There are some vibrant places to visit in Maharashtra and travellers should spend some time here.
There are some beautiful and fascinating places to visit in Maharashtra. In the north there’s Nasik, a city of crashing colours, timeless rituals and Hindu legends. Across the Ghats in the south, you can come face to face with the thriving modern city of Pune, a city as famous for its sex gurus at the lavish Osho Commune as its bars and restaurants. The rocky terrain around Pune is dotted with massive forts built by the 17th century Maratha leader, Shivaji, who launched successful guerrilla campaigns against the Mughals. Further south still, the old maharaja’s palaces, wrestling pits and overwhelming temples of Kolhapur make for one of the best introductions to India anyone could want. Out in the far east of the state towards Nagpur, the adventurous can set out in search of tigers hidden in a clump of national parks. On the coast, a rash of small, secluded beaches offer an escape from the busy city and give Goa’s tropical dreams a run for their money. Train buffs can enjoy a ride up the scenic narrow-gauge railway to Matheran in the hills of the Western Ghats where the morning mists lift to reveal stupendous views and colonial-flavoured hill stations. But it’s the centre around Aurangabad, with its treasure house of architectural and artistic wonders (topped by the UNESCO World Heritage–listed rock-cut temples at Ellora Caves and the Buddhist Ajanta Caves), that really steals the show. Today Maharashtra boasts not only India’s most vibrant city, Mumbai, and a diverse and rapidly growing industrial economy, but also a rich agricultural hinterland.
There are so many Maharashtra tourist places that it is possible to spend an entire month in this state alone. Nevertheless, Maharashta is one of the most vibrant and rewarding corners of India and travellers should take some time to appreciate the beauty and wonder of this “Great Nation”.
Maharashtra Highlights
1. Stand in amazement at the awe-inspiring beauty of the monumental Kailasanatha Temple, the jewel in Ellora Caves‘ crown
2. Be mesmerised by antique Buddhist art in the ancient cave galleries of Ajanta
3. Dine or drink at one of the upmarket restaurants or pubs in Mumbai
4. Get lost in the dark passageways of Daulatabad Fort in Aurangabad
5. Sip on a glass of zinfandel or sauvignon, and lose yourself in a holy confluence of faith and ritual in Nasik
6. Practice yoga and other spiritual rituals at the Osho Ashram in Pune
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