Go beyond Mumbai and Pune to make the most of your Maharashtra visit! While the two bustling cities are a prime attraction, Maharashtra's abundant forts, historic and culturally rich places, the Sahayadri mountains and the Konkan coast make it an itty-bitty paradise of the West of India!
From the scenic attractions by the shores of Arabian Sea to the paradisical greens of the Sahayadris, you will be mesmerised and utterly enthralled by the lush beauty of Maharashtra. Here's a list of some of the best places to visit in Maharashtra.
The 2-decade old national Tiger reserve is actually known to be one of the oldest national parks in the state. You will be amazed by the carefree ways in which animals such as tigers, sloth bears, Indian leopards and striped hyenas waltz around in the park.
Things to do - Exploring the national park by taking up a safari seems to be the best thing to do when in Tadoba. The place also has Erai Dam and Tadoba lake as some of the attractions.
For folks who reside in Pune and Mumbai, Lonavla is like a weekend hub. Escape from the noise of the bustling cities to engage in some time with peace and nature at Lonavla. It is considered to be one of the most accessible places to see from Pune as it is only 64 km away.
Things to do - Drive down to Pawana lake for camping, or up to Tiger point for piping hot chai. Rajmachi Fort is also close to the hill station so you can take up a trekking expedition. One of the most famous tourist attractions though is Kumar Resort and Water Park, Della Adventure Park, Valvan Dam and Lohagad.
Famous for being one of the finest spots for honeymooners in Maharashtra, Mahabaleshwar offers green plateaus of awesomeness with rugged mountains and forts in the background. It is all a sight too beautiful and is especially on-demand in winter months.
Things to do - Take a trip to the strawberry gardens and marvel at the sight of some of the lovely green hills. You can also visit Lodwick point, Arthur's Seat, Sunset point and visit some waterfalls closeby.
Nestled amid the lap of the Sahayadri Range, Panchgani is one of the best places to visit in Maharashtra. The beautiful hill station is a haven for those who seek magnificent views and want to get away from the city's hustle-bustle.
Things to do - There are several points at this hill station that you can check out such as Parsi Point, Sydney Point, to name a new. It would be a crime to not stop at the Mapro Garden and explore the expanse! You can always unwind by booking a fancy resort and taking it easy instead of engaging in adventure activities.
One of the most accessible hill stations in Maharashtra is Matheran. The drive up there is easy and many people even opt to trek up all the way. The monkeys at Matheran are known to be quite notorious though so don't open the packet of chips you've been saving for the summit!
Things to do - Visit the One Tree Hill point, stand below the Dhodhani waterfall, check out the Chanderi Caves and Kalavanti Pinnacle.
Thanks to Aamir Khan, Khandala is a pretty famous hill station known to attract a lot of crowds. The place offers a plethora of things including pristine green landscapes and lavish resorts and retreats to rejuvenate.
Things to do - Splurge your savings by booking a stay at Aamby Valley! You can either pick a fancy luxury stay at Khandala as a retreat or you can opt for a camping trip. One of the closest places to trek from Khandala is at the Ulhas Valley. Lonavla is also super close so you can always visit places there.
Shirdi holds spiritual significance as the birthplace of guru Sai Baba. Hence, the place has a plethora of temples and is ideal for a pilgrimage.
Things to do - From visiting the beautiful Jangli Maharaj Ashram to visiting Hanuman Mandir and Shani Shingnapur, there are some astounding places where you can feel at ease and in peace. You can also visit places such as Wet N Joy Water Park for some fun or the Lendi Baug for a leisurely stroll.
Easily one of the best cities to visit in Maharashtra after Mumbai and Pune, Aurangabad boasts impeccable culture and silk-sewn outfits. The city's hilly terrains will mesmerise your eyes and soul.
Things to do - Home to the famous Ajanta and Ellora caves, Aurangabad holds a plethora of historic significances. You can visit Bibi Ka Maqbara, Salim Ali Lake, Grishneshwar temple, Daulatabad Fort and Jama Mosque to learn more about the history of the place.
Igatpuri is one of the most famous places in Maharashtra thanks to the impeccable views of the Sahayadri range that it offers. The place is a haven for adventure junkies and for nature lovers.
Things to do - One of the highlights of Igatpuri is the Vipassana centre. You can always enrol for a 10-days session and reconnect with yourself. The town also offers scintillating waterfalls and dense forests by the foot of the Sahayadri hills. You can indulge in trekking, rafting, kayaking and lots of other such activities.
One of the best tourist places in Maharashtra has got to be Alibaug. The beach town literally gives travellers the best of the Arabian sea and the nature trails. Not to mention how it caters to a wide range of audience. The sunkissed beaches with Konkani cuisine easily make it a must-visit place.
Things to do - Some of the fun activities include camping by the Alibaug beach, sailing, trekking up to Sagargad, cycling by the beach, parasailing, jet ski and more. The place offers a lot of watersports so all the water babies can make the most of this trip.
Maharashtra's very own vineyard capital, Nashik is definitely one of the best places to visit in the state. What makes the place special is the Ramayana association it has. Basically, the place got its name after Lord Rama’s brother Lakshman snipped Ravana's sister Shoorpankha's nose.
Things to do - Pay the district a visit and learn how some of the finest wines in India are produced. Explore some of the vineyards, check out the banks of river Godavari and finally, just unwind!
Visit the spiritual Lord Ganesha's temple and surrender your worries to the tranquil air of Ganpatipule. The holy destination with its peaceful atmosphere will rejuvenate you.
Things to do - Take a stroll down the coastline of Ganpatipule and check out the mangrove trees. The place also offers some water sports such as boating and more.
The island of Murud Janjira, surrounded by the crystal blue Arabian Sea, offers an experience. It is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Maharashtra, especially thanks to the family retreat vibes it provides.
Things to do - Camp at Murud Janjira, indulge in some quiet fishing and boating experiences. You can also take up some cooking activities.
The quaint Tarkarli village gives travellers the lovely sights of the Arabian Sea teamed with lip-smacking shark curry. Visit Tarkarli to be serenaded by the place's beauty, serenity and Konkan cuisine.
Things to do - One of the few places in Maharashtra where you can indulge in scuba diving and exploring backwaters, you must visit the Sindhudurg Fort as well. Or you can just relax at the Tarkarli beach.
The green canvas of Bhandardara with its expanse of nature at its best makes this place one of the best to visit in Maharashtra. From trekking up the highest point in the Sahayadri range (Mount Kalsubai) to relishing lovely local delicacies, Bhandardhara, also known as the valley of treasures, literally gives travellers all kinds of thrills.
Things to do - Swim in the Arthur Lake, visit the Wilson dam, trek up Kalsubai peak and check out the Ratangad Fort.
