Top 5 Places to Visit in Maharashtra
India, being one of the most incredible places to reach and explore presents a wholesome lot of varied travel experiences. Not only new places but absolutely different lifestyles and cultures that are divergent from the rest of the world. While you may be starting off for your Ashtavinayak Yatra, you will have an open opportunity to explore the iconic destinations that lay down here and hold on to the most interesting experiences.
You would come across several different places that could be the best verdant surroundings to reach, hills and valleys, sea and the sands, breeze and the rain, everything that you may desire for a perfect vacation. Planning your trip perfectly is the actual smartness since this would determine how it proceeds and makes the best out of the short vacation that you may have taken up.
Best Places to Visit in Maharashtra
While you may be exploring this incredible place, there are going to be several special aspects that might be waiting to be encountered and leave you spellbound with their perfection and elegance. You would be really delighted to move across people with quite different beliefs and an amalgamation of metro cities and traditional existences amidst chaos and clarity. Although there are numerous places you will want to reach out to, you will be obliged to choose the best ones in order to make the best out of the little weekends that would be offered to you.
Mumbai
The capital city of Maharashtra, Mumbai is probably one of the places you will want to reach out first. Bollywood had been a reason enough to ignite the ecstasy of exploring this ever awake city with multiple colors of life. Also, the business capital of India, Mumbai had already been able to grab a lot of attention from travelers all over the world. It is a city with fast-paced lifestyles and busy routines. However, the most appreciable fact about the place is that it will bring you absolutely anything that you think is perfect from your perspective to let you have the most cherished holiday experiences.
Often known as the “City of Dreams”, Mumbai is a cluster of 7 islands. The very beginnings of this metropolis is said to date back to the Stone Age. Following the Mauryas, Chalukyas, the Rashtrakutas and the Marathas, this city was taken over by the Portuguese rulers. It later became the headquarters of the British East India Company for international trade. It was then declared to be the capital of the Bombay presidency and played a major role during the various events that took place over all the years.
Further, there are many interesting experiences to grasp at the Gateway of India, the Elephanta Caves, Kanheri Caves, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Juhu beach and Chowpatty, the Marine Drive and many more that will surely let you feel elated.
Ajanta Ellora Caves
Situated a few kilometers away from Aurangabad, the Ajanta and Ellora rock cut caves are a phenomenal presentation of historical events. These caves are known to date back to the 6th and 11th centuries AD and the 2nd century BC. While the Ajanta caves are known for the astounding paintings and sculptures, the Ellora caves are popular for its appreciable architecture. One of the most astonishing facts about the caves is that they are entirely handcrafted with just a hammer and a chisel. The Ellora caves were known to be carved out at the vertical face of the well known Chandanandri Hills.
These carvings are said to have began at the same time when the Ajanta caves were abandoned. It was known to be the time when Buddhism was shutting down in India and Hinduism began with its reassertion. The astounding work at the Ellora caves was looked after by the Chalukyas and the Rashtrakutas including the Kailash Temple that was magnificently built during the 8th century. This place could help you get a better glimpse at the various events that might have taken place around here and have been portrayed within the caves very beautifully.
Matheran
Discovered in the year 1850 during the British rule in India, Matheran was then developed into a summer retreat for the officials. Situated at a height of 800 meters above sea level, this is one of the best escapes from searing temperature to cooler and peaceful spaces. Matheran is one among the few hills stations that do not allow vehicles. Away from noise and pollution, this is one of the best places in Maharashtra to enjoy your vacations well.
Matheran which means “forest on the forehead” has been declared as an eco-sensitive zone by the Government of India, and the Ministry of Environment and Forest. This is the only automobile free place in Asia. Tourists are allowed to drive up to only a certain distance and then take up a pony or move on foot. The place is popular for its splendid viewpoints and various hiking and trekking opportunities that lay around. Adventure seekers and nature lovers would be served well here.
Mahabaleshwar
If you’ve been greatly admiring natural excursions, Mahabaleshwar is probably one of the most enjoyable experiences you will live through in Maharashtra. Amidst the Western Ghats, Mahabaleshwar brings to you the most elegant sites of local areas, hills, and valleys that are laid naturally yet perfectly. There are absolutely popular viewpoints that showcase the best of the natural expanses, lakes, temples, and forts. It is suggestible to look for suitable Mahabaleshwar tour packages for great experiences.
The Pratapgad fort trek probably opens up one of the most interesting trekking trails for adventure seekers. This is also a good place to try out your hands-on photography. Mahabaleshwar is very near to Satara and remains to be one of the best monsoon getaways and most popular weekend visits for Mumbai and Pune population. You may also explore the strawberry farms here during the months of November to March.
Pune
Although mentioned at the very end of the list, Pune could be one of the most easily accessible destinations while you may be getting your Ashtavinayak tour packages. With industries, historical destinations and pilgrimage centers, Pune could prove to be a really great exploration. In fact, most of the Ashtavinayaka temples are situated near Pune and Mumbai. Undeniably, this could be one of the most genuine explorations your take up. You may love to savor upon the local flavors and exploring the prevailing variant cultures in the city.
While you execute your Ahstavinayak Yatra successfully, the above-mentioned places could be perfect visits for some lucrative travel experiences.