Things to Do in Maharashtra

1. Camping by the Arthur Lake in Bhandardara: Bhandardara is a resort village and Arthur Lake is one of the most spectacular attractions here. The Lake is abundantly blessed with natural beauty and visitors can camp by the lakeside to revel in the beauty of the lake. There are campgrounds where tourists can pitch their tents, star gaze, and relish scrumptious BBQ dinner. Then, guests can go for forest visits and check out the amazing show that the fireflies put. The next morning, one can wake up to the ecstatic sight of the sun rising in its full glory.

Location: Bhandardara near Igatpuri, Maharashtra
Price: Starts INR 1490 per adult

2. Bhimashankar Trek: This trekking path is located within the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary and takes you into the deep dense jungles of the reserve through wood clad mountains, and streams. At times, trekkers will also have to climb rocks and ladders to proceed. On the way, trekkers can also spot species like giant squirrels, boars, elephants, etc. Trekkers can also visit the revered Jyotirlinga Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva during the trek.

Location: Shri Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Wildlife Reserve, Ganpati Ghat Walkway, Tungi, Maharashtra 410201
Price: INR 875 per adult including meals and private transfers

3. White Water Rafting in Kolad: River Kundalika in Kolad is the best place in Maharashtra to enjoy the adventurous sport of white river rafting. Rafting in the Grade II and Grade III rapids of the river is totally thrilling and there are so many operators who provide safe rafting under guided supervision. The river is fed by the waters of the dam and hence is seasonal. The peak season for this activity is from July to December when the surroundings look exceptionally green.

Location: Kolad, Raigad District, Maharashtra
Price: Starts INR 1450 per adult
Timings: 8.00 AM - 4.00 PM Mon

4. Water sports at Tarkarli Beach: Tarkarli Beach in Malvan is a Heaven for water sport lovers. Water babies can indulge in a plethora of adventurous water activities like parasailing, jet skiing, banana boat rides, bumper rides, and motor boat rides for a race against the wind and the wave. Water sports like snorkelling and scuba diving let thrill seekers explore the flourishing and diverse marine life. Kayaking is another famous activity here where you can paddle through the waters of the Arabian Sea in canoe-like boats.

Location: Malvan taluka, Sindhudurg district, Maharashtra
Timings: 10.00 AM - 4.00 PM Mon- Sun

5. Night Jungle Safari at Melghat Tiger Reserve: Melghat means "Confluence of ghats" and this tiger reserve is nestled in the Gavilgarh Hill range. The night jungle safari at the reserve is one of the most enticing activities to do in Maharashtra as visitors can explore the imposing fauna of the reserve in their natural habitat in the dark. During the night safari rides, one can spot tigers, sloth Bear, Indian Gaur, Sambar deer, Leopard, Nilgais, etc. The best time for spotting animals is during the summer months from March to June.

Location: Amaravati, Maharashtra
Price: INR 600 per safari
Timings: 7.00 PM - 9.00 PM and 4.00 AM - 6.00 AM on all days

6. Camping in Kaas Plateau: Kaas Plateau near Mumbai is that vast expansive land that thrives with various species of exotic flora like  Sundew, Pitcher plants, and Venus Fly Trap . Untouched by human inhabitation, camping amidst the wild flowers of the region under the blanket of stars in comfortable tents is purely soul stirring. Campers can also trek through the Kaas village basking in the beauty of the place. Best time to camp in Kaas is during the monsoons where the plants are in full bloom making the place hypnotically beautiful.

Location: Satara, Maharashtra
Price: Starts INR 3610 per adult

7. Waterfall rappelling at Vihigaon: Descending down the rocky range beside the cascading waters of the Vihigaon waterfall is one of the electrifying things to do in Maharashtra. During this daunting activity, you will be harnessed firmly with the ropes for security reasons. The sheer adventure that this activity gives makes people flock to this place. There is also a Flying Fox activity happening here where you can zoom past like a hawk.

Location: Vihigaon Waterfalls, Maharashtra 421602
Price: Starts INR 1,000 per adult; Flying Fox at an extra cost of INR 500 per person
Timings: 10.00 AM - 5.00 PM Mon - Sun

8. Lohagad Fort Trek: Lohagad is a hill fort near Lonavala that was built about 1033 meters above sea level. The trek starts from the base village and ascends up through picturesque and smooth landscapes. Once atop the fort, one can see four doors - Ganesh Darwaaja, Narayan Darwaja, Hanuman Darwaaja, and Maha Darwaaja. During the monsoon, the magical beauty of the surroundings looks lush green and is sure to melt one's heart.

Location: Pune District, Maharashtra.
Price: Starts INR 680 per adult

9. Scuba Diving in Malvan: Malvan Beach is a great place for scuba diving in Maharashtra. One can take the motor boat ride from the Malvan Beach to the scuba diving site, and then dive into the blue waters of the Arabian Sea. As you dive down, the rich aquatic kingdom welcomes you with colorful schools of fish, rare corals, and amazing reef structures. If water adventure is your choice, scuba diving in Malvan should top your list of unique things in Maharashtra.

Location: Tarkarli Beach, Malvan, Maharashtra
Price: Starts INR 817 per person

10. Paragliding: Kamshet is a small town in Maharashtra where tourists can experience paragliding and cherish the feel of flying like a bird over the beautiful meadows and landscapes of Kamshet. If you are a beginner, you can choose tandem paragliding where the instructor does all the action like take-off, flying, and landing and you can sit back and revel in the beauty around. Instructional tandem is for the more adventurous ones as the instructor will just guide you and take care of your safety while you actually do all the flying, take-off and landing. Acro Paragliding is for professional flyers.

Price: Starts INR 2499 per person for tandem paragliding
Videos and photos are charged extra at INR 500
Location: Kamshet

1. Harishchandragad Trek: Harishchandragad Fort is one of the ancient hill forts in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. Trekkers can trek up the fort and the trekking trail is considered ideal for one day trekking with medium level of physical endurance. During the monsoons, the fort's top gets covered by thick sheets of grey clouds making the trek more adventurous to explore.

2. White River Rafting at Kolad: White river rafting in the rapids of River Kundalika in Kolad is for the strong hearted ones who long for spine chilling adventure. The rapids of the river are strong with sudden drops and it does take a brave soul to survive the two hour long river rafting ride.

3. Paragliding at Kamshet: If you fancy flying like a bird above the hills and meadows, head to the paragliding station at Kamshet. You can glide in the air with the help of a parachute-like canopy. As you glide through the beautiful landscape of lush green cover and rugged hills of Kamshet, you can enjoy panoramic bird’s views.

4. Bhimashankar Trek: Deemed as the most adventurous trekking route in Maharashtra, the Bhimashankar Trek lets you trek through narrow paths made within dense jungles and mountains of the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary. One will also have to encounter multiple waterfalls to trek ahead during monsoons as this is the time when the trek gets super adventurous with slippery paths and gushing streams.

5. Water sports at Tarkarli Beach: Tarkarli Beach is a great destination for those who seek water adventure. The beach has a number of thrilling water sports like parasailing, jet skiing, motor boat rides, scuba diving, and banana boat rides.

6. Waterfall Rappelling at Vihigaon: Here, adventure enthusiasts descend down the rocky path next to Vihi waterfall from a height of 100 feet. As you go down the rocks steadily,  you could feel the waters of the waterfall pouring on you. While the activity sounds daunting, it is performed under expert supervision and is definitely one of the unique things in Maharashtra.

1. Kolad: The rafting activity in Kolad happens at River Kundalika in the waters released from the dam. The rapids of the river here Grade II and Grade III that promise a spine chilling experience. While the waters are rough and have sudden drops, the activity is done with all precautions under the guidance of experienced and well trained swimmers. Most of the rafting sessions last for about 2 hours and this is one of the most adventurous things to do in Maharashtra during the monsoon season.

2. Karjat: Ulhas River and its tributary River Pej in Karjat offers a mind blowing platform for white river rafting. River Pej is perennial with waters released from the Tata Power Project. The wahite water rapids of these rivers pave way for a nerve wracking experience particularly when they collide with the rocky Western Ghats beds. The scenic beauty of Karjat along the river rafting path is something that one could die for.

3. Mutha River in Pune: White river rafting in River Mutha is through Grade 2+ rapid that calls for high risk adventure. The rafting activity happens through a beautiful jungle under the guidance of trained guides with all safety equipment like life jackets. The waters of River Mutha are seasonal and the peak time here is from July to December when the water flow is needed enough and the climate is pleasant.

1. Tadoba Tiger Reserve: This is the largest tiger reserve in Maharashtra and the wildlife safari tour here is one of the no-miss things to do in Maharashtra. The safari rides span over a two hour window and take you through Moharli (Moharli) Zone, Tadoba Zone, and Kolsa Zone. One can spot animals like tigers, leopards, wild dogs, sloth bears, etc.

2. Tipeshwar National Park: This sanctuary is one of the hidden destinations and sprawls over Patanbori and Parwa Ranges of the Pandarkawad Forest Division. There are several rivers that irrigate the sanctuary. Hence, spotting tigers here are fairly easy.  However, practice caution and do not venture deep on your own.

3. Melghat Tiger Reserve: This reserve in the Amaravati region of Maharashtra has both day and night jungle safaris. Species that you can spot are Indian Tiger, Lion Tailed Macaque, Barn Owl, Honey Badger, Indian Badger, and many others. There are also accommodation facilities within the reserve.

4. Pench National Park: One of the most popular tiger reserves in India, Pench National Park is located on the borders of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. Safari rides at this tiger park happen from October to June from 6.00 AM - 11.00 AM and then from 3.00 PM to 6.00 PM. From July to September, the safari operations remain suspended.

1. Bhimashankar Trek: This is one of the most adventurous things to do in Maharashtra that takes you deep into the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary. The trekking trail has dense forests, wild streams, and even rock and ladder climbing. The Bhimashankar Temple en route is worth visiting.

2. Prabalgad Trek: Prabalgad is located between Matheran and Panvel and a trek to the Prabalgad Fort is ideal for beginners. The trek starts at Prabalmachi village and the trekking trail takes you through the rugged terrain of the plateau.

3. Lohagad Fort Trek: This easy trek route takes to the Lohagad Fort which is at an altitude of about 3400 feet above mean sea level from the base village of Lohagad Wadi. The best time to indulge in this activity is during the monsoon and winter months.

4. Takmak Trek: Trekking to the Takmak Trek is one of the leastly explored things to do in Maharashtra. The trek starts from the base village of Sakawar and takes you through dense forest trails up until the fort.

5. Harishchandragad Trek: This is considered as one of the challenging treks in Maharashtra that demands a lot of physical and mental endurance levels. Once atop, trekkers can explore many caves and temples like Pushkarni, Harishchandreshwar Temple, and a shivling inside the Kedareshwar Cave.

1. Adlabs Imagica, Mumbai: One of the biggest theme parks in India, Imagica has many thrilling land and water rides ideal for both adults and kids that promise utmost fun. The Snow Park, Glowmagic, Projecto, and House of Stars makes your visit to this place one of the most cherishable Things to Do in Maharashtra.

2. Essel World, Mumbai: This theme park in Borivali region of  Mumbai is famous for the thrilling rides that it has.The Bird Park and the Water Kingdom here are huge attractions amongst kids and teens. The theme park also has some of the best eateries and restaurants for the food lovers.

3. SkyJumper Trampoline Park: Pune: This indoor amusement park is located in Level 2 of Creativity Mall and has a playground of over 100+ interconnected, world-class trampolines. There are designated kids and adult areas and visiting this place is one of the fun-filled  Activities to do in Maharashtra .

4. Wet n Joy Water Park, Lonavala: This water park has many thrilling water rides, water slides, wave pools, lazy rivers and several eateries that promise unadulterated fun and adventure to its guests.

5. Tikuji-ni-Wadi, Thane: This amusement park in Thane has  go-karts, roller coasters, giant wheels and water park. Visit this place during Mahashivratri to check-out to the huge Shiva statue made out of ice.