Maharashtra

The name Maharashtra dates back to 7th century inscription and in a Chinese traveller’s account. It has been initiated from rathi, which means, chariot driver. Maharashtra was full of builders and drivers of chariots who formed a Maharathis, a fighting force at that age. In 90 A.D. king Vedishri made Junnar, thirty miles north of Pune, the capital of his kingdom. The fourteenth century witnessed the defeat of Devgiri Yadavs by the northern Muslim powers. Maharashtra is blessed with ironic and expanded traditional heritage. The state has numerous communities belonging to diverse religions, and a number of festivities color the culture of Maharashtra with the spirit of exuberance. Some of the popular festivals that are celebrated in Maharashtra are Diwali, Ganesh Chaturthi, Gudi Padwa, Dasara, Nag Panchami, Gokul Ashtami, Narali Pournima, Pola, Makar Sankranti, Banganga Festival and Holi.

Culture of Maharashtra is very glorious with a great variety. It give a unique identity to the state. The folk dances are an essential part of the culture of Maharashtra. Various folk dances are performed during the festivals and special occasions. They are representatives of the rich cultural heritage of Maharashtra. Some of the popular folk dances in Maharashtra are Lavni, Dhangari gana, Pavadas, Koli dance and Tamasha, Dindi and Kala are the religious folk dances. Maharashtra has a vast textiles history, which has contributed to its rich variety of costumes. The costumes of Maharashtra truly reflect the identity of a typical Maharashtrian culture. A nine yard sari is a traditional costume of its women and dhoti and shirt is the traditional costume of tis men folk. Pune, Paithan and Kolhapur are some of the ideal places to shop for typical Maharashtrain clothing. The western state, one of the most developed in the country, Maharashtra is a vast platter of travel and tourism experience for the tourists from the world across. The state offers long serene coastline, mountain ranges, cosmopolitan urban life, history, culture, heritage, religion and wildlife which emerge as the perfect place for pilgrims, honeymooners, travellers, adventure enthusiasts, nature lovers, party lovers, art lovers and many more. Being a financial center of the country, the state also attracts business travellers from all countries. To get in detail, here are some of the key features and destinations of the state which allures all segments of tourists.

The western state of India is famous for its green forests, big city Mumbai and golden sand beaches in different parts of the state. With a coastline of 570 km along the Arabian Sea, Maharashtra owns variety of beaches, Maharashtra is a great range of coastal belt which make the state a home of large number of beaches. Marve, Manori and Gorai beach situated in North of Mumbai and are popular among Mumbai’s beleaguered fun lovers. Marvel low hills along the beach offer extraordinary views of sunrise and sunset. These beaches are revellers and are famous for all night beach parties. The 17 km long Dahanu Bordi Beach is famous for fruit orchards and chickoos. Udwada, the ‘the Mecca of the Zoroastrians’ with a large, beautiful temple, which houses the sacred fire is near this beach. At this coastalline Murud Janjira is popular beach for its whispering casuarinas, coconut and betel palms, and 300 years old fort of Janjira. The shrine of Lord Dattatraya, the three heads representing Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara is located in a nearby hillock. The palace of the Nawab and the Janjira caves are must see for the tourists. For beach lovers Shriwardhan is must to visit. The Bay is irresistible to beach lovers because of its gentle winds, soft sands and inviting waters. ‘Peshwa Smarak’ located nearby is a must see for the tourist. Harihareshwar is known for its tranquil and picturesque beach. The state has maximum number of beaches with every beach having its own identity and uniqueness.

Maharashtra is home to a large number of animals and bird species, including the tiger, Crocodile, Bison, Gawa, Neelgai, Wild Deer, Sambar and rare migratory birds. The state has taken adequate steps towards setting up many wildlife parks and sanctuaries to protect these regions and promote them as tourist attractions. The parks offer splendid opportunities to see a variety of wildlife in a spectacularly natural setting. Fresh comforts such as jeep rides, night safaris, comfortable accommodation and efficient transport are also available at a nominal charge. Melghat Tiger Reserve, is in the enchanting sylvan beauty of the woodlands and greenery of Melghat, in the Amravati district, roams the tiger, and it is here that a greater part of Project Tiger is being implemented.

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 plenthora and variety of forts could be observed. Like Murud-Janjira located on an island, or, the fort of Bassein guarding the sea, or the fort of Torna and Raigad amidst Sahyadris, the Maharashtra forts has everything in it from beauty to enigma. Raigad fort is the one which always strikes firt. Raigad was the capital of the Marathas under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.