Maharashtra is a popular tourism destination for visitors from all across India and the world. In 2014, it was the second most visited Indian state by foreign tourists and the fourth most visited by domestic tourists. Maharashtra also offers a lot of potential for nature tourism. Many private and public groups have started pioneering new and distinctive kinds of nature tourism.

1. Mumbai

Mumbai has several nicknames, and it lives up to each one on a regular basis. The city of dreams, the city that never sleeps, India’s financial centre, Bollywood—Mumbai is known by many names, and it lives up to each one every day. For lovers of Gothic architecture, Mumbai is a visual feast, with well-preserved colonial-era architectural marvels. Meanwhile, for those who love to feel the pulse of a fast-paced city, a quick ride on the Mumbai local at rush hour would be a memorable experience. Take a short ferry ride from the Gateway of India jetty to Elephanta Island to discover a hidden world.

2. Aurangabad

This city, located in Maharashtra’s central region, attracts visitors due to its natural beauty. On the outskirts of Aurangabad, the Ajanta and Ellora Caves are worldwide recognised for their man-made caves and beautiful carvings. 

The caves of Ajanta and Ellora are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

Ellora is famed for the Kailasa temple, a remarkable monolithic vertically excavated edifice, and Ellora and Ajanta Caves are known for Lord Buddha in stone. The beautiful masonry has depicted ancient Buddhist life. Ellora caves belong to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism, but Ajanta caves are entirely Buddhist. 

Other notable attractions are Bibi Ka Maqbara (Deccan’s Taj Mahal), Daulatabad Fort, Panchakki, Sunheri Mahal, and others. Aurangabad has excellent air, road, and rail connections. Maharashtra’s tourism capital is Aurangabad.

3. Mahableshwar

Mahabaleshwar, a hill station in Maharashtra’s Sahyadri range, is one of the country’s most famous tourist sites. This gorgeous and quiet place, blessed by nature, offers stunning views of rising peaks, luscious woods, green valleys, and sparkling rivers. Arthur’s Seat, for example, is one of several elevated viewing places. Pratapgad Fort, built atop a mountain spur west of here, is centuries old. Lingmala Waterfall, to the east, cascades over a precipitous rock. Venna Lake is dotted with colourful boats, while Panch Ganga Temple, to the north, is where five rivers meet.

4. Matheran

If you want to visit a non-touristy hill station away from the weekend hordes, Matheran is the place to go. Matheran is a one-of-a-kind experience due to the lack of cars and buses on the road. That’s right, you read it accurately. Matheran is car-free, allowing for leisurely strolls along the footpaths. There are several hiking pathways in the village that lead to numerous locations with breathtaking views of the sunrise, sunset, and mountains. Charlotte Lake, which is serene and picturesque, is ideal for picnics and camping.

5. Panchgani

Panchgani is positioned between five hills in the Sahyadri mountain ranges. It is one of the most visited hill stations in the Pune-Mumbai region. Because it was pleasant all year, Panchgani was created as a retirement retreat for the British. During Vanavasa, the Pandavas are said to have spent time in Panchgani in the cave where they lived in the fabled Devil’s Kitchen.A lot of stunning tourist sites may be found in Panchgani. Table Land, Parsi Point, Kamalgad Fort, Devil’s Kitchen, Rajpuri Caves, Sydney Point, Mapro Gardens, and Dhom Dam are among the many attractions.

6. Lonavala

Lonavala is a hill station in Maharashtra’s Pune district. Often called the ‘Jewel of Sahyadri’ and the ‘City of Caves’, this hill station boasts of a spectacular setting that includes lush green valleys, stunning waterfalls, serene lakes and remarkable caves. The myriad places to visit in Lonavala that include historical sites, natural wonders, religious attractions, etc. The twin hill stations of Lonavala and Khandala in India are the most popular monsoon destinations. The monsoon season is the best time to visit Lonavala and Khandala because the scenery is lush green and the waterfalls are in full flow.

7. Lavasa

Lavasa is a private hill city that was developed from the ground up, modelled after the Italian town of Portofino. This beautiful, well-planned city has stunning infrastructure and a European feel. Lavasa, which is spread over seven hills and gives breathtaking views of the lakes, hills, and valleys, is one of Maharashtra’s most famous tourist destinations. Lakeshore Watersports, a popular tourist destination in Lavasa, is a great spot to try out a variety of water sports.

8. Tadoba

The Tadoba – Andhari Tiger Reserve is Maharashtra’s oldest and largest national park. Tadoba National Park is a popular tourist attraction for wildlife and nature aficionados. It is one of the country’s oldest, largest, and best-protected Tiger Reserves, located in the Chandrapur district. The National Park, which covers 626 square kilometres, features deep valleys, dense vegetation, and a few lakes. A large variety of animals and birds can be seen here. Tigers, Indian leopards, barking deer, sloth bears, striped hyenas, Indian pythons and cobra snakes, peacocks, and eagles may be seen in their natural habitat on a lucky day.

9. Kolhapur

Kolhapur is a lovely city on the banks of the Panchganga River, known for its religious and historical buildings, which may be visited as part of Kolhapur travel packages. Kolhapur, also known as Dakshin Kashi, is an important spiritual hub since it is home to a number of Medieval Indian temples, notably Mahalakshmi Temple. The most popular attractions to visit in Kolhapur include Bhavani Mandap, New Palace Museum, Jyotiba Temple, Rankala Lake, Kopeshwar Temple, Panhala Fort, Siddhagiri Gramjivan Museum, and Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary. Kolhapuri chappals, Kolhapuri jewellery, and Kolhapuri cuisine are all well-known in Kolhapur.

10. Amboli

Amboli is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This hill station is located in Maharashtra’s Sindhudurg district, just before the Goa coastal highlands. You may spend quality time in Amboli surrounded by nature and participate in outdoor activities like trekking and camping. The Durg and Dhakoba hills are ideal for trekking, while Shirgaonkar Point is ideal for taking in the breathtaking views of the valley. Other famous sites are Amboli Falls, Madhavgad Fort, and Sunset Point.

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