MAHARASHTRA TRAVEL GUIDE

The third largest state and the second most populous state in India – Maharashtra – is brimming with an array of colorful shrines; a remarkable collection of caves; golden beaches lined with swaying palm trees; historic hotspots with strong past connection; and oodles of emerald hill stations under the canopy of lush western ghats. With an incredible mashup of everything, there’s is no better place to go for a holiday in India than Maharashtra.The state is primarily known for its ancient Ellora and Ajanta caves, and pilgrim destinations. Plan a holiday in Maharashtra to witness the dazzling range of experience, beautiful landscapes and years of history.

Capital: Mumbai,   Location: Western India

Best Time to Visit Maharashtra

Decked with vast expanses of magnetizing canvas, Maharashtra is one of the most exotic traveler’s hotspots in India. Showcasing country’s iconic attractions, its balmy beaches, lush green mountains, romantic vineyards and sacred pilgrim places are worth dying for. This alluring place features three seasons; namely summer, winter and monsoon. October to March is the best time to visit Maharashtra. Offering a great climate to its visitors, this time is ideal for vacationers to witness the scenic beauty of this destination.

SUMMER IN MAHARASHTRA

Summers in Maharashtra set in the month of March and extend till May. These months are the hottest with temperatures hovering between 22°C-39°C. During this period, thunderstorms are a lot common and are witnessed by almost the entire state.

MONSOON IN MAHARASHTRA

Monsoons here begin in the month of June and retreat by the month of September. The month of July is the wettest, and August too witnesses substantial rains. Monsoon season is not considered an apt time for a travel to this destination, as heavy rainfall disrupts outdoor activities.

WINTER IN MAHARASHTRA

November to February, Maharashtra witnesses winters. This season is apt for spending an enjoyable vacation. With temperatures hovering between 12°C-34°C, the weather remains extremely pleasant.

Top Travel Destinations in Maharastra

The prehistoric temples, romantic hill stations, sandy beaches and the rolling green hills will leave you amazed in Maharashtra. On one hand you get to see the bustling metropolis and on the other an untouched paradise yearning to be explored. One among the top tourist places in India, Maharashtra promises avid travelers with unforgettable holidays.

Travelers wishing to soak in the natural beauty of the mesmeric mountains can take the roads to the charming hill stations in Maharashtra. Panchgani, an extremely picturesque location will make you skip a beat. Signifying five hills, this spot is unthinkably scenic, showcasing mountains in the backdrop and coastal plains at one side. Soothing and serene, Panchgani is apt for travelers seeking solace.

Akola, the heritage city is a historic and ancient spot, which is a must visit. A melting pot of Muslim, Hindu and British influence, this city is worth exploring. Wander past its splendid forts and archaic temples, a visit to this city will get etched in your time. Mumbai, the city of dreams and the capital city of Maharashtra is the most sought after tourism places of India. Embracing people belonging to any religion and culture, it is a hub of dynamism. Being world famous for the Hindi Film Industry i.e. “Bollywood”, theatre, literary and artistic activities, it is an ultimate city to discover. While taking a tour of this place, don’t miss to visit few of the prominent sites like Elephanta Caves, Gateway of India and Taj Hotel. Other places worth witnessing are Worli Fort, Juhu Beach, Chor Bazar and Haji Ali. The list is unending as there are numerous tourist places in Maharashtra, which you just can’t miss out.

Amravati City, Diveagar Coast, Tuljapur, Kudal town, Ratnagiri, Chikhaldara hill station and City of Kohlapur are few places that will leave you bewitched. Your Maharashtra tour will be incomplete if you miss to halt at Kolad. Its scenic marshlands, gurgling waterfalls and captivating valleys are wonders worth witnessing. Apart from sightseeing, here adventure freaks can also indulge in wild and whacky adventure sports like river crossing, kayaking and paragliding. The one who wishes to take a plunge in the beauty of nature, Kolad is ‘’the’’ place to be in. Kamshet is another most renowned spot to indulge in hardcore adventure sports. If you are one among the daunting adventure enthusiast, enjoy world class paragliding here. Kamshet, being a quaint location, bounded by shimmering lakes and lush green hills will serve no less than a dreamy getaway.

If you are looking for leisure and utmost merriment, Alibaug also referred to as the Goa of Maharashtra is an enchanting town. Adorned with a charming coastline, sparkling sea and golden beaches, this is one of the most striking tourist’s hotspot that a traveler must wander past. Not forgetting the wildlife lovers, they can quench their thirst for travel by halting at enticing wildlife spots like Tadoba National Park, Bhimashankar and Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary. There is lot more that Maharashtra holds for all classes of travelers. All one need to do is to journey to this place packed with bounty of nature, adventure, fun and merriment.

Best Things to Do in Maharashtra

One among the most populous and pulsating states of India, Maharashtra will offer you with a long list of top tourism activities & things to do. Serving as an unending treat to nature lovers, ardent roamers and adventure freaks, this travel destination in India is just unbeatable.

First timers can delight in outdoor fun including sightseeing tours, bicycle tours, heritage walks, pilgrimage tours, shopping, food tour, wildlife safaris and adventure sports. The ones who wish to indulge in sightseeing can visit famous attractions like Gateway of India, Bandra-Worli Sea Link, Mount Mary Church, Red Carpet Wax Museum and Shree Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai; Ajanta & Ellora Caves in Aurangabad and Darshan Museum in Pune.

Apart from this, one can cycle around Mumbai, the bustling capital city of Maharashtra and can explore its alluring locales like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Flora Fountain, Nariman Point, Mani Bhavan and Laundromat, Dhobi Ghat. To learn about the rich heritage of the state, one can opt for a heritage walk. This walk offers inquisitive souls with a chance to wander past, a myriad of splendid architectural monuments across the capital city. Capitol Theatre, the Heritage Mile, Kala Ghoda art gallery and Oval Maidain are a must see. A historic trip to the ancient ruins of Krishnai Temple in Mahabaleshwar, Rajgad Fort in Pune and Daulatabad Fort in Daulatabad, located 16 kms from Aurangabad, will also be an interesting one. Known for its colorful markets, Maharashtra, any day serves as a popular shopping destination.

Avid shoppers can go on a shopping spree across Mumbai’s Mangaldas Market and Chor Bazaar. Paithani Silk Weaving Centre and Bombay Store in Aurangabad are also popular shopping hubs that you must visit. A walk through the Flower Gallia of Mumbai will be an experience in itself as it will soak you in exotic aromas of fresh flowers.

Food lovers can either chomp on local street food or can visit a number of classy to low-key restaurants, cafes, bistros or bars in Maharashtra. Colaba Causeway in Mumbai, Malaka Spice in Pune, Grapevine in Mahabaleshwar, Kinara Dhaba Village in Lonavala, Dehaati in Kolhapur, Bhoj in Aurangabad, German Bakery in Pune and Shabbir Bhai in Matheran are few spots you must try out.

While you are done with sightseeing tours, heritage walks, cycling and shopping, you have all the options to indulge in hardcore adventure activities as well. Adventure seekers can indulge in adrenaline filled paragliding in Kamshet, river rafting in Kundalika River, hot air balloon safari at Lonavala, Kayaking in Arabian Sea, scuba diving in Malvan and Jet Ski in Mandwa. Avid trekkers can take up enticing treks like Harishchandragad via Panchnai route, Jivdhan Naneghat Trek, Torna Fort Trek, Monsoon Harihar Fort Trek and Duke’s Nose Trek etc. If this isn’t enough, wildlife lovers can follow the gaunt lanes and delight in Tadoba Tiger Safari, in Chandrapur or can enjoy bird watching at Bhigwan in Bhuleshwar Temple in Solapur.

10 Unusual Adventure Activities

• Explore Saigon by Vespa.
• Swim in Antarctic waters.
• Take a biplane safari.
• Canoeing and camping on the Zambezi.
• Combine adventure and wine in Argentina.
• Swim with whale sharks.
• Heli-biking.
• Climb Sugar Loaf Mountain.