Maharashtra – Tourism Guide
Maharashtra is the third largest state of the Indian mainland and is a rapidly developing one in terms of industrialization and economy simultaneously gaining immense popularity in terms of tourism as well. It has a long coastline that includes some popular beach destinations. Maharashtra has a diverse terrain which can be seen in the interesting destinations such as hill stations, waterfalls mystical caves and wildlife. There are many tourist destinations in Maharashtra that are quite famous and visited by a large number of tourists from various parts of India and all over the world.
Maharashtra: A Quick View of the state
Capital Mumbai - Summer
Nagpur - Winter
Official Language Marathi
Dial Code Mumbai (022)
Population 121, 416 million (as of 2018)
Currency Indian Rupee (INR)
Time Zone UTC+05:30 (IST)
Area 307, 713 square km
History: Long-legged Legacy.
Maharashtra’s colourful history dates back to the discovery of the Jorwe culture during the ancient period. The prehistoric period witnessed the conquest and settlement of the following clans - Maurya Empire, Satavahana Dynasty, Western Satraps, Gupta Empire, Vakatakas, Kadambas, Chalukya Empire, Rashtrakuta Dynasty, Yadavas, Chola Dynasty, Delhi Sultanate, Portuguese, Faruqi Dynasty, Mughal Empire, and the Nizamshahi Dynasty. This was followed by the establishment of the Maratha Empire through the leadership of Shivaji Maharaj. The British ceased control in 1819, relegating western Maharashtra to the Bombay Presidency. Post-Independence, the Deccan States, including Kolhapur were incorporated into Bombay State. Through the States Reorganisation Act, the Marathwada region and Vidarbha region were incorporated into the Bombay Presidency. Finally, in 1960, an independent Marathi-speaking state was created by bifurcating Bombay State into the new states of Maharashtra and Gujarat.
How to get to Maharashtra – Follow the trail
By Road – Maharashtra is the epicentre of commerce, hence it is well connected to all major parts of the country via national highways - NH 13, NH16, NH17, NH 3M NH4, NH 7, NH9, and NH6. Interstate and intrastate private/government owned bus services are available. You may also opt for a taxi or private vehicle.
By Rail - Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, in Mumbai, serves as the headquarters of the Central Railways of India. It has direct trains to and from all the major cities in the country, spanning several states. Furthermore, there are efficient railway stations in Pune, Nagpur, Kolhapur, Aurangabad and Amravati.
By Air – Mumbai is home to Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport which is the second busiest airport in the country. It offers direct flights to and from all major Indian cities, and several foreign countries. Furthermore, there are reliable international airports in Pune and Nagpur. In terms of domestic airports, you can opt from Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Aurangabad, and Kolhapur.
Timings: Best time to visit
Summers in Maharashtra are scorching and humid. While monsoons provide quick solace, they are particularly inconvenient. Although it much depends on your personal preference, the most ideal time to visit the state is during winters. October to February is gifted with a pleasant climate, ranging from 12-25 degrees.
Mumbai: This is the capital city of Maharashtra and is famous and known for the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, having a British architecture with intricate panels and the statue of Queen Victoria on the dome. Flora Fountain, Old Secretariat, High Court and St Thomas Cathedral are the most popular architectures of Mumbai. The Beach area of Chowpatty in crowd with people is quite popular for the Indian snacks such as bhel puri and other chaats. The other attractions of this town are Haji Ali Shrine, Sidhivinayak Temple, Gateway of India and Juhu Beach.
Aurangabad:This major city is the site of the famous cave sites of Ajanta and Ellora. It also a famous place among the tourist destinations in Maharashtra and is home to various outstanding monuments like Darwasaz, Panchakki and Bibi ka Maqbara and the base of Jyotirlinga .
Pune: It is also Called as the Oxford of the East and is Karambhoomi to several places of tourist interest such as Osho Ashram, the Palace at Shaniwar Wada, the Aga Khan Palace, and beautiful gardens such as Saras Bagh. From here you can also embark on the tour to the charming hill stations of Maharashtra such as Lonavala and Khandala that are gifted with natural splendours.
Kolhapur:The city of Kolhapur is most popular tourist destinations in Maharashtra and is popular for the Mahalaxmi Temple, well known for its unique architecture. Other popular sites are are Rankala Lake, Town Hall Musuem and New Palace.
Nasik:Nasik is an indispensable stopover and is home to several beautiful temples which include the Muktidham Temple and the Kalaram Temple. The Coin Musuem of Nasik is also a must visit place for the tourists and is a repository of various antique coins and relics throwing light on the history of Indian numismatics.
Highlights of Maharashtra
Hill stations
Matheran is India’s smallest hill station but it is known for its natural beauty. This beautiful small destination is Asia’s only automobile-free hill station. Here one an rejuvenate breathing and body system If not for its sunset painted viewpoints, rainbow coloured lakes, and wandering parks, visit Matheran for the love of horse riding. Picture the smell of hay and the sound of hooves! Mahabaleshwar is yet another picture-perfect hill station in the western Ghats of Maharashtra.. Visit Pratapgad, a 17th century battle site that looks like a turquoise-lime green stained-glass painting. Take a lovely boat ride at Venna lake and eat from one of its carnival-style food stalls.
Caves and Temples
A stone-grey crescent on an emerald green carpet - what the glorious Ajanta caves look like from a distance. Situated in the Aurangabad district, these rock cut Buddhist caves have been deemed a UNESCO world heritage site. Here we find prayer halls and dwellings from 2nd century BC, Ajanta comprises of expressive paintings depicting emotion through gesture, pose and form. Ellora Caves, another set of heritage rock-cut caves, is home to the world’s largest single monolithic rock excavation – Kailasha Temple. In the shape of chariot, this splendid shrine is a symbolic representation of Lord Shiva’s abode on the summit of Mount Kailash. Many paintings depict stories of Hindu epics – Ramayana and Mahabharata, are depicted on its walls. While you are on the exploration, you have to walk a lot so plan your day on accord.
Museums
Joshi’s Miniature Railway Museum is here and we go back to our childhood memories.! This magical museum features everything a real-life city would possess, even a fully functional station, drive-in theatre, CBD, swimming pool and even a circus.
Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, famous for its chandelier laden high ceilings and serpentine arched doorways, is a playground for historians and architects. The rare objects you will discover here were painstakingly collected from the nooks and corners of the country. Dinkar Kelkar’s own personal collection constitutes of 15,000 collectibles, including a textile room and a war room.
Local culture Maharashtra
Maharashtra culture is synonym to a plate of chaat - a little sweet, a little spicy, and a whole lot of colours and authentic local flavors! So is, Maharashtrian culture is known to have many delicious layers. From its performing arts (Bhavageet, Lavani) to its literature (Abhang), cinema (Bollywood, Art films), sports (Kabbadi, Cricket), and media (200 newspapers, 350 magazines) the state is brimming with local talent, ideologies and practices. In line with our first thought, Maharashtrian cuisine is simply heavenly. Eat your way through the state by trying these authentic street foods - Vada pav, Misal pav, Dahi puri. We also recommend a traditional meal which includes a bhaji (vegetable dish), bhakri (round flat unleavened bread), raw onion and pickle. You must also try Puran poli, which is a finger licking dessert!
Urban culture Maharashtra
Maharashtra’s capital - Mumbai, is a cultural centre and a bustling metropolis. A top most point and hub of sounds, smells and colour. A beautiful mix of traditionality and modernity. From its colonial architecture, to its global restaurants, thrilling nightlife, and thriving industries, Mumbai is fondly referred to as the city of dreams. Walk through its quaint streets, take a walk along its picturesque beaches, experience the chaos of the world’s largest slum population, and catch a glimpse of the glitter and glamour. We recommend some of these popular sites – The Gateway of India, Queen Victoria Terminus, Juhu Beach and Haji Ali Dargah.
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