The massive state of Maharashtra is often ranked among the nation’s top five biggest states. The sheer range of tourist attractions that may be seen in Maharashtra is without a doubt one of the most distinctive aspects of this state. The state is endowed with a plethora of attractions, some of which are included here: gorgeous beaches, hill stations, historical monuments, amusement parks, and religious places. The historical history of the state may be traced all the way back to ancient times, and this is what gives the state its own traditions and customs.
The state of Maharashtra is considered to be one of the most developed in India. The city of Mumbai, which also serves as the capital of the state of Maharashtra, is India’s most populous state capital and is sometimes referred to as the “economic centre” of the nation. In addition to Mumbai, Maharashtra is home to a number of other significant urban centres, including Pune, Nagpur, Nasik, Aurangabad, and Kolhapur. The state is well-known for hosting a variety of festivals and fairs throughout the year, many of which draw visitors from far and wide. Fairs of this kind often include performances of traditional dance styles including Lavani, Koli, and Povada.
Main Tourist Attractions of Maharashtra, India
Gateway of India
The Gateway of India was finished being built in the year 1924, and its construction was timed to coincide with a visit by King George V and Queen Mary. On the shoreline of Mumbai sits an arching building made of yellow basalt that is 85 feet tall. It is designed to seem like an arch. The fact that it bears the memories of the last British ship to sail away from Indian ports in the year 1948 makes it a significant symbol of both the British Empire and Indian independence.
Prince of Wales Museum
The Prince of Wales Museum, which can be found in close proximity to the Gateway of India, is home to an extensive collection of a wide variety of relics. The structure of the museum is exquisitely built, and it has a combination of Gothic and Moorish architectural styles, as well as a Dome at the building’s centre. It has a number of exhibition rooms that are very well structured and feature relics that date back to the ancient Indus Valley Civilization in addition to Tibetan and Nepali works of art. The collection of 2,000 miniature paintings that reflect a variety of schools of Indian art is one of the most well-known and popular collections.
Jehangir Art Gallery
The Jehangir Art Gallery can be found near Mumbai’s Nariman Point, which is considered to be a very desirable area. This museum is privately held and operates as a repository for a collection of modern Indian art. 1976 was the year when the gallery first opened its doors, and it now houses the artwork of almost all of India’s most renowned painters. Within the gallery is included a selection of images for your viewing pleasure.
St Thomas Cathedral
St. Thomas Cathedral, which was the city’s first Anglican church when it was built in the early 18th century, can be found nestled in the midst of the hustle and bustle of everyday life in Mumbai. The Cathedral was built with the purpose of elevating the spiritual and ethical practises of the British immigrants who had settled in the city. Within the confines of the Cathedral’s grounds are also the graves of a large number of British colonists.
Marine Drive & Chowpaty
Marine Drive is a lengthy path that extends along the coast and is often referred to as the Queen’s Necklace due to the fact that the streets are lit up at night. It was constructed on ground that had previously been filled in, and it links Nariman Point to Chowpaty Beach, which is in the foothills of Malabar. The residents’ preference is to go to Chowpaty Beach in the evening, when the sea wind is at its most pleasant, so that they may watch the sun go down while taking in the breathtaking scenery.
Mani Bhawan M. G. Museum
The Mahatma Gandhi Mani Bhawan Museum is a memorial museum that honours the life and legacy of India’s “Father of the Nation,” Mahatma Gandhi. The museum can be found on Laburnum Road. When Mahatma Gandhi travelled to the city, he stayed at this location and used it as his official house. One may visit this location to see a room that is dedicated to displaying different items that belonged to Gandhi. A photo gallery, a library that is both well kept and highly sourced, and a video and recording archive may all be found inside the Bhawan.
Elephanta Island
The journey to Elephanta Island from the Gateway of India on the boat will take around fifteen minutes. The island was given its name, Elephanta, by the Portuguese, who, while exploring the area, came across many stone elephants in monolithic form. In the past, it was known as Puri and then as Gharapuri, and it belonged to a mighty kingdom along the coast. On the island, there are a number of caves that date back to the sixth century. There is a temple within one of the caverns that is devoted to the powerful Hindu god Shiva.
Kanheri Caves
The Kanheri Caves are sheltered and guarded inside the confines of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, which is a large park located in the vicinity of Mumbai. Caves numbering as many as 112 were hewn out of a single rock by Buddhist monks who travelled through these regions. The caverns have been identified as the nation’s earliest rock monasteries, with records indicating that they date back to the 1st and 2nd centuries. A number of inscriptions and sculptures of Buddha that have been carefully carved may be seen within the caverns.
Purwar Museum
The Moghul King Aurangzeb is credited with hand writing a copy of the holy book of Koran that is housed at the Purwar Museum. This copy is considered to be of great historical significance. The private collection of a physician called Mr. Purwar is shown in the only two rooms that this museum has to offer. In addition, the museum has a Paithani saree that dates back 800 years; it is on display there.
Bibi-Ka-Maqbara
The Babi-ka-Maqbara is a structure that was designed to resemble the Taj Mahal. It was constructed by Prince Azam Khan, the son of Aurangzeb, in loving remembrance of his mother Rabia ud-Durrani. The structure was built in 1678 and exemplifies the grandeur and grace that are characteristic of Moghul architecture. Its year of construction is given as 1678. It is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens that have been meticulously designed and maintained. These gardens have axial ponds, fountains, and water channels. The main structure has an octagonal room, and the burial may be found inside of it.
Daulatabad Fort
A distance of 13 kilometres separates the city of Aurangabad from the impenetrable Daulatabad Fort, which is situated on the summit of a hill known as Devnagri. The imposing fort is perched at a lofty altitude of 600 feet above the plains of the Deccan region. It is a well-preserved example of mediaeval architecture and was built some time in the 12th century. The fort is very well fortified thanks to the strong walls that ring it, the steep slide ways, the spiked gates, the deep trenches, and the countless networks of hidden subterranean passageways that are underneath the fort. Within the walls of the fort are a number of well-known structures, including the Chandminar, the Jami Masjid, royal residences, and water reservoirs.
Ajanta Caves
The magnificent caverns of Ajanta, which have the form of a horseshoe, may be found around 107 kilometres away from Aurangabad. Caves that had been forgotten about for over seven hundred years were rediscovered by chance by a British officer named John Smith when he was on a hunting expedition. These caverns are the most precious relics that Buddhist monks have ever left behind. The caverns have a variety of monasteries as well as Chaitya, which are shrines that are devoted to Buddha. There are murals on the walls of the halls that show moments from the life of Buddha as well as Jakata stories that talk about his former incarnations.
Ellora Caves
The Ellora Caves may be found in the vicinity of the hamlet of Verul, which is located on the old north-south trade route known more formally as Dakshinapath. The Chalukya dynasty was in power when these caverns were carved out, which was in the seventh century (AD 553-753). There are around 34 caverns, the most exquisite architectural work being found in cave number 16, also known as the Kailasa Temple. There are representations of Hindu deities within seventeen of these caverns, while twelve of these caves are noteworthy to the Buddhist community. The Jain people only claim five of the caves as their own.
Buddhist Caves of Karla, Bhaja and Bedsa
These caverns are recognised as being the biggest Chaitya Caves in India, with a history extending back to 89 BC. They also include a distinctive architectural design for temples. There are around 16 caverns in the area of Bhaja. The Bedsa caves are renowned for its picture-painted walls and can be found around 70 kilometres (43.75 miles) from the city of Pune. These caverns are claimed to be among the oldest in the state of Maharashtra.
Aga Khan Palace
The Aga Khan Palace may be seen on the route that runs from Pune to the city of Ahmadnagar in the north of India. After taking part in the Quit India Movement in 1942, Mahatma Gandhi was incarcerated at this palace, which is a stunningly designed building. The palace is famous in Indian history for its role as Gandhi’s house when he was serving his sentence. The palace is now used as a museum, and it displays a number of objects that belonged to Mahatma Gandhi, his wife Kasturba Gandhi, and Mahadeobhai Desai. There are monuments to Kasturba and Mahadeobhai located inside the palace. Both of these individuals passed away while they were imprisoned.
Tribal Museum
The Tribal Museum is a well-kept museum that is situated around 2.5 km from the Pune train station. It is a museum that holds documentations and artefacts that belong to different tribes that reside in the state of Maharashtra. You will be able to see materials in this section that pertain to the way of life of the people who live in the Sahyadari and Gondhavana areas of Maharashtra.
Osho Commune International
The Osho Commune International is located in a region known as Koregaon Park, and it has a total land area of around 24 acres of verdant land. It is better known in the surrounding area as the Osho or Rajanish Ashram, and it was established by the Osho, who is recognised all over the globe as a modern spiritual leader. One may experiment with different types of meditation here, as well as mix it up with individuals who come from all over the globe and practise a wide range of religions.
Malabaleshwar
The most popular hill resort in Maharashtra is Mahabaleshwar, which can be found around 25 kilometres to the southeast of Mumbai. As the highest peak in the Western Ghats, it is susceptible to very harsh climatic conditions due to its elevation. Hikers may spend many days in Mahabaleshwar because to the area’s excellent trekking paths.
Pratapgarh Fort
In the year 1656, one of Shivaji’s administrators by the name of Moropant Pingle was responsible for the construction of the Pratapgarh Fort. The fort, which is located at an elevation of 3,550 feet, is a testament to both Shivaji’s courage and his ability to dominate. The length of the fort is about 1,312 feet, while its width is around 984 feet. The fort is located in close proximity to the hill town of Mahabaleshwar and provides access to an exciting hiking track.
