About Maharashtra
Often referred to as “Gateway to the heart of India,” Maharashtra is a state which has welcomed people from all over India with open arms.
This state has a diverse and wealthy culture, as well as topography. From a 720-kilometre long coastline along the Arabian sea and prominent Deccan plateau to appealing Ghats and hill stations, it appears to be a delightful concoction of picturesque landscapes and grandeur on the canvas of nature. The ruins of the ancient forts and palaces unfold the chronicles of the past and many mighty rulers.
Why you should visit Maharashtra
The list of places in Maharashtra seems to be everlasting.
Maharashtra has 21 wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, including forest reserves and bird sanctuaries, with varied and endangered flora and fauna. These fascinating wildlife hotspots have intriguing and captivating natural beauty.
There are many architectural marvels, including places of the religious importance of various faiths, caves, forts, and palaces. These historical and contemporary places portray the glory and charisma of the state.
White beaches of the Konkan coast allure and soothe the soul while the sky-high peaks of Sahyadri and many other ranges in western Ghats glittering with the morning dew call out to the photographer in you.
Maharashtra is one of the safest places in India, making it an irresistible destination among travelers from all around the globe, including solo women travelers/women traveling together.
Architectural Treasures (Ancient Caves)
The caves in Maharashtra dating back to as early as 1st century BC served as shrines cut out of rocks with hands by Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists. With exceptional architecture and animated sculptures, these caves stand as a testimony of a glorious ancient past. Along with Ajanta caves in Aurangabad, Ellora caves in Aurangabad, Elephanta caves near Mumbai some other outstanding specimens which have endured the test of the time are Aurangabad caves, Kanheri caves, Karla and Bhaja caves, Pandavleni caves, Pitalkhora caves. UNESCO has listed the Elephanta caves as the world heritage site.
Next in the line are the palaces and forts capable of transporting you to the royal past to relive the thrill and nobility. Some of the most sought out forts and palaces are Vijaydurg Fort, Pratapagadh Fort, Shaniwar Wada, Raigadh Fort, Sindhudurg Fort, Ahmednagar Fort, Daulatabad Fort, Lal Mahal, and Bibi Ka Maqbara.
Even Britishers and Portuguese have left their mark on the Architecture. Gateway of India, Rajabai clock tower, and Vasai are some places for sightseeing from the colonial era.
Religious Places (Sai Baba Temple)
Maharashtra receives thousands of pilgrims throughout the year. There are many shrines of all faiths and religions.
Nasik is one out of four holy places of Hindus where Kumbh and Maha Kumbh Mela take place. Shirdi, Bahubali Temple, Kailash temple, and Pandharpur temple are some other Hindu worship places that attract a considerable number of devotees.
Over eight hundred-year-old Muslims’ sacred place is Hazi Ali Tomb in Mumbai, and Takhat Sachkhand Shri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib of Nanded is the revered Gurudwara of Sikhs.
Water Spot Destinations/ Trekking Destinations/ Beach Destinations
When one thinks of Maharashtra, it is hard to miss its beaches. On the one hand, are the posh but crowded beaches like Juhu and Marine Drive Chowpatty beaches and on the other are the tranquil and hassle-free beaches like Harnai and Bassein. Velneshwar and Shriwardhan-Harihreshwar are apt for adventure-seeking tourists. Amongst all the shores of the state, Malvan grabs the attention owing to its pristine coral reefs, sea caves, and vibrant marine life.
Some other worth visiting beaches in Maharastra are Dahanu-Bordi Beach, Mandwa And Kihim Beach, Marve Manori and Goraj Beach, Madh Island Beach, and Velneshwar Beach. Some of these also have adequate arrangements for Scuba diving to explore marine life.
When it comes to adventure and trekking, Maharashtra has some hidden gems which are nothing less than a trekker’s paradise. Some of the best places for trekking, which are brimming with a dense canopy and dotted with lakes, are Visapur Fort Trek, Shivneri Trek, Lohgad Trek, Torna Trek, Harishchandragad Trek, Raigad Trek.
Apart from trekking and scuba diving, Maharashtra also offers paragliding, caving, and rafting to keep the tourists on their toes.
Food, Culture, Festivity and Crafts
The culture spills through the lifestyle, food, clothes, and festivals of the place. Maharastra’s culture is heterogeneous because of the mixing of various ethnicity and groups.
Food
The staple food in Maharashtra changes from region to region and from season to season. Fish curries, spicy mutton, Vada pav, Pav Bhaji, Selucha Chana, and Chaat and Puneri missal are some of the local cuisines which are part of the food of urban as well as the rural populace.
Dance
The traditional dance forms of Maharashtra are Koli, Lavani, and Powada.
Festivals
Ganesh Chaturthi- celebrated over ten days with much enthusiasm, grabs all the eyeballs when it comes to the festival. Gudi Padwa, Naga Panchami, Badgyas, and Marabats are some other festivals that are an indispensable part of Maharashtra’s culture.
Crafts
The crafts of the state are quite distinctive and dazzling. Some of the world-famous works of Maharashtra are Warli paintings, Narayan Peth, Kolhapur Jewellery, Mashroo and Himroo, and bidiware.
Language
Though the official language of the state is Marathi but Hindi, English, Gujarati, and Urdu are also widely spoken in Maharashtra.
Airports In Maharashtra
This list of Airports in Maharashtra contains currently serving domestic and international airports used for commercial purpose:-
- Aurangabad Airport in Aurangabad
- Jalgaon Airport in Jalgaon
- Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj Airport in Kolhapur
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai
- Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur
- Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Airport in Nanded
- Ozar Airport in Nashik
- Shirdi Airport in Shirdi
- Solapur Airport in Solapur
Maharashtra has a rich culture, vivid landscapes, golden beaches, wild but manicured hill stations, revered shrines, and much more. Infact, it would be very arduous if one tries to cover all the beautiful places of the state in one go. From picturesque landscapes to epitome of architectural marvels and flavorful festivals, Maharashtra is untouched, pristine, and picture as perfect. Because this state is safe for women, Maharashtra is an ideal destination for solo woman travelers/woman travelling together.