DEFYING TIME: Part of the Ocean Fort built by Shivaji

Of the reasons that merit Sindhudurg in Maharashtra the sobriquet "Unspoilt Goa", the most plausible must be its beauty. Known for its clear waters and rich marine life, the region has luxuriant vegetation, an undulating landscape with hillocks, sharp gradients, waterfalls and gushing rivulets. China stone hamlets with sloping roofs in small wadis of tropical fruit trees also help make Sindhudurg a paradise for nature lovers.

Famous for the historical "Ocean Fort" built by Shivaji on a low rocky 48-acre island off the Malvan coast, Sindhudurg stands as a silent sentinel to the memories of the Maratha empire. The fort, with imprints of Shivaji's hand and feet on one wall, houses a temple dedicated to Shivaji-the only one of its kind in the country. Vijaydurg and Padamgarh Fort are other attractions in the vicinity.

Fairs and religious festivals add to the region's diversity. Sindhudurg is also famous for handloom weaving, pottery, lacquerware and copperware. The delectable Malvani cuisine is an added attraction.

Amboli, the most frequented tourist spot in Sindhudurg, is 549 km from Mumbai by road. Luxury buses run from Vengurla, Sawantwadi, Kolhapur, Ratnagiri, Pune, Belgaum and Panaji to Amboli. Sawantwadi 28 kms away is the nearest railhead.

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The Road Less Travelled
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TOURISM NEWS
Club Class

North Mumbai has acquired a new swanky hotel. Targeted at leisure and corporate travellers, Hyatt Regency, a stone's throw from the International Airport, offers 408 technologically equipped rooms, including rooms for special people, as well as pioneering hospitality concepts such as the "open kitchen" and a 10,000-sq ft rejuvenating body and mind spa and fitness centre. In addition, the hotel has converted two floors into the exclusive Regency Club-Hyatt's "hotel within a hotel"-which offers additional privileges and facilities for the executive traveller. Call the 24-hour toll-free number: 1600 11 8001.

Beauty Secrets
Detox, destress and re-energise. India's beauty expert Shahnaz Husain has set up her first Ayurvedic Spa in
Dhauj, Haryana, and plans to set up a chain of ayurvedic resorts in the country, equipped with upmarket facilities and ayurvedic treatments. Log on to www.shahnaz-husain.com for more details.

-Compiled by Nidhi Taparia Rathi