Maharashtra
With a perfect blend of traditions, culture, adventure, and beauty, Maharashtra is no lesser than a tourist magnet. Bordered by the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, The Land of the Marathas, Maharashtra is one of the most popular places to visit in India. From the scenic attractions by the shores of Arabian Sea to the paradisical greens of the Sahayadris, you will be mesmerised and utterly enthralled by the lush beauty of Maharashtra. Bestowed with five Jyotirlingas; two Shakti Peethas; one Panj Takht; beautiful churches; gigantic mosques; and a city that plays host to the grand Kumbh Mela- Nashik, Maharashtra is blessed by the presence of all the gods.
Mahabaleshwar
Mahabaleshwar is often referred as the queen of hill stations in Maharashtra. Arranged in the Satara region in Maharashtra, Mahabaleshwar will get you near the captivating excellence of nature. Known for its lovely views, beautiful landscapes and pleasant weather, it boasts of many tourist attractions. Apart from its strawberries, Mahabaleshwar is also well known for its numerous rivers, magnificent cascades and majestic peaks. It is also a sacred pilgrimage place for Hindus as the Krishna river originates from here.There are several viewpoints that are strategically located to capture the panoramic views created by the majestic Sahyadri Mountains and deep valleys.Famous for being one of the finest spots for honeymooners in Maharashtra, It is a very popular hill station that offers a plethora of tourist activities and attractions to avid travelers and nature lovers.
Panchgani
Panchgani is a popular hill station near Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra. It is nestled in the middle of five hills in the Sahyadri mountain ranges and famous for its various sunset and sunrise points and scenic valley view. The picturesque backdrop of hills on one side and coastal plains on the other makes for an amazing view. Other than the verdant green valleys, and soothing environment, the red, juicy strawberries are a major attraction of Panchgani. Rightly known as the ‘Strawberry Garden of India’, the farms of Panchgani are full of enchanting views of luscious berries. Enthralling local destinations such as Sydney Point, Table Land, Rajpuri Caves, and Dhom Dam form the major attractions of Panchgani and add to the beauty and charm of the place. If you are a daredevil and seeking adventure activities, Panchgani can offer you a plethora of adrenaline-fuelled sports including paragliding, rock climbing, trekking, speed boating, and horse riding.
Lonavala
Lonavala is a hill station near Pune district of Maharashtra. Nicknamed the ‘Jewel of Sahyadri Mountains’, its perfect for an escape to the lush beauty of the hills. It offers the perfect retreat to the city dwellers through its serenity and peaceful atmosphere. Khandala is another hill adjacent to Lonavala. Several places of interest around Lonavala and Khandala attract tourists throughout the year. They include vivid and picturesque lakes, cliff-tops, eluding caves, and magnificent forts. Dams and waterfalls are a pioneer attraction during and immediately after the monsoon. It is a popular destination for camping, trekking and other adventure sports. As it falls in between the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, thus making commute all the easier. Lonavala is famous for its production of the hard candy chikki which is a sweet eatable thing made from different nuts mixed with jaggery.
Ajanta -Elora
Ajanta and Ellora caves are designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are considered to be one of the finest examples of ancient rock-cut caves. Located close to Aurangabad, these heritage sites pay tribute to the excellent craftsmanship of artisans and sculptors by hammer and chisel. Ajanta and Ellora caves complex is adorned with beautiful sculptures, paintings, and frescoes and include Buddhist monasteries, Hindu and Jain temples. While the Ajanta caves are famous for beautiful mural paintings and sculptures that depict tales of Jatakas, the Ellora caves are well-known for their extraordinary architecture.
Shirdi
The home of great saint Sai Baba, Shirdi holds a strong importance as a holy and pilgrim place by Sai Baba devotees. His temple, Sai Baba Mandir attracts thousands of tourists each year and gives peace and solace to the visitors. The small town is filled with religious spots and activities which will soothe and calm your soul on its visit. Here you can witness the resting place of the saint and take blessings. Devotees from all over the world of all faiths believe in his miracles and teachings. The spiritual bliss you experience goes beyond the capacity of words. Whether you follow any religion or not, you will find peace within the walls of the shrines. The pleasant weather here makes it ideal for you to unwind and have a sacred journey with ease. If you are seeking religious harmony along with the epitome of simplicity, natural beauty and fun activities to enjoy, Shirdi is the place to visit.
Shani Shingnapur
Khajjiar is a small grassy meadow located in the picturesque Chamba valley. Often referred to as the ‘mini-Switzerland of India’, Khajjiar is a small town which provides tourists a combination of forests, lakes and pastures. The saucer-shaped meadow, ringed by pines, has a lake set in the middle, complete with a floating bland. A little golden-spired temple of Khajjinag belonging to the 12th century and a picturesque golf course complete this pretty picture.This popular temple is dedicated to Lord Shanidev, the popular Hindu god associated with the planet Saturn. The spectacle of the deity in black stone is overwhelming. A unique aspect of this place is that no temple structure houses Shanidev. There is only a simple platform on which stands the swayambhu idol, in black stone. This temple of Lord Shani is considered as a live temple. It means that the deity (God) of this temple is still present here. The people residing by the temple have a deep belief in the almighty Lord Shanidev and regard him as their sole protector. That is why the entire village around the Shani Shingnapur Temple has no doors at their residences. The region is crime-free and it does not even house a Police Station. No liquor, No gambling and No Non Vegetarian food is served in this village. This village is covered with large fields of sugarcane and manual form of juice extraction is very famous here. The place has normal weather throughout the year. One must visit this spellbinding pilgrimage destination and seek blessings.
Trimbakeshwar
Trimbakeshwar Temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India. It is a beautiful pilgrimage center for Hindus, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is mentioned in the powerful Mrityunjaya Mantra that bestows immortality and longevity. What sets the Trimbakeshwar temple apart is the jyotirlinga of Shiva that has three faces; they symbolize Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. A pond in the temple premises is a source of river Godavari. The peaceful atmosphere combined with a pleasant climate makes Trimbakeshwar an ideal for nature lovers and those looking for a spiritual getaway. Being a part of the place and the temple of artistic finesse carved in black stone indeed feels like washing away all the sins
Bhimashankar
It is among one of the twelve traditional ‘Jyotilingam’ shrines of Lord Shiva in India. Bhimashankar is not only a pilgrim’s paradise but also a great place for nature lovers as it surrounded by hills and is covered by thick green rainforests. It is placed in the Ghat region of the majestic Sahayadri Ranges. Bhimashankar is an ideal destination to visit. Lush greenery and calm surrounding wins the hearts of the visitors to enjoy quality time with their family, friends or special someone. It also provides for many trekking opportunities given its location amongst the hilly terrains of the Sahayadris.