1. Mumbai
The Maharashtra’s largest city is the buzzing financial hub of India, which offers numerous things to see and do for the guests. Large amounts of culture can be found, from archaeological sites to beach, and bazaars, there is something for everyone. The Gateway of India, a 26m high arch built in 1911 to serve as a passenger terminal for the arrival of King George V, centrally located near the Arabian Sea. People go to the Victoria Gardens in Marine Drive to see the sunset over the Back Bay from the scenic promenade. Tourist looking for cultural spots and sites can visit the Prince of Wales Museum and National Gallery of Modern Art to see a rare compilation of ancient and modern art. Regarding relaxation, tourist can visit the Banganga Tank where there is an ancient water tank surrounded by temple and homes. Sanjay Gandhi National Park has green city forest where you can easily get away from the crowd besides boating, best wildlife safaris in india and trekking to watch the city’s skyline. From getting a taste of the mouth-watering food sold at the energetic street-side stalls to going on a studio tour of Bollywood, the Mumbai offers a taste of ever kind. In those four cities, it’s easy to find the right combination of history, nature, and exclusivity, Mumbai is full of sightseeing opportunities for every type of traveller.
Popular Attractions: Gateway of India, Marine Drive, Juhu beach, Museum, Banganga Tank, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, wildlife safaris, Temples, Boating, Amusement parks
Best Time to Visit: October to February
2. Pune
Pune is city in the state of Maharashtra and it is famous for its educational facilities, IT infrastructure and the bustling population. However, if one looks past them, Best travel places in india and there are many other exciting places that make great travels within the city. The palace of Aga Khan is one of the most important historical sites which was prison of Mahatma and his wife Kasturba Gandhi. The huge Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park covering an area of 134 acres is also recommended for a visit in case one wants to see more species of animals including tigers, leopards and the peafowl. Some of the famous monuments include: Shaniwar Wada fort : This fort was constructed in 1732 and represents the power of the Peshwas with some brilliant architecture. If mountains are your fancy then the twin fort of Tikona and Lohagad are for you for a breathtaking view of the valley. Pataleshwar Cave Temple and the Dagduseth Ganapati Temple are extremely beautiful structures out of rocks and octagonal shaped buildings respectively. Facilities available in some parks such as Saras Baug and Pu La Deshpande Udyan are good for relaxation in nature. There are many places of interest for the curious traveler; from the ancient locations of the fort to the beautiful hills, the clean parks to the history of Pune, there is much to capture the curiosity of any traveler.
Popular Attractions: Aga Khan palace, Shaniwar wada fort, Pataleshwar Cave Temple, Lal Mahal, Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, Torna fort, Taljai hills, Shivneri fort, Hadsar trek, Purandar trek
Best Time to Visit: June to September
3. Lonavala
Lonavala is Located in the Western Ghats, Sahayadri range, one of the beautiful small hills station of Maharashtra is Lonavala. Beginning with the waterfalls, to rocky terrains, forested areas to lakes; best monsoon places in india and there are so many serene areas of the world which are ideal to visit. There is a boat riding facility available in Lonavala Lake and the view of the hills around is magnificent. The Rajmachi Point is another place that pays you back with scenic beauty of Shirota Dam and valleys around it. Duke’s Nose is a specific formation of rocks that stands as a tall structure resembling the raised hood of a snake, for a vantage view that is supposedly visible after a two-hour hike. I would recommend tourists looking for touch of spirituality to visit shrines such as the Karla and Bhaja Caves, which are examples of Buddhist architecture. The only way to experience Lonavala is by getting off the charted tourist map and go hiking at the Tiger Point or Lohagad Fort. For the adventurous ones looking for a thrilling experience and for the more laid back ones who love to cherish the beauty of nature, Lonavala fits every bill perfectly. So, known for its rich green vegetation, pleasant weather, and a lot of places to visit, Lonavala is a popular holiday destination to spend your holidays in the lap of nature.
Popular Attractions: Karla and Bhaja Caves, Kune falls, Tiger point, Rajmachi point, Shirota Dam, Lonavala lake, Lohagad fort, Duke’s nose, Imagicaa, Amby valley
Best Time to Visit: June to September
4. Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar is Located in the state of Maharashtra, in the western part of India, Mahabaleshwar is a best hill stations in india. Famous for its enchanting natural scenery and lovely weather, Mahabaleshwar presents eye appealing view of green forests and lush green pastures. Among the places of interest which should not be missed are Venna Lake, water sailing in which can be accompanied by a beautiful view of Pratapgad Fort and Mahabaleshwar Range. A visit to the Mapro Garden with its strawberry farms and chocolate factory is also quite popular. Tourists can visit forests with the help of a guide to reach potential attractions such as Chinaman’s Fall and Dhobi Fall. The lovers of history can visit Mahabaleshwar Temple and the structure of old Mahabaleshwar that shows the colonial architecture. Other top sites include Wilson Point that is perfect for a calm and quiet vacation, Elephant Head Point that gives a view of mountain peaks and valleys and Falkland Point that has the whole view of Mahabaleshwar’s vista. The picturesque location of Mahabaleshwar, the scenic beauty of the region, coupled with all the varieties of places of interest and the natural climatic conditions make it a spectacular holiday destination for all kinds of tourists.
Popular Attractions: Wilson point, Venna lake, Dhobi falls, Lodwick point, Mahabaleshwar Temple, Pratapgad Fort, Chinaman’s Fall
Best Time to Visit: November to February
5. Nashik
Nashik is one among the oldest cities in the northwest region of the Maharashtra state in India which is also known as the holy city. In the past few years, it has developed a tourism hub for tourists and visitors. Ramkund which is an important place of pilgrimage for hindus where people bathe in the Godavari river during Kumbh Mela and Muktidham and Sundernarayan temples. For history and architecture lovers, there are more points of interest like Coin Museum, Pandavleni Caves and Cave temples where one can find more interesting sculptures and stone carvings of first century. Any lover of wine can visit India, particularly Sula Vineyards and York Winery, to taste exceptionally good wines. Nature lovers who wish to have a calm and peaceful time while sightseeing would find places like Anjaneri hills, Dugarwadi waterfall is best waterfalls in india, Gangapur Dam and Dwarka River basin most appealing. For shoppers, there are open air markets with a lot of small vendors with their attractive flowers, handcrafted items and local fruits and vegetables. From sacred temples, lush wineyards, splendid buildings and beautiful views Nashik offers all kind of travellers an exciting and variative holiday.
Popular Attractions: Trimbakeshwar, Ramkund, Sundernarayan temples, Muktidham temple, Anjaneri hills, Nashik Caves, Gangapur dam, Panchvati, Sula vineyard, Dugarwadi waterfall
Best Time to Visit: October to March
6. Aurangabad
Aurangabad is one of the important best historical places in india located in the state of Maharashtra and is known for its architectural beauty and historical sites which actually makes it a good place to visit. The first and the foremost site that every tourist should never miss to visit is the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, which are the World Heritage sites declared by UNESCO. These cave monuments from the period of 2nd century B.C.E to 9th century C.E are famous for beautiful Buddhist, Hindu and Jain temple art of carving and paintings. Another attraction site that is commonly visited and that features Mughal architecture similar to the one used in the construction of the Taj Mahal is the Bibi Ka Maqbara, commonly referred to as the Mini Taj Mahal. Panchakki is one of the famous historical watermills dating back to the 17th century and is famous for exhibiting how ancient engineering worked. There are twelve caves which are Buddhist in nature and there are magnificent paintings and sculptures in Aurangabad Caves. Other magnificent structures to highlight here are the gardens of Himayat Bagh, 52 doors in Sunheri Mahal historical building, and the existing arch of the Mecca Masjid. Aurangabad has a rich history and the city is a treasure trove of the rich and luxurious past of India of which the world famous caves, the monuments, the Mughal era buildings, the gardens, and the structured gates are some of the wonderful testaments to the multiculture that dominated the rich history of Aurangabad.
Popular Attraction: Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves, Bibi Ka Maqbara, Daulatabad fort, Panchakki, Goga baba hill, Sunehri Mahal, Pitalkhora caves, Chhatrapati Shivaji Museum
Best Time to Visit: October to March
7. Matheran
Matheran is situated in the Western Ghats Mountain Range at a height of 8000 feet above Sea level Matheran is one of the famous hill stations of Maharashtra and best summer places in india. The views for geological sightseeing are also lovely, the forests are mostly preserved, and the weather is mild throughout the year. Panorama Point or Sunset Point is a must visit also for travelers who want to have a bird’s eye view of the hills and the valleys. Louisa Point is known for the sightseeing of Prabal Fort on one end and the Ulhas river flowing at the other end. Another popular viewing point is Shivaji’s Ladder, a path that passes through the hill and is named after the Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji, who is believed to have climbed through the trail. Echo Point is the name echoed from the fact that whoever gives a shout from there is will be heard to have an echo. It is a great place to take a leisurely walk through the picturesque landscape; two such spots are Charlotte Lake and Pisharnath Mahadev Mandir Cave. For the adventurers, there are possibilities for a trek to Mount Matheran for the families, there is a park such as Alexander Park and Rambagh Point. Whether it is the breathtaking vantage points and tree-silled paths, the ancient caves and rich markets or the exotic plants and wildlife.
Popular Attractions: Louisa point, Echo point, Panorama point, One tree hill point, Charlotte lake, Prabal fort, Rambagh Point, Alexander Park, Pisharnath Mahadev Mandir Cave
Best Time to Visit: October to May
8. Nagpur
Nagpur is an industrial city situated in the heart of India in the state of Maharashtra and has several places of interest for tourists to explore. Those who are lovers of nature and wild life can pay visit to the Ambazari Lake , Gorewada Zoo and Nature Trail where crocodiles Migratory birds, exotic animals and lush green forests are found. Deekshabhoomi stupa and memorial is dedicated to marking one of the significant events of Buddhism, when Dr. B. R. Ambedkar along with hundreds of thousands of his followers embraced Buddhism and the place is still considered to be an important pilgrimage site. Another site of prominence is Sevagram as Gandhi settled here for the freedom struggle of India in 1930-40. Ramtek Fort – The historical site built over centuries, with the hue of orange with a mixture of religious importance as believed to be the place where Lord Rama took rest before proceeding to exile, there is an ancient temple, picturesque view along with the boating in a tranquil Lake. For regional history and arts, Kasturchand Park has a modern museum with the largest collection of artefacts. Natural wonders, historical enmities of the fight for equality and freedom, and immortalising culture and faith, Nagpur encapsulates miniature glimpse of many endearing treasures of India.
Popular Attractions: Ambazari lake, Dhamma chakra stupa, Ramtek fort temple, Deekshabhoomi, Amba Khori, Waki woods, Lata Mangeshkar musical garden
Best Time to Visit: October to March
9. Ratnagiri
Ratnagiri is Located on the coast of Arabian Sea and Konkan region, Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra has rich beauty of nature and scenic beauty. Ratnagiri consists of some of the most beautiful tourist attractions ranging from beaches, forts, and a number of other interesting tourist attractions. First on the list is Ganpatipule, which is a small village that has a reputation of having clear water and white sand The attractive site of the 400-years old Ganesh temple is located right on the beach. Other popular places include Pawas, a beautiful bay that is a perfect example that even in the twenty-first century there are places that remain untouched by humans, Velneshwar that boasts of one of the cleanest beaches in Maharashtra that has not been commercialized, and the Ratnadurg Fort, a massive fortress that stands majestically amidst the Arabian Sea. In addition to the natural attractions, the place is historically significant too, as we have the Jaigad Fort, Thibaw Palace, for example, or Malgund village where one can try his hand at trekking, rock climbing and many other activities. The devotees in search of spiritual vitality can further visit the Parshuram temple as well as the Bhagwati temple both of which are prominently located in Sahyadri mountain region. With such diverse options, Ratnagiri guarantees that it is a memorable destination for all categories of tourists.
Popular Attractions: Ratnadurg fort, Bhatye beach, Mandavi beach, Thiba point, Jaigad fort, Ganpatipule beach, Ganesh temple, Malgund village
Best Time to Visit: October to February
10. Alibaug
Alibaug is a beautiful town situated on the Konkan coast line which is situated south of Mumbai and is well known for its scenic beauty, forts, and beaches it is a perfect weekend getway . At the top of the list of the most recommended places to visit is Alibaug Beach best beaches in india which is the primary beach of the town with a palm lined coast and views of the Kolaba Fort built on a hill by the sea. Other favourite beaches are a little off the track like the Kashid Beach – famous for its silver sand and clear water ideal for swimming and Nagaon Beach which is nestled between hills and lined with coconut trees. History lovers will need to travel a little further to Kolaba/Alibag Fort, which dates back to the late seventeen century, and Korlai Fort & Chaul Heritage Town for a sneak peek into the Portuguese era architecture. Tourists wanting to spend some time surrounded by nature should go to Varsoli Beach that hosts a turtle nursery and to the Kanakeshwar Forest, where Hanuman monkeys frolic amidst ancient 900-year-old rock-cut temples. Cultural and historical attractions, natural and environmental sights and sounds, seafood and coastal cuisine, and true Marathi hospitality make Alibaug has now become one of the most preferred holidays destinations for a weekend break.
Popular Attractions: Alibaug beach, Kolaba fort, Murud-Janjira fort, Varsoli beach, Kashid beach, Sagargad fort, Khanderi island, Underi fort, Kanakeshwar Forest, Kihim beach
Best Time to Visit: November to February
