westindia

This part of the country includes the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa
Maharashtra is one of the largest sates of India in terms of it's size and population. It's state capital, Mumbai (called Bombay earlier), is a major gateway into India and is India's commercial center. Gujarat has a long and varied history and a great number of interesting places to visit. Most of Maharashtra is situated on the Deccan plateau where you will find cities that mirror the rise and fall of the Hindu and Muslim kingdoms.

Goa has always enjoyed prominence in any travellers itinerary for its' palm fringed beaches, white sands, and it's unique character.

The summer months are from June to August followed by Monsoons till November. Winters are not as harsh as the northern part of the country and it remains cool till January.

Click on the cities on the left to find greater detail.

The Sasan Gir Lion Sanctuary is the last home of the Asiatic Lion. The sanctuary, spread over 1400 sq.km, was set up to protect the species of the lion and has been a success in doing so.

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Diu boasts of a huge fort, built by the Portuguese, with its' double moat. Diu also has a cluster of palm fringed beaches which are safe for swimming and have water sports facilities.

Diu is connected by air with Mumbai. Una is the access point from Diu and there are direct buses to there for the 10 km ride. There is an overnight bus service to Ahmedabad.

Ahmedabad is one of the major Industrial and Education centers of India. Ahmedabad is one of the best places to study the blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles known as Indo-Saracenic. Due to the Muslim influence, Ahmedabad has many mosques worth a visit, notably the Jama Masjid.

There are direct flights to/from Delhi, Mumbai, baroda, Bangalore and Chennai. There are buses to udaipur, Ajmer, Bhavnagar, Indore, Mt.Abu, Mumbai and Bhuj.

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Dwarka is one of the four most holy Hindu pilgrimage sites in India. This was the capital of Lord Krishna after he fled from Mathura. Dwarkanath, the main temple here is dedicated to Lord Krishna.

The temple at Somnath is associated with a legend that it was originally built out of gold by Somraj, the moon god.

There is a railway line between Dwarka and Jamnagar and there are trains to Mumbai via Rajkot and Ahmedabad. State run buses run to all regional centers and Ahmedabad.