Maharashtra is the third largest state and the third most populous state in India. The state is often called ‘Gateway of India.’ Maharashtra is filled with diverse places that provide amazing experiences for a traveler. It is filled with temples, a big collection of caves, mountains, lakes, lush forests, golden beaches, and historic spots with strong pasts. The state is close to the Western Ghats, so the place gets amazing views of the mountains.
People of Maharashtra have diverse culture and religion. There is so much to Maharashtra’s heritage and culture that comes out of the amalgamation of the other cultures and religions. Maharashtra’s culture is a colorful blend of the Marathan legacy, the Varkari tradition, and various regional folk arts. Apart from being rich in history, traditional arts and lifestyle, it is also famous for its economy majorly because of Mumbai -the financial capital of India. It is also the entertainment giant hub - the Bollywood industry.
Maharashtra has a terrain that stretches from the Western Ghats to the Deccan Plateau that supports highly varied ecosystems. The state has six national parks and 35 wildlife sanctuaries. There are tropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests in the Western Ghats, dry deciduous and thorn forests in the Deccan, and the coastal mangroves. In Maharashtra there is the Karvi shrub, which blooms only once every seven years. The place has a great variety of animals which include the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard.
As Maharashtra has a great mix of everything, there is no better place to go for a holiday in India. With Maharashtra Tour Packages, travelers can enjoy a hassle-free journey with planned itineraries and guided sightseeing. It covers popular destinations such as Mumbai, Mahabaleshwar, Lonavala, Shirdi, Ajanta, and Ellora.
Now, if you want to plan a Maharashtra holiday you can opt for Maharashtra Holiday Packages, as these are curated packages that will deal with all the things related to your trip and give you a stress-free holiday.
A quick-glimpse of Maharashtra
| Information About | Details |
| State | Maharashtra |
| Capital | Mumbai |
| Best Time to Visit | October to March |
| Languages Spoken | Marathi, Hindi, and English |
| Top Tourist Places | Mumbai, Lonavala, Mahabaleshwar, Matheran, Ajanta & Ellora Caves, Shirdi, Nashik, Pune, Tarkarli |
| Famous Pilgrimage Sites | Shirdi, Trimbakeshwar, Bhimashankar, Siddhivinayak Temple, Tuljapur |
| UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Maharashtra | Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus |
| Major Airports and Railway stations | Airport- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) - Mumbai
Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) - Mumbai Railway - Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) - Mumbai and Mumbai Central |
Why should you visit Maharashtra?
India is a diverse nation with different cultures, religion, and languages; and they all co-exist side-by-side together. There are a few states in India that encapsulates this diversity perfectly, one of them has to be Maharashtra. The state is a complete travel experience filled with history, nature, culture, and modern lifestyle. Below are the reasons, you should visit Maharashtra
The state is a great combination of history and heritage.
Maharashtra has some of the most iconic historical landmarks in India. Places like Raigad Fort, Rajgad Fort, Shivneri Fort, and Torna Fort depict the stories of bravery and strategy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Traveling to these forts gives us a real connection to Maharashtra’s rich Maratha history. Maharashtra’s history consists of ancient empires, medieval sultanates, the glorious Maratha Empire, and latest progression. Maharashtra has cultural and linguistic heritage. The state became a powerhouse of India's freedom struggle and modern economic growth.
Maharashtra is a green paradise
The state truly becomes a lush green garden during monsoon, from June to September. The place is filled with waterfalls, misty valleys, and endless trekking trails that makes it a great destination for nature lovers.
Religious and Spiritual connection
Maharashtra is a land of deep spirituality. It has many sacred pilgrimage traditions and major holy sites. Each of these places carries cultural importance. The state is home to three main Jyotirlingas from the 12 in India. The names of these three are- Trimbakeshwar (Nashik), Grishneshwar (Ellora), and Bhimashankar (Pune). The Ganesh Chaturthi is the biggest and grandest cultural festival in the state. It transforms the state into a mix of devotion, unity, and art.
Adventurous activities in Maharashtra
Maharashtra is a place with many adventurous opportunities. The state has the Western Ghats and several water bodies that are best for different thrilling activities. People can try white-water rafting in Kundalika, trekking in Kalsubai, paragliding in Kamshet, and scuba diving in Tarkarli. If you’re planning to visit the state, check these Maharashtra Packages.
What are the things a traveler can enjoy in Maharashtra?
- Have a journey to the wonders and heritage of the state.
- Experience the financial and entertainment capital of India- Mumbai.
- Discover lush hill stations like Mahabaleshwar and Matheran.
- You can have a wildlife safari.
- Indulge in the iconic street food of Maharashtra.
- Stop at Nashik, the ‘Wine Capital of India.’
- Visit the religious centres across the state like Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, the Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai, and the Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga.
You can enjoy more of Maharashtra when you are not in a hurry to book everything by yourself, it only brings stress. You can choose a perfect package from Maharashtra Tour Packages and enjoy the state without any problem.
What are the best places to visit in Maharashtra?
1. Mumbai
Mumbai was formerly known as Bombay. The state is home to over 21 million people. It is India's financial and commercial capital. Mumbai is a great blend of historic colonial architecture and vibrant culture. The city is the birthplace of the Bollywood film industry. In this city, you can have a stroll along the Marine Drive during a sunset, visit the Gateway of India, explore the Elephanta Caves, and cherish the colonial-era architecture of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. Make sure to try Mumbai's street food.
2. Mahabaleshwar
It is one of the top hill stations in Maharashtra and works as a refreshing getaway. It is located 1,372 m above sea level in the Western Ghats. This hill station is famous for its strawberry farms, evergreen forests, and hazy viewpoints. It is 120 km from Pune and 285 km from Mumbai.
3. Pune
Pune is the cultural capital of Maharashtra. It is also known as the ‘Oxford of the East.’ The city is located 560 metres above sea level. It is known as the base of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Peshwas. It beautifully blends the rich Maratha heritage with the flourishing IT and automotive industry. It has a great student population.
4. Ajanta and Ellora Caves
These caves are located near Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar). It is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is India’s most significant historical destination. The caves have rock-cut Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain cave temples dating back over 1,500 years. While grouped together, they are distinct sites situated about 100 kilometers (62 miles) apart.
5. Nashik
Nashik is home to India’s largest concentration of vineyards and is known as India's ‘Wine Capital.’ The city is situated on the banks of the sacred Godavari River. It is also a Hindu pilgrimage site that hosts the Kumbh Mela every 12 years.
6. Kolhapur
Kolhapur is a culturally rich, industrialised city. It is 230 km south of Pune on the banks of the Panchganga River. It is also known as ‘Dakshin Kashi’ (Varanasi of the South). The city is famous for the ancient Mahalakshmi Temple. Kolhapur also gives its name to the Kolhapuri chappals and Kolhapuri Mutton.
7. Sahyadri Forts
These are the historic forts built on the Western Ghats mountains. People visit these forts for historic and trekking experiences. Some of the most popular forts are Raigad, Rajgad, and Sinhagad. These fortresses played a vital military role during the Maratha Empire.
Maharashtra is a place with many opportunities. Whether it is fun activities, a leisure vacation, or religious visit, the state never disappoints. To have a great time with your family members in Maharashtra, choosing Maharashtra Tour Packages for Family is a sensible option. A curated package offers a great mix of fun, history, nature, and visit to cool hill stations, ancient stone caves, and clean coastal beaches.
What is the best time to visit Maharashtra?
The best time to visit Maharashtra is between October and March. In these months, the weather is pleasant and comfortable. The time is great to have a relaxed journey to the state. The temperature ranges between 15°C and 30°C.
Below is the classification for different weathers in Maharashtra-
Winters - October to February It is the best season if you want to travel. The weather is cool and dry. It is a great time for city tours, historical sites, and hill stations. Average winter temperatures in Maharashtra range from 12°C to 30°C.
Summer - March to June The weather is hot and humid. Average summer temperatures in Maharashtra range from 22°C to 39°C. It is not preferred to travel in this much heat.
Monsoon - June to September Rain brings freshness and lush greenery to Maharashtra. It is an ideal time for those who love greenery and waterfalls. Due to rain, roads can get slippery. Average temperatures generally range from 23°C to 30°C.
What are the major festivals in Maharashtra?
Maharashtra's festival is a colorful blend of grand cultural performances and deep-rooted spiritual customs.
Ganesh Chaturthi is the most important festival of Maharashtra. It is a 10-day celebration marking the birth of Lord Ganesha. It is celebrated in August or September.
Gudi Padwa is the Marathi New Year. In this festival, the locals hoist a silk cloth with an upside-down silver/copper vessel which is called a ‘Gudi’ to welcome prosperity. It is celebrated in March or April.
Diwali is a major festival that is celebrated with diyas, lights, and firecrackers. It is celebrated in October or November. Makar Sakranti is a harvest festival which is celebrated on January 14.
Ashadhi Ekadashi and Kartiki Ekadashi are the major days for the Warkari sect. In this, many devotees go for the foot pilgrimage that ends at the Vitthal Temple in the town of Pandharpur. Ashadhi is celebrated in June/July and Kartiki is celebrated in October/November.
Ellora Festival is hosted by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC). It is a prominent cultural event that shows the best of classical Indian dance and music.
What to buy from Maharashtra?
Paithani Saree
- Paithani saree is one of India’s oldest handwoven textiles.
- Each of the saree is entirely handwoven on a loom.
- The saree is made using pure silk yarn and hand-drawn zari.
- Paithani saree received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2010.
Warli Painting
- Warli painting is an ancient tribal art form practiced by the Warli community of Maharashtra.
- Warli art can be traced back over 2,000 years.
- Warli painting received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2011.
Ghongadi
- Ghongdi is a traditional handwoven woollen blanket from Maharashtra.
- It is sourced from local sheep and is used as bedding, clothing, and protective gear during harsh winters.
- Ghongdi received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2016.
Kolhapuri Chappal
- Kolhapuri chappals are iconic handcrafted leather footwear.
- These footwear are famous for their durability and distinctive braided design.
- Kolhapuri chappals were granted the Geographical Indication(GI) tag in 2019.
Miraj Musical Instruments
- Miraj is a place which is renowned for its handcrafted string musical instruments.
- Miraj is especially known for making sitar, tanpura, sarod, and tambura.
- Miraj Sitar and Tanpura received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2014.
What are the famous things to eat in Maharashtra?
Vada Pav
It is an iconic Maharashtrian street food. It is like an Indian version of burger. The bun on the outside is slightly toasted and it is filled with spiced mashed potato fritters (batata vada) fried in a gram flour batter.
Pav Bhaji
This dish is another iconic dish that is loved throughout India. It is basically a mashed vegetable curry. It is served with lightly toasted buns.
Varan Bhat
It is a daily food in Maharashtra. Varan is a lentil soup made from pigeon pea and topped with a tadka. Bhat is steamed rice.
Bombay Duck Fry
It is also known as Bombil Fry. Despite the name, the diah is made from fish. The fish is sliced and marinated with spices and then is coated with batter and then is fried till golden brown.
Modak
It is a sweet dish made majorly during Ganesh Chaturthi. It is known as the favorite sweet dish of Lord Ganesha and is given as prasad.
Misal Pav
It is a spicy curry of sprouted moth beans. It is served with toasted buns.
How to reach Maharashtra?
By air-
Maharashtra’s main airports are-
- Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai
- Pune International Airport
- Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur
- Aurangabad Airport
- Shirdi International Airport
Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai is one of India’s major airports that connects over 120 destinations globally. It is linked to countries and cities all over the world.
The Pune International Airport also has good connectivity with all the major cities in the country.
By Rail-
Maharashtra is connected to all the major cities of the country by a vast array of rail networks.Some of the frequently used and major railway stations in Maharashtra are in Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Jalgaon and Nagpur.
By Road-
Maharashtra is easy to access by road. National Highways and State Highways provide good connectivity with the rest of the country.
| Cities | Distance from Maharashtra |
| Delhi | 1,268 km |
| Kolkata | 1,533 km |
| Bangalore | 900 km |
| Uttar Pradesh | 1,400 km |
| Chandigarh | 1,523 km |
Maharashtra is a great place to have a weekend getaway, without breaking your budget. There are many Low budget Tour Packages in Maharashtra so you can choose the one that works the best for you.
Travel tips for Maharashtra
- You should bring cotton clothes, as the weather is always on the warmer side.
- Bring a warm sweater or jacket if you visit hill stations.
- Pack umbrellas and waterproof bags if you are traveling during the rainy monsoon months.
- You should pack-
- Light cotton shirts and breathable tops for warm weather.
- Light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings or hill stations.
- Raincoat or umbrella for monsoon season.
- Good quality walking shoes and sandals.
- Sun hat, sunscreen and sunglasses.
- Insect repellent
- Reusable water bottle
- Basic first-aid kit
- Power bank
- Drink packaged water only.
- Book your tickets, safaris and hotels well in advance during peak holidays and festivals.
- Dress modestly, and cover your shoulders and knees when visiting holy and religious sites.
- Do not touch ancient rock carvings or paintings inside historical caves like Ellora and Ajanta.
- Try regional food wherever you go.
- You can book a great package from all the Maharashtra Tour Packages and have a great time. By booking a package you can enjoy the trip without worrying about choosing the things at every turn of your trip.
We at Sharp Travels understand the needs of our clients and do our best to provide them with a perfect holiday experience for them to remember forever and thus, we would love to offer you our services and make your holiday experience stress free and happy by rendering our services to you and provide you with the perfect package to take care of all your needs and wishes and do our best to give you the most wonderful Holiday experience of your life. So what are you waiting for? Book yourself Maharashtra Tour Packages. You can contact us for details.
