Famous Tourist Places in Maharastra

Mumbai

Formerly known as ‘Bombay’, Mumbai is the largest city and the capital of Maharashtra. It is also the most populated city in India and the 5th most populous city in the world. The city that we see today is a collection of 7 islands which were joined into a single metropolitan through land reclamation techniques in the 18th century under the rule of the British East India Company.

The city is often nicknamed the Manhattan ofIndia and is home to the famous Indian film industry or ‘Bollywood’. You might need more than a week to explore all the attractions in this city alone, with a huge number of historical monuments, beaches etc.

Aurangabad

This city is named after Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb. It was called Fatehpur before it took its present name. This city is gateway to the World Heritage Sites of Ajanta and Ellora caves. Developed as a modern city, Aurangabad provides all comforts and modern facilities. There are several luxury budget and star hotels, which caters the tourists of the city.

Siteseeings at Aurangabad Caves, Bibi Ka Maqbara, Himroo Factory and Panchakki are always worth to be organized. Daulatabad, Khuldabad Anwa Temple, Pitalkhora Caves, Lonar Crater and Paithan can also be organized as excursions. Sunheri Mahal Museum, University Museum and Chhatrapati Shivaji Museum are three the museums in the city, housing art treasures of the region.

Kolhapur

Kolhapur is one of the most easily approachable cities in Maharashtra that offers abundant tourist attractions and also serves as an important travel hub to explore other places. Not only does the city have its famous Mahalaksmi Mandir that draws millions of pilgrims each year but is also a nodal point to visit Panhala Fort and a wildlife sanctuary just a few kilometers away.

Located 377 kilometers from Mumbai and 237 kilometers from Pune, Kolhapur is very well-connected with most of the cities in Maharashtra by a good network of roads and railway. For the devout, it is the temple of Goddess Mahalakshmi inKolhapur that is a big draw, it being the most revered shrine in the state. That apart, Kolhapur also serves as a base for making single day trips to many other places, all of them unique in their own ways.

Mahabaleshwar

Mahabaleshwar is a beautiful hill station known for its perfect weather all year round. The jungles of Mahabaleshwar are known for their density and a stunning array of birds and wildlife. Mahabaleshwar was initially engineered to be a health resort.

The first governor of Mahabaleshwar, Sir John Malcolm, established the hill station as a recreational getaway in 1829. The hill station is now known for its vast plateau of beautiful roads, forests and plantations. Mulberries, gooseberries and strawberries are popularly grown in this region. Once in Mahabaleshwar, there are a variety of places tourists can visit to savor the splendors of this scenic getaway.

Wilson Point, Marjorie Point, Castle Rock and Elphinstone Peak are some of the most popular tourist hot-spots. The town is well-endowed with modern amenities such as ATM's, restaurants, hotels as well as various places of worship. While at Mahabaleshwar, one can also see a grand view of Krishna Valley which is home to many significant temples. Read on for more information.

Ajanta Ellora Caves

 The Ellora Caves and the Ajanta Caves are near Aurangabad in Maharashtra. Chalukya and Rashtrakuta kings ruled over the Deccan from the middle of the 6th century AD to almost the end of the 12th century. The former were tolerant of all religions and, under their liberal patronage, the technique of excavating rock-cut temples reached a high degree of perfection. With the rise of the Rashtrakuta and other powers in the Deccan, there was a decline of Buddhist influence, but artistic activity continued unabated. Rock-hewn architecture reached its zenith in western India as the Western Ghats provided suitable sites for excavation and carving. No existing caves as such were used. Thus architecture was sculpture on a mass scale. The solidity of the rock obviated the need for periodic repairs, and many of the temples are in a state of good preservation to this day.

An aesthetic vision and advanced technical knowledge combined in the architects. It is interesting to note that the excavation usually proceeded from the top downwards—the natural rock-surface below providing a platform and eliminating the necessity of scaffolding.

The Ajanta Caves, accidentally discovered by a shooting party in 1829, are excavated out of amygdaloid trap rock, and situated in the scarped side of a deep ravine that is shaped like a crescent. They are entirely Buddhist and date from about 200 BC to approximately 650 AD. It is of interest to note that the Chinese Buddhist travellers, Hiuen Tsang and Fa Hien, refer to Ajanta in accounts of their travels.

Of the 29 excavations, four are chaitya halls (all differing in design) and the rest are viharas. The decorative motifs differ with the age of the excavations.

The Hinayana and Mahayana phases are also well defined, the first being simpler the second being much more decorative and characterised by images of the Buddha. The caves are unique in that they combine three forms of art—architecture, sculpture and painting.

The technique employed in the frescoes was to spread on the rough surface of the rock a layer of clay mixed with cow- dung and rice-husks. Sometimes pounded brick mixed with fibre was added

Solapur

Solapur is one of the districts in Western Maharashtra, situated near the borders of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. It is the administrative headquarters of north & south Solapur district which consist of Eleven Talukas. It’s famous for a textile capital in Maharashtra. Thus, making the largest exporter of Turkish Towels and garments. Also, it is well known for medical Facilities.

Solapur is hub for Engineering Studies. The Solapur University is located in city itself hence, easy to access for the student.

The city is well connected to rest of India by Road and Rail. It is also an important junction situated on north -south railway to most cities and districts. It is also array of small scale and large scale industries. It is also exporter in terms of Grapes, Sugar and Pomegranates.

Most famous Pilgrims are in Maharashtra nearby Solapur like Siddheshwar Templeand lake, Pandharpur is South Kashi of Maharashtra situated on Bank of the river Bhima (70 km) - Lord Vithoba Temple.

Alibag

Alibag, kissed and bordered by the Arabian Sea, is known for its palatial sea forts, local fish delicacies and the virgin, sun-kissed beaches. A trip to Alibag is the ideal weekend getaway from the hustle-bustle of cosmopolitan lives. Located just 95.3 km from Mumbai, Alibag can be reached by NH 66 in about 2 hours. The name Alibag literally translates to 'the garden of Ali'. Located in the Konkan region of Raigad, this tourist hub is the ideal place for people looking for sun, serenity and solace. Surrounded by sea on all sides, Alibag is also known as the 'Goa of Maharashtra'. The town borders a famous Israeli-Jewish region, and is home to over thousands of families of Jewish descent. One of the most popular synagogues, called the Israel Ali, is also located in this city. Set amidst the backdrop of the Arabian Sea, Alibag is home to tranquil waters and lacunae beaches. The town can also be reached by ferry from Mumbai and is a perfect tourist spot for both young and old. Read on to know more.

There are a variety of places to see while in Alibag. The Kulaba Fort in the town is well-known for its architectural grandeur and was built by the late Maratha King, Chhatrapati Shivaji. This fort directly overlooks the town while also facing the sea. The beaches in and around Alibag are also popular tourist destinations. The Alibag Beach is a must-visit place and is perfect for a promenade or a stroll with your loved one. Varsoli Beach, Nagaon Beach, Korlai Beach, Akshi Beach, Kihim-Navgaon Beach and the Thal Beach are some of the other popular beaches around Alibag.

For those wanting to visit religious destinations, the Kaneshwar Mandir is located around 13 km from the heart of Alibag. Mandawa is also an important tourist destination situated 20 km from Alibag where one can find bungalows of Bollywood's celebrities. The 150-year-old 'Magnetic Observatory' is also worth your visit while you are in Alibag.

Khandala

Khandala tourism involves small tour packages arranged by the travel agents, places of sightseeing and accommodation found in and around the city. Tourists who intend to visit the city of Khandala must have prior knowledge about this hill-station and there are many attractive tour packages that they can avail. There are tourist packages for the family as well as for honeymooning couples. The best time to visit the beautiful hill station, Khandala is from the month of October to the month of May. 

Places to See in Khandala

Bedsa Caves

Bedsa Caves are situated very close to the region of Kamshet and falls on the Mumbai to Pune road.

Bhaja Caves

Bhaja caves is located in the city of Lonavala and is very close to the Malavali railway station.

Karla Caves

Karla Caves are situated in the western ghats and is about 114 kms away from Mumbai.

Kune Falls

Kune Falls is one of the most beautiful tourist spots in Khandala. It is located centrally within the Lonavala Khandala valley.

Lohgad Fort

Lohgad Fort was built during Shivaji's rule in Maharashtra. The fort of Lohgad is situated 10 kms away from Lonavala.

Lonavala Hill

Lonavala Hill is one of the famous tourist destinations from Khandala. The hills are also known as the Jewel of the Sahyadri.

Rajmachi Fort

Rajmachi Fort is one of the most popular tourist sites in Khandala. It is situated about 20 kilometers from Lonavala.