Pune, the cultural capital of Maharashtra, is undoubtedly one of the most vibrant and dynamic cities in India. As the top metropolitan city in the country and the Oxford of the East, Pune is a hub of diverse people and activities, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking a unique experience. The city's rich history, dating back to ancient Poona, played a crucial role in shaping the Maratha Empire and India's independence movement, making Pune an essential landmark in the country's history.
Mumbai, the bustling capital city of Maharashtra, India, is a captivating juxtaposition of contradictions. It's a city that's both incredible and complex, where glamour and poverty coexist, modernity meets tradition, and chaos mingles with hope. Dubbed as the City of Dreams, Mumbai, previously known as Bombay, is an enchanting blend of diverse cultures and lifestyles.
Aurangabad, an alluring city that was once the capital of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in the 17th century AD, is now known as the Tourism Capital of Maharashtra. This charming city boasts a delightful tapestry of sights and sounds that are bound to leave a lasting impression on visitors.
Lonavala, nestled in the Sahyadri range of the Western Ghats, is a picturesque hill station that attracts visitors from all over the world, especially during the monsoon season. The place is adorned with numerous waterfalls, lakes, and hills, making it a perfect destination for adventure enthusiasts.
The Gateway of India in Mumbai, Maharashtra, is not an ordinary monument, but a unique symbol of the city's rich historical background and cosmopolitanism. Being a significant tourist attraction, this distinguished archway has been at the forefront of Mumbai's tourism landscape since its inception.Having been constructed in 1924, the Gateway of India was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Mumbai.
Maharashtra is home to some of the prominent airports in the country that connect with the rest of the world through direct and indirect flights. Chattrapati Shivaji Airport Pune International Airport and Aurangabad Airport are some of the popular airports in the state.
Maharashtra is well connected with the rest of the Indian states by rail routes. Chattrapati Shivaji Railway Station is one of the most popular stations in Maharashtra that connects the state with all parts of the country.
With a total of 52 national highways passing through the states, Maharashtra can be easily accessed from any state of India through roadways. People can either hop into local taxis or private buses to reach various towns and villages of the state.
Popularly known as the ‘Gateway to the heart of India’, Maharashtra is the tourism hub of India that attracts tourists with rich culture, vibrant lifestyle, modernity and rich culture. Being situated near the Western Ghats, the state offers its visitors diversity in landscape within a space of a few kilometres. Mumbai is the capital city of Maharashtra and is often regarded as the ‘city of dreams’ which welcomes people from all over the world. The state is also home to a total of 6 national parks that inhabit diverse animal and bird species along with various activities including jungle safari.
The City of Dreams also holds some of the tallest and most luxurious structures in the country that reflect the excellence of modern architecture. Apart from modern lifestyle and rich wildlife, Maharashtra is also known for housing some of the iconic temples and caves such as Gateway of India, Ellora Caves, Ajanta Caves, Elephanta Caves and many more. From the vibrant lifestyle of Mumbai to being home to 5 UNESCO heritage sites, Maharashtra is one of the prominent parts of India that offers a unique travelling experience.
The state is also the second most populated state in India that inhabits diverse communities with the majority of them belonging to the Marathi community. The state is widely known all over India for its rich culture which includes unique customs and practices. The traditional dress of men includes ‘dhoti’ along with a cotton shirt known as ‘kurta’, while ‘choli and nauwari saare’ is the traditional dress of women.
Unlike other states that have a distinct flavour and cuisines, Maharashtra follows a cuisine where the majority of the food items are vegetarian which include rice, jwoar, vegetables, lentils and fruits, Although there are non-vegetarian options. Most of the dishes have higher amounts of spices and include higher amounts of carbohydrates. Some of the popular dishes of Maharashtra are Vada Pav, Pav Bhaji, Missal Pav, and Pooran Pori.
Festivals are the major part of Maharashtra during which the city offers its true beauty. Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the major festivals that are celebrated for over 10 days to mark the birth of Lord Ganesha. Even though the state inhabits people from different religions, festivals are an event when all people unite together and celebrate the festivals with joy and happiness. Some of the popular festivals include Makar Sankranti, Ganesh Chaturthi, Gudi Padwa, Bhau Beej, Shivaji Jayanti and Nag Panchami.