Maharashtra
Location : In the northern
center of peninsular India
State Capital : Mumbai
Area : 3,07,713 sq km
Language : Marathi, Hindi and English
Climate : Hot and Humid
Major Attractions : Ajnata and Ellora Caves, Gateway of India
and Mahabaleshwar Hill station
Ideal Time to Visit : October to March
¤ Maharashtra, The Land of
Many Colors
Maharashtra is located in the northern center of Indian peninsular.
It is encircled by the Arabian sea in the west and by Gujarat in the
north. Madhya Pradesh surrounds Maharashtra from the northern and the
eastern side whereas Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh lie to its south.
Travel to this colorful land with numerous mountains, forts, beaches
and caves. The state also has many temples that are sculpted into and
out of basalt rock.
With diverse culture and traditions the state of Maharshtra is also
keeping in pace with modernity. The state is known for its exciting
festivals celebrated throughout year like Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali,
Holi and Gudhi Parva, etc. The government of Maharashtra also
organizes many fairs and festivals to attract tourists. Some of these
are Pune festival, Ellora festival, Kalidas festival and Elephanta
festival. Apart from these, the state is also renowned for its white
shimmering beaches which are a visitor's delight. Thus, the vibrancy
and the color of this beautiful land attracts many tourists form all
over the world. Definitely, a must visit land.
¤ History
According to a 7th century inscription the state's name
'Maharashtra', was discovered. It is also mentioned in a Chinese
traveler's account. The name is said to be originated from rathi,
which means, "chariot driver". Once Maharashtra was full of
builders and drivers of chariots who formed a maharathis, a "fighting
force". Junnar, thirty miles north of Pune was established as the
capital in 90 A.D by king Vedishri. In the early fourteenth century
the Devgiri Yadavs were defeated by the northern Muslim powers. For
the next 900 years, no historical information about this region is
available. After the Mughals conquered India, the first Mughal king,
Babur established his capital in Delhi in the year 1526. The Mughals
then started expanding their power to the southern India and further
dominated India till the early eighteenth century.
Shivaji Bhosle later known as Chattrapati Shivaji was the founder of
the Maratha Empire. He was born in 1627 and at the age of sixteen
Shivaji started his lifelong struggle against Mughals and other Muslim
powers. He was determined to free his land at the fort Torna. Later,
he conquered almost the entire Deccan by the year 1680, also the year
of his death. He had developed an efficient administration and a
powerful army. He also infused a spirit of independence among the
Marathas, with which they fought and defeated the external powers for
almost 150 years. He was very much respected by the people of
Maharashtra and therefore was called Chattrapati Shivaji. Shivaji's
freedom struggle and achievements are considered spectacular and are
respected by providing the highest place in Maratha history.
¤ Major Travel Attraction in Maharashtra
Ajanta Ellora- A World Heritage
Site
The Ajanta caves are located to the northeast of Aurangabad and are
a little way off the main road. There are about 29 caves, built in a
horseshoe shaped curve of the steep rocky gorge that emerges above the
river Waghore. These caves date back to about 200 BC to 650 AD. Just
after the Ellora caves were built, the site of Ajanta caves was
abandoned and were slowly forgotten. In 1819 soldiers from a British
hunting party re-discovered these caves, which remained unknown for
centuries.
Situated about 30 kms from the northeast of Aurangabad lies the
famous Ellora caves. They are cut into the hillside and are famed for
their sculptures. The earliest caves are Buddhist, but the later ones
are Hindu and Jain cave temples. The origination time of the caves is
not confirmed. But the archaeologists believe that some of the later
Buddhist caves were built at the same time when the early Hindu
temples were being carved . There are 34 caves, of which 12 are
Buddhist, 17 are Hindu and five Jain.
Mumbai - The Capital City of Maharashtra
 The
capital of Mahahrashtra, Mumbai is the largest metropolis in India and
also its financial capital. It is one of the most vibrant cities, with
an alive nightlife. The city is also the center of glamor and glitz
due to the presence of Indian film industry. Mumbai is also a
historical city having many attractions to offer to a visitor. Major
travel attractions of this enticing city include the Gateway of India,
Prince of Wales Museum, Haji Ali's Tomb, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
or Victoria Terminus, Mumbadevi Temple and the famous Marine Drive.
Apart from these, the Chowpaty and the Juhu beach are major highlights
of the city, where tourists and local people gather to enjoy
themselves.
Pune Attractions
The second largest city of Maharashtra, Pune, is the place which was
home to the Maratha leader, Shivaji for a long time. This calm city
was also resided by the self-proclaimed guru, Bhagwan Rajneesh, also
known as Osho. Pune has many tourist spots, including, Shanwarawada
Palace, Raja Kelkar Museum, Gandhi National Memorial, Samadhi, and
Pataleshwar Temple.
Aurangabad - The City of World Heritage Site
Known for its medieval monuments and cultural heritage, the city of
Aurangabad was the seat of the Mughal Empire for a short span. The
Bibi-ka-Makbara, a tomb that has some resemblance to the Taj Mahal is
the highlight of the city. Auranagbad is world famous city due to the
presence of the Ajanta and Ellora caves regarded as the world heritage
sites. These sites have Buddhist, Jain and Hindu temples. Aurangabad
is also famous for it's silk and cotton textiles.
Dulatabad Fort
The impressive Daultabad fort is situated about 15 kms from
Aurangabad. At this place Mohammed Bin Tughlak built his capital, but
soon returned back to Delhi. It was finally captured by Allauddin
Khilji. The scenic views, located to the right of the Daulatabad fort
are mesmerizing. Today, the fort is not in a very good condition. But
some of the parts of the fort like the scary "Bhool Bhulaiya"
is still in a better condition.
Mahabaleshwar- A Pristine Hill Resort
Mahabaleshwar, the mesmerizing hill station, overlooks the Krishna
and Koyna valleys. It is situated at an altitude of 1372 meters and
presents many picture prefect views. This untouched natural paradise
is loved by people who admire nature and want to explore it.
Specially, the filmmakers adore this place because it provides plenty
of beautiful scenes for their films. Mahabaleshwar was the summer
capital of the erstwhile Bombay Presidency. Mahabaleshwar is a lovely
destination to visit, which has not lost its old charm, despite the
increasing crowds that visit the town. There are many mighty mansions
built during the days of the British, reminding of the of the British
Raj.
Lonavala Hill Station
Lonavala is another famous hill station, providing an enjoyable
getaway from the cities of Mumbai and Pune. The specialty of this
place is a special candy made of peanut and jaggery which is popular
all over the country.
¤ Festivals of Maharashtra
The state of Maharashtra is the hub of many religious and cultural
traditions. The fairs and festivals in Maharashtrian villages are a
part of life.
Each and every festival has its own significance. People decorate
their houses and festivities prevail all around. Though Maharashtra
celebrates many festivals, but the most popular festival is the Ganesh
Chaturthi. It is famous due to the large processions and the colorful
images of Lord Ganesha.
Besides, there are many festivals celebrated with as much enthusiasm
and spirit. Some of the important festivals celebrated here are Gudhi
Parva, Nariyal Poornima, Parsi new year, Diwali, Holi, etc. Apart from
these festivals the tourism department of Maharashtra also organizes
many fairs and festivals to promote travel tourism in the state. Some
of these festivals are Banganga festival, Kalidas festival, Elephanta
festival and Ellora festival, etc.
Each festival has its own color and cuisine. Having their own
importance these festivals are a way of life in India, specially in
rural India.
¤ Reach Mahatrashtra
By air : Maharashtra has
five domestic airports and one international airport at Mumbai. Many
of these airports have regular connections through the Indian Airlines
and other domestic airlines. Mumbai is the best connected
international airport in India and is connected with most of the
important international destinations.
By Rail : Mumbai is the center of the railway network in
Maharashtra owning three major railway stations and the headquarters
of two Railway Zones in India. Mumbai is connected to most of the
important cities in India by rail. Many important tourist spots in the
state are directly connected to Mumbai by regular trains.
By Road : Maharashtra is said to have one of the beat road
ways in India. All the important places within Maharashtra are
conveniently connected to each other. The Maharashtra State Road
Transport Corporation as well as private operators provide good
services connecting all the tourist centers in the state.
Major Circuits
Major Tour Packages To Maharashtra
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