Maharashtra Travel
The Land of Marathas

Maharashtra

Maharashtra, the Land of Marathas is a masterpiece of history shrouded by endless stories of bravery. Today, one of the most industrialized states of India; it occupies the western and central parts of the country. The state extends over the Sahayadri mountains; a vast stretch of 720 kilometers of the Arabian Sea coast providing it a beautiful backdrop. The major tourist places in Maharashtra India are Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Mahabaleshwar etc.

Maharashtra meaning ?The Great Nation? was formed on May 1, 1960 by carving it out of the erstwhile Mumbai state. It included the predominantly Marathi-speaking areas. Mumbai gradually became the City of Dreams and took people further till the enchanting hill stations of Khandala. Maharashtra is surrounded by the Arabian Sea in the west, Gujarat on the north, Madhya Pradesh in the east and Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh on the south.

Travel to Maharashtra which is a beautiful contrast of attractions. Take the pleasure of visiting the Ajanta Ellora caves, know the Bollywood or walk the memory lanes in Pandavleni. Maharashtra Tourism brings to you the best of memories and experiences of your life.

Tourist Attractions in Maharashtra

Mumbai

Mumbai remains the most popular cities of India in terms of a rich history and fascinating present. Here many empires like Maurya, Chalukya and Rashtrakuta left their marks. Mumbai is home to some of the most magnificent wonders of history like Gateway of India, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus), Elephanta Caves, Kanheri Caves, etc. It is a treat for foodies as it serves the tastiest street food of India.

Pune

Pune is the second largest city in Maharashtra. Here you can find some popular historical monuments belonging to the Maratha period. Visit here and be a part of its laid back cultures. Some of the must see attractions of Pune include Shanivar Wada, Sinhagad Fort, Osho Ashram, Dagdusheth Ganapathi, etc.

Shirdi

This is a famous religious place known for being the shrine of Shirdi Sai Baba. Pilgrims visit here from all over the world to visit the famed Sai Baba Temple which covers Gurusthan, Samadhi Mandir, Dwarkamai, Chavadi and Lendi Baug. The place bestows seamless serenity and remains a must visit for spirituality seekers.

Aurangabad

Aurangabad brings out the cultural side of Maharashtra as it houses the renowned Ajanta Caves. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a group of 29 rock-cut cave monuments constructed in two distinct periods. Mural paintings and sculptures displayed here narrate stories of Jatakas. Also explore the nearby Ellora Caves just 28 km from Aurangabad. Ellora Caves include a total of 34 caves with 12 Buddhist, 17 Hindu and 5 Jain Caves.

Lonavala

This beautiful weekend gateway brings streams of travellers every year. It stands 622 m high and flaunts majestic views of Sahyadri Ranges. From here you can capture sights of caves, lakes, forts and waterfalls. Weather remains pleasant here all year long and it remains a great place to enjoy your summer holidays.

Mahabaleshwar

Mahabaleshwar is another popular hill station in Maharashtra adorned with sloppy peaks and woods. Apart from its heart pleasing ambience, travellers also fall in love with its range of attractions like Pratapgarh Fort, Venna Lake, Mahabaleshwar Temple, Krishnabai Temple, Lingamala Falls, Tapola and Panchgani.

Fairs and Festivals

• Banganga Festival (January): Two day Musical extravaganza organised by Maharashtra Tourism (MTDC).
• Elephanta Festival (February): Dance and Music festival in Elephanta Island by MTDC.
• Ganesh Chaturthi (August): 10-day Gala celebrations for the Home Coming of Lord Ganesh, the patron deity of Maharashtra.
• Gudi Padwa (March/April): Maharashtrian New Year, celebrated by hoisting Brahmadhvaj (Brahma' flag), a symbol of victory of good over evil. Shrikand and Poori are relished.
• Kalidas Festival (Nagpur) (November): Two days Music and Dance extravaganza by MTDC has music, dance and drama performances by eminent artists.
• Narali Pournima (August): Narali or coconut is offered to the sea as a mark of commencement of New Fishing Season. Special dishes are prepared with coconut and sweet rice.
• Pola Festival (August): The farmers decorate their bulls and worship them to honour their role in farming.
• Pune Festival (August-September): Organised by MTDC during the Ganesh Chaturthi, this festival showcases Pune's culture through traditional sports competitions, film and drama shows, classical dance performances, auto rallies, musical performances etc.
• Ellora Festival (November-December): Brilliant music and dance performances by renowned artists; at Ellora Caves.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Maharashtra is between September to April when the state enjoys a blissful weather. June till September receives heavy rainfall which makes travel difficult. Hence these months should be avoided.

How to Reach

By Air : Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport is one major international airport in Maharashtra. The airports of Nagpur and Pune connect the state with many domestic and international destinations. Nanded, Kolhapur, Aurangabad and Solapur have domestic airports.

By Train : Maharashtra has 223 Railway stations operating all over the state. The largest railway station is Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in Mumbai. Pune, Nashik, Nagpur, Kolhapur, Aurangabad, Amravati some of the major railheads that connect to other cities.

By Road : Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation runs state buses that connect the entire state. A traveler can choose from public to luxury buses, as per his budget.