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Maharashtra Travel Guide

One of India's largest, most populous and economically vibrant states, it also happens to be the film center of India.

Sandwiched between states on all sides, on its western border lies the Arabian Sea. The principal languages spoken are Marathi, English, Hindi, Gujrati.

The capital of Maharashtra, Mumbai owes its name to Mumba Devi, the guardian deity of the city. It is the most cosmopolitan city with a pace of its own - which is often breakneck. It is exciting - jostling crowds, pot-holed roads, rattling suburban trains, pollution, traffic jams, high rise, beautiful people, Dharavi, the largest slum in the world et al.

Closeby is the city of Pune where the famous Indian Film and Television Institute and the Max Mueller Center for German Studies is situated. At nearby Nasik, considered to be one of the 7 most sacred cities of the Hindus, the Kumbh Mela is held to commemorate the churning of the ocean by the Gods and demons.

The winter capital, Nagpur, is well known or Ramtek ,where Lord Ram is said to have spent a part of his exile. The cave shrines of Ajanta and Ellora ,built during the Buddhist and Jain periods, offer a splendid view of exquisite statutory, fine chiseled carving, tableaux in haut and bas relief. The sculptures of Ellora and the frescoes of Ajanta display scenes from Buddhist and Jain mythology.

The best season to visit is between November to February when the weather is at its most pleasant. The rainy season, July - August, and the hot summer months from March to June should be avoided.

PLACES OF INTEREST
Gateway of India: is the icon of Mumbai. It was designed by Wittet and is built in the 16 th century architectural style of Gujarat. The structure was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India in 1911. The Gate was formally opened in 1924. Today it is a famous haunt for residents of Mumbai.

Marine Drive: is a promenade along the water front. Also called the Netaji Subhas Chandra Marg, the drive runs from Nariman Point to Chowpatty beach and ends at the Malabar hills. The drive is built on the land reclaimed from the Back Bay along the Arabian coast. An ideal place to watch the sunset. At night, the drive looks as though it were set with gems. No wonder it is called the Queen’s necklace!

Hanging Gardens: The Hanging Gardens or the Ferozshah Mehta Gardens were laid in 1881 on top of a reservoir on the Malabar Hills. A wonderful vantage point to view the city, the nearby Kamla Nehru Park gives the gardens company. From the park one can have the best possible views of the Marine drive and Chowpatty. The Kamla Nehru Park was laid in 1952 and was developed mainly as a park for children.

Prince Of Wales Museum: was also built to commemorate the visit of King George V. The building is build in Indio-Sarcenic style and is set in an well-laid ornamented garden. The central hall boasts of a huge dome which is believed to be inspired by the Golgumbaz. The museum was opened in 1923 and has an impressive collection of artifacts from Elephanta island, Jogeshwari Caves, terracotta figurines from the Indus valley, ivory carvings, statues, a large collection of miniatures and a portrait of Abraham Lincoln. The museum is divided into three sections: art, archaeology and natural history.

Victoria Terminus: One of the most imposing buildings in Mumbai, it was from Victoria terminus that the first train rolled out towards Thane. Built in the Gothic mould, a large statue of Queen Victoria is kept at the entrance of the terminus. The main structure is surmounted by a Statue of Progress. The clock on top of the tower is 3.19m in diameter. Carvings of peacocks, gargoyles, monkeys, elephants and British lions are engraved among the buttresses, domes, turrets, spires and stained glass windows. The terminus looks more like a cathedral than a terminus.

Ellora Caves: It took over five centuries for the Hindu, Buddhist and Jain monks to chisel out these monastries, temples, chaples and decorate them with remarkable imagination and details. These caves run North-South and take on a golden radiance in the late afternoon sun.

Ajanta Caves: Till the 19th century, these caves were hidden under thick forest growth. These caves are the representation of Buddhist philosophy which were etched on the walls of the caves. The caves were built between 2nd century B.C to 7th century A.D. The 30 Chaityas and Viharas have paintings which illustrate the life and incarnations of Buddha.

Lonavla and Khandala: are two hill resorts near Mumbai. These twin places are just 106 kms from Mumbai. In recent years, the heavy flow of weekenders and conference groups from Mumbai has changed the demography of the area dramatically. Khandala gives a good view of the rain water fed waterfalls while Lonavla acts as the base for the Karla & Bhaja Caves. These caves date back to the 2nd century B.C and are one of the finest examples of rock temples by the Hinayana sect in India.