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Maharashtra
India's third largest state in area and population is one of the foremost state in agricultural and industrial production. Marathi is the predominant language of the state. The deep sense of nationality and unity among the Maharashtrians, whose ancestors defied the mighty Mughals under the leadership of their great hero and king, Chhatrapati Shivaji.
The pride city of Maharashtra, the commercial capital of India, Bombay famous for Gateway of India, Elephanta Caves and many other imposing buildings, museums is also the gateway point for tours to South India and Goa. The other most important tourist town of Aurangabad,named for the Mughal emperor Aurangazeb, is most famous for Buddhist Cave paintings at Ajanta and rock cut Kailash Temple at Ellora.
The pride city of Maharashtra, the commercial capital of India, Bombay famous for Gateway of India, Elephanta Caves and many other imposing buildings, museums is also the gateway point for tours to South India and Goa. The other most important tourist town of Aurangabad,named for the Mughal emperor Aurangazeb, is most famous for Buddhist Cave paintings at Ajanta and rock cut Kailash Temple at Ellora.
| Capital | : | Mumbai |
| District Area | : | 307713 km sq (118809 sq mi) |
| Sex Ratio | : | 922 females : 1000 males |
| Literacy | : | 77.27% |
| Best time to visit | : | October to February |
| Rainfall | : | 50 cms |
| Temperature | : | Summer: 40°C Max. - 22°C Min. Winter: 25°C Max. - 12°C Min. |
| Climate | : | Tropical Monsoon |
| Clothing | : | Summer: Cotton Winters: Light woolens |
| Local Languages | : | Marathi, Hindi, English, Gujarati and Urdu. |
| Religion | : | Hindus, Muslims, Jews, Buddhist, Zoroastrians, Christians and Sikhs |
Ajanta Caves
Way back in 1819, a party of British army officers on a tiger hunt in the forest of western Deccan, suddenly spotted their prey, on the far side of a loop in the Waghora river. High up on the horseshoe- shaped cliff, the hunting party saw the tiger, silhouetted against the carved façade of a cave.
Ellora Caves
Nestled in the crook of the Charanadari hill in Deccan is a series of ancient temples and monasteries hewn out of the moutainside. Situated on the ancient north- south trade route or the dakshinapatha, the tiny mountain village of Verul - mutated today to Ellora -was a well- known stopover for traders, priests and pilgrims who plied the route to the western ports..
Aurangabad
Today Aurangabad, it is known for some of the finest colleges and university in Maharashtra. And it is the fastest growing industrial town in India. But the charm and glory of its long past has not been lost. And its heritage is rich and varied - the result of the artistic and cultural influences of several dynasties since its first Stone Age inhabitants.
Mumbai
Mumbai was given by Portuguese as dowry to Charles II of England when he married Catherine. The group of seven island was leased to the East India Company who offered freedom of business and religion to persons who came and settled here. initially a few Parsis and Gujarati came but soon a sizeable population began to thrive here. This was way back in the 17th century. Today also Mumbai is a city of migrants. People from all over the country have come and settled here. This gives the society of Mumbai a multi-lingual and multi-cultural colour.
Read More..
Bhandardara
Amidst the dense forest, lies one of the most splendid lakes of the country, Arthur Lake. It is formed by the waters of the Pravara River. Bhandardara is well known for the Wilson Dam which was built in 1910 on the Pravara River and is almost 492 ft above sea level. The Umbrella Falls are also in the vicinity. Besides being a scenic spot and offering some breathtaking views this water body is also used for hydro-electric power generation.
Elephanta
The history of elephanta is the hoary mists of time. Crowning the island's easteem hill, and commanding a panoramic view of wood-land, marsh and sea, are the Buddhist stupas' or burial mounds and cisterns. Their antiquity has been traced back to the third century or even earlier.
Ganpatipule
This is Ganapatiphule Land of the 400- year old Swayambhu ganapati and eager tourists. Set along the western coast of maharastra, is a small little village called Ganapatiphule. It is known for it's scerene sedate beach.
Beaches
Maharashtra, one of the biggest states in India, has a long coastline to boast of. This extensive coastline has resulted in the state being blessed with a number of beaches, which are known throughout the world for their white sands, serene locales and stunning environs.
Caves
The amazing caves situated at Maharashtra showcase the age-old culture and rich legacy of the state. Some of these caves, like Elephanta Caves, Karkla Caves and Bhaja Caves, boast of stunning rock cut architecture. On the other hand, those at Ajanta and Ellora have been adorned with beautiful paintings.
Religious Places
Maharashtra has always been one of the favorite destinations of the tourists visiting India. One of the reasons for this huge popularity is that the state is home to a large number of religious places, comprising of temple, mosques, Jyotirlingas, etc.
Hill Stations
Are you tired of toiling away to work every day? Do you need a break from the monotony that has become so widespread in the life of city dwellers? Welcome to the hill stations of Maharashtra! The state is home to the Sahyadri hill ranges and this has resulted in it being gifted with a number of hill resorts.
Monuments
Maharashtra, one of the leading industrial states in India, is known throughout the world for being home to a large number of historical monuments. These monuments today stand as testimony to the rich past which the state boasts of. Most of the famous monuments in Maharashtra are situated in the capital city.
Wildlife
The nature lovers, who come to India to explore its rich wildlife, must make a sojourn at Maharashtra also. The state is virtually a delight for those who love to visit wildlife sanctuaries and national parks and be a witness to nature's beauty. The various protected areas here are home to a wide variety of wildlife.
Forts
For those who are interested in exploring the rich past of Maharashtra, there are no better places to visit than its magnificent forts. Each and every fort in this Indian state has some or the other tales buried within its boundaries, tales of courage, tales of valor, tales of chivalry, and so on.
Way back in 1819, a party of British army officers on a tiger hunt in the forest of western Deccan, suddenly spotted their prey, on the far side of a loop in the Waghora river. High up on the horseshoe- shaped cliff, the hunting party saw the tiger, silhouetted against the carved façade of a cave.
Ellora Caves
Nestled in the crook of the Charanadari hill in Deccan is a series of ancient temples and monasteries hewn out of the moutainside. Situated on the ancient north- south trade route or the dakshinapatha, the tiny mountain village of Verul - mutated today to Ellora -was a well- known stopover for traders, priests and pilgrims who plied the route to the western ports..
Aurangabad
Today Aurangabad, it is known for some of the finest colleges and university in Maharashtra. And it is the fastest growing industrial town in India. But the charm and glory of its long past has not been lost. And its heritage is rich and varied - the result of the artistic and cultural influences of several dynasties since its first Stone Age inhabitants.
Mumbai
Mumbai was given by Portuguese as dowry to Charles II of England when he married Catherine. The group of seven island was leased to the East India Company who offered freedom of business and religion to persons who came and settled here. initially a few Parsis and Gujarati came but soon a sizeable population began to thrive here. This was way back in the 17th century. Today also Mumbai is a city of migrants. People from all over the country have come and settled here. This gives the society of Mumbai a multi-lingual and multi-cultural colour.
Read More..
Bhandardara
Amidst the dense forest, lies one of the most splendid lakes of the country, Arthur Lake. It is formed by the waters of the Pravara River. Bhandardara is well known for the Wilson Dam which was built in 1910 on the Pravara River and is almost 492 ft above sea level. The Umbrella Falls are also in the vicinity. Besides being a scenic spot and offering some breathtaking views this water body is also used for hydro-electric power generation.
Elephanta
The history of elephanta is the hoary mists of time. Crowning the island's easteem hill, and commanding a panoramic view of wood-land, marsh and sea, are the Buddhist stupas' or burial mounds and cisterns. Their antiquity has been traced back to the third century or even earlier.
Ganpatipule
This is Ganapatiphule Land of the 400- year old Swayambhu ganapati and eager tourists. Set along the western coast of maharastra, is a small little village called Ganapatiphule. It is known for it's scerene sedate beach.
Beaches
Maharashtra, one of the biggest states in India, has a long coastline to boast of. This extensive coastline has resulted in the state being blessed with a number of beaches, which are known throughout the world for their white sands, serene locales and stunning environs.
Caves
The amazing caves situated at Maharashtra showcase the age-old culture and rich legacy of the state. Some of these caves, like Elephanta Caves, Karkla Caves and Bhaja Caves, boast of stunning rock cut architecture. On the other hand, those at Ajanta and Ellora have been adorned with beautiful paintings.
Religious Places
Maharashtra has always been one of the favorite destinations of the tourists visiting India. One of the reasons for this huge popularity is that the state is home to a large number of religious places, comprising of temple, mosques, Jyotirlingas, etc.
Hill Stations
Are you tired of toiling away to work every day? Do you need a break from the monotony that has become so widespread in the life of city dwellers? Welcome to the hill stations of Maharashtra! The state is home to the Sahyadri hill ranges and this has resulted in it being gifted with a number of hill resorts.
Monuments
Maharashtra, one of the leading industrial states in India, is known throughout the world for being home to a large number of historical monuments. These monuments today stand as testimony to the rich past which the state boasts of. Most of the famous monuments in Maharashtra are situated in the capital city.
Wildlife
The nature lovers, who come to India to explore its rich wildlife, must make a sojourn at Maharashtra also. The state is virtually a delight for those who love to visit wildlife sanctuaries and national parks and be a witness to nature's beauty. The various protected areas here are home to a wide variety of wildlife.
Forts
For those who are interested in exploring the rich past of Maharashtra, there are no better places to visit than its magnificent forts. Each and every fort in this Indian state has some or the other tales buried within its boundaries, tales of courage, tales of valor, tales of chivalry, and so on.
Festivals
Banganga Festival
Banganga Festival is one of the popular festivals of Mumbai, which is organized by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), in association with the Indian Heritage Society of Mumbai. The festival takes place on an annual basis, in the month of January and lasts for two days.
Elephanta Festival
Elephanta Festival, one of the most popular festivals of the Mumbai city of India, is celebrated every year under the patronage of the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC). It is organized in the month of February, with the aim of showcasing the rich culture of Maharashtra.
Ellora Festival
Ellora caves are one of the most famous tourist attractions of Maharashtra. They are a representative of different faiths that have been experimented over here. Right from the Buddhists and the Hindus to the Jains, these caves tell a fascinating story about the evolution of each culture.
Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi is a festival that is celebrated in almost each and every household of Maharashtra. Though it is celebrated in other states of India as well, the scale of celebration in Maharashtra is simply overwhelming. Lord Ganesha is the patron deity of the state.
Gudi Padwa
Gudi Padwa is one of the major festivals celebrated by the people of Maharashtra. It falls on the first day of the Hindu month of Chaitra (somewhere around March-end or April-start) and is celebrated in the state as the New Year's Day.
Kalidas Festival
Kalidas Festival is organized every year in Nagpur, in the month of November. It is basically a musical and dance extravaganza, which also has performances by theatre artists. The exact venue of the festival is the Ramtek town, which is situated in the Nagpur district.
Narali Pournima
Narali Pournima is a festival that is mainly celebrated by the fishermen of Maharashtra. It falls on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Shravan and coincides with a few other festivals like Raksha Bandhan, Shravani Pournima, etc. The festival is celebrated with much enthusiasm amongst the fishermen.
Pola Festival
Pola Festival is celebrated throughout the state of Maharashtra, in the Hindu month of Shravan (that usually coincides August). It falls on day of Pithori Amavasya (new moon day) in Shravan. The festival marks the day when farmers worship their bulls.
Pune Festival
Pune Festival is organized by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), in the city of Pune. It takes place during the time when the Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated throughout India. The festival stretches on for a period of around one month.
Forts
Ahmednagar Fort
Ahmednagar Fort is one of the best designed forts in the entire state of Maharashtra. At the same time, it is also counted amongst the impregnable forts of India. The fort is situated in the Ahmednagar district and dates back to the year 1559.
Daulatabad Fort
Daulatabad Fort is a magnificent fort situated in Maharashtra, at a distance of around 13 km from the Aurangabad city. It forms a part of the Daulatabad city, which was earlier known as 'Devigiri'. The fort, perched at a height of approximately 60 ft, dates back to the 12th century.
Panhala Fort
Panhala Fort is situated at a distance of approximately 19 km from the Kolhapur city of Maharashtra. Counted amongst the largest as well as most significant forts of the Deccan region of India, it stands perched at an altitude of around 850 m above the sea level.
Janjira Fort
Janjira Fort is situated in the Murud town of Maharashtra. Infact, the Island Fort serves as one of the major attractions of the town. Murud served as the erstwhile capital of the Siddi rulers of Janjira in the earlier times. Today, Janjira is counted amongst the few sea forts of India and lies 2 km inside the town.
Raigad Fort
Raigad Fort is a magnificent hill fortress, situated in the Raigad district of Maharashtra. It lies approximately 125 km away from Pune and serves as one of the major excursion of the city. The fort once served as the capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji, the Great Maratha king, in the 1674.
Shivneri Fort
Shivneri Fort is one of the most magnificent as well as historically rich forts of India. It is situated at a distance of approximately 90 km from the Pune city of Maharashtra. The fort dates back to the time period when Shivaji was not even born yet. Shivneri Fort was built under the aegis of Sahaji.
Sinhagad Fort
Adding to the attraction of the Pune city is the Sinhagad Fort, which lies in the vicinity of the city. The fort stands perched on a hill, at an altitude of approximately 700 m above the landscape that surrounds it. The height at which the fort stands has resulted in its being very popular.
Sindhudurg Fort
Maharashtra is known for its rich historical legacy. The land has been a silent witness to some of the most gruesome battles that have been fought in India. One such symbol of the rich historical past is the mighty Sindhudurg fort. It is situated in Sindhudurg district.
Banganga Festival
Banganga Festival is one of the popular festivals of Mumbai, which is organized by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), in association with the Indian Heritage Society of Mumbai. The festival takes place on an annual basis, in the month of January and lasts for two days.
Elephanta Festival
Elephanta Festival, one of the most popular festivals of the Mumbai city of India, is celebrated every year under the patronage of the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC). It is organized in the month of February, with the aim of showcasing the rich culture of Maharashtra.
Ellora Festival
Ellora caves are one of the most famous tourist attractions of Maharashtra. They are a representative of different faiths that have been experimented over here. Right from the Buddhists and the Hindus to the Jains, these caves tell a fascinating story about the evolution of each culture.
Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi is a festival that is celebrated in almost each and every household of Maharashtra. Though it is celebrated in other states of India as well, the scale of celebration in Maharashtra is simply overwhelming. Lord Ganesha is the patron deity of the state.
Gudi Padwa
Gudi Padwa is one of the major festivals celebrated by the people of Maharashtra. It falls on the first day of the Hindu month of Chaitra (somewhere around March-end or April-start) and is celebrated in the state as the New Year's Day.
Kalidas Festival
Kalidas Festival is organized every year in Nagpur, in the month of November. It is basically a musical and dance extravaganza, which also has performances by theatre artists. The exact venue of the festival is the Ramtek town, which is situated in the Nagpur district.
Narali Pournima
Narali Pournima is a festival that is mainly celebrated by the fishermen of Maharashtra. It falls on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Shravan and coincides with a few other festivals like Raksha Bandhan, Shravani Pournima, etc. The festival is celebrated with much enthusiasm amongst the fishermen.
Pola Festival
Pola Festival is celebrated throughout the state of Maharashtra, in the Hindu month of Shravan (that usually coincides August). It falls on day of Pithori Amavasya (new moon day) in Shravan. The festival marks the day when farmers worship their bulls.
Pune Festival
Pune Festival is organized by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), in the city of Pune. It takes place during the time when the Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated throughout India. The festival stretches on for a period of around one month.
Forts
Ahmednagar Fort
Ahmednagar Fort is one of the best designed forts in the entire state of Maharashtra. At the same time, it is also counted amongst the impregnable forts of India. The fort is situated in the Ahmednagar district and dates back to the year 1559.
Daulatabad Fort
Daulatabad Fort is a magnificent fort situated in Maharashtra, at a distance of around 13 km from the Aurangabad city. It forms a part of the Daulatabad city, which was earlier known as 'Devigiri'. The fort, perched at a height of approximately 60 ft, dates back to the 12th century.
Panhala Fort
Panhala Fort is situated at a distance of approximately 19 km from the Kolhapur city of Maharashtra. Counted amongst the largest as well as most significant forts of the Deccan region of India, it stands perched at an altitude of around 850 m above the sea level.
Janjira Fort
Janjira Fort is situated in the Murud town of Maharashtra. Infact, the Island Fort serves as one of the major attractions of the town. Murud served as the erstwhile capital of the Siddi rulers of Janjira in the earlier times. Today, Janjira is counted amongst the few sea forts of India and lies 2 km inside the town.
Raigad Fort
Raigad Fort is a magnificent hill fortress, situated in the Raigad district of Maharashtra. It lies approximately 125 km away from Pune and serves as one of the major excursion of the city. The fort once served as the capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji, the Great Maratha king, in the 1674.
Shivneri Fort
Shivneri Fort is one of the most magnificent as well as historically rich forts of India. It is situated at a distance of approximately 90 km from the Pune city of Maharashtra. The fort dates back to the time period when Shivaji was not even born yet. Shivneri Fort was built under the aegis of Sahaji.
Sinhagad Fort
Adding to the attraction of the Pune city is the Sinhagad Fort, which lies in the vicinity of the city. The fort stands perched on a hill, at an altitude of approximately 700 m above the landscape that surrounds it. The height at which the fort stands has resulted in its being very popular.
Sindhudurg Fort
Maharashtra is known for its rich historical legacy. The land has been a silent witness to some of the most gruesome battles that have been fought in India. One such symbol of the rich historical past is the mighty Sindhudurg fort. It is situated in Sindhudurg district.
Summers
Summer season in Maharashtra sets somewhere around the month of March and till May, the temperatures are at their highest. However, the occasional thunderstorms are what bring relief from the scorching sun. During this time, the average temperature remains in the range of 22 deg C to 40 deg C.
Monsoon
The areas in and around Maharashtra usually experience the onset of monsoon before the northern cities. By the first week of June, monsoon arrives in the city and starts retreating somewhere in the month of September. However, the maximum rainfall is received by the state in July, followed by August.
Winters
In the month of October, the weather in Maharashtra is quite pleasant. It is around November that the chill starts setting in. Till February, the state experiences winter season, characterized by clear skies, gentle breezes and pleasant weather. The usual temperature around this time is somewhere between 12 deg C to 25 deg C.
Rainfall
Maharashtra experiences a decent spell of rainfall every year. The maximum rain is received by Konkan, Sahyadrian and eastern Vidarbha region, while the central region receives less rainfall. For example - the annual average rainfall in Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts is around 200cm. On the other hand, cities like Nasik, Pune, Ahmednagar, Dhule, Jalgaon, Satara, Sangli, Solapur and parts of Kolhapur receive less than 50 cm rainfall every year.
Summer season in Maharashtra sets somewhere around the month of March and till May, the temperatures are at their highest. However, the occasional thunderstorms are what bring relief from the scorching sun. During this time, the average temperature remains in the range of 22 deg C to 40 deg C.
Monsoon
The areas in and around Maharashtra usually experience the onset of monsoon before the northern cities. By the first week of June, monsoon arrives in the city and starts retreating somewhere in the month of September. However, the maximum rainfall is received by the state in July, followed by August.
Winters
In the month of October, the weather in Maharashtra is quite pleasant. It is around November that the chill starts setting in. Till February, the state experiences winter season, characterized by clear skies, gentle breezes and pleasant weather. The usual temperature around this time is somewhere between 12 deg C to 25 deg C.
Rainfall
Maharashtra experiences a decent spell of rainfall every year. The maximum rain is received by Konkan, Sahyadrian and eastern Vidarbha region, while the central region receives less rainfall. For example - the annual average rainfall in Thane, Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts is around 200cm. On the other hand, cities like Nasik, Pune, Ahmednagar, Dhule, Jalgaon, Satara, Sangli, Solapur and parts of Kolhapur receive less than 50 cm rainfall every year.
By Air
There is basically one major international airport in Maharashtra i.e. the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport of Mumbai. Apart from that, the city also has a domestic airport - Santa Cruz Domestic Airport. The airports at Nagpur and Pune also operate a few international flights, apart from the usual domestic ones. The cities of Kolhapur and Aurangabad also have a domestic airport of their own.
By Railway
The largest as well as the most important railway station of Maharashtra is situated in Mumbai and is known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. From there, you can get trains to almost every part of India. Apart from that, there are railway stations in Pune, Nashik, Nagpur, Kolhapur, Aurangabad, AMravati, etc. In short, Maharashtra is well connected with the other states via railways.
By Road
There are a number of National Highways and State Highways crisscrossing Maharashtra, which make it easier for any visitor to visit the state by road. Infact, through these highways, you can easily approach the state from any and every part of the country. Apart from that, you can easily get buses and taxis from the numerous cities in Maharashtra to travel within as well as outside the state.
By Sea
Since a number of cities in Maharashtra are situated on sea banks, you can also go there via ship from the neighboring countries. Apart from the international naval port at Mumbai, there are a number of other minor ports in the state. Thus, reaching Maharashtra by presents no problems for the tourists.
There is basically one major international airport in Maharashtra i.e. the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport of Mumbai. Apart from that, the city also has a domestic airport - Santa Cruz Domestic Airport. The airports at Nagpur and Pune also operate a few international flights, apart from the usual domestic ones. The cities of Kolhapur and Aurangabad also have a domestic airport of their own.
By Railway
The largest as well as the most important railway station of Maharashtra is situated in Mumbai and is known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. From there, you can get trains to almost every part of India. Apart from that, there are railway stations in Pune, Nashik, Nagpur, Kolhapur, Aurangabad, AMravati, etc. In short, Maharashtra is well connected with the other states via railways.
By Road
There are a number of National Highways and State Highways crisscrossing Maharashtra, which make it easier for any visitor to visit the state by road. Infact, through these highways, you can easily approach the state from any and every part of the country. Apart from that, you can easily get buses and taxis from the numerous cities in Maharashtra to travel within as well as outside the state.
By Sea
Since a number of cities in Maharashtra are situated on sea banks, you can also go there via ship from the neighboring countries. Apart from the international naval port at Mumbai, there are a number of other minor ports in the state. Thus, reaching Maharashtra by presents no problems for the tourists.