Maharashtra is not just a state; it is an experience that has to be travelled to. Look at how the morning mist almost touches your face when you wake up at Lonavala, the Arabian Sea glowing at sunset in Alibaug, or how, standing before the ancient Ajanta and Ellora caves, you will hear the stories of past centuries. Modern Mumbai needs no introduction to the beauties of glamour, as Mahabaleshwar requires no introduction to its peaceful atmosphere.
If you are a history lover, and one who loves nature, or even one who just wants a nice weekend escape, there are plenty of places to visit in Maharashtra that will leave you spellbound. Some would be well-known in the world, such as the Gateway of India and Shirdi, and some would be a full secret, such as Bhandardara and Tarkarli, that just truly amazes.
In this blog, you will get to know about the best-known tourism destinations in Maharashtra and also get the information about when to visit these destinations, activities, and how to get there, so that you can plan your trip easily.
Places to Visit in Maharashtra
Ready to begin? Want to know the 25 must-see places to visit in Maharashtra that will make your next visit memorable?
1. Mumbai
Mumbai is the nerve centre of Maharashtra and a city that never sleeps. This city, combining history, modernity, and Bollywood fever, gets its beauty and charm not only from the historic Gateway of India but also from the shine of the skyline along Marine Drive. There are a number of places to visit in Mumbai itself, and particularly for first-timers.
Activities: Walk on Marine Drive, shop at Colaba, sightseeing at Elephanta caves and nightlife.
Best time to visit: October to March.
How to reach: The closest railway station is the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) / Mumbai Central, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) is the closest airport.
Tourist attractions: Centre of India Gate, Juhu Beach and Siddhivinayak Temple and Haji Ali Dargah.
2. Pune
Pune, being called the Oxford of the East, is a blend of learning, culture and tradition. The city is saturated with forts, gardens and colourful food establishments. Those who are interested in the history of the Marathas should not miss a visit to Pune as it is the most loving historical place to visit in Maharashtra, which happens to be one of the finest tourist places in Maharashtra.
Activities: Visit Shaniwar Wada, Aga Khan Palace and Parvati hill.
Best time to visit: February to November.
How to reach: Pune Junction Railway Station is the closest railway station, and the closest airport is Pune International Airport (PNQ).
Tourist attractions: Osho Ashram, Sinhagad Fort, and Dagdusheth Ganapati Temple.
3. Lonavala
It is one of the best-known and famous places in Maharashtra: lush green at the bottom of the valley meets clouds at Lonavala, which makes its way to this place and kisses it. It is a haven for nature lovers due to the picturesque hills, caves and falls.
Activities: Visit Rohington Chikki (local sweet), Karla Caves and Trek to Rajmachi Fort.
Best time to visit: June to September (monsoon beauty).
How to reach: 1.5 hours drive from Pune, 2.5 hours from Mumbai.
Tourist attractions: Bushi Dam, Tigers Leap and Dukes Nose.
4. Mahabaleshwar
Looking for a honeymoon spot in Maharashtra, Mahabaleshwar provides foggy mountain ranges, a strawberry plantation, and picturesque points. It is also one of the must-visit places in Maharashtra that should not be missed due to its antique nature.
Activities: Take a boat ride in Venna Lake, sample fresh strawberries and sightsee.
Best time to visit: December to February.
How to reach: 120 km road distance from Pune.
Tourist attractions: Seat at Arthur, Mapro Garden, Lingmala Waterfall.
5. Shirdi
One of the most holy tourist places in Maharashtra is Shirdi. It is a spiritual centre of the state because here millions of people come to pay respects to Sai Baba.
Activities: Visit Sai Baba Temple, Dwarkamai and Gurusthan.
Best time to visit: Peak season is winter all year round.
How to reach: The closest airport is Shirdi Airport, Mumbai/Pune.
Tourist attractions: Sai Heritage Village, Shani Shingnapur.
6. Ajanta and Ellora Caves
These are ancient caves whose masterpieces include Indian art and Indian architecture. With the Buddhist paintings at Ajanta and Ellora caves, these are some of the most unique places to visit in Maharashtra.
Activities: Cave paintings, Kailasa Temple, and carvings.
Best Time to visit: November to March.
How to Reach: 100 km away from Aurangabad.
Tourist attractions: Dasht-e-salaque Fort, Grishneshwar Temple.
7. Alibaug
Alibaug has peaceful beaches, forts, and homestays. It is also among the most popular trip places in Maharashtra and is particularly a weekend retreat spot in Mumbai.
Activities: Water sports, beach hopping and Kolaba Fort.
Best time to visit: November to March.
How to reach: 3-hour road trip in/out of Mumbai or ferry.
Tourist attractions: Nagaon Beach, Kashid Beach, and Mandwa.
8. Nashik
Nashik is a contrasting city, with sacred places of pilgrimage such as Trimbakeshwar are adjacent to vineyards such as Sula. It’s a mixture of spirituality and modernity, and one of the famous places in Maharashtra.
Activities: Sula Vineyards, Kumbh mela sites and ancient temples.
Best time to visit: October to March.
How to Reach: 180 km from Mumbai.
Tourist attractions: Pandavleni caves, Dudhsagar falls, Anjaneri Hills.
9. Aurangabad
Aurangabad has heritage and history, and it is one of the best places to visit in Maharashtra. This city is known as the gem because of its historic 52 gates and the Bibi ka Maqbara.
Activities: Witness the caves, forts and Mughal-style monuments.
Best time to visit: October to March.
How to reach: Aurangabad Airport or the railway station.
Tourist attractions: Ellora, Bibi Ka Maqbara, Dauratbandi Fort.
10. Matheran
Matheran is an idyllic small hill station in Maharashtra. It is considered to be one of the famous places in Maharashtra because of its toy train and the perceptions.
Activities: Horse riding, trekking, toy train ride, etc.
Best time to visit: November to February.
How to Reach: 110 km from Mumbai.
Tourist attractions: Louisa Point, Charlotte Lake.
11. Ganpatipule
Ganpatipule does provide a blended nature of spirituality and nature. It is also among the best places to visit in Maharashtra, with the Ganesh Temple by the beach.
Activities: Beach, Ganesh Temple, watersports.
Best time to visit: November to February.
How to Reach: 25 km from Ratnagiri.
Tourist attractions: Aare Ware beach, Jaigad fort.
12. Kolhapur
The Mahalaxmi Temple is renowned in Kolhapur, along with their world-famous Kolhapuri food. A combination of spirituality and strong culture makes it one of the ideal tourist places to see in Maharashtra.
Activities: See temples, have Kolhapuri Misal and mutton.
Best time to visit: November to February.
How to Reach: Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Terminus (Kolhapur) is the closest railway station.
Tourist attractions: Panhala Fort, Sanctuaries to visit, Jyotiba Temple, Rankala Lake.
13. Tarkarli
Tarkarli is another unexplored place; it has coral reefs and clean beaches. It is also among the most exotic destinations and unique places to visit in Maharashtra, particularly for adventure lovers.
Activities: Scuba diving, snorkelling, staying in a houseboat.
Best time to visit: October through March.
How to reach: A 6-hour journey by road when going to Goa.
Tourist attractions: Devbagh Beach, Sindhudurg Fort.
14. Bhandardara
Bhandardara is a serene resort built around the lake and waterfall, and trek maze. It is one of the special places to visit in Maharashtra to unwind.
Activities: Stargazing, Camping and boating.
Best time to visit: October to May.
How to Reach: 185 km from Mumbai.
Tourist attractions: Arthur Lake, Wilson Dam and Ratangad Fort.
15. Chandrapur
Chandrapur, which is also home to the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, is one of the most popular places to visit in Maharashtra among wildlife enthusiasts. It is a heaven on Earth to see tigers and other animals.
Activities: Jungle safari, photography, birdwatching.
Best time to visit: February through May.
How to reach: The closest airport is Nagpur.
Tourist attraction: Tadoba Tiger Reserve, Ballarpur Fort.
16. Satara
Satara is the home of Kaas Plateau, a world heritage site recognised by UNESCO as the Valley of Flowers in Maharashtra. It is one of the places that must be visited in Maharashtra during the monsoons.
Activities: Hiking, sightseeing, and Waterfalls.
Best time to visit: August to October.
How to reach: 120 km from Pune.
Tourist attractions: Kaas Plateau, Thoseghar Waterfalls.
17. Nagpur
Nagpur is the centre of oranges, and culture and history live here. It has Deekshabhoomi and wildlife, making it one of the unique places to visit in Maharashtra.
Activities: Monuments, Lakes.
Best time to visit: October to March.
How to reach: The closest railway station is the Nagpur Junction, and the closest airport is the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport (NAG).
Tourist attractions: Deekshabhoomi, Ambazari Lake, Pench National Park.
18. Igatpuri
Igatpuri, which is nestled among the Sahayadri ranges, is a trekker and nature lover's paradise. This hill station has a Vipassana International Academy, and it is a serene place with green vegetation and is one of the best places to visit in Maharashtra.
Activities: Hiking at Kalsubai peak, meditation in the Vipassana Centre and taking photographs.
Best time to visit: June- September (magic of monsoons).
How to reach: 120 kilometres by rail and road through Mumbai.
Tourist attractions: Tringalwadi Fort, Bhatsa River Valley, Camel Valley.
19. Sindhudurg
The sea forts constructed by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the undisturbed beaches are the major attractions of Sindhudurg. It is one of the places you must visit whenever you want to know more about history, and also for those who love beaches.
Activities: sightseeing at Forts, scuba diving, and enjoying seafood.
Best time to visit: October to March.
How to reach: 500 km southeast of Mumbai.
Tourist attractions: Sindhudurg Fort, Tarkarli Beach, Malvan.
20. Panchgani
Panchgani is an ideal place to watch nature with a panorama of five hills. Its green fields and strawberry cultivation lands present it as one of the must visit places of Maharashtra.
Activities: Paragliding, Trekking, and Farms.
Best time to visit: July to May.
How to Reach: 100 km from Pune.
Tourist attractions: Table Land, Sydney Point, Parsi Point.
21. Jawhar
A miniature version of Mahabaleshwar (a well-known hill station in Maharashtra), Jawhar is a minor hill station which is popular because of its tribal culture, waterfall and Warli paintings. It is among the finest art and nature destinations in Maharashtra.
Activities: Palaces, purchase Warli art and have fun and visit waterfalls.
Best time to visit: Monsoon (July to September).
How to reach: 165 km by road east of Mumbai.
Tourist attractions: Jai Vilas Palace, Dabdaba Falls, Hanuman Point.
22. Chandoli National Park
In the eyes of wildlife lovers, Chandoli National Park is a jewel in disguise. It belongs to the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve and is a place with forests, forts, and adventure, which is why it is one of the best tourist places to see in Maharashtra that should be visited.
Activities: Jungle Safari, bird watching and trekking.
Best time to visit: November to February.
How to reach: 80 km away by road via Sangli.
Tourist attractions: Prachitgad Fort, Koyna Dam, Shivasagar Lake.
23. Karjat
Karjat is a trekking and adventure holiday destination with great popularity over the weekend. It is one of the most adventurous trip places in Maharashtra among young travellers, with forts, caves and waterfalls.
Activities: River rafting, trekking to Kondana Caves and camping.
Best time to visit: Between July and September to take monsoon treks.
How to Reach: 62 km by train and road from Mumbai.
Tourist attractions: Ulhas Valley, Kondana Caves, Bhivpuri Waterfalls.
24. Lavasa
The small town called Lavasa is a new city modelled after the Portofino of Italy. It is an adventure cum a luxury, and any traveller would love visiting this Maharashtra location to experience lavasa city at night, which is the most charming thing.
Activities: Water Sports, Nature Trails & Trekking, Cycling, Ziplining & Rock Climbing
Best time to visit: September to March.
How to Reach: 65 km from Pune.
Tourist attractions: Temghar dam, Lakeside Promenade.
25. Ratnagiri
Ratnagiri is a beach town which houses some of the Alphonso mangoes and quiet Nuances. It is one of the must visit places in Maharashtra, where beach lovers will enjoy their time, and Mango lovers can pay a visit to the Mango farms and carry some with them on their way back.
Activities: Beach fun, eating mangoes, sightseeing the forts.
Best time to visit: October -March.
How to reach: Rail and road transport.
Tourist attractions: Ganpatipule, Thibaw Palace and Ratnadurg Fort.
Conclusion
The state of Maharashtra is a treasure of amazing experiences. Every place to visit in Maharashtra has its own story to share, whether it is the hustle and bustle of Mumbai or the tranquillity of Bhandardara. You might want to go and be blessed in Shirdi, experience the sweetness of strawberries in Mahabaleshwar, tumble in the blue waters of Tarkarli, or get lost in the caves of Ajanta and Ellora; it will not disappoint you at all. So, why keep dreaming when you can have the experience? Here are the places that you must visit when taking a trip to Maharashtra.
