Maharashtra is a major tourist destination in India that enjoys having a beautiful stretch of the western coastline to itself. The essence of the state is such that it welcomes people from all corners of the country. It’s no surprise why it is known as the ‘Gateway to the heart of India’. The state also enjoys the rich company of a plethora of beautiful hill stations as the mountain ranges of the Western Ghats traverses its land. Read our Maharashtra travel guide to learn more about the majestic nature of the place.
Maharashtra comes with ample ancient history and a sumptuous palate of cultural diversity. Going back in time, Maharashtra used to be in the secure hands of its greatest warrior Shivaji Maharaj. To date, Shivaji Maharaj remains a symbol of strength among the Maharashtrians. Lohagad, Shivneri, Raigad, Sindhudurg, and Pratapgad are some of the stunning forts built during his reign that still stand proudly today. Post his reign, the state came under the rule of the British and was only relieved post-independence. The city of Mumbai is where you get a glimpse of the monuments built by the British Raj.
Apart from its historical significance, the state is also home to a variety of cultures from people of different parts of the nation. However, its Marathi culture is still deeply rooted in the locals of the state. All of this is reflected in its food, folk dances like Lavani, handicrafts. The Malvani thali, Konkan dishes, and spicy curries are the staple of Maharashtrian cuisine that you should indulge in.
You must try your best to visit the state during various festivities like Gudi Padwa, Ganesh Chaturthi, Makar Sankranti, and Navratri to see and experience the rich culture for yourself. During these celebrations, you can witness the harmony in which Maharashtrians dress up in traditional attire and the pomp of the festivities.
Also Read: 7 Interesting Things To Do In Maharashtra
If you’re planning to reach Maharashtra by air, then you can arrive at any of the cities like Mumbai, Pune, Aurangabad, Shirdi, and Nagpur. All these cities have great connectivity to all the major cities in India and abroad. Of these, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai is one of the major airports in Maharashtra.
Thanks to the state’s vast rail networks, you could also plan on getting to Maharashtra by rail. Some of the major and most important railway stations in the state are Mumbai, Pune, Jalgaon, Nashik, and Nagpur.
Being one of the largest states in India, Maharashtra has an amazing road network that connect to all major cities in the country. If you’re traveling to Maharashtra from neighboring states like Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, there are several national highways that you can access.
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Taking a trip to Maharashtra during the summer months (March to May) can be scorching hot, temperatures can rise up to 32°C. But the good thing is that you can escape to many hill stations like Lonavala, Matheran, Igatpuri, or Panchgani to cool down.
If you plan on visiting during monsoons (June to September), you can get to see the surroundings get greener than ever! There’s just one issue that it also creates difficulties like traffic jams due to water logging. You might still want to consider visiting because the heavy downpour clears the air. During the monsoons you can get to catch a glimpse of the festivities of Ganesh Chathurthi.
Winters in Maharashtra are a breathe of fresh cool air. The temperature drops down to 22°C in most parts and the cool breeze just makes sightseeing so much more pleasant. This makes traveling to Maharashtra between the months of October and February pretty enjoyable.
As we said earlier, Maharashtra has good road and rail connectivity not just with other cities and states but also within itself. Mumbai, Pune, Jalgaon, Nashik, and Nagpur are the main cities from where you can easily access transportation to different places in Maharashtra.
In each of its cities, you can get to know about the lifestyle of the locals of the state. Maybe you can take some time out to socialize with them and try the lip-smacking local delicacies. If you get a chance to visit Maharashtra during any of its festivals, then you are sure to witness the pomp and show of its celebrations in the purest form.
Traveling within Maharashtra you can get to capture the beauty of the Western ghats and the Sahyadri ranges up close. The gushing waterfalls, mighty hills, and serene beaches are what make Maharashtra stand out from the rest of the states. And since it has abundant hill stations to visit, it also gives you an opportunity to explore its suburbs.
There’s no doubt that Mumbai has to be on top of this list. Mumbai, the city of dreams everyone knows, is one of the most lively and vibrant cities in not just Maharashtra, but also the entire nation. It’s normal if you feel intimidated by the fast-paced lifestyle of Mumbai, but don’t worry, the people here are all warm and welcoming and come from different corners of the world. To put it simply, the city is a melting pot of diverse cultures and traditions.
Mumbai is filled with several places of interest like the Juhu beach, Marine lines, and Haji Ali Dargah. And since it holds a history dating back to the British era it still has many buildings with colonial architecture like the Gateway of India, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, and Bombay High Court. This city is also known for housing Bollywood’s Film City and so it is very much possible that you’ll end up spotting a celebrity or two here. You can spend an evening at Mumbai’s alluring beaches, watching the sunset and some mouth-watering vadapav or bhelpuri to snack on.
Known as the tourism capital of Maharashtra, Aurangabad has to be one of the places you visit on your trip to Maharashtra. This city is a big bundle of ancient history and diverse cultural heritage. In fact, even its name was inherited from the ancient Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
Every historical monument in Aurangabad is a witness to its rich past, and the same is reflected through its ornate architecture. You must have surely heard of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ajanta and Ellora caves, these caves belong to the city of Aurangabad. This city is not just known for its stunning architecture and gorgeous caves, but also for its handicrafts, gems, shawls, and silk. Don’t forget to get a lovely Paithani silk saree for your better half on your visit to Aurangabad.
Located by the serene Godavari river, Nashik or Nasik holds a sacred place in the hearts of the Hindus. As per the legends of Ramayana, it is believed that it was the place where Ravana’s sister Surpanakha got her nose cut off for her evil doings. And because of its religious significance, the city houses a lot of temples and is also host to the popular 12 day Kumbh Mela held every year.
What’s interesting about Nashik is that it offers you a mix of two extremes. Not only does it hold a religious value, but is also a hub of multiple vineyards. Ever heard of Sula Vines? That’s right, Nashik is the humble abode of Sula and is one of the main cities to boost wine tourism in India. Apart from its lush green vineyards and holy temples, Nashik also gives you the chance to explore its lofty hills and cascading waterfalls.
After the bustling city of Mumbai, comes the other metropolis of Maharashtra that is Pune. It is one of the cities paving its way to become one of the top metropolitan cities in India. Today, Pune can be seen to be a thriving city with contemporary infrastructure but still has its roots connected to its traditions. The city had a major role to play in the birth of the Maratha empire and later in the Independence of India.
The various forts and palaces sprinkled across the city are living evidence of the same. Shaniwar Wada palace, Aga Khan palace, and Sighagad fort are some of the most prominent attractions of Pune. Among other things, it also flaunts the backdrop of the Sahyadri hills and is also known for its local delicacies, especially baked items. From street food to cuisines at classy restaurants, you name it and Pune won’t disappoint you.
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One of the most popular districts in Maharashtra is Ratnagiri. With the Sahyadri hills on one hand and the Arabian sea on the other, this district offers you the best of both worlds. Loaded with lots of spectacular natural wonders, it is one of the best places to visit in Maharashtra.
The surrounding of Ratnagiri is blessed with gushing white streams, hot springs, and lush green palm groves. You can also find historical monuments and forts belonging to the era of Shivaji Maharaj. Ratnagiri is one of the suitable places for a perfect weekend getaway in Maharashtra. And if you happen to visit here during the summers, do make sure to get your hands on the juicy Alphonso mangoes Ratnagiri is known for.
Also Read: 5 Best Hotels And Resorts In Ratnagiri
What Is The Best Time To Visit Maharashtra?
Summers in Maharashtra can be hot, with temperatures rising to 32 degrees celsius between March to May. And the monsoon months of June to September make the surroundings more beautiful but can make traveling difficult. So the best time to visit Maharashtra is to take a trip during the winter months of October to February.
What Is Maharashtra Famous For?
Being located on the Konkan coastal belt, Maharashtra enjoys the scenic beauty of the Western ghats and the Sahyadri hills. The state is studded with several vibrant cities like Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Aurangabad, and Nagpur. And each of these cities come with their own share of tales of history and cultural diversity.
Which Is The Coolest Place In Maharashtra?
Maharashtra is dotted with loads of hill stations with a cool climate to offer. Some of the best places to visit are Mahableshwar, Matheran, Lonavala, Panchgani, Igatpuri, and Bhandardara.
Which Food Is Famous In Maharashtra?
Some of the most popular delicacies of Maharashtra are vadapav, misal pav, and pav bhaji. If you’re looking to try some of the traditional dishes then you should try sabudana khichdi, poha, upma, sheera.
What Do Maharashtra People Wear?
The traditional attire of men in Maharashtra is dhotar, kurta, and pheta, whereas women wear the nine-yard saree called nauwari or lugda.
Which One Is Better Lonavala Or Mahabaleshwar?
Both these places have extremely gorgeous views and are popular hill stations in Maharashtra. However, Lonavala is a go-to destination among Mumbaikars and Punekars and so it attracts a lot of crowd. So if you’re looking for a quieter place then Mahableshwar would be an ideal choice.
Which Is The Most Beautiful Village In Maharashtra?
Maharashtra has many beautiful villages that can be perfect for a weekend getaway. Some of these are Shani Shingnapur, Rajmachi, Ganpatipule, Dehna, Velas village, Murud, and Purushwadi.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Konkan?
The best time to visit Konkan is during the months of November to February when it’s winter and the climate is perfect for sightseeing. It is recommended to avoid monsoons when there’s extreme rainfall and summers with excessive humidity.
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