Tourist Map of Maharashtra

Tourist Map of Maharashtra

Maharashtra Tourism gives an opportunity to explore the land of sheer vastness and stunning
diversification. Maharashtra, a land of colorful cultures, countless forts, multiple temples,
misty stretch of mountains and serene sea is a perfect destination for the vacationers.

Maps of India offer vast information on Maharashtra tourism and innumerable tour
packages to Maharashtra.

With mainly monsoonal type of climate the best time to visit Maharashtra is from September
to April. The cities are connected with excellent Air, Road and Rail ways to travel within and
around the state.

The main tourists' attractions are:

• Cities of Maharashtra
• Beaches
• Caves
• Forts
• Hill stations
• Wild Life Parks
• Temples and
• Other Landmarks.
Cities of Maharashtra: Maharashtra with its vast stretch has numerous big and small cities.
Mumbai with its busy lifestyle and congested houses is the capital of Maharashtra. Situated
beside the sea Mumbai is considered to be the fasted city and the film capital of India. The
other important cities are Pune, Amravati, Aurangabad, Chandrapur, Jalgaon, Khandala,
Kolhlapur, Nagpur, Nashik, Solapur, and Thane

Beaches: From Dahanu and Bordi in the North to Goa in the South Maharashtra has a 720km
long beach along the Arabian Sea. In the peaceful and pollution free beaches you can not
only indulge in some water sport but also pamper yourself with sun bath and visit historic
monuments. The most popular beaches are Dahanu-Bordi, Ganapatipule, Juhu Beach,
Mandwa and Kihim, Marve, Manori and Gorai, Shriwardhan-Harihareshwar, Tarkarli,
Velneshwar, Vengurla - Malvan.

Caves and Forts: There are about 350 forts and hundreds of prehistoric caves in
Maharashtra. The remnants of such caves and forts are remarkable evidence of the brave
Maratha warriors. Caves of Aurangabad, Ajanta, Ellora, Elephanta and Pitalkhora, and forts
of Bassein, Daulatabad, Gavilgad, Ghodbunder, Murud - Janjira, Murud - Harnai, Panhala,
Raigad, Sinhagad, and Vijaydurg - Sindhudurg must be visited while in a trip to Maharashtra.

There are also hill stations like Amboli, Bhandardara, Chikhaldara Hills, Jawhar, Khandala,
Lonavala and Karla, Mahabaleshwar, Malshej Ghat, Matheran, Panchgani, Panhala,Toranmal
that could be visited during the summers.

Countless Wild Life Parks, Temples and Other Landmarks spread all over the state.

How to get there: There are airports in Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Aurangabad, Nashik and
Sholapur. Also the state is well linked with road and railways. There are also several package
tours available in Maharashtra. Private cars and taxis could be hired at reasonable rates.
Hotels and resorts of a varying range are available.

Maharashtra Forts
Maharashtra is a land of Forts with its 350 odd forts. Every brick of it talks about the glorious
history of the great Maratha rulers. Nowhere in India could such a plethora and variety of
Forts could be observed. Like Murud-Janjira located on an island, or, the fort of Bassein
guarding the sea, or the forts of Torna and Raigad amidst Sahyadris, the Maharashtra Forts
has everything in it from beauty to enigma.

Know Maharashtra Forts Better:

Bassein: Bassein Fort is about 55km from Mumbai. Located in Vasai this Fort was built by
Bahadur Shah, the then Sultan of Gujarat. The Bassein Fort is in ruins now.

Daulatabad: Daulatabad Fort was built by Bhilma Raja of the Yadava Dynasty in 1187. It
was then known as Devagiri or the Hill of Gods. Daulatabad gained its modern name by
Mohammad Tughlak, when he wanted to shift his capital here and named it as Daulatabad or
the City of Fortunes. It’s situated atop hill, 13 km from Aurangabad.

Gavilgad: The 300 year old Gavilgad Fort is Located near Chikhaldara hill station in
Amravati district of Maharashtra. It is said that this is the place from where Bhima killed
Keechaka and threw him down the hill into the valley. The Gavilgad Fort is now under the
Melghat Tiger Project.

Ghodbunder: Away from the busy city lives, Ghodbunder is located atop hill in the lap
nature’s tranquility. The panoramic view of the Bassein is not to be missed from here.

Murud – Janjira: Situated 165 km away from Mumbai Murud – Janjira is a walled island
away from shore. This is probably the only fort standing strong on the 720km coastline of
Maharashtra.

Murud – Harnai: The Murud – Harnai fort is famous for its clean beach, white sands and
clear water.

Panhala: This is the largest fort of all the Deccan Forts. Located 18km northwest of
Kolhapur, the Panhala Fort was founded by Raja Bhoja in the late 12th century. The fort has
a huge boundary wall of over 7km in length

Raigad: The Raigad Fort was built by Chhatrapari Shivaji Maharaj in the 14th century. This
strategically built fort had repeatedly confronted the enemies and defeated them. Raigad was
the capital of the Marathas under Shivaji and the British named it as “Gibraltar of the East”.

Sinhagad: This fort is 25km from Pune and is a favorite picnic spot for them. 700mtrs atop
hill Sinhagad is a perfect destination for the trekkers.
Vijaydurg – Sindhudurg: This twin fort were in built in 1664 AD on a site personally
selected by Shivaji. The Vijaydurg – Sindhudurg is located off the Malvan coast on the
ocean. 4000 mounds of iron and lead were used to lay the foundation of
these forts firmly.
Maharashtra
With an area of 307,690 Sq km, Maharashtra is the third largest state of India, and has a
coastal strip (Arabian Sea) of 720 km. Maharashtra has an eerie, primitive beauty, with its
soul, true to Hindu belief lies south of bustling Mumbai. Once the center of mighty Maratha
empire particularly during the 17th century, the state has a glorious past - not just from the
Shivaji period, but from an era much earlier, between 2nd century B.C. and 13 century A.D.
This historical legacy has left behind a treasure for the visitor. The works of Buddhist, Hindu
and Jain are masterpieces in their own rights. The caves at Ajanta and Ellora, executed
exquisitely rank with Taj Mahal (Agra), the temples of Khajuraho (Orrisa) and Kanchipuram,
and the ruined city of Fatehpur Sikri (U.P.) as the country's greatest wonders.
Apart from the cave temples, Buddhist, Hindu and Jain sculptures and art objects, put the
state on the prized podium of the state having the Taj Mahal. Castles and Forts, hill stations
of Mahabaleshwar, Matheran and Panchgani, pilgrim sites of Pandharpur, Tour Itineraries
Ajanta Ellora World Heritage Monuments India Tour Nasik, Shirdi, Aurangabad, Nanded and
Ganapatipule are simply the itineraries of the true masti by Travelmasti.
Not withstanding the Mumbai's pre eminence for having some famous British structures like
Victoria Terminus (Now Known as Shivaji Terminus) the Gatewat of India etc. Travelmasti
enthusuastis must find explore and discover where the soul of Maharashtra lies.

Cities of Maharashtra

Maharashtra is a vast state on the western part of India. With an area of 38,864 sq km
and population of 33 million Maharashtra is one of the largest states in India. An array of
diversification can be observed in all parts of the cities of Maharashtra. A cluster of cultures
accumulated together forms the cities of Maharashtra.

Mumbai is the capital of Maharashtra and the economic and film capital of India. It is one of
the busiest cities of India too. With alluring streets and glamorous life style Mumbai will
create a sensation every time you visit. With the largest film industry in the city, Mumbai is a
hub of celebrities.

Pune: 170km south of Mumbai, Pune is the education hub of western India. With Asia’s
largest film school, FTII and National Defense Academy and many other management and
technical institutions Pune is the fastest growing city in India in the software industry.

Nagpur is one of the chief industrial cities of Maharashtra and is most famous for its
production of oranges. The third largest natural salt-water lake in the world is situated in
Nagpur.

The other important cities of Maharashtra are Amravati, Aurangabad, Chandrapur, Jalgaon,
Khandala, Kolhlapur, Nashik, Solapur, and Thane. The cities of Maharashtra are filled with
numerous historical monuments, wild life parks, temples, beaches and many more, every
tourist would love to explore.
Name of the Tourist
Weather Population
cities Attractions
Ambadevi
Summer-up to 47 Temple, Chatri
2,607,160(
degrees, Winter- Talao, , Melghat
Amravati 2001
6degreesRainfall- Tiger Reserve,
census)
adequate amount. Wan Sanctuary
and Chikhaldara.
Bibi-Ka-
Maqbara,
Aurangabad
Caves,
Summer-up to 2,897,103
Daulatabad Fort,
Aurangabad 40degrees,Winter- ( 2001
Khuldabad,
below 5degrees. census)
Shirdi,
Grihneshwar
Temple, Ajanata
and Ellora Caves
Khandala Lake
Pleasant summer, and Bhushi Lake,
cool winter and Karla, The Bhaja
Khandala 21043
very heavy Caves, Shiva
southwestern rain. temple, Tiger's
Leap
Gateway of India,
Marine Drive,
Juhu Beach, Essel
Mumbai Climate
World, Jehangir
Mumbai Humid summer and 11,914,398
Art Gallery,
dry winter
Siddhivinayak
Temple,
Bollywood.
Gavilgad Fort,
Dry and mildly
Forts of Balapur,
humid.
Lonar Lake,
Nagpur Temperature ranges 2,420,000
Markandeya
between 10 to 40
Temple, Naranala
degrees.
Fort
Osho Ashram,
Very hot summers Raja Dinkar
Pune and very cold 4,485,000 Kelkar Museum,
winters. Tribal Museum,
Aga Khan Palace,
Getting to Maharashtra: All the cities of Maharashtra are linked with excellent Air, Road
and Railways. Private cars are available for package tours. Luxury and star hotels of varying
range is also available for accommodation. Catch more information on:
General Information

Population Decadal Growth 1991 - 2001:

Persons 96,752,247 Persons : (+) 22.57 %
Males 50,334,270 Males : (+) 23.29 %
Females 46,417,977 Females : (+) 21.79 %
Sex Ratio: 922
AREA: 307,690 SQ.KM
Capital : MUMBAI
Language : Marathi, Hindi and English
Districts: 31
Airports: Mumbai, Pune, Auranagabad, Nashik, Nagpur.
Major Railway Station: Mumbai, Pune, Auranagabad, Nashik, Nagpur.
History
The name Maharashtra first appeared in a 7th century inscription and in a Chinese traveler's
account. Its name may have originated from rathi, which means, 'chariot driver'. At that age
Maharashtra was full of builders and drivers of chariots who formed a maharathis, a 'fighting
force.' In 90 A.D. king Vedishri made Junnar, thirty miles north of Pune, the capital of his
kingdom. In the early fourteenth century the Devgiri Yadavs were overthrown by the
northern Muslim powers. Then on, for the 900 years ending, no historical information in this
region is available. In 1526, first Mughal king, Babar, established his prominence in Delhi
and soon the Mughal power spread to the southern India. The Mughals were to dominate
India till the early eighteenth century.
Shivaji Bhosle, founder of the Maratha Empire, was born in 1627. He took the oath to make
the land free at the fort Torna at the age of sixteen. This was the start of his lifelong struggle
against Mughals and other Muslim powers. By 1680, the year of Shivaji's death, nearly whole
of the Deccan belonged to his kingdom. He had developed an efficient administration and a
powerful army. He also encouraged a spirit of independence among the Marathas that
enabled them to withstand for 150 years all attempts to conquer them. Shivaji's achievements
amongst monumental difficulties were really spectacular and that is why he holds the highest
place in Maratha history.
Culture
A region as diverse and rich in geography, biology and people and customs, naturally has a
long and varied tradition of art and crafts. Maharashtra is the proud home to various different
artistic techniques which have flourished under the many rulers including the Marathas, the
Mughals and the British. From the paintings at Ajanta, so many hundreds of years ago, to
today's Warli paintings, Maharashtra's ties with the Arts have always remained strong and
nurturing.
Mashru and Himru
Aurangabad is famous for Mashru and Himru fabrics made of cotton and silk with the luster
of satin. Himru is an age-old weaving craft, and was originally known as kum khuab.
Bidri Ware
Bidri ware, another one of Aurangabad's ancient crafts, is made from a combination of zinc
and copper. It usually involves intricate workmanship of pure silver, either embossed,
overlaid or inlaid on the metal surface. Originally, Bidri ware items were used as hookahs or
paan daans . Nowadays they are more often sold as souvenirs.
Paithani Saris
Sawantwadi Crafts
From recent evidence, it appears that the craft of lacquer ware was introduced into
Sawantwadi around the end of the 17 th and the beginning of the 18 th century. Lacquer ware
can be broadly divided into three categories. Firstly, turned lacquer ware which is the craft of
applying coloured lacquer on an object which is turning on a lathe, and then polishing and
buffing it by means of a kewda leaf. Secondly, painting of floral borders and motifs on
surfaces of objects and thirdly, the painting of mythological figures on various surfaces.
The painting of mythological figures show three distinct styles, roughly divided into the
Chitrakatha, Temple and Ganjifa styles. The Chitrakatha style shows a boldness and
tremendous mobility of figures. Temple paintings are static and usually depict a seated deity.
The Ganjifa paintings on the other hand, are very stylised and depict the ten incarnations of
Vishnu.
Warli Paintings
The Warlis are tribal people who live in the Thane district, north of Mumbai. Traditionally,
Warli paintings or chawk were made by women during wedding rituals. These sacred
pictographs used rice paste and straw, which was then smeared on the walls of their modest
huts. The main figure was of Palghat, the goddess of trees and plants, symbolising creative
energy. These days, even young men have taken to painting and they are often done on paper
incorporating traditional decorative Warli motifs with modern elements as well such as the
bicycle, etc. Warli paintings on paper have become very popular and are now sold all over
India.
Clothing and Jewellery
Narayan Peth
A traditional Maharashtrian sari usually from around Sholapur, the Narayan Peth sari is
beautifully woven in silk with a contrasting zari border, generally with ' rudraksha ' motifs