Maharashtra, one of India’s largest, most populous and prosperous states may prove to be a fulfilling journey for any backpacker. This state is also a hub of busting commercial activities. Maharashtra is surrounded by states on all its sides except the western front where lies the Arabian Sea. Marathi, English, Hindi and Gujarati are the main spoken languages.
Mumbai, the capital city of Maharashtra, is well-known as the film center of India. The name of Mumbai has originated from Mumba Devi, the guardian deity of the city. With its cosmopolitan culture, madding crowds, pot-holed roads, pollution, irritating traffic jams, towering structures, exciting people, the largest sum area in the world, the city has a unique flavor and feel.
Mumbai or Bombay – this name is enough to fuel the curiosity of the movie-loving people. Mumbai occupies the second position in terms of the number of the movies churned out every year. Marine Drive, Fire Temple, the Mahalakshmi Temple are other attractions of Mumbai. And there are Colaba Causeway, the famous Zaveri Bazar, Chor Bazar where you can buy some exotic jewelry pieces. The Elephanta Caves are another must-visit for the tourists.
Nearby is the city of Pune which houses the famous Indian Film and Television Institute and the Max Mueller Center for German Studies. Nasik, a few kilometers from Pune and one of the seven most sanctimonious places for the Hindus, organizes the Kumbh Mela to commemorate the great mythological event when the ocean was churned by both the Gods and demons.
Nagpur is the winter capital city of Maharashtra. The place has earned fame for Ramtek where Lord Ram is believed to have spent some time during his exile. The Ajanta and Ellora caves, built during the Jain and Buddhist periods, offer an excellent view of the finest chiseled carving. The Ellora sculptors and the Ajanta frescos are based on the Jain and Buddhist mythology.
The ideal time to visit Maharashtra is from November to February when the climate remains very pleasant. It is better to avoid visiting this state during rainy season (July-August) and simmering summer (March-June).
Places to Visit:
Mumbai Gateway of India – It is the icon and identity of Mumbai. This gateway was designed by Wittet and resembles the 16th century architectural style of Gujarat. The structure was built in 1911 to honor the King George V and Queen Mary during their visit to India though it was only in 1924 when the gate was formally open for the ordinary persons. Today it is a pride of place for the Mumbai residents and a favorite spot for the visitors.
Marine Drive – Also called the Netaji Subhas Chandra Marg, it is a beautiful promenade along the water front. The drive is a long stretch that runs from Nariman Point to Chowpatty beach and ends at the Malabar hills. This drive runs along the Arabian coast reclaimed from the Back Bay. It is the best place to watch the setting sun that gradually sinks under the ocean and spreads soft red hue all over. At night, the drive looks stunning. It is justifiably called the Queen’s necklace!
Hanging Gardens – The Hanging Gardens, also known as the Ferozshah Mehta Gardens were built in 1881 on top of a reservoir on the Malabar Hills. From the park, one can have the most exciting views of the Marine drive and Chowpatty. Nearby is Kamla Nehru Park which was laid in 1952 and later developed as a beautiful park for the children.
Prince of Wales Museum – it was built in honor of King George V. The structure is built in Indio-Sarcenic style and is seated in a well-ornamented garden. The central hall has a huge dome the style of which is believed to be inspired by the Golgumbaz. The museum was opened for public in 1923. The three sections of the museum – art, archaeology and natural history – have an impressive collection of artifacts from Jogeshwari Caves, Elephanta Island, terracotta figurines from the Indus valley, ivory carvings, statues, miniatures and a portrait of Abraham Lincoln.
Victoria Terminus – It is one of the most impressive buildings in Mumbai. The terminus occupies a significant spot in Indian history as the place where first train rolled out towards Thane. Built in the Gothic mould and surmounted by a Statue of Progress, the terminus has a large and imposing statue of Queen Victoria at the entrance of the terminus.. On top of the tower there is a clock which is 3.19m in diameter. The beautiful carvings of peacocks, monkeys, elephants, gargoyles, and British lions are engraved among the buttresses, turrets, domes, spires and stained glass windows, thereby adding to the charm of the entire structure. The design of the terminus resembles a cathedral.
Ellora Caves – It took more than five centuries for the Hindu, Buddhist and Jain monks to build up these monasteries, temples, and chapels. The caves have beautifully curved artworks depicting delicate details, brilliant craftsmanship and flying imagination of the artists. These caves run North-South and look striking when kissed by the golden radiance of the setting sun.
Ajanta Caves, MaharashtraAjanta Caves – Till the 19th century, these caves were hidden under dense forest. These caves, built between 2nd century B.C to 7th century A.D. represent the Buddhist philosophical thoughts etched through the carved structures on the walls. The paintings of the 30 Chaityas and Viharas are an iconic illustration of the life and incarnation of Buddha.
Lonavla and Khandala – These twins are famous hill resorts and just 106 kms from Mumbai. Recently, the demography of the area has gone through a dramatic change due to heavy rush of weekenders and conference groups from Mumbai. Khandala offers a panoramic view the waterfalls fed with rain water. Lonavla is acknowledged as the base for the Karla & Bhaja Caves. These caves have their origins in the 2nd century B.C and exemplify the finest rock temples built by the Hinayana sect in India.
