Maharashtra

Introduction to Maharashtra
The state of Maharastra is one of the largest in India . Most of the state stand on the high Deccan plateau which stretches east some 800 km. from the Western Ghats. Historically this was the main centre for the Maratha Empire, which defied the Mughals for so long , and which , under the fearless rule of Shivaji , carvedout a large part of central India as its domain . Maharastra's many inland and coastal forts are a legacy of Shivaji and, to a lesser extent, the portuguese.

History :
Mughal power dominated much of central and southern India in the 16th century until the Deccan became the epicentre of the Maratha empire in the 17th century. With a relatively small army, Shivaji established a base at Pune and later Raigad. From the early 18th century the the Maratha empire was controlled by the Peshwas who retained power until they upset the British in 1817.

Maratha also has a strong links with Gandhi & India's Independence. Gandhi was interned by british in Pune for two years after the Quit India declaration, and his ashram is at Sevagram in the state's far east. After Independence, western Maharashtra and Gujarat were joined to form Bombay state. Today's state, with Mumbai as capital, was formed in 1960 when the Marathi and Gujrati-speaking areas were again separated.

Tourist Attraction:

Mumbai: The capital city of the state is the financial powerhouse of the country. But the city also has some important tourist attractions in Maharashtra, namely: Prince of Wales Museum, Gateway of India, Hanging Gardens, Mahalaxmi Temple, Haji Ali Shrine, Marine Drive, the beaches of Juhu and Chowpatty. Mumbai boasts of being home to Bollywood film industry. No wonder if you happen to see some of the most popular actors and actresses in the tinsel towns.
 

Elephanta Caves: Only 10kms off the Mumbai Coast, a host of caves are located in an island amid the Arabian Sea. The caves, dating back to 450 to 750 AD display fine sculptures depicting the glory of Lord Shiva. Regular motorboats from the boat jetty in from of the Gatway of India would take you to the islands.

Aurangabad: Although the city is more famous as the gateway to the heritage sites of Ajanta and Ellora, it has its own share of tourist attractions. The city owes the name to Aurangzeb, the Mughal emperor, who made it a viceregal capital to rule over Deccan. The emperor built here Bibi-ka-Maqbara in imitation of the famous Taj Mahal, as a tribute to his mother. Pan Chaaki and the Darwazaas are examples of exceptionally skilled architecture of the bygone days.

Ajanta and Ellora: The caves of Ajanta and Ellora are the biggest tourist attractions in Maharashtra, which the United Nations has declared as World Heritage Sites. The oldest caves date back to 2nd Century BC. The mural paintings in Ajanta and the sculptures in Ellora alongwith their picturesque location would cast a spellbinding effect on you.
 

Ganapatipule: This is one of the many beaches along the state's 720 km long coastline. Sun kissed beaches and lush greenery seem to be in an eternal love affair in chaste lands of Ganapatipule. There are also some water sports facilities here.
 

Mahabaleshwar, Lonavala and Khandala: These are the hill stations in Maharashtra shyly nestling on the Western Ghats mountain range. Bollywood movies have made them famous. The clean air, calm surrounding, placid lake and cascading waterfalls offer a retreat in striking contrast with the bustling cities.

Pench National Park: Sprawling over an area of 257 sq. km. in the lower southern reaches of the Satpura hill ranges, it offers a splendid opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife in the spectacular natural setting. Pench is also home to tigers, panthers, sambhar, chital, barking deer, nilgai, black buck, gaur, wild boar, chausingha, sloth bears, langurs, monkeys, mouse deer, hyenas and flying squirrels, to name a few.

How to Reach Maharashtra

By Air: The state has two airports - one international (Sahar International Airport) and another domestic (Santa Cruz Domestic Airport) - in its capital city Mumbai. All public and private airlines, like: Air India, Indian Airlines,Jet Airways, Air Sahara, Kingfisher Airlines, Spice Jet, Air Deccan, operate regularly to and from Mumbai .

By Rail: Mumbai is the state's most important Railway Station. A large number of important trains link the city to other cities of India. There are also major Railway Stations in or close by the tourist destinations.

By Ship: Mumbai also boasts of an international naval port, so one can also opt for reaching Maharashtra by ship.

 

Best Time to Go: September to April (coast); September to mid-June(hills)

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