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TRAVEL & TOURISM NOVEMBER 20, 2026 | The Indian Eye 43

Varanasi’s Ropeway Hidden Coastal
Maharashtra’s

to Cut 45-Minute Journey Gem: Rs 600 Boat

to Just 16 Minutes Ride to Nivati
Rocks

ravellers looking to explore des-
aranasi is set to get a ma- tinations beyond Goa can add
jor public transport upgrade TNivati Rocks and Lighthouse in
Vas India’s first urban public Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg district to
transport ropeway nears its launch, their travel list. Located in the coastal
promising to reduce travel time be- town of Vengurla, this lesser-known
tween Varanasi Cantt Railway Sta- destination is attracting attention
tion and Godowlia from over 45 min- for its turquoise waters, unique rock
utes to just 16 minutes. The project formations and scenic coastline. A
aims to provide relief to commuters, two-to-three-hour boat ride, costing
pilgrims and tourists who frequently around Rs 500 to Rs 600 per person
face traffic congestion while travel- on a sharing basis, takes visitors across
ling through the city’s busy roads. 10 to 12 picturesque spots along the
The ropeway project has entered Konkan coast.
its trial phase, with testing underway The boat experience was recently
on the Rathyatra-Godowlia stretch. highlighted by a travel content creator,
According to reports, nearly 95 per who showcased the destination on so-
cent of the project has been complet- cial media. Visitors can also book an
ed, and the service is expected to be- entire boat for approximately Rs 4,000
come operational around Dev Deep- to Rs 5,000, making it an option for
awali on November 24. However, the 700 metres away. The project, estimated to cost near- families and groups travelling together.
official inauguration date is yet to be The project will operate using ly Rs 800 crore, is expected to ease The journey covers several attrac-
announced. tions, including the Old Lighthouse,
10-seater gondola cabins, with one pressure on city roads, improve con- New Lighthouse, Dolphin Point, Ma-
Four key stations to connect the city cabin expected to arrive at stations nectivity and offer a faster commut- hatrichi Chul, Secret Tunnel, Nivati
every two minutes. The system is ing option.
Spanning approximately 3.85 ki- designed to carry up to 96,000 pas- Developed with the involve- Rocks, Mini Kerala, Seagull Island,
lometres, the ropeway will connect sengers daily, offering an alternative ment of Swiss company Bartholet Tsunami Island and Nivati Golden
Rocks. Each location offers a different
Varanasi Cantt Railway Station with to road-based transport in one of In- Maschinenbau AG and Indian firm view of the Arabian Sea, with rocky
Godowlia Chowk, passing through dia’s busiest pilgrimage destinations. Vishwa Samudra Engineering, the landscapes and relatively untouched
Kashi Vidyapeeth and Rathyatra. Affordable travel and reduced ropeway is also expected to give tour- natural surroundings.
The Godowlia station will also pro- congestion ists an aerial view of Varanasi while Travellers interested in spotting
vide convenient access to the Kashi The fare for travelling across the strengthening the city’s urban trans- dolphins are advised to begin their
Vishwanath Temple, located around entire route has been fixed at Rs 50. port infrastructure.
boat journey early in the morning.
However, sightings may depend on
Apple launches upgraded World Travel weather and sea conditions. Visitors
should also check local boating ar-
Adapter Kit with five interchangeable plugs rangements and access restrictions
before planning their trip.
Maharashtra offers several other
attractions for travellers, ranging from
pple has introduced an up- international travellers. pany says has been updated to meet coastal destinations to hill stations
graded version of its World The kit includes five inter- revised regulatory requirements. The and historical sites. Mumbai’s Marine
ATravel Adapter Kit, offering changeable AC plugs covering dif- new connector is also used in the re- Drive and Gateway of India remain
travellers five interchangeable plug ferent regions. These include Type A freshed power adapters and exten- popular tourist spots, while the Ele-
options to charge their devices across for North America and Japan, Type sion cable. phanta Caves attract visitors interest-
different countries. C for Europe and Brazil, Type D for The travel kit is priced at $39 ed in ancient architecture and history.
The new accessory features a India, Type G for the UK, UAE and in the US, while the updated 70W For those seeking a break amid
refreshed design and is compatible Singapore, and Type I for Australia and 140W power adapters cost $59 nature, Lonavala, Mahabaleshwar and
with the company’s latest 70W and and New Zealand. This allows users and $99, respectively. A compatible Matheran offer scenic hills, waterfalls
140W power adapters. to switch plugs depending on their power adapter extension cable is also and greenery. History enthusiasts can
The updated kit marks the re- destination without carrying multiple available for $19. explore Lohagad Fort, while Ajanta
turn of Apple’s travel accessory, separate adapters. With the upgraded kit, Apple and Ellora Caves showcase the state’s
whose original version was discon- The key design change is the aims to address compatibility issues rich artistic and cultural heritage.
tinued in 2025 after being available introduction of Apple’s new AC with its newer charging accessories October to February is consid-
since the early 2000s. The new ver- Connector 2 standard. It replaces while offering users a convenient ered a favourable period to explore
sion is designed to make charging the older notched connector with a charging solution for international Maharashtra, with pleasant weather
Apple devices more convenient for pill-shaped design, which the com- travel. for sightseeing.

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