Maharashtra

eveloping states of India, it is located on the western and central parts of the country extending over the Sahyadri mountains. The Sea coast of the Arabian Sea makes for wonderful beaches along the state border. Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur are some of the must visit places here.
Maharashtra is located in the Central region of India, on the West Coast. It is also one of the most industrialized states in the country. The capital of the state, Mumbai, is the financial capital of India and arguably the most important metropolitan of the country. Tourism in Maharashtra is an enchanting experience. The state has a wide range of tourist attractions, including magnificent forts, historical monuments, hill stations, and beaches. The city of Mumbai is also a major tourist destination, and millions of people visit the city both on business and leisure purposes.

Gateway of India in Mumbai Maharashtra was formed in 1960 when the areas forming the Mumbai presidency under British rule were separated on the basis of language. The predominantly Marathi speaking areas of the erstwhile princely states of Hyderabad, Berar, and the Central Provinces were also included in the newly formed state.

The capital of the state, Mumbai is one of the most populated cities of the world. The city is the financial capital of the country and supports a huge number of people who arrive from all over the country to find occupation. The city is also home to the multi-million dollar Hindi Film Industry. The major tourist spots in Mumbai include the Gateway of India, Elephanta Island, Flora Fountain, Haji Ali's Tomb, Prince of Wales Museum, Kamla Nehru Park, Hanging Gardens, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus or Victoria Terminus, Siddhivinayak Temple, Bhuleshwar Temple, Jama Masjid, Mumbadevi Temple, Nehru Planetarium, Nehru Science Center, and the Marine Drive. The city is also known for its famous beaches that include the Chowpatty, Aksa, Juhu, and Marve. The city has some of the best hotels of the country and is known for a vibrant nightlife.

Ganesh Chaturthi, a festival involving the principal deity of the state, Lord Ganesha, is celebrated with tremendous enthusiasm all over the state, especially Mumbai. The huge Ganesha idols are dressed up beautifully and adorned with expensive Jewellery. This is a good time to visit the state.

The state has some beautiful hill stations in Mahabaleshwar, Matheran, Lonavala, and Khandala. Some ancient Buddhist caves are to be found at various places in the state, most famous of which rae the Ajanta and Ellora caves, which are World Heritage Sites. The cities of Pune, Satara , Aurangabad, Nashik and Shirdi are some of the better known tourist places that make up Maharashtra Tourism. To ensure steady growth of tourism, the government and the tourism department have made adequate arrangements to make the state tourist friendly. Most of the well known tourist places have a wide range of tourist accommodation. The tourism department and private tour operators offer a large number of varied tour packages of Maharashtra which should be availed by the tourists for hassle free tourism in the state. The road network is extremely well maintained and efficient. All the major cities are well connected by air, road and rail transport with the rest of the country.

About Maharastra


Maharashtra is an Indian state and is located on the western part of the country with the Arabian Sea making up its western coast. It is the third largest state in India area-wise and its capital is Mumbai, which is one of the most important cities of India. Maharashtra has a highly developed economy and is a wonderful place for spending vacations. There are many things about Maharashtra that lure numerous tourists from all parts of India and abroad. Its diverse topography has given birth to a range of stunning landscape and on a trip to Maharashtra you will come across beautiful hill-stations, rocky terrain and some of the finest caves which are just a few of the many tourist attractions in Maharashtra. Nature has blessed it with the Western Ghats and Sahyadri Ranges that encompass some of the best hill stations and eco-tourism spots of the state
Ellora Caves

Fast Facts

Area 3,07,713 sq km
Population 96,752,247
Capital Mumbai
Languages Marathi, Hindi, English
Best Time To Visit October to March

History

The history about Maharashtra is rich and has the region has witnessed lots of rulers reigning over this vast land. The state has been witness to many historic battles that were fought here. The history of this magnificent land dates back to 3rd century BCE and in contemporary literature it is known as Dandakaranya. Maharashtra came under the Territory of Magadha Empire when Ashoka the great used to rule over a vast stretch of land that included present day Maharashtra. Sopara which is the present day Mumbai was an important point of trade with Eastern Africa, Mesopotamia, Aden and Cochin.

Maharashtra saw an immense cultural development under the patronage and rule of the legendary Satavahanas during 230 B.C.E. and 225 C.E.

Maharashtra also came under the influence of the Islamic rulers, the most prominent among them being Ala-ud-din Khalji and Muhammad bin Tughluq.

The seventeenth century saw the emergence of Marathas under the leadership of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Bhonsale who was eventually defeated by Aurangzeb. The Peshwas, who were able administrators and good warriors as well, were instrumental in the development of many forts in Maharashtra .

The advent of the British resulted in three Anglo-Maratha wars that were fought between the Marathas and the British. In the year 1819, the historic rule of the Marathas came to an end and slowly they annexed the princely states of Maharashtra such as Nagpur, Satara and Kolhapur that ultimately were brought under the Bombay Presidency in the year 1848.

After the Indian independence, it was on May 1, 1960 that Maharashtra came into existence when the Bombay Presidency was divided into the new linguistic states of Gujarat and Maharashtra.

Best Season, Climate and Clothing

The climate of Maharashtra is temperate, with fluctuations in temperature ranging between 16°C and 35°C. The monsoon arrives from the month of July to September with good amount of rainfall. However, the interiors of the state receive scanty rainfall. Cotton clothing would be ideal all the year round and light woolens would be best for the winter months.

Maharashtra