Maharashtra

Maharashtra Tour

Maharashtra: Magic in Every Moment

Maharashtra is a state of contrasts, where diverse cultures and lifestyles coexist in harmony. Picture this: a woman rushing to catch a train, dressed in a traditional sari with fresh mogra flowers adorning her hair. Now imagine another woman hailing a cab in trousers and a shirt, her hair neatly combed back. Both are quintessentially Maharashtrian, embodying a unique blend of tradition and modernity. Maharashtra is a treasure trove of natural beauty, architectural marvels, gastronomic delights, and cultural richness. It is a prism of contrasts – from the glamour of Mumbai to the simplicity of rural life. Explore this state with Ocean6 Holidays, and let every moment be an adventure that entices your senses!

Maharashtra: A Quick View

• Capital: Mumbai (Summer), Nagpur (Winter)
• Official Language: Marathi
• Dial Code: Mumbai (022)
• Population: 121.416 million (as of 2018)
• Currency: Indian Rupee (INR)
• Time Zone: UTC+05:30 (IST)
• Area: 307,713 square km

Highlights of Maharashtra – Hop, Skip, and Jump!

Hill Stations

• Matheran: Discover India’s smallest hill station, free of automobiles and brimming with natural beauty. Matheran offers a pristine retreat with its vibrant lakes, scenic viewpoints, and tranquil parks. Enjoy horse riding along scenic trails while breathing in the refreshing air.
• Mahabaleshwar: This Western Ghats gem will remind you of classic Bollywood scenes, with its misty mountains and lush greenery. Visit the 17th-century Pratapgad Fort for a slice of history, or take a relaxing boat ride on Venna Lake, surrounded by carnival-style food stalls.

Caves and Temples

• Ajanta Caves: Nestled in the Aurangabad district, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ajanta is a series of rock-cut Buddhist caves dating back to the 2nd century BC. The caves are renowned for their expressive paintings, depicting emotions through gesture and form.
• Ellora Caves: Another UNESCO site, Ellora is home to the world’s largest monolithic rock excavation – the Kailasha Temple. This architectural marvel, shaped like a chariot, symbolizes Lord Shiva’s abode on Mount Kailash, with intricate depictions from Hindu epics. Prepare for a bit of hiking to fully explore these awe-inspiring caves.

Museums

• Joshi’s Miniature Railway Museum: Enter a child’s dream at this magical museum in Pune, featuring a fully functional model city complete with railways, drive-in theatres, swimming pools, and even a circus.
• Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum: A playground for historians and art enthusiasts, this museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts, textiles, and war memorabilia gathered from across the country. Marvel at its chandelier-lit halls and intricately designed doorways as you explore its treasures.

Local Culture

Maharashtra is like a plate of chaat – a little sweet, a little spicy, and bursting with flavor! The state is rich in performing arts (Bhavageet, Lavani), literature (Abhang), cinema (Bollywood, art films), sports (Kabaddi, cricket), and media. Maharashtrian cuisine is a heavenly experience; don’t miss out on street food delights like Vada Pav, Misal Pav, and Dahi Puri. For a more traditional meal, try Bhakri with Bhaji, accompanied by raw onions and pickles. Finish with Puran Poli, a sweet treat you’ll crave for days.

Urban Culture

Mumbai, Maharashtra’s capital, is a cultural melting pot and India’s financial hub. From colonial architecture and global dining options to its bustling nightlife and thriving industries, Mumbai is known as the city of dreams. Wander through its streets, explore the contrast of traditionality and modernity, and visit iconic sites like Gateway of India, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Taj Mahal Hotel, and Haji Ali Dargah. Don’t miss the chance to experience the vibrancy of its slums juxtaposed with the glamour of Bollywood.

Interesting Facts About Maharashtra

• Maharashtra is India’s richest state by GDP contribution and industrial output.
• Navi Mumbai is the largest planned city in the world.
• India’s first train ran from Mumbai to Thane on April 16, 1853.
• Shirpur houses India’s first gold refinery.
• Rankala Lake in Kolhapur is one of the oldest lakes in the state.
• Lonar Lake in Buldhana was formed by a meteor impact during the Pleistocene period.

Location: Find Maharashtra on the Map

Maharashtra is located on the western peninsula of India, occupying a major part of the Deccan Plateau. It shares borders with Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat to the north, Karnataka and Goa to the south, Telangana and Chhattisgarh to the east, and the Arabian Sea to the west.

Best Time to Visit

Summers in Maharashtra are hot and humid, while monsoons bring heavy rains, often causing travel inconvenience. The best time to visit is during the winter months, from October to February, when the weather is cool and pleasant, ranging between 12°C to 25°C.

How to Get to Maharashtra

• By Road: Maharashtra is well-connected by a network of national highways, including NH 13, NH 16, NH 17, NH 3, NH 4, NH 7, NH 9, and NH 6. Choose from interstate or intrastate bus services, or opt for a taxi or private vehicle for a more personalized journey.
• By Rail: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in Mumbai serves as the headquarters of Central Railways and connects to all major cities in India. Other important railway stations include Pune, Nagpur, Kolhapur, Aurangabad, and Amravati.
• By Air: Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai is one of India’s busiest airports, offering domestic and international flights. Additional airports include Pune and Nagpur for international travel, and Aurangabad, Kolhapur, and Nagpur for domestic travel.

History: A Long-Legged Legacy

Maharashtra’s history dates back to the Jorwe culture during the ancient period. The region has been ruled by various dynasties, including the Mauryas, Satavahanas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Yadavas, and Cholas, followed by the Mughal Empire and the Nizamshahi Dynasty. The Maratha Empire, under Shivaji Maharaj, marked a significant chapter in its history. The British took control in 1819, and post-independence, the state of Maharashtra was formed in 1960 after the Bombay State was bifurcated into Maharashtra and Gujarat.

Feeling overwhelmed with information? Don’t worry – Ocean6 Holidays has handpicked the best places for you to explore. Let’s start planning your dream journey to this vibrant state!