Tourism in Maharashtra is one of the most exciting events of western part of India. The national and international tourists from all over the world come and visit the state to see a number of places which include popular cities, well known shrines and hill stations as well as historical sights which reflect the heritage of Maharashtra.
While the tourist spots in Masharashtra are surrounded with the scenic beauty of the Western ghats, it also includes some popular places which provide opportunity for leisure tourism. With well connected roadways and sufficient accommodation for its tourists it is one of the most popular states in India which is visited by the tourists.
Pilgrimage Tourism in Maharashtra
Pilgrimage Tourism of Maharashtra includes the Shirdi Saibaba which is located at a distance of 122 kms from Nasik; temple of Grishneshwar which is dedicated to Lord Shiva situated at a distance of half a kilometre from Ellora caves; the temples of Astavinayak which are scattered indifferent parts of Maharashtra. Dedicated to Lord Ganesha these are some of the most auspicious temples of Maharashtra; Sri mahalakshmi temple of Kolhapur which mainly draws its visitors towards the splendid curvatures that decorate the temple. Nanded is another important pilgrimage of which is dedicated to the sikh saints. It is one of the most popular gurduwaras of Maharashtra.
Along with this Nasik which is one of the most popular centers of pilgrimage in Maharashtra. These temples are mainly known for their splendid architecture and colourful looks.
Nature Tourism in Maharashtra
Maharashtra is surrounded with a number of caves that can be dated back to 2nd and 3rd century BC. Prominent among them are the Ajanta caves, Ellora caves, Elephanta caves, Pitalkhora caves, and a number of Buddhist caves which are located at the slopes of mountain ranges of Sayadri Hills. These depict a high variety of architectural elegance which defines the life of early inhabitants of Maharashtra.
Maharashtra includes a long sea beach that extends upto 720 kms long through the Arabian Sea. This begins with some prominent beaches of Maharashtra that includes the beach of Dahanu and Bordi at the north and extends up to Goa in the south. With some exclusive sights of sunset and sunrise these beaches attract a large number of tourist who visit Maharashtra. Among them the most popular are Dahanu Beach and Bordi beach which is situated at the Thane district and extends upto 17 kms; Ganapatiphule Beach- a spectacular beach which extends throughout the Konkan beach; Mandwa beach and Kihim Beach which are two of the twin beaches located at a distance of twelve miles from Alibagh; Marva manhori and Gorai beach located at the north of Mumbai and away from the bustling crowds. Shriwardhan Harihareswar beach which shares a scenic beauty of Shriwardhan bay; Tarkali, Velneswar and vengular malwan are some more beaches that surround the coastal line of Maharashtra.
Along with these the state of Maharashtra also includes some prominent hill stations which are known for their scenic beauty. Prominent among them are Mahabaleswar hill station, Matheran hill station, Bhandardara hill station, Chikhaldara hill station, Panchgani hill station, Jawahar hill station, Panhala hill station, Khandala, Lonavla and Karla hill station and Taronamal hill station which make the place as one of the most picturesque sites in India. Besides this there are some prominent sanctuaries like Chikhaldara, Pench National Park, Bor Dam and Dajipur which has a wide collection of tiger, crocodile, bison, Gawa, Neelgai, wild deer, sambars and rare migratory birds. The government takes adequate steps to protect these wild life parks and sanctuaries that protect the species of Indian wildlife.
Leisure Tourism of Maharashtra
Leisure Tourism of Maharashtra includes some places which are mainly known for the scenic beauty and natural resources that provide great opportunity for the tourist to spend some time on sports and games. For this MTDC runs a number of resorts in many beaches and hill stations which provide for water sports, trekking, boating and other adventurous sports. Prominent among them are Bhatya, Vipassana, Lonar, Nawegaon Bandh and Panshet.