The Marathas Region, Maharashtra, is blessed with an adequate supply of natural resources in western India. Maharashtra Tourism, renowned for its spectacular natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, is one of India’s most industrialized states. Some of Maharashtra’s prime cities include Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, Shirdi, and Kolhapur. From pristine beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, hill stations, natural caves, waterfalls, to formidable forts, vibrant festivals, ancient pilgrimage shrines, museums, and historical monuments that attract a large number of visitors, Maharashtra tourism offers almost all. Numerous forts, caves, beaches, religious sites, hill stations, historical monuments and buildings dot Maharashtra.
Mumbai, Bhandardara, Elephanta, Ajanta Caves, Aurangabad, Ellore Caves, Ganapati Phule, and Shirdi are some of the prime tourist attractions in Maharashtra. Other popular travel destinations in Maharashtra are Matheran, Mahabaleshwar, Nashik, Khandala, Lonavala, and Pune. However, we’re going to share the top 10 best places to visit and stuff to do in Maharashtra in this article.
What is the Best time to visit in Maharashtra?
One of the most exotic hotspots for travelers in India is Maharashtra. This attractive location has three seasons: summer, winter and monsoon. The Maharashtra summers are set in the month of March and are extended until May. The hottest are these months. Monsoons begin here in the month of June, and withdraw in September. July is the wettest month, and August is also the witness to significant rain. Maharashtra experiences winters in November-February. Overall, the best time to visit Maharashtra is from October to March. Offering a fantastic climate to its visitors, this time is perfect for vacationers to experience the scenic beauty of this destination.
How To Reach Maharashtra?
By Air: Maharashtra has a large domestic and international network of flights. The second busiest airport in India, Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai, serves domestic flights to most major Indian cities and international flights to Dubai, Singapore, Kuala Lampur, Bangkok, Zurich, and Hong Kong etc. Pune, Maharashtra’s second major city, has an international airport serving many major Indian cities for domestic flights and international flights to Sharjah, Dubai, Frankfurt and Abu Dhabi. In addition, in places like Shirdi, Nashik, Aurangabad, Jalgaon, Kolhapur and Solapu, there are many domestic airports.
By Rail: Maharashtra has a well-connected rail network linking the state to the rest of the country, as well as rail links to important intra-state cities and towns. Mumbai is Maharashtra’s main railway junction, served by several major trains connecting the city to other Indian cities. In or near the tourist destinations, there are also major railway stations, which include major railways in all major cities, including Mumbai, Pune, Nasik and Jalgaon, as well as smaller rail heads in towns and remote villages. In addition, it’s said that Maharashtra has around 450 railway stations. With a good range of trains to choose from and easy connectivity, it is easier to travel to any city of Maharashtra by rail.
By Road: Maharashtra has an impressive road network. All Maharashtra’s major cities are linked to other parts of the country by a number of national highways and state highways. It has many national and state highways, with a daily fleet of intrastate and interstate buses, making the area easily accessible by road from other nearby states. There are state-run and private sleeper, AC and Non-AC buses that could take you from Gujarat or Chennai, for example, to Mumbai, to all major cities and towns of Maharashtra, or buses from Hyderabad or Bengaluru to Shirdi or Kolhapur.
Here are the Best Places to Visit in Maharashtra
1. Ajanta and Ellora Caves
Ajanta and Ellora caves are situated near Aurangabad in Maharashtra, India and are considered as among the finest examples of ancient rocky caves. The grounds of Ajanta and Ellora are decorated with exquisite sculptures and frescoes and they include the monasteries of the Buddha, the temples of Hindu and Jain. Caves from Ajanta and Ellora are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are famous amongst the world’s travelers.
There are 34 caves dated from the 6th and 11th centuries AD at Ellora, and 29 caves dating back to the 2nd century BC and 6th century AD at Ajanta. Undoubtedly, the most popular attraction is the amazing Kailasa Temple, which forms Cave 16 at Ellora. Lord Shiva and his holy abode at Mount Kailasha are devoted to the temple. It is expensive for foreigners to visit both the Ajanta and Ellora caves. Separate tickets are required for the sites and the price is 600 rupees per foreign tourist. At each location, Indians pay only 40 rupees per fare. Children younger than 15 years are free at both locations.
Check Out – Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Aurangabad
2. Mumbai
The City of dreams, Mumbai. In lounge of the one town of India, there is so much that everyone needs to visit in their life at least once. Perhaps because of the city’s grandeur or the past it saw. Located off the coast of the Arabian Sea, the state’s commercial and financial hub is Mumbai, the capital city of Maharashtra. An urban environment juggles the populous and active city with places of natural wonder and heritage that one can visit. Watch the sunrise at Marine Drive as the busy world hurtles by, visit the historic Gateway of India as the sun sets, join the beachgoers at Girgaum Chowpatty, visit the Elephanta Caves or go on a pilgrimage to the Siddhivinayak temple.
There’s another explanation why the world knows Mumbai, however, and that’s because it’s the Indian Film Industry’s prime hub – Bollywood. Spotting your favorite star walking down the street or eating a sandwich at a nearby café isn’t rare. The various tourist attractions that draw thousands of tourists from around the world are more than the hope of seeing a celebrity.
Check Out – Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Mumbai
3. Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar is one of the best places to visit in the western Ghats in Maharashtra, near the town of Pune & Mumbai. The queen of the hill stations in Maharashtra is also known as Mahabaleshwar. Mahabaleshwar boasts an interesting atmosphere. During the time of the British Raj, it used to be the summer capital of Bombay province and is now one of the most beautiful hill stations in the world. Breathtaking views of hills and valleys, flowering orchards, gushing waterfalls, lush green forests and exotic wildlife grace the region. The town is also affectionately referred to as ‘Strawberries Basket‘ because the atmosphere is just right for a variety of berries to grow. One can walk around the city and enjoy some ice cream or jams made on the hilly slopes of the city from the strawberries grown.
Arthur’s Seat, Lodwick Point, Kate’s Point, Krishnabai Temple, Connaught Hill, Pratapgad Peak, Lingmala Waterfalls and so many more are some popular sightseeing spots in Mahabaleshwar. There’s so much to discover about Mahabaleshwar, whether to beat the summer heat, marvel at the beauty of Mother Nature or relish the treats made from the fresh produce here.
4. Shirdi
Shirdi is the place of the great Sai Baba, a religious site near Nasik, with many temples apart from the famous temple of the Sai Baba and a few historic monuments. It is located in the Maharashtra district of Ahmednagar, holds great significance for the Sai Baba devotees as a holy pilgrimage spot. The town is renowned for being the residence of Sai Baba, the great saint who died in 1918. While Sai Baba’s real name and birthplace are not known, it is assumed that he arrived in Shirdi when he was about 16 years old and began living in the Temple of Khandoba. Revered by both Hindus and Muslims, the faith to which he belonged is unknown. The saint spent almost 50 years of his life preaching his famous saying, ‘Sabka Maalik Ek,’ in this place.
The small city is full of religious places and events that calm and relax your heart during your visit. Thousands of tourists come to the town of Shirdi to visit the Sri Sai Baba shrine and other attractions, such as the Dixit Wada Museum, Adul Baba Cottage, Dwarkamai and more. The town is full of kindness, compassion, and warmth.
5. Lonavala
Lonavala is a hill station near Maharashtra district of Pune. It is the escape city from fast-paced and harsh conditions both occupied by Mumbai and Pune. A variety of interesting places around Lonavala and Khandala. They have vibrant and picturesque lakes, high peaks, mysterious cellars and splendid fortresses. During and right after the moon dams & waterfalls are a groundbreaking attraction. Some of these sites include Rajmachi Point, Lonavala Sea and Shivaji Udyan, Valvan Dam and Ryewood Park. Della Adventure Park are Duke’s Nose.
Lonavala provides city dwellers with a much-needed escape. This town will make you fall in love with the lush green Sahyadri Hills, incessant waterfalls, and beautiful lakes. No wonder this beautiful hill station has been used by scores of Bollywood films as a backdrop. The picturesque scenery has inspired writers, adventurers, and even honeymooners to like them. You can also visit the nearby Khandala Mountain Station, which is equally beautiful and exciting.
6. Igatpuri
In the Nashik district of Maharashtra, Igatpuri is a lovely hill town. It is one of Maharashtra’s top mountain railways and one of the most popular weekend trips near Mumbai and the Pune. Igatpuri is an eye delight in Sahyadri Hills in western Ghats as this stunning settlement is embellished by lovely temples, picturesque old forts, nice environment, majestic mountains, and magnificent scenery. During the monsoon, with gushing waterfalls, glittering lakes, nebula and lush greenery, this quaint hilltop city seems more majestic.
This small town, surrounded by mountains on all sides, is an easy escape from the noise of the city and is a perfect place for anyone looking to spend time in nature’s lap. What makes Igatpuri more enjoyable is that in the surrounding vicinity, it has a variety of other hamlets that all make for fun picnic spots. In addition, the roads to Igatpuri and to other places around it are decently maintained and well connected, making it a perfect destination for road trips.
7. Khandala
Khandala is a famous Maharashtra hill station, located in the western Ghaths at the foot of Sahyadri. The Mumbai population with their panoramic valleys, grassy hills, peaceful lakes and dumb waterfalls, Khandala offers the ideal weekend break for their population. Several picturesque hills, age-old caves and pristine and crystal-clear lakes are also located in Khandala. In addition to a few peaks that resemble a pointed nose and a leaping tiger, it has several different viewpoints that provide panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. They are the Ajanta and Ellora caves‘ preludes and interludes and seem to draw a lot of visitors. Khandala is also home to the Caves of Bedse, dating back to 60 B.C. And they’re among the country’s oldest caves.
In addition to this, there are many other beautiful attractions in Khandala, such as the Kune Waterfalls, India’s 14th highest waterfall. The Lion’s Point, a cliff between the Aamby Valley and the Bhushi Dam that gives scintillating views of Tungarli Lake, are other such locations. One of the best things about this town is that it caters to all sorts of visitors, from fans of adventure, lovers of nature or even those who just want a relaxing holiday.
8. Raigad
Located in Maharashtra, Raigad is known mostly for their historic importance and impressive beauty. The site was called a Coolaba earlier but was renamed Raigad with the rising popularity of its fort. Built in the beautiful Sahyadri, this district offers a unique combination of beaches, religious temples and old fortification. Raigad is renowned for its numerous heritage sites, named after the Raigad Fort, which was the former capital of the leader of the Maratha, Shivaji Maharaj. The Raigad Fort, situated on top of an irregular wedge shaped rock, is inaccessible from three sides. It is a strenuous journey to the Fort, in the midst of a rocky road. However, it has been eased by the newly introduced ropeway operation, rendering the fort reasonably open to one and all.
You can also pay a visit to the nearby hill station, Matheran, which is renowned for its picturesque setting and peaceful atmosphere, while you are in Raigad. You can visit Alibag or Alibaug, popular for its attractive beaches, some of them being Alibag beach, Varsoli beach, and Akshi beach, if you are fond of coastal areas. Birla Ganesh Temple, Hari-Hareshwar beach, Jijamata Palace, Karnala Bird Sanctuary, Queen’s Palace, Raigad Museum, Varad Vinayak Ganpati, Jagadishwar Temple, Mandwa and Kihim Beach are other places of interest in Raigad, etc.
9. Alibag
Under the Maratha Chief Ruler Shivaji, Alibag was created. This is a coastal town and is known for its white, unpopulated and clean beaches than Mumbai. Also worth visiting are the numerous temples that display a brilliant Hindu Maratha architecture. With friends or relatives, the tourist locations in Alibag make for the ideal weekend getaway. The majestic Arabian Sea shares its borders and is famous for its magnificent sea forts, its unspoilt beaches and local seafood cuisine. It’s an ideal weekend getaway from the busy Mumbai hustle and bustle.
As it is surrounded by calm waters, Alibag offers the ideal backdrop for an evening of fun and relaxation. Although it is a must to drive to Alibag, as it is connected with picturesque views, it can also be accessed from Mumbai by ferry. It is the ultimate tourist place enjoyed by young and old alike. As there are large numbers of forts, beaches, and even some celebrity bungalows, there is no shortage of things to do and discover tourist locations in Alibag. You can even see a few celebrities while you are there.
10. Thane
Thane, also referred to as the city of lakes, is an immediate neighbour of Mumbai and the metropolis of Maharashtra. The city is a monument to the growth of faith, civilisation, and history. Thane’s city consists of lakes, new malls and holy centres. The Kachrali Lake and the Upvan Lagoon are some of the most common in nearly 35 lakes amid the hills of the Yeoor. With its scenic views of the Sahyadri Mountains in the north and the Ulhas River Valley in the south, this charming little city in the state of Maharashtra can take you by surprise.
It has been successful in retaining its cultural heritage and rich values, amid the strong torrents of modernization that have reached the city in recent times. Thane, well-known for his multicultural cosmopolitanism, demonstrates an assimilation of the prevalent Maharashtrian community with numerous other ethnic groups from across the country. Besides this, due to its delicious variety of street foods, the city happens to be a foodie’s paradise. All in all, Thane is a must-visit, showing an outstanding balance between the new and the old.
Check out – Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Thane
