Maharashtra Hill Station Tour

Maharashtra Hill Station Tour

Maharashtra, one of the most industrialized states of India, occupies the western and central parts of the country and extends over the Sahyadri mountains. Madhya Pradesh surrounds Maharashtra from the northern and the eastern side whereas Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh lie to its south. Maharashtra is the third largest state and the second most literate state in the country, according to 1991 census. Maharashtra is located in the northern center of Indian peninsular. It is encircled by the Arabian sea in the west and by Gujarat in the north. Travel to this colorful land with numerous mountains, forts, beaches and caves. The state also has many temples that are sculpted into and out of basalt rock. The state is known for its exciting festivals celebrated throughout year like Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, Holi and Gudhi Parva, etc. The government of Maharashtra also organizes many fairs and festivals to attract tourists. Some of these are Pune festival, Ellora festival, Kalidas festival and Elephanta festival. Apart from these, the state is also renowned for its white shimmering beaches which are a visitor’s delight.

About Maharashtra:

The diversity of Maharashtra is truly fascinating. It not only has beautiful cities and beaches, it has also some of the most amazing hill stations in India. The places are known for their beauty as well as for pleasant weather. The Western Ghats provide for quite a few fascinating hill resorts. These chain of mountains often rise steeply from the sea shore. Sometimes you will find mountains 40 to 50 km inland. The western ghat and the Arabian Sea combine together to create a picturesquely beautiful landscape. Hill Stations in Maharashtra are different from the other places that you will visit in the sense that these places have something very beautiful and soothing about them. The small hilly towns are very much different from the cities like Mumbai and Pune. If you want to escape the scorching heat of the tropical sun, escape to the cooler climes in the beautiful hill stations in the Western Ghat. Some of the beautiful hill stations that attract a lot of tourists are Amboli, Bhandardhara, Chikhaldhara Hills, Jawahar and some other beautiful places like Khandala, Lonavala and Karla. The improved communication links in Maharashtra has enabled tourists to visit even remote places without much fuss. Getting away as far as possible from the madding crowd is very easily possible.

Tourist Attractions in Maharashtra :

Mumbai : The capital of Mahahrashtra, Mumbai is the largest metropolis in India and also its financial capital. It is one of the most vibrant cities, with an alive nightlife. The city is also the center of glamor and glitz due to the presence of Indian film industry. Mumbai is also a historical city having many attractions to offer to a visitor.

Bhandardara : Bhandardara is well known for the Wilson Dam which was built in 1910 on the Pravara River and is almost 492 ft above sea level. The Umbrella Falls are also in the vicinity.

Elephanta : The history of elephanta is the hoary mists of time. Crowning the island’s easteem hill, and commanding a panoramic view of wood-land, marsh and sea, are the Buddhist stupas’ or burial mounds and cisterns.

Ajanta Caves : Way back in1819, a party of British army officers on a tiger hunt in the forest of western Deccan, suddenly spotted their prey, on the far side of a loop in the Waghora river. High up on the horseshoe- shaped cliff, the hunting party saw the tiger, silhouetted against the carved façade of a cave.

Ellora Caves : Nestled in the crook of the Charanadari hill in Deccan is a series of ancient temples and monasteries hewn out of the moutainside. Situated on the ancient north- south trade route or the dakshinapatha, the tiny mountain village of Verul – mutated today to Ellora -was a well- known stopover for traders, priests and pilgrims who plied the route to the western ports.

Ganpatipule : This is Ganapatiphule Land of the 400- year old Swayambhu ganapati and eager tourists. Set along the western coast of maharastra, is a small little village called Ganapatiphule. It is known for it’s scerene sedate beach.

Pune Attractions : The second largest city of Maharashtra, Pune, is the place which was home to the Maratha leader, Shivaji for a long time. This calm city was also resided by the self-proclaimed guru, Bhagwan Rajneesh, also known as Osho. Pune has many tourist spots, including, Shanwarawada Palace, Raja Kelkar Museum, Gandhi National Memorial, Samadhi, and Pataleshwar Temple.

Aurangabad : Known for its medieval monuments and cultural heritage, the city of Aurangabad was the seat of the Mughal Empire for a short span. The Bibi-ka-Makbara, a tomb that has some resemblance to the Taj Mahal is the highlight of the city. Auranagbad is world famous city due to the presence of the Ajanta and Ellora caves regarded as the world heritage sites.

Dulatabad Fort : The impressive Daultabad fort is situated about 15 kms from Aurangabad. At this place Mohammed Bin Tughlak built his capital, but soon returned back to Delhi. It was finally captured by Allauddin Khilji. The scenic views, located to the right of the Daulatabad fort are mesmerizing. Today, the fort is not in a very good condition. But some of the parts of the fort like the scary “Bhool Bhulaiya” is still in a better condition.

Amboli : Amboli is situated in Sindhudurg district of south Maharashtra. It lies at an altitude of 690 m above sea level on the southern part of the Western Ghats. It is located at a distance of 390 km from Pune and 549 km from Mumbai. Amboli has a cool and pleasant climate throughout the year.

Bhandardara : Bhandardara is gifted with Sky-high Mountains, roaring waterfalls and lush greenery throughout the year. It is one of the less known beautiful hill stations near Mumbai / Pune in Maharashtra. It is situated at a height of 750 m above the sea level on Sahyadri hills. It is located at a distance of 180 Km from Mumbai and 190 Km from Pune by road.

Chikhaldara : Chikhaldara hill station, with full of deep valleys, is located in the districtof Amravati, Maharashtra. It is places at a height of 1118 m above sea level on the Satpura hills. It is the only coffee growing region in Maharashtra. According to the epic Mahabharata, this is the place where Bheema killed the villainous Keechaka in a herculean bout and then threw him into the valley. It is situated at a distance of 763 km from Mumbai by Road.

Jawahar : Jawahar hill station is gifted with thick rich forest and pleasant climate. It is situated in Thane district of Maharashtra. It is around 180 Km from Mumbai and 80 Km from Nashik.

Khandala & Lonavala : The twin hill station, Lonavala – Khandala, are among popular hill stations near Mumbai / Pune in Maharashtra. These beautiful hill stations are situated in Pune district of Maharashtra. Lonavala is 96 Km away from Mumbai and 65 Km away from the city of Pune. In monsoon, Lonavala becomes very beautiful with views of cascading waterfallsand the surrounding mountains. Lonavala – Khandala are convenient destinations for picnic and for enjoying weekends for the people living in and around Pune and Mumbai. Chikki (a hard candy sweet) is a famous sweet of Lonavala which every tourist should taste.

Mahabaleshwar : Mahabaleshwar is situated in Satara district in Maharashtra. It is the highest hill station in Western India. Mahabaleshwar, Queen of all Hill Stations, is situated at an altitude of 1,372 m in the heart of Sahyadris Hills, about 115 km southwest of Pune. The hill station has a legendary past. The name ‘Mahabaleshwar’ is derived from a temple of Lord Mahadev and three Sanskrit words, “Maha” (great), “Bal” (power) and “Ishwar” (God).

Panchgani : Panchgani is a hill station in Satara district in Maharashtra. This hill station lies at an altitude of 1,334m above the sea level on the Western Ghats. It is located at a distance of 98 km from Pune, 266 km from Mumbai and 20 Km from Mahabaleshwar. There are five hills around it that’s why its name is Panchgani. Tourists can plan for nature walks through jungle, thickly covered with lush trees and vegetation. September to May is peak tourist season.

Panhala : Panhala hill station is situated in Kolhapur district of Maharashtra. It is located at a height of 3177 feet above sea level. Panhala has historic importance. Panhala was the capital city of Maratha state until 1782.

Matheran : It is situated in the Raigad district of Maharashtra. It lies at a height of 800 m above sea level on the Western Ghats. It is around 100 km far from Mumbai by road. Motor vehiclesare completely banned here. Matheran is one of the closest hill stations near Mumbai / Pune in Maharashtra with full of green and calm valleys.

Toranmal : Adorned in the Satpuda Mountains at an altitude of 1461 meters, it is one of the most serene places on Earth. But if the travelers are tired of traveling, you can make a visit to Yashwant lake, Seetha khali and any of the charming temples relating to mythology. The nearest rail head is Nandurbar which is 76 kms from the main destination and the nearest airport is in Aurangabad.

Beaches in Maharashtra :

The state of Maharashtra is an ideal place for beach holidays with adventure appetite through water sports. Some of the famous beaches of Maharashtra which attracted the tourists from all over the world for beach tourism are Dahanu-Bordi beach, Bassain (Vasai), Madh Island beach, Ganpatipule, Harnai-Murud beach, Vengurla, Marine Drive, Mandwa beach, Marve beach, Juhu beach, Kihim-Alibag beach, Vijaydurg beach, Shriwardhan beach, Murud beach and Velneshwar beach.

Maharashtra Caves :

The history of Maharashtra can be dated back to 2nd BC where the major religions like Hinduism and Buddhism flourished in full fledge with exciting and compelling arts, crafts, sculptures and paintings. Some of the famous caves of Maharashtra are Ajanta caves which consist of more than 30 caves; Ellora caves where almost 34 caves are found with fine intricate interiors and ornamental facades combinedly represent the three faiths – Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism; Elephanta caves were designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated on the northern coastline of Mumbai; Aurangabad caves are divided into two sections, one is called Western Group Caves and another as Eastern Group Caves.

Fair and Festival of Maharashtra :

Maharashtra is the multi-cultural state where all the major religions of India like Hindus, Muslims, Sikh, Christians, Buddhists, Jainists, Zoroastrians, live together and that is why Maharashtra’s fairs and festivals revolve round the year. Some of the famous fairs and festivals of Maharashtra are Nag Panchami, Narali Pournima, Bakr Id, Bandra Fair, Banganga Festival, Elephanta Festival, Ellora Festival, Kalidas Festival, Parsi New Year, Gokul Ashtmi, Diwali, Dussehra, Holi etc.

Maharashtra Climate :

Maharashtra experiences tropical monsoon climate. The state faces extremely hot summers from March onwards till the starting of the rainy season in early June..

Travel Information :

By Air : Maharashtra has five domestic airports and one international airport at Mumbai. Mumbai is the best connected international airport in India and is connected with most of the important international destinations.
By Rail : Mumbai is the center of the railway network in Maharashtra owning three major railway stations and the headquarters of two Railway Zones in India.
By Road : Maharashtra is said to have one of the best road ways in India. All the important places within Maharashtra are conveniently connected to each other.