How popular is Maharashtra as a tourist destination?
Maharashtra, a state located towards the south west of India is one of the famous tourist destinations in the country. Apart from being one of the wonderful states of the nation, the state has got varied tourist attractions starting from age-old monuments to exotic sea beaches, beautiful hill stations to different species of wildlife as well as plantations. Besides these, the vibrant culture and lifestyle of the state even makes the place one of the desired tourist destinations.
Which is the best time to visit Maharashtra?
The best time to experience the coastal region of the state is in between the months of September and April whereas, to explore the beauty of the hill stations, one needs to visit Maharashtra during the months of June, July, August and September.
Which are the most famous places of attractions in Maharashtra?
Though places of attraction varies from one person to another depending upon his or her interest and culture, the state of Maharashtra is capable of attracting people to varied social groups. The state houses every kind of tourist places. The tourist attractions of Maharashtra can be divided into the following distinctive heads:
Maharashtra Sea Beaches:
Being located by the coastline of the Arabian Sea, the state has got some of the sun-kissed exotic beaches, which makes the residents spend some time away from the hassle of the city life. Some of the most-visited sea beaches in Maharashtra are:
- Juhu Beach
- Madh Island Beach
- Ganapatipule
- Chowpatty Beach
- Velneshwar
Hill Stations of Maharashtra:
The state, being the location of the Sahydri Mountains, has got numerous beautiful hill stations, which attracts people from all over the country. If you want to spend some time in a pollution-free peaceful environment, these hill stations are the best places to visit. To name a few of the renowned hill stations in Maharashtra are:
- Khandala
- Lonavala
- Mahabaleshwar
- Matheran
- Panchgani
Maharashtra Monuments:
Having witnessed the rule of several dynasties, the different monuments of the state reflects the architectural styles of the bygone eras. Starting from the Mughal architecture to the local Rajwada architecture, these historical places of visit have all in them. Some of the must-visit monuments in Maharashtra are:
- Gateway of India
- Chand Minar
- Agakhan Palace
- Lal Mahal
- Kesari Wada
Religious places of visit in Maharashtra:
Maharashtra is even famous to the people who have got a religious bend of mind. The state houses a number of religious places as well as pilgrimages dedicated to different faiths. These places attract numerous devotees throughout the year. The most known religious places of visit include:
- Sidhi Vinayak
- Bibi Ka Maqbara
- Mount Mary Church
- Ganapati Temple
- Ambadevi Temple
Forts in Maharashtra:
Famous for their historic importance, the forts of Maharashtra add a feather to the glory of the state. There is around 350 forts in this Indian state, most of which are said to be associated with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the renowned Maratha ruler. The most famous forts of the state are:
- Daulatabad Fort
- Kandhar Fort
- Mumbai Fort
- Panhala Fort
- Pratapgad Fort
Caves in Maharashtra:
The state houses some of the primitive caves which reflect the then rock-cut architectural skill. The most famous among them are:
- Ajanta and Ellora Caves
- Elephanta Caves
- Aurangabad Caves (Artificial)
Lakes in Maharashtra:
The state has even got some of the beautiful and serene lakes, where one can spend a peaceful evening. To name some of them are:
- Mushi lake
- Ramkunk Lake
- Rankala Lake
- Talao Pali Lake
- Upvan Lake
Musuems in Maharashtra:
Maharashtra houses innumerable museums and art galleries, which showcases primitive as well as modern culture of the state. Some of the known museums in Maharashtra are:
- Coin Museum
- Mahatma Gandhi Museum
- Jehangir Art Gallery
- Prince of Wales Museum
- National Maritime Museum
Those who love to stay in proximity to nature can visit the following national parks or go for a wildlife safari:
- Tadoba National Park
- Navegaon National Park
- Sanjay Gandhi National Park
- Bor Wildlife Sanctuary
- Pench National Park
Apart from the ones mentioned earlier, Maharashtra has got many other tourist attractions. The most famous among them is the Hindi Film Industry. Deccan Odyssey, a super-luxury train takes one on a royal journey of the state. The train has got five-star facilities. Besides these, one can even visit the wonderful waterfalls like Dudhsagar waterfall, Lingmala waterfall etc.
Where to stay in Maharashtra?
Maharashtra has got innumerable hotels ranging from 5 star hotels to budget ones. Scattered all over the state, those well-furnished multi-facilitated hotels will ensure you a comfortable stay while traveling to Maharashtra. To name some of those hotels are:
- Centaur Hotel (5 Star Hotel)
- Emerald Hotel (4 Star Hotel)
- King's International Hotel (3 Star Hotel)
- Hotel Suba Palace (2 Star Hotel)
- Lotus Suites Hotel (Budget Hotel)
