Maharashtra- the home to a fount of natural beauty, architectural wonders, gastronomy, and glamour; it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India and the place where modernity and tradition coexist together brilliantly. It is a prominent Indian state that is famously called the “Gateway to the Heart of India”. The third largest and second most populous state of India, Maharashtra is a land of everything that invites you to its widespread plethora of attractions. Out of the many things we discuss the best things to explore in Maharashtra from a travellers perspective.
If you are hunting for the most sought-after places to visit in Maharashtra be ready to be spoiled for choices as this cultural state is blessed with diverse topography. Here are the top eminent Maharashtrian cities that you shouldn’t miss to explore!
30 Best things to Explore in Maharashtra
| Name | Speciality | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Gateway of India | Iconic Mumbai landmark | Mumbai |
| Elephanta Caves | Ancient rock-cut caves | Elephanta Island, Mumbai |
| Marine Drive | Picturesque seafront promenade | Mumbai |
| Ajanta Caves | UNESCO-listed Buddhist caves | Aurangabad |
| Ellora Caves | Rock-cut monolithic temples | Aurangabad |
| Shirdi | Sai Baba’s pilgrimage site | Ahmednagar |
| Lonavala | Scenic hill station | Pune District |
| Khandala | Hill town with lush valleys | Pune District |
| Matheran | Asia’s only pedestrian hill station | Raigad District |
| Mahabaleshwar | Hill station with strawberry farms | Satara District |
| Panchgani | Beautiful tableland | Satara District |
| Kolhapur | Home to the famous Kolhapuri cuisine | Kolhapur |
| Ratnagiri | Stunning coastal landscapes | Ratnagiri District |
| Ganpatipule | Pristine beach and temple by the sea | Ratnagiri District |
| Tarkarli | Crystal clear waters for snorkeling | Sindhudurg District |
| Lavasa | Picturesque planned hill city | Pune District |
| Alibaug | Beaches and historic forts | Raigad District |
| Nashik | Wine capital of India | Nashik District |
| Bhimashankar | Jyotirlinga temple in the Sahyadris | Pune District |
| Lavasa | Picturesque planned hill city | Pune District |
| Aurangabad | Historical city with Bibi Ka Maqbara | Aurangabad |
| Jejuri | Temple town known for turmeric | Pune District |
| Solapur | Famous for its handcrafted leather goods | Solapur |
| Lavasa | Picturesque planned hill city | Pune District |
| Chikhaldara | Hill station in the Satpura Range | Amravati District |
| Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve | Wildlife safari experience | Chandrapur District |
| Nagpur | The Orange City | Nagpur |
| Lavasa | Picturesque planned hill city | Pune District |
| Lonar Lake | Unique meteorite impact crater | Buldhana District |
| Sindhudurg Fort | Historic sea fort | Sindhudurg District |
| Bhandardara | Lake and dam in the Sahyadris | Ahmednagar District |
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Mumbai – The City of Dreams
The one and only- Mayanagri, the city of dreams, the one that never sleeps, the Bollywood Centre, the Financial Centre, Mumbai is everything these and more. It is not just the capital of Maharashtra, but also a spectacular paradox of chaos and hope, glamour and squalor, modernity and tradition. Formerly known as Bombay- the city is such that it soaks in everything into its fabric, making it its very own. Mumbai is also one of the best place to celebrate the Navratri and Ganesh Chaturthi.
Overlooking the vast blue expanse of the Arabian Sea, Mumbai is Maharashtra’s sweetheart. Amidst its cosmopolitan crowd, there still exists a world that is connected with a rich history that can undoubtedly, win every heart. Right from the holy sites too often crowded beaches, from colourful bazaars to happening nightlife, and from skyscrapers to high-end hotels, Mumbai is filled with attractions that you cannot miss. Bada pav, Pav bhaji, misal pav are some of best food to try in Mumbai.
There is so much that one can say in praise of the one city in India that everyone wants to visit at least once in their life. That may be because of the charm it holds, the grandeur of this city, or because of the history it has seen. Nevertheless, this city has a lot in store for everyone who visits. Some top hotspots in Mumbai are:
- Gateway of India
- Haji Ali Dargah
- Elephanta Caves
- Siddhivinayak Temple
- Sanjay Gandhi National Park
- Marine Drive
- Colaba Causeway
- Prince of Whales Museum
- Essel World
- Taraporewala Aquarium
- Beaches- Juhu Beach, Girgaum Chowpatty, Mandwa Beach
- Bandra Worli Sea Link
Mahabaleshwar
A beautiful hill station in the Western Ghats, in the Satara district of Maharashtra, Mahabaleshwar is well known for its numerous rivers, magnificent cascades, and majestic peaks. The city comprises ancient temples, boarding schools manicured and lush green dense forest, waterfalls, hills, and valleys that will leave you breathless for a second. Mahabaleshwar is high on the list of most sought-after weekend getaways from the bustle of metropolitan cities like Mumbai and Pune.
Mahabaleshwar is a beautiful plateau surrounded by hills and also the origin point of River Krishna; it used to be the capital of Bombay Province during the British regime. It seems to be the perfect place for nature lovers as well as honeymooners along with an ideal destination for young-adventurous youths.
A trip to Mahabaleshwar means- boating in Venna Lake, undertaking a sunset trek to the Pratapgarh Fort, visiting Rajpuri Caves, tantalizing your taste buds with freshly-plucked berries, and clicking picture-perfect photos with astounding views of the hills and valleys in the background.
Here are the best places to visit in Mahabaleshwar:
- Wilson Point
- Tiger’s Spring
- Elephant’s Head Point
- Dhobi Waterfall
- Chinaman’s Falls
- Arthur’s Seat
- Mahabaleshwar Temple
- Pratapgarh Fort
- Venna Lake
- Afzal Khan Tomb
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Pune
If Mumbai is the most happening place in Maharashtra, then its neighbour Pune is the cultural hub and the biggest city in the state. Often referred to as the Oxford of the East, it is a hub of diverse people and activities and is rapidly growing into one of the top metropolitan cities in the country.
Since the times of Chhatrapati Shivaji, the town has held importance for its rich history and culture. With the changing times, it also has gained prominence as an important educational, cultural, and economic hub. Behind the modern commercialized façade of Pune lies the root of ancient Poona, which gave birth to the Maratha Empire and had a very crucial role to play in the history of India’s independence.
The thriving metropolis, of Pune, stores many tourist places that often lure visitors. With a splash of old-world charm, this city has several places having historical importance. It is also lined with other attractions like gardens and temples. With being in the proximity of many major cities and acting as the centre seat for when getting to major attractions of the Maharashtra concerned, the places to visit in Pune and around will never cease to amaze you with their unique roster of features. Some of these are:
- Shaniwar Wada
- Osho Ashram
- Aga Khan Palace
- Parvati Hill
- Sinhagad Fort
- Vetal Tekdi
- Dagadusheth Halwai Ganpati
- Pataleshwar Cave Temple
- Pashan Lake
- Rajgad Fort
- Lal Mahal
Lonavala
The city is one of the most beautiful retreats that take you away from the maddening rush of the metropolises. A charming and soothing hill station, Lonavala is known for its captivating lush green hills which make the place refreshing to visit!. Lonvala is surely a paradise and the best thing traveller can expolore in Maharashtra. It is located in the western part of India in the Pune district of Maharashtra. It is a profound location in between the Mumbai-Pune expressway to cater to both cities with the smoothest connectivity.
The said hill station boasts some of the most spectacular settings, including luxuriant green valleys, remarkable caves, serene lakes, and stunning waterfalls; just due to this the city is popularly called the “city of caves” and the “Jewel of Sahyadri Mountains“. Surrounded by dense forests, waterfalls, and a dam alongside lakes, it is a must-visit if you admire nature. Located at an elevation of 624 m above sea level, Lonavala is one of the twin hill stations- Lonavala and Khandala (often visited together).
Lonavala boasts many places of tourist interest from lakes to forts to sights of the scenic landscape. For those who wish to bask in the warm sun or enjoy leisure walks exploring the place, Lonavala is your destination. Here below are the top tourist hotspots in Lonavala:
- Lohagad Fort
- Tikona Fort
- Tiger’s Leap
- Imagicaa
- Rajmachi Fort
- Karla and Bhaja Caves
- Aamby Valley
- Tungarli and Pawna
- Duke’s Nose
- Ryewood Park
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Nashik
This ancient holy site with great religious importance in the Hindu religion is a must-visit. Nashik is one of the four main sites where the famous Kumbh Mela is held once every 12 years. It has even been mentioned in the Hindu epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata. The city is home to plenty of exotic temples. Also mentioned in Hindu mythology as it is the place where Ravana’s sister, Surpanakha, tried to marry Lord Rama.
The city, apart from being a religious seat, is also the Wine capital of India. With multiple vineyards present in Nashik, the most popular being Sula, the wine-tourism industry is mushrooming in this part of Maharashtra. From the sprawling beauty of Sahyadri ranges giving rise to streams of Western Ghats to lovely vineyards spread over the hills, Nashik’s beauty is unbeatable and offers your mind the relaxation it needs. The city gives you the chance to experience a fabulous cocktail of extremes. From temples to vineyards, hills to waterfalls, this place offers many things to exprience. Some best places to visit in Nashik are:
- Dudhsagar Falls
- Sula Vineyards
- Panchvati
- Saptashrungi
- Trimbakeshwar Temple
- Anjaneri Mountains
- Pandavleni Caves
- Ram Kund
- Sita Gumpha
- Coin Museum
From the kilometres-long Marine drive promenade in Mumbai to the mesmerizing Dudhsagar Falls located in Nashik there are many things you can explore such places in Maharashtra. It will surely take up a small place in your heart and remain their forever. Pristine beaches, surreal hill stations, adventurous treks, strawberry farms, wildlife sanctuaries, pilgrimage sites, rich history, scrumptious food, and a vibrant culture- it has something or other for everyone.
