Maharashtra is the second largest state in India, and covers an area of 307,704 sq km. It has a population of 112 million people and is bordered by Gujarat on the north, Madhya Pradesh on the east, Chhattisgarh on the south-east and Goa on the west coast. The capital city of Maharashtra is Mumbai (formerly Bombay), which is also India’s financial centre.
Maharashtra has been one of India’s most important states since ancient times due to its strategic position between two major trade routes: one running from northwest India through Gujarat into Central Asia; and another from western India into southern Asia via Karnataka or Kerala.
Mumbai
Mumbai is the commercial capital of India and is home to some of its most famous landmarks.
1. The city’s Marine Drive, which runs along the Arabian Sea, is a popular spot for strolling and watching sunset.
2. Gateway of India is another must-see attraction in Mumbai; it was built to commemorate the visit by King George V and Queen Mary to India in 1911.
3. Maharashtra’s largest city has plenty more to offer visitors who want to explore beyond its beaches like the Juhu beach and Girgaon beach
4. Alibaug is another destination near Mumbai which has clean beaches and scenic places. It also offers water and beach sports for enthusiasts.
Also read: Best tourist places to visit in Karnataka
Pune
Pune is a city in Maharashtra with a rich history and culture. It was once the capital of the Maratha Empire, which ruled most of India during the 18th century. Today, it’s known for its educational institutions–including some of India’s best universities–and as one of India’s most progressive cities.
1. One place you should definitely visit in Pune is Aga Khan Palace. This beautiful palace was built by Sultan Muhammed Shah Aga Khan III in 1894 as a gift for his wife Begum Sultanah Shamsher Jahan Begum Sahiba Bahadur Khaqan-i-Irani. It’s now open to visitors who want to see some amazing architecture while learning more about how people lived during this time period!
2. Another great place to visit while visiting Pune is Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, which houses artifacts from different periods throughout history including ancient sculptures from Buddhist temples dating back thousands years ago; paintings done by artists like Raja Ravi Varma; manuscripts written on palm leaves using ink made from berries called “tamarind” trees.
Source: india.com
Aurangabad
The city of Aurangabad is known for its historic monuments and ancient caves.
1. The most famous among these are the Aurangabad Caves, which date back to 5th century BC. They were once Buddhist monasteries but later converted into Jain temples by their followers.
2. Another must-visit site in this city is Bibi Ka Maqbara (also known as “Baby Taj”), built by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s wife in memory of her husband’s mother Rabia Durani Begum Deccan Queen (also known as Razia Sultan). It’s one of the best examples of Indo-Islamic architecture with its intricate marble work on walls and ceilings that make it look like an extension of Taj Mahal!
Also read: Best tourist places to visit in Himachal Pradesh
Mahabaleshwar
1. Venna Lake – This lake is located at an elevation of 2,300 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest lakes in India. It’s surrounded by lush green forests and offers breathtaking views from its banks as well as from above through paragliding or balloon rides.
2. Wilson Point – This point provides stunning views over Mahabaleshwar town and surrounding hillsides, making it one of the best tourist places for sunsets in Maharashtra.
3. You can also visit Pratapgad Fort nearby which was built during 1678-1707 by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (founder king).
Source: inditales.com
Ajanta Caves & Ellora Caves
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its Buddhist rock-cut caves dating back to 2nd century BCE. The site also houses paintings and sculptures depicting various scenes from daily life during those times as well as religious themes such as Buddha’s birth story and death rituals performed by monks in monasteries nearby.
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site located near Aurangabad city known for its Hindu cave temples carved out of living rock between 6th – 10th centuries CE by Rashtrakuta kings who ruled over this region during that time period (they were great patrons of art & architecture). These temples feature intricately carved sculptures depicting stories from Hindu mythology like Ramayana & Mahabharata which makes them worth visiting if only just for their artistic value alone!
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