Maharashtra, India

Maharashtra, the third largest state of India is located on the western coast of India. The city is dotted with several stunning wonders that are worth visiting. Some of the famous treasure troves of the city are colonial structures, museums, art galleries, beaches, bustling market places and holy shrines. At dawn the place turns out be more lively with night parties and huge crowd flocks at pubs, discotheque and other entertainment spots.
Popular Tourist Attractions in/around Maharashtra
Maharashtra comprises of 35 districts and the pleasant beauty of the state offers a wonderful time to the sightseers. Some must-visit districts are:



Ajanta and Ellora Caves
The majestic Ajanta and Ellora caves are the ancient repository of Indian architectural heritage. They are renowned for their carvings and structures, that are said to be beginning of the classical Indian art. The caves of Ajanta are famed of its intricate paintings and mural while Ellora are well known for its beautifully carved sculptures.

Highlights: MExquisite paintings, murals and erotic sculptures.

Essel World
Essel World, the largest water theme park, is located near Gorai beach Island in Mumbai. Children's Rides, Adult Rides and Family Rides are the three sections of the rides in Essel World. The famous sites of the park are Ice Skating and Rikis Rocking Alley with six bowling lanes, dance floor and Cafeteria. Food court in the park serves delicious Indian, continental and Chinese food.

Highlights: Children's Rides, Adult Rides and Family Rides.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
The station was built by Frederick William Stevens in the year 1887-88. It is a masterpiece of Victorian Gothic style with stained-glass windows, towering spires, domed arches and pillars with animal images carved on it.

Highlights: Built in Victorian Gothic style

The Elephanta Caves
The Elephanta Caves are famed for marvellous sculptural work portrayed in the caves carved out of rocks. There are various rock cut temples of 5th century built inside these caves. The other prime attractions in the caves includes majestic sculptured images of Sadasiva, three headed Shiva, known as Trimurity, Kalyanasundra, Gangadhara, Ardhanariswara and Uma Maheswara. .

Highlights: Beautiful sculptured images

Hill Stations
The picturesque hills station nestles on the western ghats mountain range. Some of the fascinating hilly areas of the place are Lonavala, Khandala and Mahabaleshwar with tranquil surroundings, cascading waterfalls and pristine lakes, enchants both your mind and soul.

Highlight: Serene environ, cascading waterfalls, lakes.

Beaches
Enjoy your vacations in the laid back atmosphere of exotic beaches in Maharashtra. Juhu, Chowpatty, Marve, Ganapatidule, Dahanu Bordi and Alibag are favorite among the tourists.

Highlights: Sun-kissed beaches with scenic charm.

Pench National Park
Pench National Park allures thousands of wildlife enthusiasts every year. The park is a dwelling place to large number of fauna species including tigers, panthers, sambhar, chital, gaur, sloth bear etc and several avifauna species.

Highlights: Varied flora and fauna species.

Popular Shopping Items/Shopping Centres in Maharashtra
Maharashtra is a great place of shopper's delight where one can buy variety of souvenirs. The city has rich heritage of exquisite handicrafts and fabrics, that can be included in your shopping items. Shoppers can look for Paithani and Himroo saris, Kolhapuri Chappals, Warli tribal paintings, Bodri ware and Narayan Pethsaris saris in the bustling markets of the city.

Local Transport in Maharashtra
The local transportation is the main lifeline of Maharashtra. Major public transport system comprises local trains, auto rickshaws and Taxis. Rails and buses is an important mode of transportation used to travel around the region. Black and yellow metered taxis are hired to commute within a particular city of the state. Auto rickshaws are used to cover the short distance.

Maharashtra Travel Information
Closest Airport

• Sahar International Airport
• Santa Cruz Domestic Airport

Major Railway Station

• Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
• Pune Railway Station
• Nagpur Railway Station
• Kolhapur Railaway Station
• Solapur Railway Station

Road Link

• National Highway 3
• National Highway 4
• National Highway 8
• National Highway 9
• National Highway 17