When someone mentions Maharashtra, the long Marine Drive promenade comes to mind, followed by the front view of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, a Gothic Victorian structure. Mumbai, the state capital of Maharashtra, is also the most populous city in the province. Maharashtra, the third-largest state in India, has many concealed treasures to offer.
Top 10 Tourist Places in Maharashtra
The state is also the wealthiest in India, contributing 13.3% of the nation’s GDP and 15% of its industrial output. Thus, it is a significant state in India with numerous sites and attractions that tourists must see.
1. Mumbai
Mumbai, formerly known as “Bombay,” is the largest metropolis and the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra. Additionally, it is the most populous city in India and the fifth most populous in the globe. In the 18th century, under the rule of the British East India Company, land reclamation techniques were used to connect seven islands into a singular metropolitan area, resulting in the city we see today.
With a large number of historical monuments, beaches, etc., you may need more than a week to explore all the attractions in this city alone.
2. Aurangabad
Aurangabad was named after the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and is one of Maharashtra’s most popular tourist destinations.
The city is renowned for its historical monuments and the national heritage site caverns of Ajanta and Ellora. This city’s culture is significantly influenced by the Mughal and Muslim cultures of Hyderabad, and the predominant languages spoken here are Marathi and Urdu.
3. Kolhapur
Kolhapur is located on the banks of the Panchganga River and is one of the Maratha princely republics. The city is considered the center of the Maratha Empire and is renowned for its numerous historical monuments and Marathi cultural heritage.
4. Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar is a Maharashtra hill station situated in the Western Ghats. The area has an average elevation of approximately 1,353 meters above sea level and is the origin of the Krishna River. The water originates from a spout in the form of a cow’s mouth, which is located at an ancient Shiva temple.
5. Solapur
Solapur is located on the Karnataka state frontier, and Marathi and Kannada are the predominant languages spoken there. The majority of the year, the city’s climate is moderate and arid due to its location on the Deccan plateau. Ancient temples and reservoirs are also popular tourist attractions in Solapur.
6. Matheran
Approximately 800 meters above sea level is the elevation of Matheran. The city is renowned for its calm and less humid climate and is a popular summer destination for Maharashtra’s populace. The British influence on the architecture is quite evident and has been well preserved by the authorities.
7. Alibag
Alibag was established by Shivaji, the naval chief of the Maratha Empire. It is a coastal town renowned for its white sand beaches, which are frequently less crowded and neater than Mumbai’s. The attractions can be seen in two days, and there are numerous inexpensive and accommodating lodging options.
8. Pune
Pune, the realm of the Peshwas, has held an important cultural and historical position since the time of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It is currently a significant educational, cultural, and economic center in Maharashtra. Numerous sites of historical significance in the city trace back to the Maratha empire, including Shaniwarwada, Shivneri Fort, Aga Khan Palace, and Sinhagad Fort.
9. Nashik
Nashik is located in Maharashtra’s northwestern region, on the banks of the Godavari River, which also originates here. The location is mentioned multiple times in Hindu mythology and is well-known for being one among the locations that hosts India’s Kumbha Mela once every 12 years.
10. Ratnagiri
Ratnagiri is a seaport in the Indian state of Maharashtra, near the Arabian Sea. The town is well-known for its temples and has been mentioned significantly in Hindu mythology. The area is home to some magnificent natural phenomena, such as the Rajapur Ganga, a collection of 14 pools of water that appear around every three years.