Maharashtra is home to UNESCO world heritage sites Ajanta and Ellora caves
Maharashtra was born on 1st May 1960 after division of the erstwhile Bombay State on linguistic basis into two states, the other one being Gujarat. Hence this day is celebrated as Maharashtra Day. Located in the South-western part of India, Maharashtra is the third largest state in India with an area of more than 307,000 square kilometers. The state which has plateau as the dominant physical trait, enjoys a natural beauty of mountains, jungles, valleys, rivers and is located by the Arabian sea.
On Maharashtra day, here’s offering glimpses into some of the most popular tourist attractions of the state.
Aurangabad
Are you attracted towards Indian history and archeology? A beautiful city with historical importance, Maharashtra’s Aurangabad district (now renamed Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar) is a must visit if you want to witness the ancient Ajanta and Ellora Caves which are also UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The magnificent caves are believed to have evolved during 2nd century BC to 6th Century AD.
Bibi ka Maqbara, Aurangabad
However, not just the caves, Aurangabad is also known for its stunning 17th-century marble Bibi ka Maqbara shrine, which resembles the Taj Mahal. Built in the year, 1668 the Tomb of Rabia Durani or Bibi Ka Maqbara was erected by Azam Shah, the son of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in memory of his late mother. Other tourist attractions in Aurangabad include the 14th century Daulatabad Fort, Ghrishneshwar Lord Shiva temple, Panchakki water mill and several other places.
Ajanta caves
Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani
The twin hill stations of Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani in Maharashtra’s Satara district enjoy huge footfalls from tourists travelling from across the country and world. The twin hill stations are known for their scenic view points and strawberry farms.
Mahabaleshwar is popular for its strawberry farms
Mahabaleshwar features several elevated viewpoints, such as Arthur’s Seat, the centuries-old Pratapgad Fort, the Lingmala Waterfall, Venna Lake and Panch Ganga temple, which is built at the confluence of five rivers Krishna, Venna, Koyna, Savitri, and Gayatri.
Arthur Seat Point, Mahabaleshwar
Most people visiting Mahabaleshwar, prefer to stay in the adjoining town of Panchgani. The hill station is known for the Table Land, a huge volcanic plateau, viewpoints such as the Sydney Point and Parsi Point, Dhom Dam lake and the British era Kamalgad Fort, located at a height of 4200 feet. The Rajpuri Caves and Lord Kartikeya temple are also popular places of visit.
Matheran
If you are fond of green destinations, then Matheran is the place to be! The picturesque hill station in Raigad district of Maharashtra, which is known for its mild climate and well-preserved colonial architecture, do not permit the entry of automobile. So, for visiting Matheran, tourists have to travel by narrow-gauge railway on the 1907 Neral–Matheran Toy Train. You can opt for horse ride to explore this hilly town or simply walk. The Panorama Point lookout offers views across the mountains of the Western Ghats. Louisa Point has views of waterfalls and the ancient Prabal Fort. Charlotte Lake, Porcupine Point or Sunset Point, Alexander Point, Rambagh Point and Echo Point are some of the popular tourist attractions in Matheran.
Matheran Hill Railway Toy Train
Lonavala – Khandala
Surrounded by green valleys, the twin hill stations of Khandala and Lonavala in Pune district of Maharashtra are popular especially for travelling in the monsoon season. People looking for weekend getaways from Mumbai, Pune and other cities within the state flock to Lonavala especially during monsoon to witness the rains.
Tiger Point, Lonavala
Popular tourist spots in Lonavala include the Karla Caves and the Bhaja Caves, which are ancient Buddhist shrines carved out of the rock. They feature massive pillars and intricate relief sculptures. Lohagad Fort, Bhushi Dam, Pavana lake and Lion’s Point are some of the places you can explore while visiting Lonavala.
Duke’s Nose, Khandala
Adjacent to Lonavala is Khandala, another hill station famous for its exquisite rock formations. Khandala boasts of scenic viewpoints such as the Sunset Point and Rajmachi Point, and the Rajmachi Fort, a historical fort located in the Sahyadri mountains. Midway between Lonavala and Khandala is a fort by the name of Rajmachi Fort, a prominent landmark that watches over some of the most breathtakingly beautiful and wide sceneries of the region. Atop the Western Ghats, the complex comprises two forts that are individually located at the Shrivardhan and Manaranjan Peaks. Kune waterfalls, Shiv Linga rock, Shingroba temple, the Tiger’s Leap, Duke’s Nose and Shooting Point are some of the other tourist attractions in this region.
