Maharashtra is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Maharashtra tourism offers almost everything from pristine beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, hill stations, natural caves, waterfalls, to imposing forts, colourful festivals, ancient pilgrimage shrines, museums, and historical monuments that draw large number of travellers.

The best time to visit Maharashtra is from the months of October to February. These months experience a typically hot and dry weather in most parts of Maharashtra but the eastern portion of the state might experience showers. A temperature during the winter season varies between 12 degree Celsius to 30 degree Celsius. The pleasant weather makes it the best time to see all the famous attractions in Maharashtra. This is also a great time for snorkeling in Tarkarli. The months from March to May see a sharp rise in temperature making it difficult to enjoy sightseeing. Rainy season in Maharashtra begins from the month of June and continues till September. July witnesses the highest rainfall. It is not a good time to visit the hill stations of Maharashtra as most of the hotels are closed during this period. The weather of Maharashtra remains wet for most of the year and the lush-green valleys in the hill stations here are quite pleasing to the eyes.

Famous Food

Bhel Puri: One of the famous foods in Maharashtra which is now popular even in northern India is bhel puri. The rice puffs sprinkled with tamarind chutney and vegetables makes for the perfect light snack. Bhelpuri can be seen at every street in Mumbai and also at the beaches and Chowpatty.

Vada Pav: Another popular dish in Maharashtra which is not only cheap but also tasty vada pav. People, rich or poor can be seen eating vada pav on the streets of Maharashtra. It is bread bun, inside which deep-fried potato is placed along with chutney topping.

Pav Bhaji: Pav Bhaji is another dish which is famous throughout Maharashtra. A mix of all the veggies served with bread called pav is so tempting that will make your lure for more and more. It is often served with onions and butter on the top.

Modak: Modak is the sweet dish of Maharashtra which is cooked on Ganesh Chaturthi.

Malvani Cuisine is best traditional food of Malvani region of Maharashtra. It is mainly served in the South Konkan region of Maharashtra. Most of the Malvani cuisines are non-veg but there are various veg cuisines also. Coconut is the predominant part of Malvani Cuisine. Chicken Malvani is one of the famous Malvani cuisines which you can find at many restaurants in Mumbai. The staple diet of Maharashtra includes rice, Dal, chapattis and a vegetable dish generally accompanied by pickle for taste.

Shopping in Maharashtra offers diverse varieties. As Maharashtra is a vast state, every region and every district has its own specialty. Kolhapuri chappals or flat leather sandals are the perfect souvenirs to buy in Maharashtra. When we talk of shopping in Aurangabad, himroo shawls, mashroo and kimkhab weaves click on one’s mind. We can’t also forget the well-known fine paithani silk sarees. The silver inlay craft of Bidri ware too is world famous. Shopping in Pune too is like that of Mumbai. Jewellery, Maharashtrian traditional wares, pearl nose ring, necklace and the nine-yard sarees are readily available at Tulsi Baug. Nagpur is famous for its world-class oranges. Orange products like jam, jelly, marmalade and fruit squash can also be purchased in cheapest rates with best quality.

Main languages are Marathi, Hindi and English. Marathi and Hindi are mostly understood all over the state. But different regions have their own dialects.

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES – (AS OF JANUARY 2023)

• Ajanta Caves
• Ellora Caves
• Elephanta Caves
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus)
• Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai

1. MUMBAI

This is one of the highly populated cities in the country and is considered to be the financial capital of India. One of the highlights of this city is Gateway of India and people from all over the world come to marvel at its British architecture that holds historical significance. This is one of the best Maharashtra destinations also because of the fact that it is a home to the Bollywood industry and many movie actors reside here. Marine Drive in Mumbai will simply steal your heart and will make you never want to leave, as it is lying around the coast and the view here is simply mesmerising!

2. AJANTA AND ELLORA CAVES

Ajanta and Ellora caves, considered to be one of the finest examples of ancient rock-cut caves, are located near Aurangabad in Maharashtra, India. Ajanta and Ellora caves complex is adorned with beautiful sculptures, paintings, and frescoes and include Buddhist monasteries, Hindu and Jain temples. The Ajanta caves are 29 in number and were built between the 2nd century BC and 6th century AD, whereas the Ellora Caves are more spread out and 34 in number and dates to the period between 6th and 11th Century AD.

Ajanta and Ellora caves are designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are quite popular among travelers worldwide. Ajanta Caves, located around 99km north of Aurangabad, are mostly Buddhist sites and were used as a retreat by Buddhist Monks.

3. MAHABALESHWAR

Lying in the Western Ghats, Mahabaleshwar is well known for various natural wonders that one would love to witness here. There are a huge number of rivers, awe-striking mountain peaks, and mesmerising waterfalls. If you want to experience tranquillity in the state of Maharashtra, it is suggested that you plan a visit to this hill town and get a chance to be closer to nature. Apart from the rivers and mountains, you also would love going to the strawberry farms and dense forests here! Located in Satara district, Mahabaleshwar is one of the best places for Maharashtra sightseeing.

4. PANCHGANI

If you love travelling to the mountains, then a visit to Panchgani is a must. The name itself has been originated from the fact that it is surrounded by five hills. Located near Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani is loved for the various points of sunset and sunrise. The picturesque view of the valley will definitely steal your heart. Owing to the pleasant weather that stays round the year, Panchgani is considered to be one of the best places to visit in summer in Maharashtra.

5. ALIBAUG

Alibaug (also spelled as Alibag) is a small coastal town in the Konkan region of Maharashtra, known for its beaches, villas, and beautiful scenery. Alibag is very popular as a weekend getaway from the cities of Mumbai and Pune.

6. SHIRDI

If you’re traveling to Maharashtra to witness the religious aspects of this state, then a visit to Shirdi should definitely be a part of your plan! This place is the land of Sai Baba. Apart from the renowned temple of Sai Baba, there are a number of historical sites. Many devotees from India come to this place to seek spiritual peace, as it has a strong significance. Many places in Shirdi can be visited for an ultimate travel experience like Samadhi Mandir, Chavadi, Shani Shignapur, Dwarkamai Masjid, and more.

7. LONAVALA

Situated in the Sahyadri range of the Western Ghats close to Pune and Mumbai, Lonavala is the most visited hill station in Maharashtra and the place to be during monsoons. With lots of waterfalls, lakes and hills around, it is a popular destination for camping, trekking and other adventure sports. Surrounded by dense forests, waterfalls, and dam alongside lakes, it is a must-visit if you admire nature.

8. RAJMACHI

Rajmachi is a small village situated in the Sahyadri mountain range of the Konkan region of Maharashtra. Rajmachi is famous for the historical fortress which has two fortified peaks – Shrivardhan and Manaranjan forts, located near two famous hills of Lonavala and Khandala.

9. KHANDALA

Khandala is a popular hill station in Maharashtra, perched on the foothills of Sahyadri in the Western Ghats. Khandala provides for a perfect weekend respite for the Mumbai population, with its scenic valleys, grassy hills, serene lakes and misty waterfalls.

10. MATHERAN

Nestled amidst the Sahyadri range on the Western Ghats, Matheran is a cosy little hill station that stands at an elevation of 2600 feet above sea level, and is just 100 kilometres away from Mumbai, making it the perfect weekend getaway. With its name literally translating to “overhead forest”, Matheran is the smallest hill station in India but is extremely popular in terms of tourists looking for a short trip amid spectacular vistas and serenity.

11. MALSHEJ GHAT

Malshej Ghat is a mountain pass and a popular hill station, nestled in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra. With its numerous lakes, waterfalls, mountains, and verdant flora and fauna, Malshej Ghat is popular among hikers, trekkers and nature lovers.

Malshej Ghat is an ideal retreat from the clamour of city life and is a popular weekend getaway from Mumbai, Pune and Thane. It is particularly known for the pink flamingoes which migrate here during July and September. This place is especially beautiful during the monsoons with lush green hills and exotic pink flamingoes.

12. PUNE

Pune is a bustling metropolis of Maharashtra, ranked number one in India in the ease of living. Often referred to as the Oxford of the East, it is a hub of diverse people and activities and is in rapidly growing into one of the top metropolitan cities in the country. Pune is a city that perfectly blends modernity with tradition sprinkled with colonial-era charm, and it deserves the title of being the cultural capital of Maharashtra.

13. MALVAN

Malvan is a culturally and historically important town in the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra. It is well known historically for the Sindhudurg Fort of Chatrapati Shivajiraje. Culturally, it is famous for its mouth-watering Malvani sea-food and sweets. Malvan is also known for its beaches that are clean, refreshing and less crowded. People can have wide spread-out sunset views. Water sports are also available for fun.

14. LAVASA

Known as India’s newest hill station, the Lavasa Corporation is constructing this private city. The city is a beautiful project, stylistically based on the Italian town Portofino. Spreading across 7 hills, covering an area of 25000 acres, Lavasa is a perfect blend of beauty and infrastructure.

Lavasa is a privately planned hill city located near Pune in Maharashtra.

15. AURANGABAD

Aurangabad is a historical city and also the tourism capital of Maharashtra. Situated about 232 km from Pune, and 350 km from Mumbai, it is one of the top places to visit near Pune and also one of the top places to visit as part of Maharashtra tour packages.

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, Jama Masjid, Panchakki, and the 52 gates are the important tourist attractions to visit as part of Aurangabad tour packages. There are also many temples, mosques, museums, and even some gardens to explore.

16. NASHIK

Nasik is a religious Hindu city, host to the Kumbh Mela every 12 years. It also makes for a perfect wine tasting destination. The city is home to plenty of exotic temples and is known in Hindu mythology as the place where Ravana’s sister, Surpanakha, tried to seduce Lord Ram and got her nose cut off by Lakshman in the process. Its religious importance doesn’t end there. It also plays host to the thousands of tourists visiting Shirdi and Trimbakeshwar. Apart from its temples, Nashik also has forts, waterfalls and vineyards to look out for.

17. BHIMASHANKAR

Bhimashankar, located about 100 km from Pune and 223 km from Mumbai, is a popular temple town. It is among one of the twelve traditional ‘Jyotilingam’ shrines of Lord Shiva in India.

Situated at a height of around 3,250 feet, Bhimashankar is surrounded by hills and is covered by thick green rainforests. Legend has it that the name Bhimashankar was originated from the river Bhima which evaporated due to the generated between the war of Lord Shiva and the demon Tripurasura. It is considered to be one of the holiest places in India because of the jyotirlinga. Bhimashankar is also a popular destination for trekkers. Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary is another important reason why people come here.

18. TRIMBAKESHWAR

Trimbakeshwar Temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India. Located in Trimbak, 28 kilometres from Nashik city, this Shaiva temple is found at the foot of Brahmagiri Hills. Established by the Maratha ruler, Peshwa Nana Saheb in the 18th century, the temple is mentioned in the powerful Mrityunjaya Mantra that bestows immortality and longevity.

Designed in classic architecture, the temple premise also cites the Kusavarta or Kunda which is said to be the source of river Godavari. The fascinating feature of the Jyotirlinga is its three faces symbolizing Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Rudra. Only male devotees are allowed in the core area or ‘garbhgriha’ of the temple. It is mandatory to wear a sovala or a silk dhoti here. Devotees need to book pandits if they wish to participate in the Abhishekam.

19. SHANI SHINGNAPUR

Shani Shignapur Temple is a Jeet Devasthan (alive temple) in Ahmednagar district, well-known for the magical and powerful Lord Shani, who is believed to reside in a black stone till date. The Hindu God symbolising the planet Saturn is referred to as Swayambhu, which means that he has emerged himself in the form of the black stone that scores lakhs of devotees every year. A visit to the Shani Shignaour Temple surely gives hope that your remaining life will be smooth and that Lord Shani will bestow only happiness upon you. With no long queues and waiting period, you can easily get darshan of the divine power.

20. RATNAGIRI

Situated in pretty surroundings, Ratnagiri is blessed with hills, sea shores, creeks, beautiful rivers, hot water springs, forests and waterfalls and offers a rejuvenating experience to travellers.

Ratnagiri is a travelers dream come true destination with its majestic Sahyadri range and Arabian sea with virginal white beaches, cascading waterfalls, hot water springs palm groves, majestic monuments and the most famous, Alphonso mangoes. Ratnagiri has some of the magnificent forts built during the Shivaji period. Ratnagiri is also famous as the birthplace of Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak who was one-third of the famous trio of “Lal Bal Pal”. One of the gems in Konkan region, Ratnagiri is now a big district comprising of several touristy small villages and towns and it forms for a brilliant weekend getaway from the cities of Maharashtra including Mumbai.

21. GANPATIPULE

Beach town on the Konkan coastline, Ganpatipule has temples of Lord Ganesha as major attractions apart from the beautiful virgin beaches. The village of Ganapatipule is famous for its 400-year-old Ganesha temple. The idol is said to be a self-created monolith of Lord Ganesha, allegedly discovered 1600 years ago. Untouched by commercialism Ganapatipule makes for a great destination for peace-seekers, beach lovers and pilgrim alike. Ganpatipule also has water sports to offer between the months of November-May. Ganpatipule is typically clubbed with Ratnagiri and other smaller villages like Velneshwar, Malgund and Pawas for a perfect 2-3 day trip.

Browse Maharashtra Tour Packages