Destination overview

Maharashtra is a magical land, with a size and diversity that is simply stunning. Here you will find picturesque mountains that stretch out into mists as far as the eye can see and striking forts that stand proud and strong. There are temples sculpted into basalt rock and many wonders here that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Most visitors find a trip to Maharashtra is so special that the memories stay with you long after you leave.

Mumbai is the capital city of Maharashtra and is often referred to as the 'dream city of India'. It is also India’s financial capital.

Must-sees in the city include the Gateway of India, Hanging Gardens, Mahalaxmi Temple, Haji Ali Shrine, Marine Drive and the beaches of Juhu and Chowpathy. The city of Mumbai is a headquarters of the Bollywood theatre movement and a truly unique and entertaining city. Take a drive to the Bandra-Worli sea link at night, and the kids will love Essel World, an internationally-renowned theme park.

Ganapatipule is a small village in Maharashtra which has a long stretch of beautiful beaches. A beach itself named Ganapatipule is the most spectacular of all the beaches along the Konkan Coast and is an idyllic getaway that attracts peace-seekers, beach lovers and pilgrims alike.

Standing as silent sentinels to history are the more than 350 forts of Maharashtra. Beaten by the sea waves, lashed at by the torrential Deccan rains, or scorched in the blazing sun, these forts represent imposing battlements and crumbling walls and are the last lingering memories of Maharashtra's martial times.

Dating back to the 2nd Century BC and artistically built over a few centuries, the caves of Maharashtra have an extraordinary appeal and aura. Nestled in the formidable Sahayadri Mountain Range, these caves have been home to monks of different religions for thousands of years.

The caves of Ajanta and Ellora are the pride of Maharashtra. The rock-cut caves of both these sites are world-famous and illustrate the degree of skill and artistry that Indian craftsmen achieved several hundred years ago.

These caves were discovered early in the 19th Century quite by chance by a party of British officers on manoeuvres.

Only nine nautical miles across the sea from the Gateway of India in Mumbai, lies Elephanta, also known as 'Gharapuri'. This green island showcases wonders from the 7th Century, and the painstakingly hewn rock-cut cave temple is dedicated to Shiva.

Whether sited on an island, as at Murud-Janjira, guarding the seas at Bassein, or among the Sahyadri hills at Raigad, a visit to one of Maharashtra’s forts is a definite must-do experience.

India is a country that is steeped in spirituality and religion. Some of the greatest monuments have been temples, dedicated to the gods and goddesses. Maharashtra has its fair share of religious shrines, encompassing the many religions that grace India. These shrines are visited by people from India and all over the world; from all walks of life and different faiths.

Situated 120 kilometres from Nashik is the home of one of Maharashtra’s most revered saints, Sai Baba of Shirdi. Known as the ‘Child of Gold’, Sai Baba preached tolerance towards all religions and the message of universal brotherhood.

If a beach holiday is your idea of heaven, you’ll find all you could wish for in Maharashtra. It extends for 720 kilometres along the Arabian Sea from Dahanu and Bordi in the north up to Goa in the south.

Running north to south throughout the length of Maharashtra are the steeply rising Western Ghats. Nestling shyly in these mountains, some at an altitude of 2,000 metres are the hill stations of Maharashtra. These towns offer clean, calm and a refreshing alternative to city life. They are probably the only places in India where you can observe the fall of the land all the way to the shimmering sea.

A haven for nature lovers, Maharashtra is home to a large number of animal and bird species including the tiger, crocodile, bison, gawa, neelgai, wild deer, sambars and rare migratory birds. The government has set up many wildlife parks and sanctuaries to protect these regions and the parks offer magnificent opportunities to see a wide variety of wildlife in spectacular, natural settings. Take a jeep ride, go on a night safari and you will think you’re in another world.

Panchgani

Panchgani is a famous hill station in the Satara district in Maharashtra and is nestled at the middle of five hills in the Sahyadri mountain ranges.

Panchgani gets its name from the five or 'panch' hills around it. At an altitude of 1,334 metres it is just 38 metres below Mahabaleshwar. This distance translates into a breathtaking 18 kilometre approach offering heart-stopping views of the Krishna River on one side and coastal plains on the other. Panchagni is the quintessential residential hill station with an old-world charm which can be seen in the architecture of the British buildings, the Parsi houses and the boarding houses that have been around for over a century. For glimpses of a vanished era, a special visit can be arranged to some of the old British and Parsi homes.

You can spend hours at the bazaar as Panchgani is one of those rare places that doesn't crowd anyone, yet touches every visitor in its own unhurried way.

Mahabaleshwar

You will indulge your senses in India’s lush high country when you visit Mahabaleshwar. Rising just over 1,370 metres above sea level, here you will find scenic views of misty valleys and thick blankets of green forest. The area is rich in history and lies on five acres of old-heritage land, of which almost half is ancient forest that is just waiting to be explored. Free from the heat of the lowlands, you will also find yourself just two minutes away from the exotic colours, textures, scents and tastes of the lively local market.

The surrounding area includes the picturesque Mahabaleshwar Hill Station, known as ‘Queen of Maharashtra’. The ‘Queen’ has drawn generations of holidaymakers who flock to the area to enjoy the rugged scenery and beautiful waterfalls.

Pune

Surrounded with green hills and placid lakes and with a lovely climate, Pune is known as the Queen of the Deccan and Oxford of the East. This cultural capital of Maharashtra is among the greenest urban areas in India.

Pune is now a centre for Marathi theatre, education, crafts, culture and art. The city has one of the India's oldest universities that attract students both from India and overseas. Pune is also becoming a commercial hub for Maharashtra state in addition to Mumbai.

In Pune you can enjoy the narrow but historic lanes of the walled city as well as the spacious and dazzling streets of the new city. Pune offers traditional Maharashtra as well as the up-to-date and lively new look Maharashtra.

Lonavala

Lonavala is a popular hill station at a height of 625 metres above sea level in the western region of Maharashtra. The expanse of this exquisite hill station takes in 38 square kilometres. There are plenty of caves like Bhaja, Bedsa and Karla to visit.

Lonavala has been famed as a health resort due to its unpolluted environment and pleasant climate all through the year. Visit during monsoon season and you will see the waterfalls and lakes full of water and surrounded by lush greenery.

Lonavala is a romantic gateway from the hustle and bustle of the crowded metropolitan life in Mumbai and Pune and is a perfect location for hiking and trekking. The place is bestowed with many historical forts, ancient caves and wonderful serene lakes.