5 Astonishing Tourist Places To Visit In Maharashtra

The Land of the Marathas, Maharashtra is the 2nd most populated and the 3rd largest state in India. The state is bordered by the Arabian Sea and the primary language spoken here is Marathi. Being in the western region of India, Maharashtra has been blessed with an abundant supply of natural resources and the significance of the region has been mentioned in the ancient texts.

The state of Maharashtra has a unique location of being situated between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats. This makes the state a biodiverse region rich in flora and fauna. The Krishna, Godavari, Bhima etc. are the rivers that run through Maharashtra.

The state is also the richest state in India and contributes 13.3% of the country’s GDP and 15% of the country’s Industrial output. It is thus a major state in India which has tons of places and attractions a tourist must explore.

Mumbai

Formerly known as ‘Bombay’, Mumbai is the largest city and the capital of Maharashtra. It is also the most populated city in India and the 5th most populous city in the world. The city that we see today is a collection of 7 islands which were joined into a single metropolitan through land reclamation techniques in the 18th century under the rule of the British East India Company. The city is often nicknamed the Manhattan of India and is home to the famous Indian film industry or ‘Bollywood’. You might need more than a week to explore all the attractions in this city alone, with a huge number of historical monuments, beaches etc.

Gateway of India
Elephanta Caves
Marine Drive
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
Haji Ali Shrine
Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya
Markets of Mumbai
Global Vipassana Pagoda
Siddhivinayak Temple
Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount
Beaches of Mumbai
Flora Fountain
Dr Bhau Daji Lad Mumbai City Museum
Fort Bassein

Aurangabad

Aurangabad is named after the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and is one of the most prominent tourist places in Maharashtra. The city is famous for its historical monuments and the ancient caves of Ajanta and Ellora which are a national heritage site. The culture of this town is heavily influenced by the Mughal and the Muslim culture of Hyderabad and Marathi and Urdu are the main languages spoken here. The city has various lakes and the special cuisines in this region of Maharashtra are mouth watering.

Ajanta Caves
Ellora Caves
Devgiri Fort
Ghrishneshwar Temple
Khuldabad
Bibi Ka Maqbara
Panchakki
Salim Ali Lake & Bird Sanctuary
Jama Mosque
Aurangabad Caves

Kolhapur

The city of Kolhapur is located at the banks of the Panchganga River and one of the Princely states of the Marathas. The city is considered to be the heart of the Maratha Empire and is famous for its various historical monuments and cultural heritage of the Marathi people. The climate is pleasant all year round with heavy rainfalls during the monsoons. The best time to visit the city is during any of the major Hindu festivals like Holi, Diwali, Ganesh Chaturthi, Vijaya Dashami and Navaratri. The special ‘kolhapuri slippers’ and the kolhapuri cuisines are worth trying out.

Mahalakshmi Temple
Jyotiba Temple
Rankala Lake
Chhatrapati Sahu Museum
Panhala Fort

Mahabaleshwar

Mahabaleshwar is famous for its Strawberry. Also Mahabaleshwar, essentials include farm fresh strawberries and raspberries that the town is known for. Also you can take home jellies, honey, jams and more. One can also shop for handicrafts, leather items, Kolhapuri footwear and much more from the Town Bazaar.

Mahabaleshwar is the ideal hill station getaway from Mumbai with its mesmerising waterfalls, old forts, historic temples and long stretches of vibrant strawberry plantations.

It reaches a height of 1,439 m (4,721 ft) at its highest peak above sea level, known as Wilson/Sunrise Point The town is about 122 km (76 mi) southwest of Pune and 285 km (177 mi) from Mumbai. Mahabaleshwar comprises three villages: Malcolm Peth, Old "Kshetra" Mahabaleshwar and part of the Shindola village.

Venna Lake
Mapro Garden
Lodwick Point
Lingamala Falls
Sunset Point
Rajpuri Caves
Table Land
Babington Point

Solapur

The city is famous for its chadder, handloom and power-loom industries. The city has lovely temples, historical monuments and a variety of wildlife. A perfect holiday destination away from the hustle-bustle of busy metropolitan cities, this city has been ruled by the kings of various dynasties.

Solapur, also called Sholapur, city, southern Maharashtra state, western India. It is situated in an upland region on the Sina River.

Solapur special food is kadak bhakari, thecha, shenga chutney, shenga poli, khawa poli. Both veg and non veg are famous mostly pure veg.

Solapur Bhuikot Fort
Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary
Solapur Science Centre
Sayajiraje Park