Maharashtra immediately brings to mind the kilometer-long Marine Drive promenade. Next up is the front vista of the Gothic Victorian building, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. Mumbai, the most well-known city in Maharashtra, is home to both renowned sites. But this third-biggest state in India has much more to offer. It offers pristine beaches, fantastical hill stations, challenging climbs, strawberry fields, natural reserves, pilgrimage sites, a rich history, delectable cuisine, and a dynamic culture. There is something for everyone.
If you’ve never considered taking a getaway in Maharashtra, it’s probably time to see the state’s natural beauty and enjoy some of its unique attractions. Here is a detailed list of the top 10 cities in Maharashtra you should visit.
Mumbai is known as the “city of dreams,” “the city that never sleeps,” “Bollywood,” and “India’s financial hub,” and it lives up to each of these designations every day. Mumbai provides admirers of Gothic architecture with a visual treat because of its abundance of well-preserved colonial-era architectural marvels. A simple ride on the Mumbai local at rush hour will be a tale to tell for those who want to feel the charm of a bustling city. Or simply board a 15-minute ferry from the Gateway of India pier to Elephanta Island to explore a long-lost world. It is unquestionably one of the cities in Maharashtra you should visit.
This well-liked hill station is located in the picturesque Western Ghats and is well-known for its breathtaking scenery, evergreen forests, waterfalls, and historic temples. A vacation to Mahabaleshwar entails boating in Venna Lake, going on a sunset climb to the Pratapgarh Fort, seeing Rajpuri Caves, tempting your palate with freshly picked berries, and snapping stunning pictures with the valleys and hills in the distance.
3. Lonavala
This stunning hill station offers a fast escape from the hectic city life and is situated between Mumbai and Pune. Lonavala, a picturesque drive between both cities, is known for its mouthwatering chikki (Indian sweet consisting of nuts coated in jaggery or sugar syrup). The Pune-Mumbai Expressway’s gorgeous, twisting roadways and lengthy tunnels are sufficient cause to return to Lonavala time and time again. Even though Lonavala is a tiny hill town, there are many places there that are worth visiting. This makes it one of those cities in Maharashtra you should visit.
Matheran is the place to go if you want to escape the weekend crowds of tourists and visit a non-touristy hill station. The lack of buses and cars on the roads in Matheran makes it a unique experience. You did read that correctly. Matheran does not permit automobiles, thus the pathways are open for leisurely strolls. The town provides numerous hiking routes that lead to numerous lookout locations with enticing views of the mountains, sunrise, and sunset. Camping and picnics are perfect at the serene and lovely Charlotte Lake.
Hindu mythology claims that during his fourteen years of exile, Lord Rama resided in Nashik. As a result, a trip to Nashik wouldn’t be complete without stopping by the renowned Kalaram Temple, where a black figure of Lord Rama is revered. Additionally, there are black statues of the goddess Sita and the god Lakshmana inside the temple’s sanctum sanctorum. One of the four primary Kumbh Mela locations is Nashik. The event, which is held just once every 12 years, draws millions of followers from all around the world. Along with religious excursions, you can check out well-known sites like Pandav Leni Caves, Sula Vineyards, and Dudhsagar Waterfalls.
This well-known hill resort, encircled by five hills, is renowned for its stunning waterfalls, verdant forests, and succulent strawberries. Panchgani would be a great option if you enjoy vacations in the natural world. Don’t forget to put the UNESCO World Heritage Site Kaas Plateau on your itinerary when you visit Panchgani. The Kaas plateau, also known as Maharashtra’s Valley of Flowers, and the nearby grasslands are breathtaking in the summer months when they are covered in a sea of flowering flowers.
Both residents of Mumbai and Pune like taking weekend trips to this tiny hill station in the Nashik area. Igatpuri is well known among hikers and rock climbers and is encircled by huge mountain ranges. While Tringalwadi Fort and historic shrines are popular with history fans and worshippers, Vihigaon Waterfall is popular with nature lovers. Igatpuri is also home to the largest mindfulness centre in the world, the Vipassana Meditation Academy.
This stunning hill station, referred to as the Queen of the Sahyadri Ranges, is home to lush green scenery, tall mountains, and gushing waterfalls. Bhandardara is a well-known refuge for hikers and nature enthusiasts and is located in the Ahmednagar district. Umbrella Falls, Wilson Dam, Arthur Lake, Kalsubai Peak, Ratangarh Fort, Ratanwadi Village, and the 2,000-year-old Amruteshwar Temple are a few of the must-see sights in Bhandardara. Try trekking atop Mount Kalsubai, Maharashtra’s highest peak, if you’re an adventurous kind.
For those who enjoy nature and architecture, the lovely city of Raigarh is a real pleasure. When it rains, the area appears lush and inviting, providing welcome relief against the scorching heat. The two primary attractions in this area are the Karnala Bird Sanctuary and Karnala Fort. Over 220 kinds of birds and other wild animals are housed in the bird sanctuary. A must-see for history fans is the antique fort that is located within the bird sanctuary.
Besides being the winter Capital of Maharashtra, Nagpur is well-known for its oranges and is a coveted tourist destination too. You can experience some excitement at the wildlife sanctuaries and tiger reserves, as well as pay your respects at the temples, in addition to admiring nature’s beauty in the verdant green gardens and lakes. Nagpur is home to Deekshabhumi, a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site. You should also stop by Swaminarayan Temple, Shree Ganesh Mandir Tekdi, Ramtek Fort Temple, Lata Mangeshkar Musical Garden, Maharaj Bagh, and the Zoo while you’re in the area.
Those are the top 10 cities in Maharashtra you should visit. This list could help you in selecting a spot that matches your tastes and falls within your budget, whether you are setting up a weekend trip or a lengthy holiday.
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