TOP 11 TO VISIT IN MAHARASHTRA

01 Aurangabad

At a distance of 108 km from Shirdi, 181 km from Nashik, 232 km from Pune, 350 km from Mumbai, 482 km from Nagpur and 534 km from Hyderabad, Aurangabad is a historical city and the administrative headquarters of the Aurangabad Division or Marathwada region in Maharashtra. In 2010, the Maharashtra Tourism Minister declared Aurangabad to be the tourism capital of Maharashtra. It is one of the top places to visit near Pune and also one of the top places to experince Maharashtra tourism.

Popularly known as City of Gates, Aurangabad city was founded in 1610 AD by Malik Ambar, the Prime Minister of Murtaza Nizam Shah of Ahmadnagar and his son Fateh Khan changed the original name Khadki to Fatehnagar. The areas around Aurangabad were under the control of Delhi Sultanates, Bahamani Sultans, Nizam Shahis, Mughals and Hyderabad Nizams. With the capture of Daulatabad by Mughals in 1633 AD, the Nizam Shahi dominions, including Fatehnagar, came under the possession of the Mughals. In 1653 when Prince Aurangzeb was appointed the viceroy of the Deccan for the second time, he made Fatehnagar his capital and called it Aurangabad. After Aurangajeb, the city became part of princely state of Hyderabad until 1956 AD when it was merged with the Bombay state and eventually the state of Maharashtra in 1960 AD.

Named after the Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb, Aurangabad is a tourist hub of Maharashtra. The city is surrounded by many historical monuments, including the world famous Ajanta – Ellora Caves, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Daulatabad Fort, Bibi ka Maqbara, Jama Masjid, Panchakki, and the 52 gates are the important tourist attractions in Aurangabad. There are also a number of temples, mosques, museums, and even some gardens to explore.

Aurangabad is well connected by air, rail and road to other parts of country. Aurangabad Airport is the nearest airport which is about 10 km from Aurangabad. It has regular flights from Hyderabad, Mumbai, Pune and Delhi. Aurangabad Railway Station is directly connected to many parts of the country including major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Vijayawada, Shirdi, Okha, Rameshwaram, Nagarsol, Hyderabad, Vizag, Tirupati, Chennai, Amritsar, and Okha. Aurangabad Central Bus Station is the main bus station, which is around 3 km from Aurangabad Railway Station. It is well connected by bus with Pune, Mumbai, Shirdi, Nashik, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Goa, and Nagpur.

02 Ajanta Caves

At a distance of 98 km from Aurangabad, 98 km from Ellora Caves, 202 km from Shirdi, 272 km from Nashik, 326 km from Pune and 443 km from Mumbai, Ajanta Caves are ancient Buddhist caves situated near Ajanta village in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra. Ajanta Caves are one of the oldest UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India and also one of the top attractions you must include in Maharashtra packages. The caves are now protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Ajanta – Ellora Caves are one of the most visited ancient monuments in India and also one of the top Tourist places in Maharashtra. The Caves were carved between 2nd Century BC and 6th Century AD. Construction of the caves was carried out in two phases; the first group of caves was built around 2nd Century BC, while the second group was built between 4th & 6th centuries.

Ajanta Caves are excavated in horse-shoe shaped bend of rock surface nearly 76 m in height overlooking the Waghur River. Built using only hammer and chisel, these caves served as secluded retreats for Buddhist monks for about nine centuries, then abruptly abandoned. These caves were rediscovered by an Army Officer in Madras Regiment of British Army in 1819 during one of his hunting expeditions. Instantly the discovery became very famous and Ajanta became an important tourist destination in India.

The complex consists of 29 rock-cut cave monuments built in two distinct periods, out of which one part of the complex was developed during the Satavahana period and the other was done during Vakataka period. Caves 9, 10, 12, 13 and 15A were built in the first phase during Satavahana dynasty and they belong to Hinayana phase of Buddhism. Of these Cave 9 & 10 are chaityagrihas and Cave 12, 13, & 15A are viharas. These caves are datable to the pre-Christian era, the earliest among them being Cave 10 dating from the 2nd century BC. The second period of construction was carried out during the rule of Emperor Harisena of the Vakataka dynasty. Close to 20 cave temples were simultaneously built which resemble the modern day monasteries with a sanctum at the rear end of the structure. Though all the caves are interesting to watch, Cave 1, 2, 16, 17, 19 and 26 are must see attractions in Ajanta.

03 Lonavala

At a distance of 67 km from Pune, 95 km from Mumbai and 282 km from Aurangabad, Lonavala is a beautiful hill station in Pune district of Maharashtra. It lies at an altitude of 622 m in the Sahyadri Ranges which separate the Deccan Plateau and the Konkan Coast. Lonavala is among the top hill stations in Maharashtra and also one of the famous Tourist places in Maharashtra. This is also among the best tourist places to visit near Pune & Mumbai.

Lohagad Fort, Karla Caves and Rajmachi Point are some of the best places to include in Lonavala packages. Lonavala and Khandala are twin hill stations near Pune to Mumbai hightway and are very popular monsoon getaways in India. The hill station is spread over an area of 38 square km. The name of the city is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Lonavali’, which refers to a ‘group of caves’. The name was given to the place due to the presence of many caves in and around the city.

Lord Elphinstone, who was the Governor of the Bombay Presidency, developed Lonavala along with Khandala in 1871. Present day Lonavala was a part of the Yadava Dynasty, which was taken over by the Mughals and then Marathas ruled before it eventually fell into the hands of the British. The forts in the region and the Malva warriors played an important role in the history of the Maratha and Peshwa empires.

Lonavala has several tourist places in the form of caves, lakes, forts and waterfalls. Some of the best places to visit in Lonavala are Lohagad Fort, Rajmachi Point, Karla Caves, Valvan Dam, Lonavala Lake, Tiger’s Leap, Bhaja Caves, Rajmachi Fort, Bhushi Dam, Korigad Fort, Kune Waterfalls, Tikona Fort, Visapur Fort, Bedsa Caves and Tung Fort.

Pune International Airport is the nearest airport, which is about 69 km from Lonavala and has daily flights from Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kochi, Delhi, Kolkata and Goa. Lonavala has its own railway stations and is well connected by train with Goa, Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Kochi, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and many other major cities in India. Lonavala is well connected by bus with Mumbai, Pune, Satara, Goa, Shirdi, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Jodhpur, Rajkot and Mangalore.

The best time to visit Lonavala and Khandala is during the monsoon, between July – September, when the scenic spots become lush green and the waterfalls are in full flow.

04 Mahabaleshwar

At a distance of 54 km from Satara, 123 km from Pune, 177 km from Kolhapur, 243 km from Mumbai, and 377 km from Panaji, Mahabaleshwar is a popular tourist places in India and a town in Satara district of Maharashtra. It lies at an altitude of 1,353 m in the Western Ghats range of India. It is one of the best places to visit near Pune & Mumbai and among the top Places to visit in Maharashtra.

This pretty hill station is often referred as the queen of hill stations in Maharashtra. It offers panoramic view of the plains with the imposing sloppy peaks and surrounding woods. Mahabaleshwar constitutes three villages – Malcolm Peth, Old Mahabaleshwar and some part of the Shindola village. Arthur’s Seat, Lingmala Waterfall and Pratapgad Fort are among the must include places in your Mahabaleshwar tour packages.

Present day Mahabaleshwar has come in to existence in the year 1829-30, when it became the summer capital of Bombay presidency during the British Raj. Earlier, it was known as Malcolm Peth and the first historical mention of Mahabaleshwar dates back to 1215 CE when the King Singhan of Devgiri visited Old Mahabaleshwar. He built a small temple and water tank at the source of the river Krishna. In the 16th century, the Maratha family of Chandarao ruled over the city. Later, in the 17th century, Jaoli and Mahabaleshwar were taken over by Shivaji Maharaj, who constructed the Pratapgarh Fort in 1656 CE. The city also witnessed the imprints of the British, who included the destination in the territory of the Raja of Satara in 1819.

Mahabaleshwar is the source of the Krishna River that flows across Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The legendary source of the river is a spout from the mouth of a statue of a cow in Panch Ganga Temple in Old Mahabaleshwar. Four other rivers also flow from here, before they merge into the Krishna; these are Koyana, Venna (Veni), Savitri and Gayatri.

05 MUMBAI

At a distance of 149 km from Pune, 535 km from Ahmedabad, 551 km from Panjim, 993 km from Bangalore, 717 km from Hyderabad, 1420 km from Delhi, Mumbai, the entertainment capital and India’s financial powerhouse, is the capital city of the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is the most populous city in India and the ninth most populous in the world with an estimated population of 18.4 million. In 2009, Mumbai was named an alpha world city. It is the wealthiest city in India with highest number of billionaires and is also one of the best places to experience the Tourism in Maharashtra.

Mumbai is more affectionately known as the city of dreams. The city is a collection of 7 islands and was named after the goddess Mumbadevi. The history of this metropolis is said to date back to the Stone Age. It has been a part of many major empires including the Maurya, Chalukya and Rashtrakuta as well as Marathas. Being a port city it flourished as a trade route and subsequently came under the Portuguese rule. In 1678 AD, it became the headquarters of the British East India Company and soon became a major international hub for trade, especially in cotton. It became the capital of the Bombay Presidency under the British rule and played an import role in the ‘Quit India Movement’ and ‘The Royal Indian Navy Mutiny’.

Being an ancient city, sightseeing in Mumbai is an absolute delight. Gateway of India, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus), Elephanta Caves, Kanheri Caves, Haji Ali Darga, Siddivinayaka Temple, Juhu Beach, Marve Beach, Marine Drive, Chowpatty, Film City, Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya, Babulnath Temple and Mount Mary Church are some of the popular places to visit in Mumbai city. Mumbai is also famous for fashionable clothes and imitation jewellery.

Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport is the nearest airport which is about 21 km from Mumbai City and is well connected by flights with major international destinations like Dubai, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, USA, Europe and domestic destinations including Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Jaipur, Kochi, Trivandrum, Kolkata & Goa. Mumbai is the headquarters for Western & Central Railways sectors of Indian Railways. The Victoria Terminus and Bombay Central Station, the two main railway stations in Mumbai, are well connected by trains with all the major towns and cities in India, including Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad and Bangalore.

The best time to visit Mumbai is between September and March as the rains have finished playing havoc with the city’s drainage system and the humidity levels are at their lowest.

06 Panchgani

At a distance of 18 km from Mahabaleshwar, 48 km from Satara, 104 km from Pune and 254 km from Mumbai, Panchgani also called Paachgani is a famous hill station and municipal council in Satara district of Maharashtra. It is one of the top hill resorts near Pune & among the best places to visit near Mumbai. Panchgani is one of the popular Tourist places in Maharashtra and among the must include places in your Maharashtra tour packages.

Situated at an altitude of 1334 m, Panchgani is bordered by Wai, Bavdhan and Nagewadi dam in the east, Gureghar in the west, Khingar and Rajpuri in the south and Dhom dam in the north. Panchgani is nestled at middle of five hills in the Sahyadri mountain ranges, also there are five villages around the Panchgani which are Dandeghar, Khingar, Godwali, Amral & Taighat. Panchgani is among the must include places in your Mahabaleshwar tour packages.

The town was discovered by the British as a summer resort in 1860s. Mahabaleshwar was the summer resort of choice for the British, but it was uninhabitable during the monsoons. Panchgani was developed as a retirement place for the British as it remained pleasant throughout the year. John Chesson, a British superintendent, was responsible for the transformation of Panchgani into a summer resort. It is also said that, during Vanavasa, the Pandavas spent some time in Panchgani and the cave where they stayed is the famous Devil’s Kitchen.

Panchgani has several beautiful tourist attractions. Table Land, Parsi Point, Kamalgadh Fort, Devil’s Kitchen, Rajpuri Caves, Sydney Point, Mapro Gardens, Dhom dam etc. are some of the major sightseeing options in Panchgani. Panchgani is dotted with British style old bungalows and Parsi houses. It is also known for many residential educational institutions and a favored destination for health resorts.

Pune International Airport is the nearest airport, which is about 111 km from Panchgani and has daily flights from Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kochi, Delhi, Kolkata and Goa. Satara is the nearest rail head, which is about 52 km from Panchgani. It has trains from Goa, Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Hubli, Kochi, Kolhapur, Tirunelveli, Mysore, Pondicherry, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Gorakhpur, Ajmer and Jodhpur. Panchgani is well connected by bus with Mahabaleshwar, Mumbai, Pune, Satara, Bangalore, Goa, Ahmedabad and Shirdi.

07 PUNE

At a distance of 66 km from Lonavala, 161 km from Mumbai, 116 km from Ahmednagar, 432 km from Goa, 556 km from Hyderabad and 841 km from Bangalore, Pune is one of the most popular cities in India situated at the confluence of Mula and Mutha Rivers. Pune is the 8th largest metropolis in India and the second largest city in Maharashtra. It is also considered an important city in terms of its economic and industrial importance. Situated at an altitude of 560 m, Pune is among popular Tourist places in Maharashtra.

Pune was earlier known as Punya-Nagiri or Queen of Deccan. Earlier, Pune was ruled by the Rashtrakutas and it was a part of Yadava Empire of Devgiri from the 9th century to 1327 AD. It was once the center of power of the Maratha Empire established by Shivaji Maharaj. During his reign, the place witnessed significant development and growth in every aspect. In 1730 AD, Pune became the political center of the Peshwas, who were the prime ministers of the Maratha Empire. The town witnessed invasion by British India in 1817 AD. It was served as the monsoon capital and the cantonment town to the British until India got independence in 1947.

Pune is one of the most renowned tourist places in Maharashtra. The spectacular historical monuments from the Maratha period and many places of tourist interest add richness to this city of diversity. Shanivar Wada, Sinhagad Fort, Osho Ashram, Dagdusheth Ganapathi, Pataleshwar Cave Temple, Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, Shinde Chhatri, Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, National War Museum, Bund Garden, Saras Baug, Parvati Hill, Aga Khan Palace, Rajgad Fort and Darshan Museum are the some of the prominent attractions in Pune.

Pune is considered as the cultural capital of Maharashtra and is renowned for its cultural activities such as classical music, spirituality, theater, sports, and literature. The city is also known for its IT, manufacturing and automobile industries, and prestigious educational institutions like Ferguson College, Symbiosis, FTII and a large number of engineering colleges. Pune is also one of the fastest growing cities in the Asia-Pacific region. The ‘Mercer 2015 Quality of Living’ rankings evaluated local living conditions in more than 440 cities around the world where Pune ranked at 145, second in India after Hyderabad (138). Pune is also a food lovers’ paradise.

08 SHIRDI

At a distance of 58 km from Manmad, 82 km from Ahmednagar, 90 km from Nashik, 180 km from Pune and 258 km from Mumbai, Shirdi is a small town located in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. This is one of the holiest places in India and also one of the popular pilgrimage places you must include in Maharashtra packages. Shirdi, also known as the Land of Sai, is famous for the shrine of Shirdi Sai Baba, which is the main attraction for the devotees who visit this holy shrine. This is also one among the best pilgrimage places to visit near Mumbai.

Sai Baba, who belonged to 20th century, is known as one of the greatest saints of India. Sai Baba visited Shirdi when he was 16 years old and stayed there until his death in 1918. Sai Baba transformed this small village into a holy pilgrimage site for his devotees. Many tales of the renowned Shirdi Sai are associated with this village. His selfless love and dedication to the poor, earned him respect for which he is worshiped even now. Shirdi is the place where he attained his ‘Samadhi’ or final abode.

The Shirdi temple complex covers an area of about 200 square meters. It includes Gurusthan, Samadhi Mandir, Dwarkamai, Chavadi and Lendi Baug. Shirdi Temple is one of the richest temples in India with estimated donations of INR 4 billion per annum. Maruti Temple, Khandoba Mandir, Sai Heritage Village, Shanisinghnapur and Nashik are the other places of attraction situated in and around Shirdi.

Large number of devotees of all faiths flocks to the temple of Shirdi Sai Baba throughout the year. On an average, daily 50,000 devotees visit Shirdi village, to have the darshan of Sri Saibaba. In the festival season, more than 100,000 devotees visit the temple every day. The Sri Sai Baba Sansthan Trust (Shirdi) has provided 2,500 rooms of varied capacity for accommodation. Apart from the temple trust complex there are many accommodation options ranging from budget to star category in Shirdi.

Pune International Airport is the nearest airport, which is about 185 km from Shirdi and has daily flights from Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kochi, Delhi, Kolkata and Goa. Shirdi is well connected by train with Ahmednagar, Pandharpur, Chennai, Hyderabad, Aurangabad, Kalka, Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Chandigarh, Delhi, Agra, Bhopal, Manmad, Puri, Vijayawada, Vizag, Tirupati and Mysore. Manmad Junction Railway Station is the major rail head, which is about 58 km from Shirdi. Shirdi lies on the Ahmednagar-Manmad Highway and is well-connected by bus to major cities like Nashik, Aurangabad, Mumbai, Pune, Goa, Ahmednagar, Ahmedabad and Hyderabad.

09 Ellora Caves

At a distance of 28 km from Aurangabad, 98 km from Ajanta Caves, 104 km from Shirdi, 176 km from Nashik, 253 km from Pune, and 344 km from Mumbai, Ellora Caves are ancient historical caves locally known as ‘Verul Leni’. The caves are located near Verul on the Aurangabad-Chalisgaon road to the northwest of Aurangabad in Maharashtra. The Ellora Caves were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. Ellora is the most visited ancient monument and also one of the top Tourist places in Maharashtra. Ellora is also one of the top tourist places near Mumbai.

Ajanta – Ellora Caves are one of the most visited ancient monuments in India. The caves at Ellora were carved out of the vertical face of the Charanandri hills between the 6th and 10th centuries AD. The carving work began around 550 AD, about the same time the Ajanta Caves were abandoned. The Ellora Caves were built at time when Buddhism was declining in India and Hinduism was beginning to reassert itself. The Brahmanical movement was especially powerful under the patronage of the Chalukyas and Rashtrakutas, who oversaw most of the work at Ellora – including the magnificent Kailash Temple built in 8th century. The last period of building activity took place in the 10th century, when the local rulers switched allegiance from Shaivism to Digambara sect of Jainism.

The Ellora Caves are an impressive complex of Buddhist, Hindu and Jain Cave temples. The caves have a slightly less dramatic setting than those at Ajanta, but more exquisite sculptures. The cave complex comprises of 34 caves that were hewn out of solid rocks of the Charanandri hills. The Ellora complex includes 12 Buddhist, 17 Hindu and 5 Jain Caves. Caves 1 to 12 are Buddhist monasteries, chaityas and viharas, while caves 13 to 29 are the Hindu temples. Dating back to the 9th and 10th century, Caves 30 to 34 are the Jain shrines. The coexistence of structures from three different religions serves as a splendid visual representation of the prevalent religious tolerance of India.

The central attraction at Ellora is Kailash Temple (Cave16), which is the most remarkable. Shaped by hand from a single massive rock, it includes a gateway, exhibition area, square, hall, sanctorum and tower which bear testimony to the excellence of Dravidian art. The Kailash Temple is a stupendous piece of architecture, with interesting spatial effects and grand sculptures. It is believed to have been started by the Rashtrakuta king Krishna I (756-773).

Every year Ajanta-Ellora Festival is organised in Aurangabad to pay tribute to the legendary caves of Ellora, Ajanta and other historical monuments in the region. This grand ceremony is attended by the greatest artists of Indian art and culture. The cultural events include performances in classical and folk dancing, singing and instrumental music. Earlier the venue for this festival was Kailasa Temple of Ellora Caves; however, it has now been shifted to Soneri Mahal, which is a historical palace in Aurangabad.

Hotel Kailas which is located just opposite the Ellora Caves is the only accommodation option nearby. It offers cottages and hostel accommodation for the budget traveler. Most tourists prefer to stay in Aurangabad and do a day trip to Ellora which is 28 km away.

The nearest airport is at Aurangabad, 35 km away from Ellora Caves. Aurangabad Railway station is the nearest railhead to Ellora Caves. There are public & private buses from Aurangabad to Ellora Caves. Visitors can also hire a private car from Aurangabad city. Aurangabad is well connected by bus with Pune, Mumbai, Shirdi, Nashik, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Goa, and Nagpur.
The best time to visit Ellora Caves is during the months of June to February while the peak season is from October to January. These are the best time to visit Ellora Caves, as the weather is really pleasant during these months.

10 Ganpatipule

At a distance of 24 km from Ratnagiri, 152 km from Kolhapur, 193 km from Mahabaleshwar, 207 km from Satara, 291 km from Lonavala,307 km from Pune, and 345 km from Mumbai, Ganpatipule is a small pilgrimage & beach town located in the Ratnagiri district on the Konkan coast of Maharashtra in India. This is one of the top Places to visit in Maharashtra and also one of the best places to visit near Pune. It can be visited along with Mahabaleshwar as part of Mahabaleshwar packages.

The town is mainly known for its 400 years old temple of Lord Ganapati which is the prime attraction in Ganpatipule. The idol of Ganesha is believed to be a monolith which was self-incarnated and discovered over 1600 years ago. The Ganesha Temple in Ganpatipule is unique because it is one of the few temples in the country in which the presiding deity faces west. It is one of the Ashta Ganapati Temples of India and is known as ‘Paschim Dwar Devata’. The temple is at the base of a hill, and pilgrims walk around (pradakshina) the hill as a mark of respect.

There are two legends associated with the name of Ganpatipule town. According to one legend, after being insulted by a local lady, Lord Ganapati moved to Pule from his original abode of Gule. Thus the region was named Ganpati-Pule. According to another belief, the town got its name from the white sand (or Pule in Marathi) from which the idol of Ganesha was formed.

Ganpatipule has one of the most spectacular beaches along the Konkan Coast in Maharashtra. It is an ideal getaway that attracts peace-seekers, beach lovers, and pilgrims alike. Ganpatipule is one of the only two white sand beaches in Maharashtra, the other being Kashid Beach. The Ganpatipule Beach is clean and the sea is also clear though swimming is not advisable because of the rocky stretches. It is an however ideal spot for sunbathing and mesmerizing sunsets. Ganpatipule also offers water sports between the months of November and May.

There are many other tourist spots in Ganpatipule apart from the beaches and the Ganapati Temple. Malgund about 2 km from Ganapatipule is the birthplace of the famous Maratha poet Keshavsut and houses a memorial of the great poet. Gaywadi beach near Malgund village is the hub of water sports activities in Ganpatipule. Jaigad Fort, Prachin Konkan Museum, Arey Ware Beach, Guhagar Beach and Velneshwar are other attractions near Ganpatipule.

Ganpatipule has number of resorts and hotels but the facilities offered by most hotels are ordinary. State-owned MTDC also runs a holiday resort near the beach.

Mumbai Airport is the nearest airport, which is about 343 km from Ganpatipule. Ratnagiri Railway Station is the nearest railhead about 30 km from Ganpatipule. Ratnagiri has train connectivity with Mumbai, Goa, Patna, Pune, Kochi, Trivandrum, Delhi, Mangalore, Tirunelveli, Bikaner, Amritsar, Dehradun, Chandigarh, Kochuveli, Porbandar, Ajmer, Coimbatore and Madgaon. Ganpatipule is well connected by bus with Ratnagiri, Mumbai, Pune and Kolhapur.

11 Nashik

At a distance of 90 km from Shirdi, 180 km from Aurangabad, 182 km from Mumbai, 211 km from Pune and 234 km from Surat, Nashik or Nasik is a religious city located in the northwest region of Maharashtra in India, and is the administrative headquarter of the Nashik district. Nashik is the third largest city by population in Maharashtra and also one of the popular pilgrimage Places to visit in Maharashtra. Nashik is among the famous tourist places near Mumbai.

Situated at an altitude of 700 m, Nasik has been called the Wine Capital of India and is situated on the banks of River Godavari. According to legend, Lord Rama, along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana stayed here for a while during their 14 year exile. It is believed that the name Nashik comes from the episode of the Ramayana where Lakshmana hacked off the nasika (nose) of Shurpanaka, Ravana’s sister. Alternatively, the city has also preserved a tradition of a proverb in Marathi which states that it was settled on nine peaks.

Nashik has been the center of commerce and trade in India since historical past. Nashik became very prosperous during the era of the Satavahanas as it lay on the trade route to Broach (Gujarat). The city was under the ruling of Mughals in 16th century and was renamed Gulshanabad. It is also famous for its contribution in struggle of independence of India. This is the birth place of known independence fighters like Veer Savarkar and Anant Laxman Kanhere.

Nashik is famous for its numerous temples constructed during the reigns of different rulers. These include the magnificent ones at Sinnar, Anjaneri, Trimbakeshwar and those in the city itself. Panchavati, Someshwar, Ram Kund, Muktidham Temple, Coin Museum, Pandavleni Caves are some of the important tourist sites of Nashik. Apart from its religious importance, Nashik has numerous vineyards that dot the countryside and is known as the wine capital of India. Some of the vineyards allow tours and provide courses on grape cultivation and identification of different wines and how to savor them.

Kumbha Mela, the largest religious gathering held once in every 12 years, is one of the most important festivals celebrated in Nasik. Large number of pilgrims, sadhus and holy men attend this magnificent fair and take bath in the holy river Godavari. Ramnavami Rath Yatra is another famous festival celebrated with great pomp and fervor in Nashik.

Mumbai Airport is the nearest airport which is about 167 km from Nashik. Nashik Road Railway Station is well connected by train with all major towns and cities in India, including Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad and Bangalore. Nashik Central Bus Station at Thakkar Bazar is well connected by bus with Indore, Pune, Aurangabad, Shirdi, Mumbai, Nanded, Nagpur, Akola, Hyderabad, Latur, Satara, Kolhapur, Ratnagiri, Ahmednagar, Ahmedabad, Solapur, Surat, Ahmadabad, Vadodara, etc.

12 Ratnagiri

At a distance of 24 km from Ganpatipule, 134 km from Kolhapur, 196 km from Satara, 198 km from Mahabaleshwar, 308 km from Pune, and 350 km from Mumbai, Ratnagiri is a port city and the district headquarters of Ratnagiri on Arabian Sea coast in southwestern part of Maharashtra. The district is a part of Konkan division of Maharashtra. Ratnagiri can be visited as part of Mahabaleshwar packages.

Surrounded by beautiful hills of Sahyadri ranges, Ratnagiri is amongst the top Maharashtra places to visit and also one of the popular attraction not to miss in a Maharashtra tour Packages. Ratnagiri was once the administrative capital of Bijapur rulers. It came under the control of Satara kings in 1731 CE, but later the British Empire took over in 1818 CE. A fort was built during the Bijapur dynasty and strengthened in 1670 CE by the Maratha king Shivaji, which is located on a headland near the harbour. Ratnagiri is one of the important ports on Konkan coast.

Ratnagiri district offers the most diverse attractions for tourists in the form of most beautiful beaches, historical monuments and serene temples. However, the beaches in Ratnagiri dominate all other tourist attractions. Mandvi Beach is the most popular beach in Ratnagiri. Pawas Beach, Ganeshghule Beach, Bhatye Beach and Ganpatipule Beach are the other famous beaches in and around Ratnagiri.

Apart from the beaches, there are other tourist attractions like Ratnadurg Fort, Thibaw Palace, Gateway of Ratnagiri, Swayambhu Ganapati Temple, Vijaydurg Fort & Beach, and Jaigad Fort & Lighthouse. Ratnagiri is also the birthplace of the great freedom fighter Lokmanya Tilak. Ali Museum in Ratnagiri is an ancestral house of Lokmanya Tilak and the house contains pictures of the great freedom fighter. Sri Devi Bhagwati Mandir is one of the ancient temples of the place and is known for its architecture. Ratnagiri is home to Alphonso mango – known as the King of Indian mangoes.

13 Matheran

At a distance of 94 km from Mumbai, 56 km from Lonavala and 122 km from Pune, Matheran is a small hill station in Raigad district of Maharashtra. Situated at an altitude of 800 m in the Western Ghats range, Matheran is one of the smallest hill stations in Maharashtra. It is one of the top monsoon destinations in Maharashtra and also among popular hill places to visit near Mumbai & Pune for a weekend trip. It is also one of the top monsoon destinations to be visited as part of Lonavala tour packages.

Matheran was developed by Hugh Poyntz Malet, the then district collector of Thane district in 1850 AD. The place was developed by Lord Elphinstone, the Governor of Bombay, as a summer resort for the British. Matheran is birthplace of famous freedom fighter Veer Bhai Kotwal. The Matheran Hill Railway was built in 1907 AD by Sir Adamjee Peerbhoy and covers a distance of 20 km, over large swathes of forest territory. The Matheran hill railway, also known as Matheran Light Railway (MLR), is being considered for UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

Matheran, which means ‘forest on the forehead’, is an eco-sensitive region declared by the Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of India. It is Asia’s only automobile-free hill station. No private automobiles are allowed into Matheran town. Tourists to Matheran have to drive up to Dasturi Point (2.5 km) and reach Matheran by foot or pony.

Matheran is famous for its 38 viewpoints, which provide panoramic view of the peaks of Western Ghats. Porcupine Point, Panorama Point, Echo Point, Charlott Lake, King George Point, Louisa Point, Monkey Point, Paymaster Park, Panthers’ Caves, Rambaug Point, Heart Point, etc. are the some important tourist attractions in Matheran. Matheran also offers activities such as trekking, hiking, climbing, etc. The ride on the toy train which connects Neral to Matheran used to be quite famous but the service has now been discontinued temporarily.

Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai is the nearest airport, which is around 90 km from Matheran. Mumbai is well connected to other major airports in India and abroad. Neral Railway Station is the nearest railhead, which is about 11 km from Matheran. It has trains from Mumbai, Karjat, Pune and Kolhapur. Mumbai & Pune are the major railheads near Matheran. Neral is the nearest town and is well connected by buses with Mumbai and Pune. Tourists to Matheran can also drive up to Dasturi Point (8 km away from Neral) and reach Matheran by foot or on pony.

14 Tadoba National Park

At a distance of 29 km from Chandrapur, 145 km from Nagpur, 412 km from Hyderabad, 518 km from Aurangabad, 747 km from Pune, and 863 km from Mumbai, Tadoba – Andhari Tiger Reserve is a popular tiger reserve in Chandrapur district of Maharashtra in India. Renowned as Maharashtra’s oldest and largest national park, Tadoba is one of the top wildlife sanctuaries in India and also one of the best places to experience Maharashtra tourism.

Also known as Tadoba National Park, the park is one of the 47 project tiger reserves in India. The Tadoba National Park was created in the year 1955. The Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary was formed in the year 1986 and was amalgamated with the park in 1995 to establish the present Tadoba – Andhari Tiger Reserve. The name Tadoba is derived from the God ‘Tadoba’ or ‘Taru’, praised by the tribal people who live in the dense forests of the Tadoba and Andhari region, while the Andhari river that meanders through the forest gives the name ‘Andhari’.

The total area of the tiger reserve is 1,727 Sq. km and the core area of the tiger reserve is 625.40 Sq. km. The reserve also includes 32.51 Sq.km of protected forest and 14.93 Sq. km of other areas. Densely forested hills form the northern and western boundary of the tiger reserve. Tadoba Lake acts as a buffer between the park’s forest and the extensive farmland which extends up to Irai water reservoir. This lake is a perennial water source which offers good habitat for Muggar crocodiles to thrive.

The Tadoba National Park is divided into three separate forest ranges, i.e. Tadoba north range, Kolsa south range, and Mohurli range. There are 6 entry points for this park which are Mohurli gate, Kolara gate, Kuswanda gate, Navegaon gate, Pangdi gate and Zari gate. There are 88 tigers, as of August 2016 in the reserve, and 58 in the forests immediately outside the reserve. The park also houses Bengal Tigers, leopards, sloth bears, gaur, nilgai, dhole, striped hyena, small Indian civet, jungle cats, sambar, spotted deer, barking deer, chital, and chausingha. One can find many more varied species of animals and birds here. The reserve also has teak, bamboo, arjun, salai, haldu, bija, tendu, jamun, mahua, ain and other trees. The main attraction of the Tadoba National Park is Jungle or Tiger Safari in an open top gypsy. There is good chance to spot the shy Sloth Bear and Wild Dogs.