New Sea Mouth, Chilka Lake

The Chilka Lake is the biggest lagoon on India's eastern coast. It is well known wintering site for migratory birds and nearly half of the over 210 species recorded here are the intercontinental migrants from far parts of Asia.

Dredging of the lead channel, and opening the new mouth in September 2000, have significantly changed the lagoon's hydrology, returning it to a more natural state than existed before excessive silttation affected the tidal flows in and out of the lagoon.  

Because of third peripheral and island villagers were not affected by floods and water-logged land after 2001. Opening of new mouth had dramatically positive effect of fish catchers.

The lagoon is home for wide variety of plants in the aquatic and terrestrial islands of known medicinal properties. These plant resources provide a vital base for the local community, as well as for birds and fishes.

Cave No. 2, Kanheri

In Mumbai, there are more than 100 caves at Kanheri of which many of them have beautiful carvings. One of the interesting cave among them is Cave No. 2. 

The cave consists of a vihara and three stupas that are in separate chambers.  Interestingly  these chambers are separated from the viharas. This cave dates between to 5th – 6th centuries A.D.

Out of the three Stupas, the third Stupa has an elaborate sculptures around it that are carved inside the niche. 

On the left side wall are six large panels at the bottom and above these are eight small panels.

There is a large panel at the end which equals to the height of adjacent small and large panel. Buddha seated with pendant legs and in teaching posture is the common motif appearing in all these panels. 

There are two panels, one above another, at the end of this wall.