Maharashtra, on the Indian Western Coast, has everything for different travelers. Whether in the glistening cityscape like that of Mumbai or the serene hill station of Mahabaleshwar, Lonavala, Khandala, and Panchgani, you can find many tourist attractions in Maharashtra that suit you the best. Since it lies in the coastal area, you can find some serenity on the beaches, too; like Ganpatipule Beach, Shriwardhan Harihareshwar Beach, Madh Island Beach, Tarkarli Beach, Chowpatty Beach, Juhu Beach, and Vengurla Malvan are best beaches of Maharashtra, among others.
The state has some of India’s most prominent caves, like Ajanta caves in Aurangabad, Elephanta and Kanheri caves in Mumbai, and Pandavleni. Some of Maharashtra’s most hill stations are Matheran, Panchgani, Lonavala, Mahabaleshwar, etc. For pilgrims, Siddhivinayak Temple, Mount Mary Church, Haji Ali, Grishneshwar Temple, Bhimashankar Temple, Trimbakeshwar Temple, and Shirdi Baba Temple are religious places to visit in Maharashtra. The list of tourist attractions in Maharashtra is vast, so we have broken them down for your convenience.
Beaches in Maharashtra
The beaches of Maharashtra have vibrant marine life, colorful coral colonies, stunning sea caves, and eco-friendly shacks. All these elements of beaches give you a matchless charm and endless possibilities to make your vacation remarkable. Be it backpackers, honeymooners, solo travelers, family, or honeymooners, beaches are popular among all travelers. Check out the below list of the famous spot for enjoying beachy vibes in this state.
The famous beaches in Maharashtra are:
- Beaches in Mumbai: Marine Drive, Juhu Beach, Versova Beach, Chowpatty Beach, Madh Island Beach.
- Beaches in Alibaug: Alibaug Beach, Kihim Beach, Nagaon Beach, Varsoli Beach, Akshi Beach.
- Beaches in Kashid: Kashid Beach, Revdanda Beach.
- Beaches in Dahanu: Dahanu Beach, Bordi Beach.
- Beaches in Ratnagiri: Mandavi Beach, Ganpatipule Beach, Malgund Beach.
- Beaches in Malvan: Tarkarli Beach, Kolamb Beach, Malvan Beach, Tondavali Beach, Devbagh Sangman Beach.
- Beaches in Harihareshwar: Harihareshwar Beach, Aaravi Beach, Kondivali Beach, Diveagar Beach, Shrivardhan Beach.
- Beaches in Murud: Palande Beach, Harnai Beach, Karde Beach, Murud Beach.
For more on Maharashtra’s top beaches, check out Beaches in Maharashtra.
National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries in Maharashtra
Wildlife sanctuaries and national parks offer a blend of thrill and natural beauty to enjoy a fun-filled vacation in Maharashtra. This state is home to numerous wildlife sanctuaries and national parks where you can get a dose of adrenaline rush. You can enjoy the jungle safari and spot habitats of exotic animals, birds, and plant species.In addition, trekking, camping, and lakeside picnic in the national parks of Maharashtra are popular activities.
Popular national parks of Maharashtra
- Mumbai:K arnala Bird Sanctuary, Sanjay Gandhi National Park
- Bhimashankar, Pune: Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Sangli, Pune: Chandoli National Park, Sahyadri Tiger Reserve
- Amravati: Gugamal National Park.
- Chandrapur, Nagpur: Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve
- Gondia, Nagpur: Navegaon National Park
- Satara, Pune: Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary
- Solapur,Pune: Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary
Pilgrimage Sites in Maharashtra
Maharashtra is home to five Jyotirlingas, four Shakti Peethas, one Panj Takht, beautiful churches, and huge mosques. Nashik is one of the sacred lands of the state where Kumbh Mela is held. In addition, the state has many pilgrimage places and spiritual centers belonging to different cultures and religions. Maharashtra is also famous among those more inclined towards spirituality than religion. However, various pilgrimage sites of different religions, including Hindu, Parsi, Muslim, Sikh,Christian, Buddhists, and Jains, are settled in this state.
Popular pilgrimage sites in Maharashtra:
- Mumbai: Shri Siddhivinayak Temple, Walkeshwar Temple, Mount Mary Church, Saint Thomas Cathedral, Haji Ali Dargah, Mumba Devi Temple.
- Nashik: Saptashringi Temple (Shaktipeeth), Trimbakeshwar Temple (Jyotirlinga)
- Aurangabad:Parli Vaijnath Temple (Jyotirlinga), Grishneshwar Temple (Jyotirlinga), Aundha Nagnath Temple (Jyotirlinga), Ajanta Ellora Caves
- Nanded: Shri Hazur Sahib Gurudwara (Panj Takht), Renuka Ma Temple (Shaktipeeth)
- Solapur: Tulja Bhavani Temple (Shaktipeeth), Akkalkot, Pandhapur
- Kolhapur: Mahalaxmi Temple (Shaktipeeth), Maruti Temple
- Ratnagiri: Jai Vinayak Temple, Swayambhu Ganpati Temple, Ganpatipule
- Shirdi: Sai Baba Temple, Shani Shignapur Temple, Dwarkamai Mosque
- PuneBhimashankar Temple (Jyotirlinga), Lord Ganesha Temples of Ranjangaon, Theur, Morgaon, and Siddhatek (Ashtavinayak Temple Circuit), Dagdusheth Temple, Osho Ashram
For more details on these spiritual destinations, visit Pilgrimage Sites in Maharashtra.
Famous Historical Places in Maharashtra
Maharashtra is perfect for sneaking into ancient forts’ rich history, culture, and traditions through art galleries, museums, and heritage centers. This state is home to five UNESCO World Heritage Sites out of 38 in India. Maharashtra has the maximum number of heritage sites among other states of India. Hence, Maharashtra is blessed with rich culture and history. The forts, palaces, and historical monuments are reminiscent of the glorious past of Maharashtra. Several historical places in Maharashtra stand as the testimony of Maratha’s bravery and narrate their heroic tales. Also home to one of the oldest museums in India, Maharashtra is a paradise for history buffs.
Popular historical places in Maharashtra:
- Mumbai:Gateway of India, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Rajabai Clock Tower, Prince of Wales Museum, Mani Bhavan Museum, Elephanta Caves (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Global Vipassana Pagoda, Mount Mary Church.
- Khandala:Bhaja and Karla Caves, Shrivardhan Fort, Lohagad Fort, Rajmachi Fort, Visapur Fort.
- Pune: Lal Mahal, Shivneri Fort, Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, Aga Khan Palace, Shaniwar Wada, Sinhagad Fort.
- Satara:Ajinkyatara Fort, Wai Ghat and Temples, and Pratapgad Fort.
- Sindhudurg: Vijaydurg Fort, Sindhudurg Fortress.
- Aurangabad: Ajanta Caves (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Ellora Caves (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Naukhanda Palace, Chand Minar, Devagiri Daulatabad Fort, Chini Mahal,Bibi ka Maqbara, Zainuddin Shirjai’s Maqbara.
- Raigad: Raigad Fort, Raigad Museum, Kondane Caves, Sagargad Fort, Queen’s Palace.
- Ahmednagar: Cavalry Tank Museum, Harishchandragad Fort, Tomb of Salabat Khan.
- Nagpur:Central Museum, Raman Science Centre, Narrow Gauge Rail Museum, Deekshabhoomi, Dhamma Chakra Stupa.
- Ratnagiri: Ratnagiri Marine Museum, Jaigad Fort, Ratnadurg Fort, Tilak Ali Museum.
For an in-depth look at Maharashtra’s historical treasures, visit Famous Historical Places in Maharashtra.
Hill Stations in Maharashtra
Maharashtra is one of the charming states where you can reconnect to nature most beautifully. Sahyadri mountain ranges run along the western coast of Maharashtra. Hence, this state has many untouched hamlets and pristine hill stations. Maharashtra is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts and has many beautiful elements. You will enjoy the scenic views, grassy mountain slopes, and lush green meadows. Tourists can rejuvenate in nature’s lap, get refreshing vibes, and indulge in adventure activities.
Popular hill stations of Maharashtra:
- Khandala-Lonavala
- Matheran
- Mahabaleshwar
- Panchgani
- Karjat
- Malshej Ghat
- Igatpuri
- Bhandardara
- Rajmachi
- Bhimashankar
For a complete guide to Maharashtra’s hill stations, visit Hill Stations in Maharashtra.
Maharashtra is one of the most dreamy states in India to enjoy a vacation. This state is blessed with abundant lush greenery, long coastlines, and rich history to give you an incredible traveling experience. You can enjoy the vacation in your style by choosing any zone of beauty. We at Indian Holiday provide customizable Maharashtra tour packages, including meals, transfers, stays, and guided sightseeing tours.
