Ayappa Temple

About:

Mumbai's Ayappa Temple is regarded to be the only Ayappa Temple outside Kerala state. The original name of this temple is Mini Sabarimala Shree Ayyappa Temple. It is situated atop a hillock surrounded by hills and valleys within the area of NCH Colony. A tiny stream originating from the vicinity adds the sanctity and beauty of the temple environment.

Ayappa Temple is a unique temple resembling the Holy Shrine of Shree Dharma Shastha (Ayyappa) at Sabarimala, Kerala, crowning the Western Ghats. This temple attracts thousands of devotees throughout the year.

The major festival is 'Mandala Makara Vilakku' festival (mid November to mid January), which starts with the Mudhradhanam for the devotees who undertake pilgrimage to Sabarimala. Festivals apart from the usual Hindu festivals which are celebrated here are 'Pankuni Uttiram'- the birthday of Shree Ayyappa, 'Prathista Dinam', 'Vishu' (New Year)- April 14th, Onam, Ganesh Chaturthi, Vijaya Dashami, and Deepawali.

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Boat Trips:
The seaport located on the back side of the gateway, offer the boat riding. The tourist can enjoy the boat trips by paying a reasonable charge.

Elephanta Island:
Fishing boat near Elephanta Island Bombay Mumbai IndiaThe Island located just 10 Kms from Gateway of India, contains a fine cluster of 6th-8th century rock cut caves. The caves have beatifully executed sculptures, the most interesting is the five metre high Mahesmurthy or Trimurthi. It represents three aspects of Shiva, such as the creator, the preserver and the destroyer.

Never-ending bazaar:
The large open area below and surrounding the arch is always filled with street performers, vendors, photographers, snake charmers, and just about anyone else who wants a guaranteed audience in front of a largely tourist crowd that also includes commuting locals.

Interesting things to Visit:

Juhu Beach:
Spread for 5 kilometers along the shore of Arabian Sea, Juhu beach is the most visited destination of Mumbai both by the locals and tourists. A walk in the serene sea line may give you an amazing experience specially when the sun sets to make his journey to the West. In the evenings and on weekends, the beach virtually turns into an undeclared fair and you may feel that life can't be as ecstatic as this. Your Mumbai trip can't be complete until you make a visit to ever charming Juhu Beach.

Mahalaxmi Temple:
One of the most visited Hindu shrines in Mumbai, the Mahalaxmi temple has an interesting legend behind it. The temple was built by a contractor at the end of the 18th century. The man claimed that Mahalaxmi, the Goddess of Wealth, appeared to him in a dream. The contractor, who had been assigned the project of building a sea wall by the British, also said the Goddess had promised him success if he built Her a temple. An idol, which was actually found during the excavation for the project, was installed in the temple.

Prince of Wales Museum:
The Prince of Wales museum is another major attraction of Mumbai. Built in the year 1914, it is surrounded by a beautiful landscape forming an ideal getaway for the people of Mumbai. The museum houses art, sculpture, rare coins, and old firearms and a priceless collection of miniature paintings. The Prince of Wales museum is regarded as one of the best museums in the country.

Marine Drive:
A stroll down the Marine Drive is the best way to discover Mumbai. This winding stretch of road with tall buildings on one side and sea on the other extends from Nariman Point to Malabar Hills. Due to its curved shape and many street lights, it was once called the Queen's Necklace. A popular sea front, Marine Drive is also the main thoroughfare linking for the Malabar Hills to the southernmost points of Colaba, Cuffe Parade, Nariman Point, and the Fort.

Hanging gardens:
The Hanging Gardens makes another must see site in Mumbai. The park was built during the early 1880s over Mumbai's main reservoir at the top of the Malabar Hills. The reason of its location being to cover the water from the potentially contaminating activity of the nearby Towers of Silence. Located just opposite the Kamala Nehru Park, this terraced garden, also known as Ferozeshah Mehta Garden, is famous among the locals as well as tourists. The garden provides lovely sunset views over the Arabian Sea.

Chowpatty Beach:
Another sandy gateway of Mumbai is the Chowpatty beach in the suburbs of the city. Chowpatty is perhaps the most famous beach of Mumbai, characterised by the usual hustle and bustle of stallwalahs, people snoozing under the shade of its stunted trees, screaming kids, Ferris wheels, pony rides, wayside astrologers, monkey shows, and even the odd self-styled gymnast demonstrating their skill for a fee. Moreover, the bhelpuri shops and sometimes the film shoot or a street play also adds to the festive atmosphere of the beach. A beach of action, Chowpatty makes a must visit in Mumbai.

Versova Beach,29 km away:
Versova Beach is also a popular beach like Juhu. It is home to Mumbai's largest Koli fishing community.
Access: By suburban electric train to Andheri and from there 5km by road.

AArey Milk Colony,35 km) away:
A modern dairy farm set amidst gardens, it supplies milk to the city of Mumbai. The Central Dairy is open to visitors between 9am and noon and 4 and 7pm. Cottages for picnickers are available and can be reserved through the Chief Executive Officer, Aarey Milk Colony, Mumbai.

Erangal Beach,35 km away:
A beautiful place with golden sands. The suburban electric train stops at Malad, from where the journey must be made by road.

Mobile range info:

How to reach?

Nearest Visiting places:

Bassein (Vasai),77km away:
Bassein or Vasai was an ancient Portuguese settlement located about 77 km to the north of Mumbai, near the Thane creek. The Bassein Fort was constructed in 1532 by Bahadur Shah, Sultan of Gujarat. Ruins of the Fort and the Cathedral of St. Joseph and the Churches of St Antony and St. Paul can be seen in this fort. The city walls are still intact. There are also decorative gateways inscribed with coats of arms and Portuguese graves dating back to 1558.
Access: Bassein or Vasai is 77 kms by road along the Mumbai- Ahmedabad highway. The nearest station is Bassein or Vasai on the Western Railway. From there the fort can be reached by auto-rickshaw or taxi.

Gorai and Manori Beaches,59 km away:
Dotted with quaint villages on either side, the twin beaches of Manori and Gorai are located across the creek from Borivili or Malad. These beaches are generally safe to swim expect during the monsoons when it becomes dangerous due to strong underwater currents. These villages offer a peaceful retreat with plenty of dried fish, palm trees etc. Essel World, the amusement park is located in Gorai village.
Access: The nearest railway stations are Borivili or Malad from where the journey must be made by road and sea (Ferry). Also approachable by road via Bhayandar on Western Express Highway. Private shacks are available for stay.

Kanheri Caves,45 km away:
Situated in the heart of Mumbai's Sanjay Gandhi National Park- around 7km from the parks entrance, the complex contains 109 Buddhist caves. Carved out of natives rock, the caves that form the complex are believed to have been occupied by Buddhist monks for nearly a thousand years, starting 2nd century A.D., thus making them one of the oldest rock monasteries in the country. Caves No.1,2,3 are noteworthy for their massive pillars, sculptures and stupas.
Access : Located 45km east of Mumbai city, the caves are 10 km from the Borivili railway station.

Ghodbunder,43.5 km away:
A beautifully landscaped Golden Valley Resort. Originally a farmhouse surrounded by paddy fields and mango plantations. It is an enchanting picnic spot.
Access: The suburban electric train stops at Borivili from where Ghodbunder is 9.6km by road.

Karnala Bird Sanctuary and Fort,61 km away:
Between Pen and Panvel lies the fort Karnala which is at a height of 445m above sea level. At the bottom of the fort is the famous Karnala bird sanctuary, located 61km south of Mumbai. About 150 species of birds have been spotted here, 30 of which are migratory. The rare Ashy Minivet, a native of the Philippines, has also been seen here. The best time to visit is from November to February.
Access: There are buses to Panvel from Mumbai. From there it is 10km through NH17 to Karnala.

Karla Caves,117 km away:
The Buddhist rock-cut Chaitya Hall of Karla dates to the 2nd century B.C. and is said to be the most perfect of its kind. An inscription at the entrance attributes its excavation to Bhutapal of Vaijayanti.
Access: The caves are located 15 km from Lonavla, which is 102 km south east of Mumbai on the Mumbai Pune Expressway. The caves are approached by a rough path of about 2km.from Malavli. Sedan chairs available.

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Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

Hotel Marriott
Juhu Tara Rd, Mumbai, Mumbai City,
Maharashtra 400049

Hotel Orchid
70, Nehru Rd, Mumbai, Mumbai City,
Maharashtra 400099

Hyatt Regency Hotel
Airport Rd, Mumbai, Mumbai City,
Maharashtra 400099

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