Western India - General ingormation [8/31]

Western India comprises three large states, one small state and two minuscule alliance lands. It is limited by Pakistan and the Arabian sea to its west and the Gangetic plains to its east. This is the most heterogeneous of India's regions. The lands differ drastically from one another in speech, its culture and degrees of economic condition. Maharashtra and Gujarat are among the most industrialized provinces of India while Rajasthan and Goa are magnets for sightseers, though for different reasons. Western India comprises the next states/union territories.

Dadra and Nagar Haveli — a small land stuck between the larger provinces of Maharashtra and Gujarat in Western India

Daman and Diu — two small metropolises, one an isle off the Gujarat seaside and the other on the coastline

Goa — Western India home to the state's best shores

Gujarat — an important business core, and a great location to buy traditional fabrics

Maharashtra — India's third largest state is home to two of its most fascinating cities - Mumbai and Pune

Rajasthan — the land of warriors, deserts, colorful saris, historic forts and Rajput temples

Cities The Gateway of India, the icon of Mumbai The Gateway of India, the icon of Mumbai

Ahmedabad — beautiful fabric museum of the whole world

Aurangabad — a few miles from the famous Ajanta and Ellora caves, a sacred site for Hindus, Jains and Buddhists

Jaipur — the Pink City, famous for Rajput architecture

Jodhpur — the Sun City, also known as the Blue City

Mumbai — the financial capital of Western India, the hub of Bollywood and London to many an Indian Dick Whittington.

Nagpur — at the geo centre of India.

Nashik — the city of temples placed 180 km from Mumbai

Pune — Maharashtra's cultural capital, a historic city and home to many educational institutions.

Pushkar — home to the country's only Brahma temple, the camel festival in November is an added extra Other stops

Shekhavati, a part representing Sikar and Jhunjhunu districts, has a lot of fascinating home towns with well-preserved havelis, forts and temples.

Mount Abu is Rajasthan's only hill-station and is home to a circle of five Jain

Western India Temples

Kumbhalgarh is a gigantic red fort placed in Western India beautiful landscape amongst the rugged Arravali Hills. There is also a nearby wildlife sanctuary by the same name west of the fort on the leeward side. Squirrels, wolves, panthers and birds can be recognized here during the spring months.

Matheran, between Mumbai and Pune is Asia's only pedestrian resort.

Goa is home to miles and miles of beaches. Some of its quaint cities such as Panaji and Madgaon are best traveled by feet.