Maharashtra is one of the 29 States in India and is located on the Western Konkan Coasts. The state is popular for its rich natural beauty and historical significance. It has the perfect mix of tourist places which include hill stations, beach resorts, and pilgrimage sites. The tourist places in Maharashtra are a must-visit when you visit India.
By air:- Mumbai International Airport is one of the most important airports in India and connected to almost all major countries in the world. The busy airport receives both international and domestic tourists who can travel here to reach Maharashtra easily. Alternatively, domestic flyers can reach Aurangabad airport to visit tourist destinations in Maharashtra.
By rail:- Maharashtra is well connected by rail links which run throughout the state. Except in hill stations, you will find plenty of railway stations around Maharashtra, which make travelling super easy. Pune and Mumbai are the two most important railway stations which receive trains from all over the country.
By road:- Travelling to Maharashtra via roadways is pretty easy and comfortable. Tourists can take the NH48 highway, which passes through all the important destinations in Maharashtra.
15 best places to visit in Maharashtra
If you are looking for best tourist places in Maharashtra, take a look at the list below:
Ajanta and Ellora Caves
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Ajanta and Ellora caves are one of the best tourist places in Maharashtra. These caves have been recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and draw millions of tourists worldwide. They are located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra and are easily connected by roadways. The cave complex contains 17 Hindu caves, 12 Buddhist caves, and 5 Jain caves. The Hindu caves have one of the largest rock-cut Hindu temples in it.
These ancient artworks date back to 600–1000 CE. The largest single monolithic rock excavation in the world is also located in the cave complex. They were created under the Rashtrakuta dynasty and the Yadava dynasty. The beauty of these caves and the ancient artwork will mesmerise tourists and develop a deep appreciation for ancient Indian art.
A quick ride of 3 hours will take you from Aurangabad to Ajanta and Ellora caves. The Aurangabad – Ajanta – Jalgaon Road is the best route to take when travelling here.
Mahabaleshwar
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Mahabaleshwar is a small hill town located in the Satara district of Maharashtra. The town is renowned as a major place to visit in Maharashtra. The Krishna river originates here, and the town was the summer capital of the Bombay Presidency during colonial times. Located in the lap of the Western Ghats, the town offers breathtaking views of the hills. You will be surrounded by greenery wherever you go in Mahabaleshwar.
This popular tourist destination is also a major pilgrimage site for devotees coming to the Krishnabai temple. The other popular places of interest here are Kate’s Point, 3 Monkey Point, Venna lake, Arthur Point, and Lingmala Waterfalls. You can spend some time at the various resorts around and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Western Ghats.
Mahabaleshwar can be easily reached from Pune via NH 48 highway. A very picturesque ride of under 3 hours will take you to this amazing tourist destination in Maharashtra.
Mumbai
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Any Maharashtra tourists places list is incomplete without the mention of Mumbai. Mumbai is the capital city of Maharashtra and one of the biggest metropolitan cities in India. The city of dreams is home to over 20 million people and is one of the most populous cities in the country. Located close to the Konkan coast of western India, the city also has a large natural harbour.
The rich history of Mumbai along with its great tourist attractions, makes it among the best places to visit in Maharashtra. The famous places to see here are Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Gateway Of India Mumbai, Marine Drive, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Shri Siddhi Vinayak Ganapati Mandir, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Haji Ali Dargah, and many more. The ancient caves of Kanheri Caves and Elephanta Caves should not be missed at all.
Mumbai is well connected by air, rail, and road links. The Mumbai International Airport receives both international and domestic flights from all over the world. Mumbai railway station is also an important rail link which connects the city with other parts of India.
Panchgani
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Panchgani is another major hill station in Maharashtra frequented by tourists. This hill station lies nestled in the middle of five hills in the Sahyādri mountain ranges. The volcanic plateau at Panchgani is the second highest plateau in Asia and highlights the beauty of the Deccan plateau in India. A short ride from Pune via NH 48 highway will take you to Panchgani.
You can spend a few days in the lap of nature and enjoy the panoramic views of the hills around. The lush green hill slopes and woods will soothe your eyes and offer some well-deserved repose away from the hustle and bustle of cities. You can visit all the famous places in Panchgani like Sydney Point, Table Land, Parsi Point, Devrai Art Village, Velocity Entertainmentz, and the scenic Panchgani – Mahabaleshwar Road.
Shirdi
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Shirdi is amongst Maharashtra’s famous places. Shirdi is a pilgrimage centre in India located in the Rahata Taluka of Ahmednagar District. Shirdi is known all over the world for the Shirdi Sai Temple, which sees a huge influx of tourists every year. Among the top places to visit in Maharashtra, Shirdi will provide some respite from work while you come here and soak in the spiritual power of the Shirdi Sai Temple.
Shirdi Temple was constructed for the 19th-century saint Shirdi Sai Baba. You can take a short tour of Shirdi as a day tour or choose to stay back and enjoy the peace of Shirdi. The other notable places of interest are Dwarkamai, Sai Heritage Village, Sai Tirth Devotional Theme Park, Dixit Wada Museum, Shree Saibaba Chavadi, Lendi Garden, and Prasadalaya Shirdi.
Sainagar Shirdi railway station is an important rail link in Maharashtra, located within the city of Shirdi; this busy railway station receives trains from all over the country.
Lavasa
Lavasa is a quaint hill town near Pune, Maharashtra, and a popular Maharashtra tourism place. The town was constructed after being inspired by the Italian town Portofino. This extremely picturesque town in the heart of the hills is a popular tourist destination for people in India and Maharashtra. Located in the Mulshi Valley, it offers some scenic views of the Western Ghats but is much accessible for tourists of all ages.
You can spend a day or two roaming about the city and enjoying the slow and peaceful life here. The breathtaking rivers and lakes here will also catch your attention and make you want to stay longer. When in Lavasa, you should definitely visit Dasve View Point, Lavasa Nature Trail, Lakeshore Watersports co, Dasve Lake, Lavasa Oase Musical Fountain, Dasve Bird Viewing Gallery, and many more.
Lavasa is only 60 km away from Pune and can be reached within 2 hours. Tourists can take the Temghar-Lavasa Road from Pune to reach the destination easily.
Rajmachi
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Rajmachi is a well-known tourist destination in the hills of Maharashtra. The Rajmachi Fort (Killa) is a tourist place in Maharashtra that deserves special mention. Located in the rugged hills of the Sahyadri mountains, the fort has two twin fortresses, Shriwardhan and Manaranjan, with a wide plateau surrounding them. The fort is often visited by history enthusiasts and locals who come to marvel at its ancient architecture.
The hill station is also another popular getaway for tourists who want to enjoy some time amidst nature and avoid having a tiresome itinerary. You can travel to Rajmachi from Pune via Mumbai – Satara Highway. There are major resorts in the area so staying back is definitely an option for nature lovers. You will also catch some beautiful views of the hills and photograph them as memories.
Lonavala
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Lonavala is one of the best places to visit in Maharashtra and is one of the most famous places in Maharashtra. This popular tourist destination is located in the Pune district and is easily accessible by road. The Mumbai-Pune expressway is a spectacular stretch of road which will take you to Lonavala. The route traverses through the Western Ghats and crosses numerous streams and waterfalls.
A long drive through the Mumbai-Pune highways will take you to Lonavala and is actually a popular thing to do in Maharashtra which deserves a special place in the itinerary. Lonavala itself is a serene hill station with picturesque resorts and places to stay, which will surely set you back a day or two. The places for sightseeing here are Della Adventure Park, Kune Falls, Lonavala Lake, Shree Narayani Dham Temple, Lion Point, Tungarli Lake, Bhor Ghat, and Shooting Point.
Alibaug
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Alibaug is a small town in the Raigad District. This famous beach town is among the best tourist places in Maharashtra and is known for its scenic beaches. If you are not a hill station person, Alibaug town will be your ideal destination in Maharashtra. It is located only a few kilometres away from Mumbai and is frequented by Mumbai locals.
The beautiful beaches of Alibaug are mostly crowd-free and can be enjoyed with friends and family. You can have a weekend getaway here after a tour of the caves and temples of Maharashtra. Stay back at the budget resorts and hotels in the town and munch on some delicious snacks from the street food stalls. You can also take walks on the seashore to watch the mesmerising sunsets and sunrises. Tourists can easily reach Alibaug via NH 66 from Mumbai in under 3 hours.
Bhandardara
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Bhandardara is a resort village near Igatpuri. It is located on the western ghats of India and offers some amazing waterfalls and viewpoints. The village is located in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra and is a short drive away from Mumbai and Ahmednagar. The village has a large number of historical sites of interest, like the Ratangad and Harishchandragad forts.
You can also hike to the Ghanchakkar peaks and enjoy the paranormal views from the top. The highest peak in Maharashtra, Mount Kalsubai, is located in Bari Village, which is also close to Bhandardara. The other tourist places in the area are Arthur Hill Lake, Wilson Dam, Umbrella Fall, Amruteshwar Temple, Kalsubai Peak, Pabargad Fort, and Randha Waterfall. Bhandardara is about 4 hours away from Mumbai and accessible via NH160 highway.
Kolad
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Kolad is the ideal destination for thrill-seekers and adventure lovers. The town is a famous spot for white water rafting, which is the top attraction of the place. Located in the Raigad district in Maharashtra, the village offers spectacular waterfalls, lush green woods, and a picturesque backdrop of Sahyadris. Kolad is also ideal for people who want to enjoy the unfiltered beauty of nature in person.
There are many places to stay in the area, and you can easily spend 1-2 days here even if you are not into adventure sports. The top adventure sports available here are rafting, rock climbing, rappelling, and kayaking. The Kundalika River and its majestic speed and volume will wow tourists who are out to see some amazing places in Maharashtra.
Kolad is a little upwards of 120 km away from Mumbai. You can reach this destination via Bengaluru – Mumbai Hwy/Mumbai Hwy/Mumbai – Pandharpur Rd/Mumbai – Pune Hwy/Mumbai – Satara Hwy and NH 548A highway from the capital city, Mumbai.
Aurangabad
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Aurangabad, also known as Khadki and Fatehnagar, is a city in west-central Maharashtra. It lies in the hilly upland region of the Kaum River. The city is also the administrative headquarters of the Aurangabad district. Additionally, it is a textile hub of India and is known for being a major production city of cotton textile and silk fabrics. The city is also culturally and historically gifted with monuments and forts of imperial India.
The top places to see here are Aurangabad Caves, Daulatabad Fort, Grishneshwar Temple, Jama Mosque, Bibi Ka Maqbara, Himayat Bagh, Panchakki, and Salim Ali Lake. It is undoubtedly among the most famous places in Maharashtra and should be included in your itinerary. Aurangabad has its own domestic airport so travelling here won’t be a problem.
Ganpatipule
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Ganpatipule is a quaint town on the Konkan Coast. The town has a rich collection of beaches, which is why it’s a popular tourist destination. The Swayambhu Ganpati Temple is another major attraction in Ganpatipule due to its spiritual and religious value. It is an important pilgrimage site for Hindu devotees of Lord Ganesha.
The beaches to explore here are Ganpatipule Beach and Aare Ware Beach. The Prachin Konkan, or the open-air museum, is a spot that depicts the everyday traditional Konkan life. Jaigad Fort and a British-built lighthouse are also places to see in Ganpatipule. You can take a short tour of the town and go back on your travels or stay back in the beachside hotels. The local cuisines here are also special attractions of the place and are available at throwaway prices.
To reach Ganpatipule, you need to travel to Ratnagiri which is the nearest railway station. It is located about 50 km from Ganpatipule and easily accessible via public and private transport.
Raigad
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The Raigad district in Maharashtra was the first capital of the former Maratha Empire. The district is famous for its historical value and the Raigarh Fort, which is visited by thousands of tourists throughout the year. The fort is located among dense green forests on a west-facing spur of the Western Ghats of Sahyadri Range.
The Fort lies on a flat stretch of and on a hill that offers stunning views of the Western Ghats. Though the fort is now in ruins, it is one of the strongest forts in India. It was built by Shivaji Maharaj in the 17th century. You can take a short hike to the fort and explore its old architecture and bask in the evening sunlight of the Western Ghats. You can stay back here and take a full day to explore the beauty of the Raigarh Fort.
Raigad is fairly close to the capital city of Mumbai. Tourists can travel here via Mumbai – Pune Hwy/Mumbai – Satara Hwy and NH 548A highway from the capital city of Mumbai.
Amboli
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Amboli is a hill station in Maharashtra famous for its waterfalls. The village is situated in the Sahyadri Hills and has been tagged as one of the “Eco Hot-Spots” in India. The source of the Hiranyakeshi river lies in the hills around Amboli village. There is an ancient Shiva temple named Hiranya Keshwar, which is located in the cave with the source of the river.
You will be awestruck by the beauty of Amboli. Though it is a small town, there are plenty of places to stay, and you can enjoy the natural flora and fauna of Amboli when you visit the village. You can also visit places like Amboli Ghat, Mahadev Gad, Shirgaonkar Point, Mahadevgad Fort, Kavalshet Point, Nangartas Waterfalls, and Kavalesaad Falls.
You can reach Amboli from Mumbai via Mumbai – Satara Highway and NH 48 highways. Plenty of private cabs are available from the main city so travelling by road won’t be a problem.
FAQs
Is Maharashtra worth visiting?
Maharashtra is a beautiful state with the rich beauty of hills and natural harbours. The state is definitely worth visiting due to its variety of tourist attractions.
How many days are enough for Maharashtra?
If you want to have a complete tour of Maharashtra while covering some of the most important cities, a travel plan of 7-8 days is ideal.
What are the best places to visit in Maharashtra?
Some of the best places to visit in Maharashtra include Mahabaleshwar, Ajanta and Ellora caves, Lavasa, Lonavala, Mumbai, and Aurangabad.
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Nisha A Rawat, diligently tracks the residential real estate trends and offers valuable insights in her articles. She’s skilled at making real estate terminology easy to understand, ensuring accessibility for all. Nisha’s articles are well-researched and analytical.
