If you are looking for the most beautiful places to visit in Maharashtra, be prepared to be spoiled for choice as this cultural state is blessed with diverse landscapes. Whether you want to spend a peaceful evening on Marine Drive or climb up the Sahyadri Range and soak in the enchanting views from above, Maharashtra has got something for everyone. While traditional theatrical attractions like Nashik, Pune, and Shirdi give you a closer look at the unique Maharathi culture, adventure sites like Malvan and Tadoba stimulate your adrenaline in a short time.
Find some hilly places to visit in Maharashtra and enjoy a hassle-free stay amidst the beautiful scenery of green hills and the Western Ghats. From small hilly areas like Lonavala, Panchgani, and Mahabaleshwar to Alibag in Maharashtra, the place to go to the beach is glorious in every nook and corner of this beautiful state. If you want to delve deeper into its rich history, feel free to walk your way towards its historical forts which say a ton about heroic Maratha rulers.
1. Mumbai
‘The City of Dreams’, Mumbai, is the most famous city in the whole country. Formerly known as Bombay, this city resides in one of the biggest states of India, Maharashtra. Holding the highest population amongst all the cities, it is also the wealthiest city in the country.
Mumbai lies on the west coast of India. Various beaches are available for the public including the famous Juhu beach, Kalamb Beach, Aksa Beach, etc. Other most noteworthy water locations include Powai Lake, Tulsi Lake, Bandra Talao, etc.
Mumbai holds three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, namely the Elephanta Caves, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus and the Victorian and Art Deco Ensembles. These are certainly some of the best places to visit in Maharashtra for architecture enthusiasts.
The home of Bollywood, Film City, is another major attraction in Mumbai. It was built in the 20th century near Goregaon. Film city has about 20 film studios and the entry to Goregaon is open to the public. This is a gem of Maharashtra tourism. Mumbai does not disappoint pilgrims too. It has a lot of beautiful temples, mosques and churches for all communities of devotees. Some of the famous religious places include the Siddhivinayak Temple, Haji Ali Dargah, St. Thomas Cathedral, etc.
2. Ellora Cave
Ellora caves are another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Maharashtra. These fall in the Aurangabad district and feature Hindu and Jain monuments with ancient sculptures. In fact, Ellora is one of the largest cave complexes built up rocks cut into the form of temple-monastery.
Kailash Temple is the largest single monolithic excavation in the world. It’s a chariot shaped rock-temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Cave 16 holds this large monument. There are more than 100 of these caves in the Charanandri Hills only 34 of which are open to the public. Furthermore, these caves contain idols and engravings of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain deities that are most noteworthy.
Ellora has become an important commercial centre in the Deccan region due to its location on the ancient South Asian trade route. These caves are also one of the best places to visit in Maharashtra due to their ancient and religious background.
3. Malshej Ghat
Home of hundreds of species of heterogeneous flora and fauna is the prominent Maharashtra tourism spot – Malshej Ghat.
This is an idyllic location as you come across beautiful panoramic hills and untainted ecosystem. If you are a nature-affectionate person, fishing is a great time-killer. Staring at those green hills, breathing pure air while relaxing and waiting for a fish is a great experience.
Furthermore, effusive waterfalls provide aromatic atmosphere all around the place. Pink flamingos will blow your sight, not literally of course! The pristine part of Malshej Ghat is the tranquillity of forestry. You can experience it best during the period of August to September.
Hence, Malshej Ghat is a must visit and everyone should be a witness to the majestic Malshej Ghat. It certainly is one of the best places to visit in Maharashtra for sightseeing.
4. Gateway of India
Apart from being a part of genetic star city Mumbai, Gateway of India will attract you with its outer and inner tremendous architectural style. The monument is situated in the Chhatrapati Shivaji Marg in South Mumbai. The 26m tower is considered as the symbol of Mumbai. With the front of Apollo Bunder and the view of the Arabian sea at the back, this exquisite monument is the topmost attraction in Mumbai and certainly a pride of Maharashtra tourism.
The enchanting and hypnotizing part about the Gateway of India for the tourists is Hindu decorating and Muslims arch. A true sense of unity in diversity. Furthermore, the dim light and sunset view leads the beauteous monument to another level. It is a must-visit gem and one of the best places to visit in Maharashtra.
5. Ajanta Caves
This place is a pristine combination of ancient royalty and architectural talents with painting inspirations and the holy city. Ajanta caves are a major combination of 30+ caves. The caves are located in the Aurangabad district and date back to 2nd century BC.
According to UNESCO, this is a masterpiece of Buddhist religious art. In fact, the ancillary part is very well built. You can see ancient paintings, sculptures, engravings, etc on the walls of these caves.
Furthermore, many paintings exhibit the traditions of Buddhists to paintings showing past lives. Even textual records of ancient royal Queens and Kings are noteworthy, especially the history lovers.
If you love ancient architectural marvels or are the follower of Hinduism or Buddhism, this place is meant for you. Consequently, Ajanta caves are undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Maharashtra.
6. Sea Link
Bandra-Worli Sea Link is the fourth-longest bridge above water in India. This 5.6 km long structure links Mumbai’s suburbs to South Mumbai and defines Mumbai’s skyline. The Sea link is an iconic structure and a gem of Maharashtra tourism. Sea Link of Mumbai city is a civil engineering marvel that reflects the modern infrastructure with marvellous construction. At night is the perfect time to gaze at the beauty of the Sea Link bridge as it is lit up.
For picture enthusiasts, capturing this bridge is an experience like never before. Roll your windows down while crossing the bridge and let the sea breeze run through your face and hair. Every time you go on the Sea Link, you will get that touristy feeling.
The whole look and feel of the bridge are great whether its daytime or the night. Therefore, it is one of the best places to visit in Maharashtra.
7. Imagica Snow Park
Visiting the Imagica Snow Park offers a wholesome fun, chilling experience and entertainment for all ages. It is kind of an indoor real snow-based theme park that gives a fun and a relaxing experience to its entries. In fact, none of the Maharashtra tourist places is comparable to Imagica in this domain.
Covering an area of 15,000 sq. ft., Imagica Snow Park brings to life the snow experience at sub-freezing temperatures. It is one of the largest snow parks in India. Just relaxing and sipping a cup of coffee at minus 5 degrees is one of the favourite things to do.
Furthermore, visitors can indulge in various activities such as climbing the snowy mountains, sliding down the slides in a raft, riding down the toboggans and having a snowball fight. Snow hiking and snow rafting are among the best adventures here. Posing and clicking pictures amidst the snow castle and its sculptures are alluring experiences for the tourists.
So, get together with your loved ones in this ice igloo and enjoy real snow all year round be you a youngster or an old person. This park is one of the best places to visit in Maharashtra for snow lovers.
8. Della Adventure
Della Adventure is India’s largest adventure park and a corporate outbound training destination. It is located between Mumbai and Pune and spread across 36 acres. It is very famous in Maharashtra tourism. Della Adventure has over 86 adrenaline pumping adventurous Maharashtra points of interest, including
- India’s highest Rocket Ejector at 4.5 floors of height.
- Country’s longestFlying Fox zip line at 1,250 feet.
- India’s first permanent public track for dirt-bike racing.
- All-terrain vehicle (ATV) rides.
- Most professional hardball bowling machine on an astroturf cricket pitch.
- India’s first four-lane night Rappelling.
- Country’s first and only swoop swing activity conducted by New Zealand certified Bungee Masters, and
- India’s first permanent Bungee station
These all thrilling activities are for giving you the best experience of your life. Hence, Della’s Adventure is one of the best places to visit in Maharashtra for adventure enthusiasts.
9. Marine Drive
Marine drive in Mumbai attracts millions of tourists every year with its astounding beauty. Edging with the Arabian Sea, this famous road is a popular spot for watching sunsets. The entire road appears as a dazzling diamond neckpiece at night.
The lights adorn a beautiful beach facing stretch in South Bombay in Marine drive Churchgate. One of the best things to do is just to sit by the waterfront and relax after a hard days’ work. The spot offers a lot of peaceful options to ease up your stress. Therefore, this place has high regards in the hearts of people as well as in Maharashtra tourism.
It feels amazing to see the Mumbai sunset or skyline while enjoying the sea breeze. No wonder they call it the Queen’s Necklace. It glitters as if pearls are shinning. Not only does it have a beautiful ambience but also an uplifting avenue.
Marine Drive is a must go for joggers, friends, family and love-birds. If one has time to kill, a leisurely stroll along Marine Drive is perfect. Hence, making it one of the best places to visit in Maharashtra.
10. Mahabaleshwar
The land of Strawberries, dearly Mahabaleshwar, is a hill station located in the Western Ghats in Satara district of Maharashtra. This place is well known for its strawberries, its numerous rivers, impressive cascades and majestic peaks.
The city comprises of lush green dense forest and ancient temples. It is well known for its alluring beauty and charming views of the deep valleys residing in it.
Furthermore, serene lakes with a refreshing delight for your taste buds in this city are among the most sought-after weekend getaways from Mumbai. Therefore, Mahabaleshwar is one of the best places to visit in Maharashtra.
11. Pune
Pune, the second most popular city in Maharashtra, is known for its leisure vibrations. This burgeoning IT hub offers countless interesting experiences as it is a cultural hub and the largest city in the state.
12. Harihareshwar
Known as a popular beach destination to the locals, this place is nothing short of a blessing from the famous temple of Harihareshwar in the vicinity. Not only do the four hills for the protection of the region proudly add more charm to the serene vibe of the place, but it also has dense jungle around the Savitri River and the beach through the city which makes it a perfect place to rest. It is one of the best tourist destinations in Maharashtra.
13. Nashik
Nashik is an ancient holy city situated on the banks of the river Godavari. The city is associated with the Hindu mythology Ramayana. Nashik has several temples and temple houses and devotees and travelers from different parts of the country visit here. The temples of the city have traditional themed and elaborate architecture. The city has several ghats which make it one of the best destinations for a summer vacation in Maharashtra.
14. Karnala
It is a perfect place to rest after long weeks and months of hard work. The natural beauty here makes a person healthy and calms the mind. You can make your eyes happy by seeing the fog and clouds on the Sahyadri range. No doubt, it is listed as one of the best places to visit in Maharashtra in the summer.
15. Alibaug
Alibag is a peaceful place to visit in April in Maharashtra if you want to stay away from the hustle and bustle of the Indian metro city, especially Mumbai. A quiet and peaceful city, Alibag is home to some of the best beaches that are one of the sights of Maharashtra in summer. Enjoy camping at Revdanda Beach, trek to Sagargarh, enjoy jet skis, bumpy rides, and art boat trips to Nagaon, bird watching on Akshi Beach, and much more.
16. Malvan
Drawing a beautiful canvas for you with its stunning beaches, expansive backwaters, and ancient forts in the background, Malvan is truly one of the best places to visit in the summer of Maharashtra. Famous as the most famous fishing port in the state, Malvan is one of the places in Maharashtra to enjoy some secrets, great sunsets, and adventurous waterways in March.
17. Lonavala
Lonavala not only serves as one of the best picnic spots in Maharashtra in summer but also one of the best picnic spots for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life near Mumbai. Known for its waterfalls and lush greenery, visit Lalavala during your summer vacations. It is one of the best cool places to visit in the summer in Maharashtra.
18. Khandala
Khandala is also shocked to learn about the sights of Maharashtra in May, just 3 km from Lonavala. The natural beauty of Khandala makes it one of the best summer vacations in Maharashtra. Everyone should spend their holidays in this wonderful place.
19. Panchgani
Translated literally into the land of five hills, Panchgani is the ultimate summer resort that is very famous for its natural beauty and untouched environment. It is one of the best places in Maharashtra in summer that will knock you off your feet.
20. Ratnagiri
Situated on the shores of the Arabian Sea, Ratnagiri is one of the coolest places in Maharashtra in the summer. As one of the most popular vacation destinations in Maharashtra, their next trip to Maharashtra is to visit the fascinating beaches of Ratnagiri.
21. Toranmal
Tornmal is one of the best places to visit in the summer in Maharashtra. The name of this place is taken from the word ‘Tarona’, the goddess worshiped by the tribals of this region. This little hill station is perfect for nature lovers. Toranmal has several beautiful lakes, less explored caves, and viewpoints.
22. Jawhar
Jawahar Hall is a small hilly area in the Thane district. It is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Maharashtra in summer for family or couple holidays. Rich in natural beauty, Jawaharlal Nehru is just a green paradise. There are places to see stunning sunsets, beautiful palaces, and waterfalls. Joy Luxury Palace, an architectural wonder of the past, is one of the main attractions of Jawaharlal Nehru.
23. Amboli
Nestled in the Sahyadri hills of the Western Ghats, Amboli serves as a cool place for all nature lovers in Maharashtra to unwind and rejuvenate.
24. Kashid Beach
Kashid is a quaint small beach town located in the North Konkan region of Maharashtra, one of the coolest places in Maharashtra in summer. Famous for its white-sand beaches, clear blue seas, and densely forested hills, Kashid is a perfect place where all the bamboo of the beach should be heading this summer.
25. Tadoba
The place is located in Chandrapur district and it is one of the largest and oldest reserves. So, if you are an animal lover, you must visit Tadoba on your vacation.
26. Chikhaldara
The place presents the most beautiful scenery and also allows seeing the wildlife. In addition to this, it is also famous for its coffee gardens which makes Chikhaldara a paradise for coffee lovers. When you set foot in the garden, the aroma of coffee captures your senses and gives you comfort.
27. Matheran
Located in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, Matheran treats the spirit of adventure with its green and forested routes which are rich in wildlife and perfect for trekking and hiking. It is one of the best hill stations in Maharashtra which you should visit on your next trip.
28. Igatpuri
Igatpuri is located in the center of the Western Ghats and is surrounded by the highest range of the Sahyadri Mountains. The secluded environment of Igatpuri is a must-see. It is one of the best places to visit in the summer in Maharashtra.
29. Koroli
Nashik is home to some of the best hill stations in the country. Covered in the vast Sahyadri Range, Koroli is a beautiful place not to be missed in Maharashtra. Seeing this place will revive your senses and calm your mind, which will make you fall in love with this place. It is one of the best summer tourist destinations in Maharashtra for relaxing in the lap of Mother Nature.
30. Karjat
Located in the hill and picturesque district of Raigarh, Karjat is a municipal council and town. The city is also a part of Mumbai’s metro city which is a favorite destination for travelers. From couples to children and families, anyone can use Karjat as a holiday destination. This is because the city has a lot to offer in overcoming monotony. The hill town of Karjat is full of entrances to temples, monuments, lush green valleys, and beautiful caves. No doubt this city is an incredible way for adventure seekers who take only two hours to reach Mumbai.
Conclusion
Traditions Maharashtra is no less than a tourist magnet in the perfect combination of time, culture, adventure, and beauty. Here is what you need to know before you travel for a fast weekend trip to Maharashtra. One of the most iconic tourist attractions in the country, one can feel something in the state of Maharashtra. Summer is the perfect time to visit different places and spend your holidays in Maharashtra! A simple guide to your alluring journey when you must visit an unknown place.
Here is a perfect guide for you that has all the details about your vacation. From soft-sand beaches to lush green hills and cosmic cities, these places to visit in Maharashtra in the summer that are mentioned in the guide are high on fun, adventure, sparkle, and a good vibe.