Maharashtra: Why You Should Visit And Why You’ll Keep Going Back To India’s Great State

Maharashtra, which literally means ‘great state’, is truly great in terms of size and experience. There is such a wealth of tourist places in Maharashtra that you could visit and revisit several times and still have more to explore. Whatever your vacation aspiration, Maharashtra has something to offer. Think spectacular beaches, wonderful hill stations, fabulous forts, healthy forests teeming with wildlife, a prosperous countryside bursting with agriculture and local handicrafts, and vibrant cities full of cultural extravaganzas, culinary adventures, and, in some cases, thriving nightlife.

Best time to visit tourist places in Maharashtra

Thanks to its varied topography, different parts of this state enjoy different climates. The Konkan region adjoining the sea and the Western Ghats witnesses a heavy monsoon, hot and humid summers, and mild winters. Hill stations in Maharashtra’s Sahyadri range have their own microclimate with cool winters. A large part of the state lies on the Deccan Plateau to the east of these mountains. Its elevation and inland location give it a dry and semi-arid climate. The plains closest to the centre of India are notably very hot in the summer with tame winters. Typically, November to February is the best time to visit tourist places in Maharashtra. The monsoon months of June to September are also very pleasant, and the lush greenery makes it the perfect time for treks to hill forts and waterfalls. But precautions must be taken as the heavy rain brings with it its own dangers.

Also read | When To Visit India? Find The Perfect Time To Explore The Land Of Diversity

Tourist places: How to reach Maharashtra

The state is quite central and accessible, so it isn’t difficult to reach the many tourist places in Maharashtra. Flights connect Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) in Mumbai with almost all other airports in India and abroad. Other important airports in the state are Pune International Airport, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur, and Aurangabad Airport. Thanks to India’s wonderful railway network, you can reach Maharashtra by train from various parts of the country, with the main hubs being Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai, Pune Junction, Nagpur Junction, and Manmad Junction. Road travel is also easy, with the ability to drive, bike, or take a bus or private taxi from neighbouring states or even further away.

Also, explore our ultimate guide to Mumbai Airport for shopping, food, and more.

Tourist places in Maharashtra: Best cities to visit

Mumbai

India’s most buzzing and cosmopolitan metropolis, the country’s commercial capital packs a lot into just 603.4 sq km. Heritage architecture, historic spots, some of the country’s best museums and entertainment venues, the world of film and TV, F&B experiences galore, a thriving nightlife, state-of-the-art roads and bridges, grand event venues, a full-fledged national park with wildlife and migratory birds, it’s got it all and then some. No wonder it’s one of the most popular tourist places in Maharashtra.

Pune

The Oxford of the East is Maharashtra’s cultural capital. Blessed with a largely pleasant climate, it is well-connected to Mumbai and other prominent cities in Maharashtra. Pune is a big city that you can take in at your pace across the verdant Western Ghats, forts, wadas (palaces) and rivers while sampling the delectable local cuisine such as spicy missal and the sweet concoction known as mastani.

Nashik

Think vineyards, scenic outdoors, hills, the river Godavari, and many lakes if you are a nature lover. For the faithful, Nashik is replete with many ancient holy places. A mostly temperate climate and excellent road and rail links within Maharashtra, as well as Gujarat, make Nashik an excellent getaway across seasons.

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad)

Located in Maharashtra’s Marathwada region, the city is a rich melting pot of various religious and cultural influences. It is most renowned for the Ajanta and Ellora caves, Bibi ka Maqbara and the Kailasa temple. Aurangabad is a shopper’s paradise, especially if one is interested in cotton and silk textiles.

Nagpur

Located at approximately the geographical centre of India, Nagpur is also known as the ‘orange city’ for its profusion of fruit. After one has taken its distinctive super spicy ‘Saoji’ cuisine, visitors to Nagpur can head to many famous wildlife sanctuaries, including Tadoba, Pench, Nagzira, etc.

Explore more with our comprehensive guide to national parks near Mumbai.

Satara

The southwestern Maharashtra city is perched at an average elevation of 742 metres and is surrounded by British-era hill stations like Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani. So, excellent vistas are assured, more so, atop one of the city’s numerous forts. A special attraction is the Kaas Plateau, which blooms with a million colourful flowers between August and October.

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Book your stay at The Oberoi Mumbai via Agoda.com

Tourist places in Maharashtra: Best beaches

With the Konkan coast forming one edge of the state bordering the Arabian Sea on its western periphery, there are plenty of beautiful beaches that you can explore.

Bordi, Gholwad, and Dahanu

Close to the Gujarat border, these lovely stretches of sand are bordered by orchards of chikoo and lychee.

Also read | These Beaches In Mumbai Will Always Have Our Heart

Uttan, Gorai and Manori

They are home to the East Indian community and have some stunning churches.

Aksa, Versova, Juhu, Dadar Chowpatty, and Girgaon Chowpatty

These are the main beaches on the western coast of the Mumbai peninsula.

Raigad (formerly Alibaug)

Often called the Hamptons of Mumbai, it’s accessible by speedboat, catamaran, and the plush M2M, Maharashtra’s first Ro-Pax ferry that’s operational year-round, even during monsoons. With many of Mumbai’s elite choosing to have their primary home or holiday stay here, it’s now dotted with beautiful villas and offers excellent dining and shopping too. Many beaches lead off from the Mandwa jetty (where the boats dock). Kihim is laidback, and Kashid has white sand and a Goa vibe. The family-friendly Murud has some nice resorts. Varsoli has a vast expanse of flat and clean beaches that are a delight to walk on. There are sea forts, lighthouses, and ancient tombs to discover. The best way to get around this region if you don’t have your own vehicle is to take the local auto-rickshaws.

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Ratnagiri

Lying at the heart of the Konkan coast, Ratnagiri is much more than exquisite black sand beaches, cliffs and waterfalls. The Ratnadurg fort, once the centre of power of the Bijapur Sultanate was taken over and redeveloped by Chhatrapati Shivaji in 1670 AD. Ratnagiri was also the unlikely place of exile for then-Burmese king Thibaw. History apart, the city is synonymous with the legendary Alphonso mangoes, cashew nuts, a marine biological research station and even a 3D planetarium. At Velas and Anjarle in March-April, you can witness hundreds of Olive Ridley turtle hatchlings make their way to the sea. At Guhagar, watch bioluminescent algae turn the sea a tantalising blue on a romantic late evening date at the beach. Apart from plentiful mangoes and coconuts, look for coir fibre souvenirs on lazy shopping expeditions. Feel free to choose from a bouquet of homestays to walk to the beach or take an afternoon siesta after a delicious seafood lunch. Ganpatipule is located just about 20 km away from Ratnagiri town and about 375 km from Mumbai, this beach town is famous for the Ganesha temple that it is named after. Even if you aren’t particularly religious, there’s enough to keep you interested. The calm and splendid sea is one. Relatively less commercialised than more fancied Goa, Ganpatipule offers spectacular views, especially from the 16th-century Jaigad Fort that hugs the cliffs. You cannot miss a visit to the lighthouse.

Sindhudurg

While there are many stunning yet unexplored beaches down the Konkan coast, the ones in the Sindhudurg region are especially off the beaten track. Tarkarli is the most well-known, offering diving and water sports. Achara, Bhogwe, Devbag, Talashil Tondavali and Kille Nivati, Aare Waare, Malwan, are some of the others. Also stop by the disappearing beach, which gets completely submerged with the high tide. Renowned for being an ancient port, Shrivardhan is also the centre of the ‘Peshwa’ era of Maratha history. Stroll through fragrant Alphonso mango orchards and coconut trees on the way to the beach. Not too far is Harihareshwar, whose North and South beaches are flanked by three hills. Walk through the narrow Ganesh gully between craggy rocks on your way to sample a gorgeous sunset. Harihareshwar also houses a much-venerated Shiva temple. Diveagar is the quieter, more boutique destination of the three beach towns. All around the four km sand beach are coconut and betelnut plantations. Keep an eye out for migratory birds in the winter and join the avians in feasting on the ample fresh catch in the fishing village of Bharadkhol. Barely 110 km from Goa further south, Vengurla offers all the delights minus the hype. Take in the calm winter sea or experience the adrenaline rush of water sports on one of the many beaches. Go on easy hikes in the surrounding hills. Visit historical Dutch and British colonial settlements or a host of ancient religious places. And don’t forget to tuck into the sumptuous local fare.

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Tourist places in Maharashtra: Top hill stations to visit

Thanks to the colonial penchant for picking the most pleasant spots to summer in, Maharashtra has many great hill stations that were ‘discovered’ and developed by the British, and which are still some of the most drool-worthy tourist places in Maharashtra.

Mahabaleshwar

The erstwhile summer capital of the British-era Bombay Presidency is an all-season favourite that is easily accessible from Mumbai and Pune. Mahabaleshwar is more than a series of scenic ‘points’. The Krishna River originates in the town, another expansive water body, the Venna Lake is a boater’s delight. Stroll along meandering wooded trails that are dotted with colonial and Parsi bungalows. Savour luscious locally grown strawberries, raspberries and mulberries. There is no shortage of stay options no matter what your priority, valley views, luxury, heritage or budget.

Also read | Bookmark These Beautiful Villas In Mahabaleshwar For Your Next Getaway

Do not forget to visit the non-touristy ‘Old Mahabaleshwar’ to take in ancient temples and traditional culture. Also, take a short drive to visit the majestic Pratapgarh Fort, significant to Maratha history.

Panchgani

As one ascends from Wai, Panchgani is the first hill station before one reaches Mahabaleshwar. Meaning the land between five villages, Panchgani was established in 1860 by the British. Not soon thereafter,it became an educational hub for Europeans, as it is still today for Indians. Compact and lived in, Panchgani is home to ‘Table Land’, the second longest mountain plateau in Asia. Trek off the beaten path and visit the Rajpuri caves, surrounded by a sacred pond. For a more authentic experience, opt for a farm stay. If you are more an outdoorsy kind, explore glamping and paragliding options.

Lonavala and Khandala

Roughly in the centre between Mumbai and Pune and at the junction of the Sahyadri range and Konkan coast are perched these twin hill stations. Unlike others of their kind, they are choc-a-bloc with tourists during the monsoon season rather than in summer. Visit on weekdays or off-season to get a slice of what was once a paradise. Verdant slopes, cool rain and fog entrance visitors, as much as the sheer valleys and the allure of waterfalls and Bushi Dam (we recommend avoiding this spot altogether). Ancient Buddhist cave sites Karla, Bhaja, and Bhedse are good day excursions, as well as the Rajmachi and Lohgad forts. Do not forget to gorge on and take home local hard butterscotch-like candy called ‘chikki’ from Maganlal or A1 and walnut fudge from Cooper.

Also read | Best Places To Visit In Lonavala To Truly Discover The Jewel Of The Sahyadri

Matheran

The car-free hill station is Mumbai’s quick getaway. Think red soil, semi-evergreen forests, horses, quaint trails, bazaars and bungalows, Matheran has it all. While, one can hike, or drive up to Matheran, the best way is to take the ‘toy train’ of the Matheran Hill Railway, built in 1907.

Also, explore our guide to Matheran, a hidden gem in the Western Ghats.

There is no shortage of stunning cliff-side vistas in Matheran. The scenic Charlotte Lake and the Olympia Racecourse are always top draws for the tourist. If you seek a more active holiday, go trekking to the Prabalgad and Vikatgad forts.

Malshej Ghat

Just north of Mumbai lies this beautiful mountain pass. Studded with vast green and craggy plateaus abutting lakes, and gorgeous riverine islands, Malshej Ghat is also not too far from the spectacular Naneghat ‘reverse waterfall’ and majestic Harishchandragad fort. Take a leisurely boat cruise in the serene waters around the Pimpalgaon Joga Dam, flanked by mountains on all sides. Do not forget to visit Lenyadri’s rock-cut Buddhist caves. Bird lovers can delight in watching flamingos during the rainy season.

Bhimashanker

Famous for the eponymous temple counted among the 12 ‘Jyotirlingas’ of India, Bhimashanker is a smorgasbord of experiences. Located in the Pune district, it is quite the trekkers’ paradise, be it for a temple visit, or if the final destination is the wildlife sanctuary home to rich and diverse flora and fauna. The Bhima River originates in Bhimashanker. Staying on water, take in the splendid Hanuman Lake and the Ahupe Waterfalls with a view of the Dimbhe Dam backwaters.

Also read | Savour The Sahyadris: Unwind At These Blissful Hill Stations Near Mumbai

Amboli

This is Maharashtra’s southernmost hill station, just north of Goa’s plains. During the British era, it connected Vengurla port with Belgaum. Soak in the impressive Amboli waterfall and also the Kavalesat reverse waterfall. Take in fabulous views from the Madhavgad Fort. Explore the Amboli forest to connect with nature. For the religiously minded, there is the Hiranyakeshi temple and cave complex.

Igatpuri-Bhandardara

These adventure-inducing hill stations are located close to Nashik. While local attractions include the Wilson Dam, Randha Falls and Arthur Lake, the real thrill lies in treks to Kalsubai, Maharashtra’s highest peak and also to the Ratnagad and Harishchandragad forts. For a more calming experience try the Vipassana meditation course at Igatpuri or visit the 11 century Amruteshwar temple.

Toranmal

Maharashtra’s northernmost hill station is part of the Satpura range. Not surprisingly, the nearest airport is Surat in Gujarat. The Toranmal Wildlife Sanctuary is highly recommended. Go kayaking in the Lotus Lake or just take in the natural beauty of the Yashvant Lake. Look into Madhya Pradesh just across the border from the Awashabari Point. The Khadki Point offers numerous trekking possibilities. You may want to visit the 600-year-old Torna Devi temple for a step back in time.

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Book your stay at Viveda Wellness Resort via Agoda.com

Tourist places in Maharashtra: Best forts to visit

Maharashtra has almost 350 magnificent hill forts and numerous sea forts, each boasting unique architecture and a splendid past. We’ve mentioned many of them above and, while all of them are worth seeing, many of which include a fabulous trekking or sailing experience to get to them, and sensational views along the way, here are some of these strongholds of stories that you should certainly not miss.

Shivneri

The birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji, this triangular fort close to Junnar town has been ruled by everyone at various points in time, from the Yadava dynasty to the Delhi Sultanate, the Bahmani Sultanate, the Ahmadnagar Sultanate, the Marathas, the Mughals, the British East India Company, and the British empire!

Also read | Discover India’s Biggest Forts: Historical Marvels That Are Definitely Worth Visiting

Sinhagad

This hill fort in the Sahyadris is about 30 km southwest of Pune. Once known as Kondana, it was renamed Sinhagad to commemorate the lion-like bravery of General Tanaji Malusare, who fought valiantly against the Mughal armies to win back the fort for Chhatrapati Shivaji. The site of his samadhi is one of the many places inside the sprawling fort that are a big tourist draw, apart from a memorial to nationalist leader of India’s freedom movement Lokmanya Tilak, the huge doorways called Kalyan Darwaza and Pune Darwaza, ‘kadhe lot’ point, which is the edge of the cliff from where traitors were pushed over, etc.

Rajgad

This fort was the capital of the Maratha Empire for almost 26 years until AD 1672 when Chhatrapati Shivaji moved his capital to Raigad. This fort, formerly known as Murumdev, is about 60 km southwest of Pune. A ramble around the fort will bring you to ruined palaces, water cisterns, and even caves. Be it Padmavati, Suvela or Sanjeevani Machi (level), temples, impressively intricate doorways, and many other fortifications that made this fort almost invincible, they’re all visible to the visitor even today.

Torna

Also called Prachandgad, with ‘prachand’ meaning huge, which refers to its size, this fort was the first of the many that Chhatrapati Shivaji conquered. He was just a teen when he accomplished this feat in AD 1646, and it spelt the start of the Maratha empire. While the original fort may be as old as the 13th century, many additions have been made since. The top of the fort is tough to scale. But, several goddess temples, the Bini, Kothi and Konkan Darwazas, Budhla and Zunjar Machi levels and more await the adventurous.

Pratapgad

An impressive 17th-century fort built by Chhatrapati Shivaji, it was the site of an epic battle.

Sindhudurg

This sprawling 17th-century sea fort in southern Maharashtra has several secret passages.

Murud-Janjira

Think sturdy walls, three long-range cannons, and magnificent views of the sea.

Vijaydurg

Dates back to the 12th century and reportedly has an underwater tunnel connecting it with the mainland.

Book your stay at The Westin Koregaon Park via Booking.com

Book your stay at The Westin Koregaon Park via Agoda.com

Tourist places in Maharashtra: Best wildlife sanctuaries

Many of the state’s forests have been designated as national parks, tiger reserves, and wildlife sanctuaries. Some boast a booming tiger population, and almost all are rich in leopards, sloth bears, gaur, nilgai, dhole, striped hyenas, jackals, wolf, sambar, many varieties of jungle cats and deer, monkeys, reptiles, birds, insects, and arachnids. Many offer a great safari experience and accommodation in forest department resthouses as well as resorts (outside the buffer zones). Here are some of the more well-known ones that are popular tourist places in Maharashtra.

Tadoba Andheri Tiger Reserve

Tadoba was Maharashtra’s oldest and largest national park, and today, this reserve has become the state’s pride and joy thanks to its healthy and happy tigers.

Pench Tiger Reserve

While the part of Pench in Madhya Pradesh gets a lot of attention, the 257 sq km of forest that is in Maharashtra is a worthy experience too.

Navegaon Nagzira National Park

It is located in the districts of Bhandara and Gondia, covering about 655 sq km. Navegaon Wildlife Sanctuary is in the northern part of this area while Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary lies in the southern part. Rich in flora and fauna, it’s known for its birdlife, with over 160 species noted.

Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary

Known for its population of Indian bison (gaur), this sanctuary is situated on the border of Kolhapur and Sindhudurg districts in the Sahyadri mountain range. At an altitude of 1,200 metres above sea level, the weather here is quite pleasant throughout the year.

Bor Tiger Reserve

Close to Hingani village in the district of Wardha, this sanctuary became India’s 48th tiger reserve in July 2014. Some rare bird and reptile species here are also a draw among nature lovers.

Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary

The famous Bhimashankar temple brings worshippers, but the endangered giant squirrel that can be spotted here has its share of devotees too!

Melghat Wildlife Sanctuary

It’s a popular tiger reserve in the district of Amaravati. A protected forest of longstanding as it was among the first nine tiger reserves notified in 1973-74 under Project Tiger, it has also seen the success story of bringing back the Forest Owlet from the edge of extinction.

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Best hotels near Maharashtra’s top tourist places

While almost every hospitality brand worth its salt has a presence in Mumbai, with many magnificent hotels and resorts across the state as well, here are a few of the most impressive ones located in the top tourist places in Maharashtra. The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower is the grande dame of Mumbai, the flagship of the illustrious Taj Hotels chain. The sumptuous heritage wing has been in existence since 1903 and boasts many Indian hospitality firsts along with offering the most impeccable service. The Gateway of India monument was built facing this legendary hotel! The Oberoi Mumbai at Nariman Point is another legend, though more modern and contemporary. The buzz is that the brand plans to open a luxury resort called Anant Vilas near Reliance’s Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre and Jio World Plaza at the Bandra Kurla Complex soon. In Pune, the Ritz-Carlton, Conrad, JW Marriott, The Westin Koregaon Park, Blue Diamond Pune IHCL SeleQtions, DoubleTree by Hilton, and Vivanta, are some of the top names. Gateway Nashik, Courtyard by Marriott, Express Inn, Radisson Blu, Grape County Eco Resort & Spa, and amã Stays & Trails Aqua Vista Luxuria are all good hotels in Nashik. Opt for Vivanta in Aurangabad, and Radisson Blu, Le Méridien, The Pride, or Tuli Imperial in Nagpur. Numerous speciality accommodation also exist, with Tuli Veer Bagh Resort being on the Maharashtra side of the Pench Tiger Reserve and the simply fabulous, design-intense and experience-rich Tipai by Wildlife Luxuries in the Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary near Yavatmal. Fort Jadhavgadh Heritage Hotel and Chavni offer fort stays, while The Machan is a nature-friendly resort, and Le Méridien Mahabaleshwar helps you make the most of your time in the hill station. Luxury Wellness Retreats such as the gorgeous Viveda Wellness Resort in Nashik and Dharana at Shillim are great ideas too.

Also read | Best Hotels In Mumbai That Capture The Energy Of India’s Financial Capital

Book your stay at The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower via Booking.com

Book your stay at The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower via Agoda.com

Tourist places: Shopping in Maharashtra

Each region has its specialities and style of handicrafts and textiles that you could bring back as special souvenirs from the popular tourist places in Maharashtra. In the Northern part of Maharashtra, the indigenous Warli tribals have decorated the mud walls of their houses with distinctive designs in white rice paste for more than 10 centuries. Even today, this is recognised as folk art that must be cherished, and you can take away small artefacts decorated in this style. Another iconic Maharashtrian staple is Kolhapuri chappals or trademark sturdy leather slippers. Going from the mundane to the magical, one must mention the gorgeous Paithani silk sarees, with really stunning woven pallus. They have retained their splendour of design for several centuries. As well as the Narayan Peth sarees from near Sholapur, with unique contrasting borders. And then there’s the lavish Himroo, a silk and cotton fabric that traditionally was woven with gold and silver threads. A throwback to the 14th century, when Aurangabad was the seat of power, and the royals wanted a substitute for their original heavy kinkhwab brocade. As it’s an agricultural state, every location you visit will have a great quality grain, spice or fruit that you can buy or delicacies made from it that you can savour.

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(Feature Image Credit: Shivajidesai29, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

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