Nestled close to the Arabian Sea, the state of Maharashtra located on the western side of India, is known for its tranquillity and exceptional beauty. It is the second most populous and third largest state by area in India. Maharashtra is bordered by the Arabian Sea to the west, Gujarat and the Union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli to the northwest, Madhya Pradesh to the northeast, Chattisgarh to the east, Karnataka to the south, Andhra Pradesh to the southeast, and Goa to the southwest. Maharashtra can proudly term itself to be the richest state in India, owing gratitude to the stupendous industrial activity in the region.
Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra, is the financial capital of the country and is bestowed with the best infrastructural support for development. The vibrant state of Maharashtra is divided into five major regions namely, Vidharba, Marathwada, Khandesh and northern Maharashtra, Desh or Western Maharashtra and the most exotic Konkan region, which is dotted with world famous tourist spots.
The other major centres of commercial and tourism importance are
Nagpur,
Nashik,
Pune, Nanded and also scenic hill stations like
Lonavala, Mahabaleshwar and
Khandala. Maharashtra, studded with natural marvels like beaches, hill stations, man-made architectural structures, peaceful temples, churches and rock cut caves. The rich history and culture attracts many eager tourists from the all parts of the world.
Mumbai
The vibrant city of Mumbai is a natural first stop for visitors to India's western coast. One could say that Mumbai is the New York of India. It offers a lifestyle that is rich, cosmopolitan and diverse, with a variety of food, entertainment and nightlife. Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai is the biggest and the second busiest airport in India. The Gateway of India is one the most sought after tourist spots of Mumbai. Also, the city is dotted with the most scenic beaches in the name of Juhu, Chowpathi, Aksa and Marve.
The Elephanta caves, Ajantha and Ellora caves are only a ferry ride away from this wonderful city. Mumbai is also dotted with the most famous religious spots like the Mahalakshmi, Siddhi Vinayak temple and also the Mount Mary Church. A trip to Mumbai would be worthless if you remove the picturesque Marine Drive and also the most crowded shopping areas like Fashion Street, out of your travel plan.
Pune
Pune, the second largest city in Maharashtra and the eighth largest in India, is the state's cultural and heritage capital. Pune has seen some astounding development in the recent years which has made it a not-to-miss tourism destination of Maharashtra. Pune has undoubtedly blossomed into a centre of art and learning. Several far reaching revenue and judicial reforms were also initiated in the city. Shaniwarwada, Saras baug, Aga Khan Palace, Parvati Temple, Khadakwasla Dam, Sinhgad are the most visited places by tourists in Pune.
Hill stations
Lonavala, Khandala, Matheran and Mahabaleshwar account to a major proportion of Maharashtra’s tourism revenue, thanks to the hot and humid summers in most parts of India. These hill stations were established during the British colonial rule, as a retreat from the scorching summer heat and have grown as tourism hotspots since then.
All these hill stations are great holiday destinations throughout the year, except for the monsoon months.
