Places to Visit in Maharashtra Showcasing Historical Legacy

Housing many of India’s remarkable attractions, Maharashtra beguiles various avid travelers and holidaymakers. There is bounty of popular places to visit in Maharashtra including palm-fringed beaches, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, scenic mountains and cosmopolitan cities etc. From ruins of ancient forts to dynamic cities, mist-shrouded mountains to white beaches and hill stations to pilgrimages, the expansive state has it all.

If you’re still confused as to where to visit in Maharashtra, here are some of the best attractions that you can’t miss!

Aurangabad

Aurangabad flaunts the title of the ‘City of Gates’ because of its iconic 52 gates. Counted as one of the major tourist destinations in Maharashtra, the city entices history buffs. Enjoying the pristine locations amidst many historical monuments, the town has emerged as a tourism hub making it the tourist capital of Maharashtra. Be it the popular Ajanta and Ellora Caves or the Bibi ka Maqbara, everything amuses with a splendidly entwined tapestry of sights and sounds. Complete your trip to the city by savoring traditional Tughlaq cuisine in form of Tandoors and Kebabs. Don’t forget to buy paithani silk sarees, the city is famous for!

Attractions of Aurangabad

• Bibi ka Maqbara
• Jyotirlinga Grishneshwar temple
• The Bhadra Maruti Temple

Historical significance of Aurangabad

• Malik Ambar, a Siddi military leader founded the city in 1610 A.D.
• The city is named after Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.

Best Time to Visit

October to March is the best time to visit Aurangabad

How to reach

Aurangabad can be reached by following ways –

• Nearest Airport – Aurangabad Airport (10 km)
• Nearest Railway Station – Aurangabad Railway Station (0 km)
• Nearest Bus Stand – Aurangabad Central Bus Stand (3 km)

Lonavala

No other destination can beat Lonavala when it comes to enjoying a gala time or delighting-in a soulful weekend. Deriving its name from Prakrit word ‘Lonavali’, meaning group of caves, Lonavala houses many such caves around it. Rainy season enhances the beauty of this spectacular hill station in Maharashtra. A paradise for trekkers and hikers, the scenic hill town is also considered as one of the perfect monsoon getaways in India.

Attractions of Lonavala

• Lonavala Lake
• Tiger’s Leap
• Rajmachi Wildlife Sanctuary
• Amrutanjan Point
• Koregad Fort
• Bhaja Caves
• Lohagad Fort
• Rajmachi Point

Historical significance of Lonavala

• The then Governor of the Bombay Presidency, Lord Elphinston discovered Lonavala along with Khandala in 1871.
• The Lonavala which we know today was a part of the Yadava Dynasty. Thereafter, the Mughals ruled over it and were followed by the Marathas. Eventually the reign fell into the hands of the British.

Best Time to Visit

June to February is the best time to visit Lonavala.

How to reach

One can easily reach Lonavala from Pune, Mumbai or any other part of the country.

• Nearest Airport – Pune Airport (69 km)
• Nearest Railway Station – Lonavala Railway Station (0 km)
• Nearest Bus Stand – Lonavala Bus Stand (1 km)

Mahabaleshwar

Pleasant climate, several places to visit, spectacular views and superb landscapes – this is what Mahabaleshwar is all about!  The stunning hill station steals the limelight for being the source of the popular Krishna River. The River comes out from the mouth of a cow’s statue situated at the historic temple of Lord Shiva. Four others rivers namely, Venna, Koyna, Gayatri and Savitri also flow into Krishna River at a nearby distance. With such a sublime beauty and many legends associated with the place, Mahabaleshwar holds esteemed position in the list of famous tourist destinations in Maharashtra.

Attractions of Mahabaleshwar

• Arthur’s Seat
• Pratapgad Fort
• Lingmala Waterfall
• Chinaman’s falls
• Elephant’s Head point
• Venna Lake
• Panchgani

Historical significance of Mahabaleshwar

• Mahabaleshwar was first mentioned in 1215 CE.
• Earlier, it was known as Malcolm Peth.
• It was between 1829 and 1830 that Mahabaleshwar came in to existence. It was the time of the British that Mahabaleshwar became the summer capital of Bombay presidency.
• The natural beauty attracted the English and others to Mahabaleshwar.

Best Time to Visit

June to October is the best time to visit Mahabaleshwar.

How to reach

It is very easy to reach Mahabaleshwar by following ways:

• Nearest Airport – Pune Airport (120 km)
• Nearest Railway Station – Satara Railway Station (60 km)
• Nearest Bus Stand – Satara Bus Stand (45 km)

Mumbai

Bejeweled with the presence of number of stars of silver screen and prominent business tycoons, Mumbai remains in the bucket list of many tourists. One of the best things to do in Maharashtra is to behold the astonishing blend of cultures and lifestyles depicted by the wealthiest city in India. Holding the epithet of the ‘City of dreams’, the metropolis is a juxtaposition of old and new, hope and despair, fashion and faith and much more. The largest city as well as the capital city of Maharashtra, it is basically a collection of 7 islands and derived its name from Goddess Mumbadevi. When in Mumbai, don’t forget to buy fashionable clothes and imitation jewelry.

Attractions of Mumbai

• Gateway of India
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus) – UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Elephanta Caves
• Juhu Beach
• Siddhivinayak Temple
• Marine Drive
• Film City
• Mount Mary Church
• Chowpatty

Historical significance of Mumbai

• Mumbai dates back to the Stone Age.
• The city was part of many empires including Chalukya, Maurya and Rashtrakuta and Marathas.
• The town became the headquarters of the British East India Company in 1678 AD.
• Mumbai played a vital role in the ‘Quit India Moment’.

Best Time to Visit

September to March is the best time to visit Mumbai.

How to reach

Being an important metropolis, Mumbai can be reached by –

• Nearest Airport – Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (21 km)
• Nearest Railway Station – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj terminus (26.3 km)
• Nearest Bus Stand – Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji terminus bus depot (23.8 km)

Panchgani

If you’re looking for enthralling paragliding opportunities, then Panchgani is the place to be! The surreal beauty and pristine ambiance accounts for it being one of the best tourist destinations in Maharashtra. Panchgani means ‘the land of five hills’ and was named so because of the vicinity of five villages: Godavli, Dhandeghar, Khingar, Amral, and Taighat. Excellent location amidst the five villages enables Panchgani to cast a spell on the visitors with its lovely valley views and various sunset/sunrise points.

Attractions of Panchgani

• Table Land
• Parsi Point
• Devil’s Kitchen
• Kamalgadh Fort
• Rajpuri Caves
• Mapro Gardens
• Sydney Point
• Dhom dam

Historical significance of Panchgani

• The British unveiled this best kept secret of India as their summer resort in 1860s.
• Because of its pleasant weather, the place later developed as the retirement place for the British.
• As per common beliefs, the Pandavas spent some time here during their exile. The cave where they resided is known as Devil’s Kitchen.

Best Time to Visit

September to May is the best time to enjoy at Panchgani.

How to reach

Panchgani is easily accessible by following modes of transport –

• Nearest Airport – Pune Airport (111 km)
• Nearest Railway Station – Satara Railway Station (52 km)
• Nearest Bus Stand – Panchgani Bus Stand (0 km)

Pune

Once known as the Queen of Deccan or Punya-Nagiri, Pune is also one of the must-visit places in Maharashtra. The lively metropolis is nestled at the confluence of Mula and Mutha Rivers and is dotted by spectacular historical monuments from the Maratha period. The grandeur to the diverse city is enhanced by numerous top tourist attractions. The city is rightly titled as the cultural capital of Maharashtra because of hosting various cultural activities. One can witness a great zeal during the popular festivals like Pune Festival, Ganesh Chaturthi and Sawai Gandharva Music Festival celebrated in the city.  An amazing fusion of tradition and modernity leaves the visitors in a state of awe.

Attractions of Pune

• Sinhagad Fort
• Shanivar Wada,
• Dagdusheth Ganapati
• Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park
• Pataleshwar Cave Temple
• Shinde Chhatri
• National War Museum
• Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum
• Aga Khan Palace
• Rajgad Fort

Historical significance of Pune

• Served as a part of Yadava Empire.
• Ruled by the Rashtrakutas.
• Pune was once the center of power of the Maratha Empire established by Shivaji Maharaj.
• The city became the political center of the Peshwas in 1730 AD.

Best Time to Visit

September to February is the best time to enjoy at Pune.

How to reach

Pune is easily accessible by following modes of transport –

• Nearest Airport – Pune Airport (10 km)
• Nearest Railway Station – Pune Railway Station (0 Km)
• Nearest Bus Stand – Pune Bus Stand (1 Km)

[Stay at these heritage hotels of Pune.]

Shirdi

Known for its divine faith in the Sai Baba, Shirdi enjoy immense popularity. Shirdi Sai Baba Temple is the sacred shrine located in the small village and is the holy abode of the revered saint. The trust of the people in the holy saint is so deep that devotees from far and near visit the place to donate various luxuries and cash. This has gained Shirdi an important place in the list of one of the richest temples in India. A trip to the one of the most popular pilgrimage places to visit in Maharashtra is usually clubbed by visiting Shani Shingnapur, a village nearby with houses and shops without doors.

Attractions of Shirdi

• Shani Shingnapur
• Samadhi Mandir
• Gurusthan
• Chavadi
• Dwarkamai
• Sai Heritage Village

Historical significance of Shirdi

• Sai Baba marked his presence in Shirdi when he was 16 years old.
• He resided at Shirdi till his death in 1918.
• Many legends of his miracles are associated with this place whose live examples can be still seen here.
• Sai Baba left for his final abode or attained ‘Samadhi’ at Shirdi.

Best Time to Visit

October to March is the best time to sightseeing in Shirdi.

How to reach

Devotees of Sai Baba come to Shirdi by following ways-

• Nearest Airport – Shirdi Airport (14 km)
• Nearest Railway Station – Sainagar Shirdi railway station (3.2 km)
• Nearest Bus Stand – Shirdi Bus Depot (5.6 km)

Alibag

Next on the list of famous tourist destinations in Maharashtra is Alibag. The pristine coastal town is an ideal place for perfect weekend gateway. Dotted with sandy beaches and sea on three sides, Alibag sometimes is referred to as ‘Mini Goa’. Spending time at a place like this with unpolluted environment and number of temples and forts is surely the best thing to do in Maharashtra.

Attractions of Alibag

• Alibaug Beach
• Kihim Beach
• Kashid Beach
• Akshi Beach
• Mandwa Beach
• Nagaon Beach
• Varsoli Beach
• Khanderi Fort

Historical significance of Alibag

• Sarkhel Kanhoji Aangre, the naval chief of King Shivaji’s Kingdom developed the coastal town in the 17^th
• He even issued his own currency in the form of a silver coin called the Alibagi rupaiya.
• A magnetic observatory which was set up in 1904 at Alibag.
• Alibag along with its nearby villages are the notable hinterland of Bene Israeli Jews.
• Alibag has witnessed many historic battles.

Best Time to Visit

November to July is the best time to sightseeing in Alibag.

How to reach

Alibag is easily accessible in following ways-

• Nearest Airport – Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (101 km)
• Nearest Railway Station – Pen Railway Station (28 km)
• Nearest Bus Stand – Alibaug Bus Stand (1.6 km)

Ellora Caves

Ellora Caves are regarded as one of the largest rock-cut monastery-temple cave complexes in the world. Out of the 100 caves, only 34 are open to public to marvel at the craftsmanship of the bygone era. Visiting these cave complexes which are also UNESCO World Heritage Site is nothing less than a time travel into the past. History art and culture lovers would love to have glimpses of the ancient India. True amalgamation of Buddhist, Hindu and Jain Cave temples clearly portrays the harmony that existed at that time and give many lessons of life. 12 Buddhist caves with simplest ornamentation, 17 Hindu temples with most dramatic design and 5 Jain temples are the essential part of the Ellora Caves.

Attractions of Ellora Caves

• Kailash Temple
• Ajanta Cave
• The Vishvakarma cave

Historical significance of Ellora Caves

• The artwork at these caves date back to 600-1000 CE.
• The Kailasha temple, the largest single monolithic rock excavation in the world is located at Cave 16.
• The Rashtrakutas and the Chalukyas oversaw most of the work at Ellora.

Best Time to Visit

June to March is the best time to explore Ellora Caves.

How to reach

Ellora caves lies in vicinity of the following –

• Nearest Airport – Aurangabad Airport (35 Km)
• Nearest Railway Station – Aurangabad Railway Station (28 Km)
• Nearest Bus Stand – Ellora Bus Station (0 Km)

Nashik

Unwind amidst the countryside ambiance at Nashik. Meet various pilgrims visiting this holy town to seek the blessings of the almighty. The land is so pious that even Lord Rama along with his wife Sita and younger brother Lakshmana was fascinated towards it and resided nearby during their exile. The fact that Nashik is reckoned as one of the important pilgrimages for Hindus is attributed to various reasons. The city is thronged by countless people when it hosts the Kumbh Mela after every 12 years. Nestled on the banks of River Godavari, Nashik is also home to one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. Besides the religious significance, the ancient holy city is also visited for the Sula Vineyards offering the best of the wines in the country.

Attractions of Nashik

• Trimbakeshwar
• Mukti Dham Temples
• Pandavleni Caves
• Sula Vineyards
• Saptashrungi
• Sita Gufa
• Someshwar
• Panchvati
• Anjaneri hills

Historical significance of Nashik

• Nashik finds mention in the Hindu epic Ramayana.
• It is the place where Lakshmana hewn the nose (nasika) of Ravana’s siter, Shurpanaka and hence the name.
• The city has served the center of trade and commerce in India since historical past.
• The contribution of Nashik in the struggle of Indian independence is notable.
• It was during the reign of the Satavahanas that the city became prosperous.

Best Time to Visit

October to March is the best time to plan a trip to Nashik.

How to reach

Nashik can be reached by approaching the followings –

• Nearest Airport – Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (167 Km) or Nashik Airport (21.2 km)
• Nearest Railway Station – Nashik Road Railway Station (10 Km)
• Nearest Bus Stand – Nashik CBS Bus Station (0 Km)

Tarkarli

The relaxed vibe of Tarkarli pampers you to sit back and enjoy perfect beach holidays in India. Now, no need to go to distant places for partaking in Scuba Diving as this best tourist place in Maharashtra is a paradise for scuba divers. The divinely striking hamlet is replete with alluring charm and gracious beauty. Innumerable pristine beaches add to the lure of this quaint village. Don’t forget to savor delicious Malvani food here.

Attractions of Tarkarli

• Mahapurush Temple
• Tarkarli Beach
• Vitthal Temple
• Boating Point & Water Sports point
• Golden Rock
• Sindhudurg Fort
• Rock Garden

Historical significance of Tarkarli

• Tarkarli is must-visit for witnessing the past glory of Maratha bastion and forts

Best Time to Visit

October to March is the best time to plan a trip to Tarkarli.

How to reach

Mentioned below are the nearest airport, railway station and bus stand to Tarkarli.

• Nearest Airport – Dabolim International Airport (132.3 km)
• Nearest Railway Station – Sindhudurg Railway Station (30.4 Km)
• Nearest Bus Stand – Malvan Bus Depot (3.2 Km)

Raigad

Once known as Kolaba district, Raigad has a long history. The rich historical part of the district is evident till today in the form of Ashtavinayak Temples, Elephanta caves, etc. The district was won by renowned Maratha ruler, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1656. Bounded by Thane, Mumbai Harbor, Ratnagiri, Pune, and the Arabian Sea, Raigad has so much to explore. Pristine beaches, scintillating historical places, diverse flora and fauna of Western Ghats and picturesque landscapes render the visitors speechless. All these team up together to make Raigad rank in the list of top tourist attractions in Maharashtra.

Attractions of Raigad

• Raigad Fort
• Jagadishwar Temple
• Diveagar Beach

Historical significance of Raigad

• Raigad was named after a splendid fort with the same name.
• From the earliest historical times, Kolaba Port remained the center of trade.
• Viceroys of the Yadavas of Devgiri ruled over Raigad from the days of Sihghana (1200 to 1247) to Ramacandra or Ramadeva to Sankara.

Best Time to Visit

November to March is the best time to plan a trip to Raigad.

How to reach

Mentioned below are the nearest airport, railway station and bus stand to Raigad.

• Nearest Airport – Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (72 km)
• Nearest Railway Station – Veer Railway station (53.8 km)
• Nearest Bus Stand – Malvan Bus Depot (384 Km)

Jejuri

Another popular religious place to visit in Maharashtra is Jejuri. The entire credit for the popularity of Jejuri goes to the Khandoba temple. Believed to be the incarnation of Lord Shiva, Khandoba is the presiding deity of the city. Perched on a hill, the sanctum sanctorum beguiles with panoramic views of the surroundings. The temple can be reached after ascending a series of nearly 200 steps. One thing that immediately grabs the attention is the grandeur of the craftsmanship of the temple.

Attractions of Jejuri

• Khandoba Temple
• Malhar Goutameshwar Temple
• Shamburaje Sanskritik Bhavan
• Shahaji Raje and Shivaji Maharaj Bhet

Historical significance of Jejuri

• Jejuri is famed for its old Deep Mala.
• Lord Khandoba is the important god worshipped by the oldest tribes in Maharashtra, the Dhangar.
• Khandoba temple dates back to thousands of years ago.

Best Time to Visit                                               

November to February is the best time to plan a trip to Jejuri.

How to reach

One can reach Jejuri by –

• Nearest Airport – Pune International Airport (51.3 km)
• Nearest Railway Station – Jejuri railway station (1.7 km)
• Nearest Bus Stand – Pune Bus Stand (48 km)

Kolhapur

Lying along the banks of the river Panchaganga, Kolhapur is one amongst the historic places to visit in Maharashtra. The historic city is named after a mythological demon Kolhasur. People throng the destination to buy chappals and jewelry. Once in Kolhapur, treat your taste buds with the delectable flavor of the Kolhapuri dishes.

Attractions of Kolhapur

• Shri Chatrapati Shahu Museum
• Jyotiba Temple
• Mahalaxmi Temple
• Panhala Fort
• Temlabai temple
• Rankala Lake
• Binkhambi Ganesh Temple

Historical significance of Kolhapur

• Kolhapur was a nineteen gun salute princely state before independence of India.
• Kolhapur finds mention in the Devi Gita.
• The city was the center of power of the Shilahara dynasty from 940 to 1212 CE.

Best Time to Visit     

July to February is the best time to visit Kolhapur.

How to reach

One can reach Kolhapur by –

• Nearest Airport – Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj Airport (9 km)
• Nearest Railway Station – Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Terminus (700 m)
• Nearest Bus Stand – Kolhapur Central Bus Stand (500 m)

Solapur

Solapur translates into ‘Sola’ meaning sixteen and ‘pur’ means village. The name was accredited to the city because it was believed to be spread over sixteen villages. One can admire the multi-cultural and multi-linguistic features of the one of the most popular destinations in Maharashtra by spending a few days here. A large number of people gather here during the annual fair locally known as Gadda Yatra. The fair marks the marriage ceremony of Lord Siddheshwar, the presiding deity here. His wedding is celebrated with great pomp and show.

Attractions of Solapur

• Ajoba Ganpati temple
• Shri Siddeshwar Temple
• Rukmini Temple
• Bhuikot Fort
• Akkalkot Swami Samarth Maharaj Temple
• Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary
• Pandharpur Temple
• Solapur Fort

Historical significance of Solapur

• Up to the times of Yadavas, the city was known as Sonnalagi.
• Solapur was ruled by Chalukyas, Andhrabhratyas, Yadavas, Rashtrakutas, and Bahamanis.
• In 1960, it became the full-fledged district of Maharashtra.
• Inspired from the very famous Dandi March, the freedom fighters of Solapur hoisted the National Flag on 6 April 1930 on the Municipal Council building.

Best Time to Visit     

July to February is the best time to visit Solapur.

How to reach

One can reach Solapur by –

• Nearest Airport – Pune International Airport (255.3 km)
• Nearest Railway Station – Solapur Railway Station (2.4 km)
• Nearest Bus Stand – Solapur Central Bus Stand (3.5 m)

 

These are just a few jewels of Maharashtra, there are many more to explore. Plan a trip and see how many of them you can discover.

[Check out heritage hotels in Maharashtra for a perfect stay.]