+91 - 22 - 2542 3427 E-mail: crossh@gmail.com