10 Best Places to Visit in Maharashtra

Mahabaleshwar is a hill station known for its several rivers, superb cascades, and majestic peaks. It is about 120km from Pune and 285km from Mumbai, making it among the most coveted destinations.
As the Krishna River initiates here, it is also a sacred pilgrimage for Hindus. Once a British Raj capital of the summers, Mahabaleshwar has temples, boarding schools, hills, lush green forests, waterfalls, and valleys. It is frequently used as a base to visit the splendid Pratapgad Fort, situated an hour away.

Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra, is a remarkable paradox of chaos and hope, glamour and squalor, modernism and tradition. Famously termed the City of Dreams, it is a blended melting pot of cultures and lifestyles.
From future actors struggling to make it big on the silver screen to superstars, prominent entrepreneurs, fishermen, and slum dwellers, Mumbai boasts stories from different walks of human survival. Mumbai is the main centre in the nation of art, culture, and theatre. It has been a cosmopolitan city for years solely on the unconquerable spirit of the locals.

Pune is another major city in Maharashtra. It is also known as the Oxford of the East. Pune perfectly blends innovation with tradition, sprinkled with colonial charm, and it is indeed the cultural capital of Maharashtra.
Behind Pune's contemporary marketed façade lie the roots of ancient Poona, which gave birth to the Maratha Empire and had a vital role in the history of India’s independence. Pune is known for the Osho Ashram, which attracts people from all over the globe. Adorned with temples and palaces, the most significant are the Aga Khan Palace and the Shaniwar Wada Palace.

Commonly associated with juicy oranges, Nagpur is also the winter capital of Maharashtra: temples, gardens, lakes, and a rich cultural heritage charm its visitors. Located in the centre of India, Nagpur has plateaus and plains with rivers and streams. Deekshabhumi, the largest hollow Buddhist stupa, Ambazari Lake, Ramtek Fort Temple, Futala Lake, Bohra Masjid, and orange orchards are not to be missed in the city.

Located on the banks of the Panchaganga, Kolhapur is a princely state with a rich Marathas legacy. At present, it is famous for its Kolhapuri sandals and necklaces, which are sold worldwide. The famous Mahalakshmi temple is located here to honour Mahalakshmi, who slew the demon Kolhasur, from which the city gets its name. It is a tourist-friendly destination because it is easily commutable and has some tasty cuisines, like the Veg Kolhapuri, to offer.

This town is known for its white sand beaches and mango and cashew groves by the Vashishti river. Chiplun, which means the home of Lord Parashurama', got its name from the famed temple. This is also an industrial town, and most visitors visit the River View Resort. The sunsets are so attractive that people book rooms to see the vivid scenery. It is a perfect picnic spot for people coming from busy cities, with the aroma of mangoes floating in the air.

Nanded is famous for its Gurudwara, forts, and unique saucer-shaped boats. The city has great historical importance and is home to the Gurudwara and several Sufi shrines. Indulge in street food and saucer-shaped boat rides.

Furthermore, Nanded is also an educational hub in the Marathwada region. The Gurudwara is regarded as Nanded’s main attraction. The existence of one of the 5 Takthas of Sikhs, Hazur Sahib, makes Nanded a holy city among the Sikhs. Another attraction is the Kaleshwar Temple, which is dedicated to Shiva. Kunthaligirigiri, Kandahar and Dharur are forts that entice many tourists all over the year.

The picturesque view of vineyard scapes and forest-covered hills makes it a fine destination in Maharashtra. It is known for its grape, onion, and corn production and Vigneshwara Temple. The place has indigenous tribes living a secluded existence and often offers a wide array of food and traditions. 3 hours away from Nashik, it is a place worth visiting.
The Swami Bhramanand Temple is one more important religious centre of the town. Except for these, the Hal Museum or Pragati Aerospace Museum is often visited by the people visiting this place.

Nasik is a perfect wine-tasting destination, apart from being a religious city of Hindus. There are several temples, and it is the place where Ravana's sister, Surpanakha, got her nose cut off by Lakshman. Forts, waterfalls, and vineyards are all present in this city.
With many vineyards present, the most prevalent being Sula, the wine-tourism industry is on the rise in Maharashtra. Nashik lets you experience a wonderful cocktail of extremes, from vineyards to temples and hills to waterfalls; this place has something for all.

This place cannot be skipped, if you are in Maharashtra. Located 122 Km from Nasik in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, Shirdi is famous because of Sai Baba. Sai Baba arrived in Shirdi in 1858 and lived 60 years of his life here until he attained salvation in 1918. Sai Baba is known as the 'child of God', as he always spread the message of brotherhood. On top of his shrine, the complex comprises various temples, such as Chavadi, Dwarkamai, and Samadhi Mandir.

Shani Shignapur, a village of one of its kind with houses without any doors, is 72km from Shirdi. There is a temple of Lord Shani in Shingnapur, and it is believed that if anyone steals anything in this village, the person will turn blind.