THANE
Originally Called As: Sristhanaka Named After Lord Ganpati
Also Known As: Cacade De Tana
Best Time To Visit: November to March
Thane City lies adjoining the Arabian Sea in the
northwestern part of Maharashtra State. Thane was
initially a residential suburb of
Mumbai , which has
now grown into a large industrial complex of chemicals, engineering
products, and textiles. There are several historical buildings, including
a fort and several churches. Thane city is also the district headquarters
of Thane district.
Thane's original name was Sristhanaka named after Lord Ganpati as the
word means the residence of Lord Ganesh. Geographically, forming part of
the Konkan lowlands, it comprises the wide amphitheater like basin of the
Ulhas and the hilly Vaitarna valley together with plateaus skirting the
Sahyadrian scarp. The rivers of the district mainly belong to two river
streams of the North Konkan, namely the Ulhas and the Vaitarna, both
draining the rainy western slopes of the Sahyadri that lie between the
Bhor and the Thal Ghats.
History
The
first railway train ran between Thane and Mumbai on April 16, 1853.
However, its present-day name is said to be derived from "Sthan"
or "Sthanaka", the capital of the Shilahara Kings of Konkan.
Evidences say that the Thane appears in the works of the Greek geographer,
Ptolemy, who, in his writings (l35 - 150 AD) refers to a place called "Chersonesus",
which, according to researchers is the area around Thane creek.
Slabs and copper plates dating back to the period Middle Ages have been
discovered at the place. One of them, dug up from the foundations of Thane
Fort in 1787, dated 1078 AD, is apparently a land grant from Arikesara
Devaraja, sovereign of the city of Tagara, wherein he address the
inhabitants of a city called Sri Sthanka.
The great Venetian traveler Marco Polo, too, in the course of his
wandering set of foots in Thane in 1290 AD. Another great traveler, Friar
Jordanus, who visited the city between AD 1321 and l324, describes it as
being under a Muslim governor. He leaves a detailed sketch of early
Christians in Thane and refers to the martyrdom of four Christian priests
in the region, more than 200 years before the Portuguese ever-set foot in
India. Duarte Barbosa, a noted traveler, described Thane by the name Tana
Mayambu 25 years before the Portuguese conquest.
The Portuguese came here in 1530 and ruled for over 200 years till 1739.
Thane was then known as "Cacade de Tana". Work on the Thane Fort
began in 1730. The Marathas, who conquered Bassein (Vasai) and Thane in
l737 and 1739, held sway over the region till 1784 when the British
captured the Fort and ruled Thane, then also called "Tanna".
They made it the headquarters of the district administration with a
district collector stationed in Thane.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Masunda Talao
There are around 23 lakes in the city, which are worth a visit. The most
important and beautiful of them all is the Masunda Talao, termed by the
locals as Talao Pali. The lake offers boating facilities to anyone and
everyone including a little space to the love struck ones. Water scooters
are also available here. For the ardent foodies, Talao Pali is the right
place to binge.
Yeoor Hills
The Yeoor Hills offer nature at its bountiful best. This pollution free
zone is a great getaway from the daily traffic hassles and hazardous life.
These hills are also called as the "Mama Bhanja Hills" and a
visit to the Swami's Math is a must.
Tikuji-Ni-Wadi
Tikuji-ni-Wadi is another place, which is visited by people frequently.
Food and accommodation facilities are also available over here.
Essel
World
Essel World, the amusement park, is located at Gorai, at a distance from
the hub of the city. The main attractions here are the 34 rides that
comprise of roller coasters, rainbows, bumping cars. Tourists can access
this place from Marve, Bhayander or Borivali. Special bus services are
also available to reach this place. Water Kingdom is just next to Essel
World and claims that it has the largest wave pool in Asia.
Water World
Close to Virar at a distance of around 3 - 4-km, is the Water World. It
covers slides and splashes, swimming pool, discotheque, food, lodging and
play places for kids. Nearby are the beautiful beaches of Gorai, Aksa,
Madh, and Marve. Further, there are places like Alibaug, Chawl, Manori,
Murud-Janjira which are worth visiting.
EXCURSIONS
Bassein (Vasai)
Bassein or Vasai is the settlement located on the western coast about
48-km to the north of Mumbai on the right or the north bank of the Thane
creek. The Portuguese ruins, which are nearly hid by palm groves and
brushwood, stand about fifteen feet above water level on a low flat plot
of land. The southwest point of the rich and well-wooded tract, which,
being cut off from the mainland by the Gokhivra or Sopara creek, was
formerly known as Vasai Island.
Titwala Ganesh Mandir
Titwala is about 75-km from Mumbai located in Thane district,
Maharashtra. It is considered as sacred pilgrim centre as it houses
Mahaganesh Temple and the temple of Shri Vithoba. There is also a
fascinating temple dedicated to Ambarnath, dating back to the 11th
century, which was built in the 'Hemadpanti' style of architecture.
Ambarnath
Ambarnath is a rapidly growing municipal town in the Ulhasnagar Tehsil.
It derives its name from a shrine dedicated to god Ambarnath or "Ambareshwar"
also known as "Amarnath". The town has a temple of Shiva from
where its name has been derived and Amarnath means immortal Lord, a name
of Shiva.
Ganeshpuri
Hallowed by the residence of Swami Nityanand Maharaj, Ganeshpuri is a
small township about 75-km from Mumbai and 18-km kilometers from Bhivandi.
Even before the place was hallowed by Swami Nityanand Maharaj it was
famous for hot-water springs. In front of the temple dedicated to Shri
Bhimeshwar, there are four 'Kundas', which according to the local
tradition are said to have been built for 800 years ago. Water collected
in one of the Kundas flows to the second, from there to third and
subsequently to fourth from where it flows to into the river.
Suddhagad Fort
Sudhagadh Fort is located near Pali- a famous pilgrimage centre in
Maharashtra. It is one of the rarely visited forts in Konkan region. The
fort is one among those forts, which are still in good condition. It can
be covered during a trip to Pali and Mahad in Ashtavinayak.
Kashi Mira
Kashi and Mira are two villages in Thane Taluka located close to each
other. The surroundings of the two villages abound in natural beauty and
scenery. Just after leaving the check-post at Dahisar is an open surface
with the backdrop of hills with zigzag paths leading up the hills. And it
is this flushy background that has given these two villages the name "Kashimira".
Jawhar Palace
It is called the "Mahabaleshwar of Thane District", when
compared in beauty and climate. And places to see are the majestic Dadara
Kopra Falls, Jai Vilas, the palace of the tribal kings, the Hanuman and
Sunset Points and the enthralling Shirpamal, where Shivaji chose to camp
on his way to Surat. Jawhar also offers you the unique opportunity to
expose and enlighten yourself with the tribal way of life especially with
the Warli paintings.
Matheran
Matheran is a fascinating hill-station about 80-km to the east of Mumbai
in Alibag district, situated at an altitude of 800m. This little hill
paradise has been left largely undisturbed, since the time when an
Englishman, Hugh Mallet, Collector of Thane, discovered it in 1850 and
declared it a fine place for shady walks. Matheran is the closest hill
station to Mumbai and Pune. Ideally suited for the weekend Matheran
provides a break from the city. Perched on top of a hill and enveloped in
shady trees, Matheran is ringed by walking tracks. The views from the look
out, which drop sheer to the plains, is fantastic. On clean days it is
even possible to see Mumbai from Hart Point.
HOW TO GET THERE
Air: Thane is about 25-kms from the international
airport at Mumbai and
35-kms from the main down town Mumbai.
Rail: Thane has got a railway station and many trains pass
connecting it with the major cities of Maharashtra.
Road: Thane is well connected by road. Regular private and state
owned buses are available to almost all the parts of the state.
WHERE TO STAY
Being a major district of Maharashtra, thane has got plenty of accommodation options, which vary from luxurious hotels to budget hotels.
OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION
Banks: State Bank of India
Dahanu Road, Thane- 401 602
State Bank Of India
Jai Tower, 463, 1st Pokhran Road, Opposite Cadbury's, Thane- 400 601
Bank of India Regional Office
1st Floor, Ajit Darshan, Old Agra Road
Bank of Maharashtra,
Jagdish Industrial Estate, 1st Floor, Vartak Nagar
Canara Bank Divisional Office
Gokhale Road
ICICI bank
Palm Court, Ram Maruti Road, Naupada
Hospitals:
Adarsh Maternity & Nursing Home Kopri
Aditi Hospital Kapurbawdi
Agrawal's Children Kapurbawdi
Babasaheb Dhone Hospital Kalwe
Chaitanya Hospital M.G. Road, Naupada
Chaubal's Hospital Kalwa
GENERAL INFORMATION
Population: 803,389 (1991 census)
Climate: Tropical
Temperature range (deg c)
Summer: 32.37°C to 34.57°C
Rainfall: 250 - 300 mm
Clothing: Light cotton
NEARBY CITIES
Bassein (Vasai): 48-km
Titwala: 110-km
Matheran: 105-km
Ganeshpuri: 110-km
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