1. Mumbai
Image Source : Internet
Mumbai must be mentioned in any list of popular tourist destinations in Maharashtra. As one of India’s largest major cities, Mumbai serves as the state capital of Maharashtra. The city of dreams is one of the most populated in the nation with over 20 million residents. The city, which is near the Konkan coast of western India, also features a sizable natural harbour.
Mumbai is one of the top tourist destinations in Maharashtra because of its fascinating history and top-notch attractions. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Gateway of India Mumbai, Marine Drive, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Shri Siddhi Vinayak Ganapati Mandir, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Haji Ali Dargah, and numerous other locations are among the popular tourist attractions in this area.
2 . Ajanta and Ellora Caves
Image Source : Internet
One of the top tourist destinations in Maharashtra is the Ajanta and Ellora caves. Millions of visitors travel from all over the world to these caves, which have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. : They are accessible by roads and are situated in the Maharashtra state’s Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar district. There are 17 Hindu caverns, 12 Buddhist caves, and 5 Jain caves in the cave complex. One of the largest Hindu temples made out of rock is located in the Hindu caves.
These historic paintings come from about 600 and 1000 CE. The cave system also contains the largest single monolithic rock excavation in the entire world. They were built during the Rashtrakuta and Yadava dynasties. Tourists will be entranced by the beauty of these caverns and the prehistoric art and will grow to love prehistoric culture.
3. Pune
Image Source : Internet
Pune, the state’s largest city and Mumbai’s neighbour, is the cultural centre if Mumbai is the most active location in Maharashtra. Pune, an up-and-coming IT hub, is a fascinating city with something to pique the curiosity of anyone who has ever been or heard of it. The locations to visit in Pune and the surrounding area will never fail to wow you with their distinctive roster of features due to their proximity to many important cities and their role as a central location for accessing the state’s major attractions.
Trekking to the Lohagarh and Rajmachi Forts, kayaking and white water rafting down the Kolad River, interesting Scuba Diving, and more are all available.
4. Lonavala
Image Source : Internet
One of the most lovely retreats that transports you away from the hectic bustle of the cities is Lonavala. It is situated in Maharashtra’s Pune district in the country’s western region. This hill station is located 64 kilometres to the west of present-day Pune city and 96 kilometres to the east of Mumbai, a major metropolis. Because of its strategic location on the Mumbai–Pune motorway, Lonavala can serve both cities with the best possible road access.
Popular names for Lonavala City include “City of Caves” and “Jewel of Sahyadri.” This is due to the hill station’s beautiful scenery, which includes lush green valleys, amazing caves, tranquil lakes, and stunning waterfalls. Bhaja and Karla caves in Lonavala, which have stunning rock formations.
The Kune, Bhivpuri, Bhagirath, and Jummapatti waterfalls are just a few of the magnificent waterfalls that can be found in Lonavala’s surroundings. You can’t help but be impressed by the tranquil atmosphere of the picture-perfect environment of Aamby Valley, Pawna Lake, and Lonavala Lake. Natural marvels, spiritual attractions, and historical places all draw visitors to Lonavala. These forts include Duke’s Nose, Lohagad, Rajmachi, and Tikona.
5. Lavasa
Image Source : Internet
Lavasa is a charming hill town close to Pune in Maharashtra that is well-known for its tourism. The Italian town of Portofino served as an inspiration for the development of the town. India and Maharashtra residents enjoy visiting this incredibly lovely town in the middle of the hills. It is accessible to travellers of all ages and is situated in the Mulshi Valley, where it gives some picturesque views of the Western Ghats.
You can explore the city for a day or two and take in the relaxed pace of life. You’ll be drawn in and tempted to stay longer by the stunning rivers and lakes in this area.
Pune is only 60 miles distant from Lavasa, and it takes 2 hours to get there. From Pune, travellers can simply travel the Temghar-Lavasa Road to their destination.
6. Chhatrapatai Sambhaji Nagar
Image Source : Internet
In addition to being known by these names, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar is a city in west-central Maharashtra. It is located in the Kaum River’s mountainous upland region. The Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar district’s administrative centre is located in the city. It is also an important centre for textile production in India, producing a lot of silk and cotton fabrics. The city is also endowed with forts and monuments from imperial India’s culture and history.
Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar Caves, Daulatabad Fort, Grishneshwar Temple, Jama Mosque, Bibi Ka Maqbara, Himayat Bagh, Panchakki, and Salim Ali Lake are the prominent attractions in this area. It should be on your agenda because it is unquestionably one of the most well-known locations in Maharashtra. Travelling to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar won’t be a problem because it has a domestic airport.
7. Ganpatipule
Image Source : Internet
A little settlement on the Konkan Coast is called Ganpatipule. The town is a well-liked tourist attraction because of its extensive collection of beaches. Due to its spiritual and religious significance, the Swayambhu Ganpati Temple is another important destination in Ganpatipule. Hindus who worship Lord Ganesha visit this place frequently.
Ganpatipule Beach and Aare Ware Beach are the nearby beaches to check out. The Prachin Konkan, also known as the open-air museum, is a location where traditional Konkan daily life is portrayed. Other attractions in Ganpatipule include Jaigad Fort and a lighthouse constructed by the British. You can either remain in the beachfront hotels or take a brief tour of the town before continuing your journey. Additionally unique are the regional foods here.
You must go to Ratnagiri, which is the closest railway station, in order to get to Ganpatipule. It is only 50 kilometres from Ganpatipule and is easily reachable by both public and private transportation.
8. Matheran
Image Source : Internet
The Matheran hill station, often known as the “cutest little hill station of India,” is the greatest location to observe the sunset and dawn as well as some mind-blowing scenery to keep you alert and focused. The main tourist attractions in Matheran are found in this remarkable hill station, which is free from the bustling metropolitan life that surrounds it. The location is actually on the Western Ghats, which are situated at an altitude of about 800 metres above sea level. The area always has great weather to enjoy throughout the year, but the season of rain and thunderstorms amplifies its beauty.
The lovely hill town also practises environmental conservation and lacks a constant stream of automobiles and buses blaring in the street. In order to safeguard Matheran, the Maharashtra government took the major. The nicest part about this location is that it is peaceful and serene, free of pollution and horn buzzes, and that it also has some breathtaking natural settings and views that will awe you with their beauty and help you unwind and rest.
9. Nagpur
Image Source : Internet
Nagpur City, also known as the “city of oranges,” is a city in Maharashtra and is renowned for its rich cultural diversity. This city, which is situated on the banks of the River Nag, served as the capital of India under British administration, as evidenced by the Zero Mile Marker. Its status as a significant orange trading hub has made Maharashtra’s capital city very well known. More than 26 lakh people call Nagpur home, which has a 227.4 KM2 square area. The beauty of Nagpur will provide ideal opportunities for those who desire to spend time in nature and admire its magnificent works.
This city is popular among environment lovers because it is home to three tiger reserves and about 11 lakes. Its attractiveness is further enhanced by locations like the Lata Mangeshkar Musical Garden and the Japanese Rose Garden. There are a variety of attractions in Nagpur city, including historical, thrilling, and religious sites. Numerous sights, including the Deekshabhoomi and the Ambazari Lake and Garden, are well-known tourist destinations in this area. The Umred Pauni Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary And Tiger Reserve, which draws visitors from all over the world, brings you close to wild cats and gives your trip the necessary adrenaline.
10. Kolhapur
Image Source : Internet
A small city in the Indian state of Maharashtra is called Kolhapur. Kolhapur, one of the oldest cities in the nation, was founded in the Middle Ages, and its age is reflected in the various historic forts and monuments it is home to. After being a princely state under the Maharaja Emperor Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj till 1947, the city was afterwards proclaimed an independent state.
The little city is stunning, with the sizable river on one side and the towering Sahyadris on the other. The city offers everything, from sparkling lakes to meticulously maintained gardens. The majestic forts and palaces that surround the ancient site add to its allure and serve as a reminder of Kolhapur’s illustrious past.
Take a tour of the numerous historical sites nearby as it is one of the top things to do while in Kolhapur. These attractions, which range from the magnificent Panhala Fort to the Chhatrapati Shahu Museum in the New Palace, provide visitors a greater understanding of the city and its past. For calm escapes from the hustle and bustle of everyday city life, nature lovers can also spend the day exploring the Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary or enjoying a picnic by the shores of the Rankala Lake. If you have a religious bent of mind, you can also use your time well by exploring the city’s many temples.
