INCREDIBLE DIWALI TRIP

INCREDIBLE DIWALI TRIP

The Diwali holidays are approaching and we all will be subjected to the modern celebrations in the form of loud fire-crackers and the intoxicating air. Celebrate this Diwali with a difference…….Explore the wonders of Birdwatching and amazing beaches of Alibaug and Akshi.

Nature India organizes an Incredible Diwali trip to Phansad / Akshi and Murud from 27^th Oct, 2008 to 29^th Oct, 2008.

Some of the places that will be covered in this trip are as follows.

PHANSAD WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Phansad is a semi-evergreen / mixed deciduous forest that is located approximately 143 Kms from Mumbai (Sion) and about 42 kms from the town of Alibaug. The Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary is an amazing revelation. Primarily a bird sanctuary, it is also home to a whole array of insects, amphibians and mammals. Spread across 52.71 sq. km., Phansad is located in the Murud and Roha talukas of Raigad District in Maharashtra.

The gentle hills of this protected area are located between the northern Sahyadri range and the western coast of India. Though these hills are not directly connected to the main Western Ghats range, the species found here are quite similar. The forest is mainly moist teak, southern moist mixed deciduous forest and west coast semi-evergreen. Ain, teak, kinjal, dhavada, jamba, hirda are some of the main species found here. Mango and ficus are found along the stream. There is also a patch of mangrove vegetation to the southwest. A number of endemic flora and fauna species are found here including the Malabar Giant Squirrel, Malabar Grey Hornbill, White-bellied Blue flycatcher etc. It is also a heaven for reptiles and insects.

http://forester15.blogspot.com/2006/10/wanderings-in-coastal-woodland.html

http://addithebirde.blogspot.com/2005/01/phansad-sanctuary-jan05.html

FORT “JANJIRA”

The Fort of Janjira located off the sea is the only one of its kind. Janjira Jal-durg (sea fort) was constructed by Malik Ambar, an Abssinian minister in the service of the Sultan of Ahmednagar, who belonged to the famous Nizamshahi dynasty. The fort, built at the end of the 17th Century, is almost entirely intact even today, despite the ravages of wind and tide, a testimony to the marvels of ancient engineering.

According to all accounts, the sea fort of Janjira could not be conquered by any of the kings ruling the neighbouring territories. Surprisingly, not even Shivaji could acquire it despite 13 expeditions to conquer the fort. His son, Sambhaji, tried a unique approach to capture the fort: digging an underwater tunnel to enter. But he too failed in his attempt.

http://www.boloji.com/places/02416.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murud-Janjira

http://www.murudjanjira.com/

AKSHI BEACH

The Akshi Beach is a beautiful white sand beach. Belt of suru trees can be seen along the coast. The water is very clean and it renders safety for swimming. The beach is also a favorite among the birdwatchers and nature lovers.

The hamlet of Akshi is just 5 km away from Alibag. The inhabitant of this village are fishermen and is not crowded at all. The beach at Akshi is a favorite tourist spot. One could slug around the clear beaches and step inside the warm and unruffled Arabian Sea. It is a perfect getaway for a weekend.

KORLAI FORT

As we cross the Rev-danda bridge, to the right is Korlai fort within the sea and attached to the mainland by a narrow land strip through the Korlai Village. It is said that the fort was built by the Portuguese in 1521. The main gate has an inscription which means 'no entry without a fight'. The fort has seven gates, a fresh water well, a church in disuse, a Hindu temple and a Lighthouse. This village is also credited with its unique ‘Kristi” language and only a few hundred of them remain to speak.

http://dgllnoida.gov.in/history/korlai.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kristi_language

SRI DATTA TEMPLE, BHOVALEl (CHAUL)

Chaul is a former city of Portuguese India, now in ruins.18 kms from Alibag on Alibag-Revdanda road, this is another very famous hill shrine.Hamam Khana and a temple. It is famous for its Portuguese ruins, an old church, a synagogue, Buddhist caves, Formerly known as Chaul Fort, it is now popularly called as Revdandakot because the Revdanda village lies within the fort walls. One has to climb around 700 stairs to reach this shrine which surrounded by vegetation.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaul

http://www.hikesandtreks.com/mahseaforts1.html#chaulfort