Entry to Maharashtra is open from all domestic states
Flights to Maharashtra (Mumbai) are available from Delhi, Chennai, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Goa and 20 other destinations
Special COVID trains available from Delhi, Bhubaneshwar and 10 other places to Mumbai
If you're planning to travel to Maharashtra, Thrillophilia recommends you follow all safety guidelines and measures issued by the government and practice personal hygiene to make sure to are safe.
The Chandrapur Tiger Safari in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra is resuming Safari from October 1 with strict safety measures and guidelines issued by the government. Read more.
Masks are made mandatory for all passengers and crew flying to Mumbai, throughout the journey. Social distancing has to be followed compulsorily by passengers while de-boarding the flight.
Uksan Lake is one of those places that promise to take you into a peaceful and blissful space, away from the chaos of city life. This is a small oasis-like place that is framed by hills and forests, lending it a beautiful appearance.It is a great place to hike, swim, night camp, barbeque, or just sit by the lakeside and hear the water rustling around you. Seeing the sunset or sunrise here is also a great experience. The lake waters swell up and the surrounding greens look even more luxuriant during and after the rains. Location: 14 kilometres from Kamshet. Best time: The lake is best visited after the monsoon months of June-September.
Cave exploration in Kamshet is incomplete without visiting the Buddhist Bedse Caves, which are said to be built in the first century. Like most caves, these also have a dark, damp, and mystic allure about them. As you enter, you will see a temple with ancient carvings of elephants, horses, etc. on the walls. A beautifully carved ceiling and pillars arch the monastery inside, which is a must-see. This is one of the best places to visit in Kamshet to spend time meditating or simply being with oneself in the silent & serene environs of the caves. Location: 10 kilometres from Kamshet.Best time: Monsoons months of June-September.
Shinde Wadi hills is famous among the Kamshet attractions as one of the best paragliding spots. However, it is also known for its ravishing sunrise and sunset view. One should surely visit this place early in the morning to get a look at the enthralling sunrise providing you with peace. Traverse along with the bounties of Shinde wadi hills as the greenery and refreshing cool winds will make you fall in love with this spot. Places to visit in Kamshet are numerous yet this place will never disappoint you in any way. Spotted at a height of 200 feet, the hills will enchant you with the best experience of paragliding. Location: 2 kilometers from KamshetBest Time: February-May and October-December
These caves, one of the oldest in Maharashtra, are one of the most popular places to visit in Kamshet. Located on a high rocky area, they are reachable through a hike on very rocky terrain. Once there, you will be rewarded with beautiful and majestic views of these intriguing caves. An ancient site for animal sacrifices, it is said that the practice is still followed here. You can even see some utensils kept here. Spend some time here taking in panoramic views of the twin forts of Rajmachi, Shrivardhan, and Manoranjan surrounded by the tranquillity of nature. Location: The caves are located in Jambhivali, which is 20 kilometres from Kamshet.Best time: February- May, and October- December.
Among the most popular places to visit in Ganpatipule, the stunning beach is the major attraction for tourists. Lined by verdant green palm trees and mangroves and washed by the turquoise waters of the Arabian Sea, the unspoiled beach presents a mesmerizing panorama. Travellers flock to the beach all year round to enjoy a quiet time away from the bustle of the city.In monsoons, the rain-washed beach and the roaring sea waves are sure to enchant you. The fresh sea breeze blowing in the balmy summer evenings will refresh your body and mind. In the mild winters, this destination becomes the hotspot for exhilarating adventure sports.Families can bond over laidback beach games, and couples can enjoy intimate moments in the delightful backdrop of the sun and the sea. Regardless of your age and preference, Ganpatipule Beach will captivate you.Location: 37 km from Mumbai, Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra.Timings: All-day.
One of the most revered tourist attractions in Khandala is the Pavana lake where you can witness a range of activities like zip-lining, rappelling, campfire, and a whole lot more. The Lake is snuggled on the Pawna Dam and the magical aura that is picturized is just beyond one’s imagination. The entire region is brimming with soothing vibes and is just the right place for a weekend getaway. Pawna is approximately 15 to 20 km away from Lonavala and is a perfect combination of thrill and solitude. Apart from this, you can relax along the lake or can gape at the star-studded sky with camping.Essential Information:Location: Pawna Lake, Lonavala, MaharashtraBest Time: Throughout the yearTimings: All time openPrice: Starting from INR 900 per person.
The town is known as Ganpatipule because Ganpati, the lord of the masses, resides on the fine white sand called ‘pule’ in the famous Swayambhu Ganpati Temple here. This temple is the principal attraction among the places to visit in Ganpatipule.Thousands of pilgrims pay homage to the naturally-created idol of Lord Ganesha, which is believed to be self-incarnate. Unlike other Hindu temples, the deity here faces the west, and is considered one of the Paschim Dwar Devatas or gods who guard the west.The sanctum of the shrine remains alluringly illuminated by the golden rays of the sun. Pradakshina or perambulations of the hill on top of which the temple is built are considered sacred. The town reverberates with the enchanting beats of drums when prayers are offered to the deity every morning and evening, which creates a deeply spiritual ambience.Location: 1km from Ganpatipule bus stand.Timing: Daily 5:00am-9:00pm.
This 16th-century fort is one of the most notable tourist places in Ganpatipule, standing tall withstanding the tests of time. The fort was built on a cliff overlooking the Jaigad creek at the confluence of River Shastri and the Arabian Sea, to protect one of the major ports of the era.The remains of this majestic architectural splendour, extending over 13 acres at an elevation of 250 feet above sea level, will spellbind you. A moat that used to be filled with water as a protection against invaders surrounds the structure.Most of the outer walls and ramparts are intact, connected by robust bastions. If you climb the stairways, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the creek from the upper fortress. In the centre of the construction lies the palace of Shivaji’s commander-in-chief Kanhoji Angre.Location: Near Jaigad Village, approximately 20 km to the north-west of Ganpatipule.Timings: 9am to 4.30pm.
Be careful: One needs to be extra cautious around people like taxi drivers, auto drivers, tourist guides among others because they tend to take advantage of your lack of the knowledge of the place and seemingly try to loot you of your money.
Avoid unnecessary attention: Do not flash too much cash in a crowded area. You will unnecessarily be attracting attention. This way you can avoid trouble too.
Avoid too much public display of attention: It is important that we realize that whole the country may be advancing, the people will still take time to do so. People are slightly traditional and therefore, it is better to respect their sentiments. As far as women are concerned, it is important that they do not wear too revealing clothes and travelers should especially avoid excessive public display of affection.
Bottled water: As far as possible, try having bottled water and ensure that the seal of the bottle is intact.
Drinking laws: The legal drinking age in Maharashtra is 25. However, there are many teenagers who recklessly indulge in this behavior especially in cities like Mumbai, Pune, Alibaug and Nashik. The government requires an identity proof before folks can consume alcohol. Therefore, remain especially cautious of this. However, there is certainly no denying the fact that the nightlife in these cities is among the best India has to offer.
Cultural exploration through the state of Maharashtra: The state of Maharashtra is known for many things. All the way from its food to landscapes and the different kind of people that comes from varied backgrounds. Indulge in cultural exploration of this place by visiting the primary attractions and interacting with the locals and getting to know the place a bit better. Travel from place to place and we are sure that you won’t be disappointed.
Embrace the flora and fauna of the state: Most people have a wrong perception about Maharshtra. They feel that the state is rather pale by nature. However, they are quite wrong about that. One can easily get up from their lazy life and find something interesting to do in Maharashtra. Whether it is exploring the glistening cityscapes of Mumbai or chilling in the serenity of Mahasbaleshwar or Lonavla. These places offer you much more than you could have expected.
Chill at the vast beaches of Maharashtra: Maharashtra houses mountains as well as beaches. Thus, when you’re done indulging in the beauty of mountains, you can move on to exploring the beaches of Maharashtra. Find serenity in beaches like Ganpatiphule beach, Shriwardhan Harihareshwar beach, Madh island beach, Tarkarli beach, Chowpatty beach, Juhu beach, Vengurla Malvan beach and others. This state offers much more in terms of activities to do than one can expect.
Hunt for caves in the state: Some of the most prominent caves like the Ajanta Ellora or the Elephanta caves fall within the jurisdiction of Maharashtra. These are perhaps, some of the most primary attractions existing in the whole of Maharashtra. It is essential that one becomes a part of these cave explorations themselves to truly understand the beauty that lies behind it.
Spiritual oneness by visiting holy places: For those who are pilgrims by heart, there are many places that you can visit too. For instance, the Siddhivinayak Temple or the Mount Mary Church. You have Haji Ali, the Grishneshwar Temple, Trimbakeshwar temple and more that you can visit.
Visit the popular tourist spots: First and foremost, it certainly makes sense to finish off by visiting the popular tourist spots in and around Maharashtra. Maharashtra is large state and it may take time to do so. Therefore, single out all the necessary ones and go on a trip around the place but make sure you don’t miss any.
Realize the historic relevance the state holds: Maharashtra comprises of endless well known destinations that hold great historic significance in India. Among the many is the city of Kolhapur that has a lot to offer to the traveler.
Go city hopping: A little fact check – did you know that the word Maharashtra is derived from two Sanskrit words namely, Maha and Rashtra which means Great and Nation respectively. It truly is a great nation that comprises of numerous famous, well-developed cities which you surely have to explore such as Mumbai, Pune, Thane, Nasik and so on.
Relaxing visit to hill stations: There are numerous hill stations that fall in the category of Maharashtra. For instance, Lonavla, Khandala, Mahabaleshwar, Matheran among others. Enjoy a relaxing stay at these places when you’re done with the bustling city life of the state. What’s more? Many of these places offer endless activities to keep you busy. Indulge in watersports too!
Food tasting sessions: Of course – one of the most important things to do when you want to get to know the place better is to indulge in some flavourful food tasting sessions of the place. Don’t forget to have the local vada pavs and the special delicacies in the state.
Maharashtra Govt. Tourism Website
Books to read on Maharashtra: Rise of the Maratha Power, History in the Vernacular, The Fakir – Thoughts and Prayers.
