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Top 5 Must See Tourist Places in Maharashtra, India
Maharashtra, India
With tourist attractions galore, Maharashtra - the third largest state of India - exudes a spellbinding aura no visitor can afford to ignore. Maharashtra consists to two major landforms - the Konkan coastal strip and the Deccan tableland - and it has a lot to offer both in terms of natural wonders as well as man-made marvels. Time-tested archaic caves, quaint hills stations, romantic beaches, exquisite palaces, abundant wildlife, sacred religious sites and salubrious parks - Maharashtra has them all. Maharashtra is also home to Bollywood, the foremost glamor hub of the country and arguably Asia's largest film industry. The state can be regarded as a total tourist destination which offers something to every sort of tourist. Maharashtra shares its borders with Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Goa.
Elephanta Caves
Mumbai
Mumbai, the capital city of Maharashtra, is aptly described by many as the financial powerhouse of the country. Mumbai was once a cluster of seven islands and today it is a vibrant city pulsating with life. Mumbai holds some landmark tourist attractions – the long-standing Prince of Wales Museum, the stately Gateway of India, the wondrous Hanging Gardens, the sacred Mahalaxmi Temple, Haji Ali Shrine, the picturesque Marine Drive, the fabulous Juhu Beach and Chowpatty Sands. Mumbai has enough and more to offer to people of all age groups through its busy lifestyle, nightclubs, pubs, theaters, beaches and restaurants. Mumbai represents the ever-changing face of modern India and yet at its very core, the city is steeped in India’s noble customs and traditional values.
Aga Khan Palace, Pune
Pune
Pune, situated on the edge of the Deccan Plains and widely recognized as the Cultural Capital of Maharashtra, is easily one of the most adorable cities of India. Pune city serves as the perfect blend of the modern and the traditional. There are numerous historical monuments and religious places, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the city. At the same time, there are the pulsating nightclubs, pubs, bars, discotheques reflecting the modern city life. Pune is home to some of the magnificent temples, stupendous monuments and exquisite gardens. Today, Pune occupies a pride of place amongst the major cities on the tourism map of India.
Ajanta and Ellora Caves
Ajanta and Ellora
The Ajanta and Ellora caves speak volumes about the tremendous skills of the artisans of ancient India. The caves are truly astounding and are protected monuments under the Archaeological Survey of India and have been declared as World Heritage Sites by the UNESCO. These rock-cut caves are among the most well known tourist attractions in Maharashtra and India as well. The caves depict Buddhist and Jain themes and cover extensive areas. It is believed that the 30 caves of Ajanta were created over a span of some 600 years. Many of the caves feature the most exquisite and elaborate carvings on the walls, pillars and entrances – not to speak of the wall paintings. The sculptures and panels of these caves also offer an interesting insight into the lifestyle of the people of those days.
Shirdi Saibaba Arti
Shirdi
Shirdi, situated 122 kms from Nashik is the abode of one of Maharashtra's most revered saints -- Sai Baba of Shirdi whose message of universal brotherhood still inspires people from far and near. There is a long serpentine line of devotees during all seasons and pilgrims flock to seek the divine blessings of Sai Baba. The other notable shrines that devotees visit include Dwarkamani Mosque where the Baba meditated spent the nights. Near this mosque, there is a corridor where the eternal flame burns day and night.
Smile With Maharashtra
Mahabaleshwar, Lonavala and Khandala
Mahabaleshwar, Lonavala and Khandala are the fascinating hill stations in Maharashtra lying on the Western Ghats mountain range. The immaculate air, the serene surroundings, the quiet lakes and cascading waterfalls are in striking contrast to the noisy, bustling cities of Maharashtra. Mahabaleshwar, Panchagani, Ratnagiri, Toranmal, Jawhar, Amboli, and Matheran are among the other sporadically spread hill stations in the state.
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Other places of interest in Maharashtra
Elephanta Caves, dating back to 450 to 750 AD, are located in an island amid the Arabian Sea. They display some extraordinary sculptures depicting the glory of Lord Shiva. There are regular motorboats from the boat jetty near the Gateway of India to take the tourists to the islands. Maharashtra is replete with forts and palaces that are architectural wonders and relics of past glory. The major forts include Bassein, Sinhgarh, Janjira, and Pratapgarh. Some of the most salubrious beaches in Maharashtra are Malvan, Vengurla, Ganpatipule, Alibaug, Kashid, Diveagar, Guhagar and Dapoli. Besides beaches and forts, Maharashtra is home to many national parks that draw a lot of tourists. Some of the noteworthy national parks in Maharashtra are Tadoba, Gugumal National Park, Pench and the Nawegaon National Park.
Visit Maharashtra
This state of Maharashtra in western India is of tremendous importance for tourism in India. Romantic sea beaches, quiet hill resorts, stupendous historical monuments, vibrant cities full of zest and many dream destinations make the State a tourist’s paradise. Maharashtra, presents a potpourri of diverse cultures and it is a State no visitor to India can afford to miss.