AT:INDIATourism.

the Western region of India consists of the states of Goa, Gujarat and Maharashtra, along with the Union Territories of Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli. It is relatively highly industrialized, with a large urban population. Most of Western India was part of the Maratha Empire and Mughal Empire before colonization by the British. The regions became part of India on independence, and took their current form after the States Reorganization Act of 1956. The states are roughly bounded by the Thar Desert in the northwest, the Vindhya Range in the north and the Arabian Sea in the west. A major portion of Western India shares the Deccan Plateau with South India.

 

Geography

The region consists of the predominantly arid to semi-arid region of Saurashtra, Kutch and Cambay in the North. The Western Ghats and Konkan lie along the coast of Maharashtra and Goa. The Deccan plains of the Vidarbha, Marathwada in central and eastern Maharashtra define the rest of the region. The vegetation varies from tropical rainforests along the Konkan coast to thorny bushes and shrubs in northern Gujarat. The major rivers in this region are Narmada, Tapti, Godavari, Zuari, Mandovi, Krishna, Ghaggar, Chambal and many other smaller tributaries of other rivers. The Narmada and Tapti rivers generally form the boundary between Northern and Southern India.

 

Culture

The states of Maharashtra, Goa and Gujarat are varied and distinct. Goa has a Latin aura due to centuries of Portuguese rule. The architecture and cuisine of Goa is a unique blend of Indian and Portuguese cultures. Goa is also well known for its beaches and churches. Maharashtrian culture derives from the ancient Indo-Aryan Vedic culture influenced deeply by the Maratha Empire and British colonial rule. Maharashtrians take great pride in the Maratha Empire, and many places in Maharashtra are named after the founder of the Empire, Shivaji. Marathi literature and cinema are popular in the state as well as across India.

Gujarati culture is a blend of Hindu and Jain traditions. It has also been influenced by the Parsis, who migrated to Gujarat from Iran about a 1000 years ago. In recent years, Gujarat has been rocked by communal violence, damaging centuries old traditions of tolerance. Mumbai and Goa are renowned for their nightlifes. Bollywood has had a huge impact on the lifestyle and culture of this part of India as Bollywood is situated in Mumbai.

 

Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks - Western India

Wildlife Sanctuaries Holiday: With effect from Nov 2001, all the Wildlife Sanctuaries in Madhya Pradesh, will be closed on Tuesdays.

Krishnagiri Upavan National Park (Maharashtra)
Formerly known as Borvili, this park protects an important scenic area close to Bombay. Kanheri Caves and Vihar, Tulsi and Powari Lakes; water birds, smaller types of wildlife. Outdoor movie, nearby Lion Safari Park. Airport: Mumbai (Bombay) 20km. Railhead: Borvili 3km. Season: October-June. Accommodation: Tourist Cabins.

Tadoba National Park (Maharashtra)
Teak forest and lake; tiger, leopard, nilgai, gaur. Viewing by night. Airport: Nagpur 208km. Railhead: Chandrapur 45km. Season: March-May.
Accommodation: Within the Park.

Sasan Gir National Park (Gujarat)
Forested plains and lake; only home of Asiatic Lion, sambar, chowsingha, nilgai, leopard, chinkara and wild boar Airport Rajkot 153km. Railhead: Sasan Gir 0,5km. Season: January-May. Accommodation: Within the Park.

Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary (Gujarat)
Lake; migratory water birds; indigenous birds include flamingos. Airport: Ahmedabad 64kms. Railhead: Viramgam 40km. Season: November-February.
Accommodation: Available near the lake.

Little Rann of Kutch Wildlife Sanctuary (Gujarat)
Desert; herds of khur (Indian wild ass), wolf, caracal. Airport: Ahmedabad 195km. Railhead: Dhrangadhra 25km. Season: October-June.
Accommodation: Within the Sanctuary/Dhrangadhra. Arrange access at Bhuj.

Velvadar National Park (Gujarat)
New Delta grasslands, large concentration of blackbuck. Airport A Railhead: Bhavnagar 65km. Season: October- June.
Accommodation: Within the Park.

Thank more article in : www.india-tourism.com , www.wikipedia.org