Maharashtra, often referred to as the heart of western India, is a state where every corner tells a distinct story. From busy cities like Mumbai and Pune to laid back lives in cozy hill stations, ancient caves, tiger reserves, and coastal towns, the state has something to offer for every kind of traveler. If you are planning for a trip and wondering about the best things to do in Maharashtra, this guide will take you through different experiences that will combine culture, food, history, and adventure all alike. Along the way, you’ll also discover some of the famous things in Maharashtra, exploring offbeat paths, and stumble upon some truly unique things in Maharashtra that you probably won’t find anywhere else.
Let this blog post walk you through 15 destinations and experiences that make Maharashtra one of the most exciting states to explore irrespective of age, cultural differences, or travel preferences.
15 Must-Try Things to Do in Maharashtra
Despite the fact that Maharashtra as a destination offers diverse cultural and adventurous experiences, you cannot miss out on the unique experiences that the state has to offer. So if you are planning to witness the multi dimensional aura that the city offers, Maharashtra is the place you need to plan your next trip to.
1. Check out Mumbai's nightlife and take a walk around Marine Drive.
Mumbai really comes alive at night. One of the most famous things to do here is to walk along Marine Drive beneath the bright streetlights, which are known as the "Queen's Necklace." Colaba and Bandra are great places to go if you want the excitement of nightlife. They have a lot of night clubs in Mumbai, lounges, and places to hear live music. And of course, you can't go out in Mumbai without eating street cuisine like Pav Bhaji at Chowpatty or kebabs at Mohammad Ali Road.
Best time to Visit: evening until late at night.
Places to visit: Colaba, Bandra pubs, and Juhu Chowpatty
What to eat: Pav Bhaji in Chowpatty and Kebabs at Mohammad Ali Road
2. Hike to the Old Forts of Pune
Pune is surrounded by old forts and famous historical places, adventure, and natural beauty. You can hike up forts like Sinhagad, Lohagad, or Shivneri and see the valleys and green hills from above. This lets you step into the stories of the Maratha Empire. There is a story behind each fort. For example, Sinhagad is linked to a fierce battle, and Shivneri is where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was born. These hikes are especially enjoyable in the winter and monsoon seasons when the weather is nice and the scenery is beautiful.
best time to visit: monsoon and winter.
Level of difficulty: easy to moderate (depends on fort)
Cost to go in: mostly free maybe ₹20–50
3. Wine tasting in Nashik is a great way to relax.
The right temperature and soil for growing grapes make Nashik the "wine capital" of India. Visiting the city's wineries is a great way to relax and learn at the same time. You can walk through beautiful estates, taste different kinds of wine, and see how wine is made. Some of the most famous wineries, such as Sula, York, and Soma, have tours that end with tastings of their best wines. It's a great way to escape the busy city life, and the best time to do it is during the harvest season.
The best vineyards: Sula, York, and Soma.
Best time: January to March, when the crops are ready to be picked.
Cost: around ₹500 to ₹1,000 per person for tours
4. Take a trip to Lonavala and Khandala by car.
Lonavala and Khandala are hill towns that are like old friends that never go out of style. People know them for their beautiful places to visit in Lonavala for couples and in Khandala too, there are rivers, and views, and they are only a short drive away from Mumbai or Pune. People like to go to Tiger's Leap, Bhushi Dam, and Lion's Point, but the best times to see nature are when it rains. Don't miss the chance to try the local chikki, a sweet that is now a part of the area's culture.
Best time to visit: June to September, which is the monsoon season.
Places you have to see: Bhushi Dam, Tiger's Leap, and the Karla Caves
What to eat: Lonavala Chikki.
5. See the beauty of the Ajanta and Ellora Caves (Aurangabad), a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You can go back in time to the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, which are close to Aurangabad. The Buddhist paintings and statues in Ajanta are very detailed, and the rock-cut caves in Ellora are a great mix of Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist styles. Most people who visit Ellora are amazed by the Kailasa Temple, which was cut from a single rock. Each of these caves is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and they are some of the most amazing historical sites in India.
Cost of entry: ₹40 for Indians and ₹600 for visitors
Best time: October to March
6.Tarkarli (for scuba diving)
In the last few years, the coastal village of Tarkarli in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg district has become very popular with people excitedly looking for the best places to visit in Tarkali. Because the water is calm and there are a lot of fish, this is the best place in the state to go scuba diving or snorkeling. Tarkarli is a great place for both underwater adventures and relaxing on the beach. You can also do fun water sports like jet skiing and parasailing there. Tarkarli is a great place for people who want to get away from it all and try something new. It has the right mix of adventure and relaxation.
Best Beaches: Alibaug, and Ganpatipule
Activities to Do: Jet skiing, parasailing, and scuba diving
The best time to Visit: November to February.
7. Take a wildlife safari at Tadoba National Park.
Many people think that the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is one of the best places in Maharashtra to see animals in their natural habitat. The tiger population in the Chandrapur district is one of the things that makes it so famous. But guests can also see leopards, wild dogs, sloth bears, and many different kinds of birds. This safari will take you deep into the woods, where you might see nature in its purest form at every turn. No matter how much you love wildlife or how much you just want to see what it's like to be in the jungle, Tadoba will give you an adventure you'll never forget.
Safari times: 6 AM to 10 AM in the morning and 3 PM to 6 PM in the evening
Cost of a safari: ₹2,000 per jeep for Indian citizens
The best time to visit: October to June.
8. Mumbai is where you can celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi.
Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in Maharashtra, and the city of Mumbai has the most exciting processions at that time. The city comes to life with music, shades of colors, and devotion when beautifully crafted idols of Lord Ganesha are put up in homes and public pandals for visit. You can see how big and emotional the festival is by going to famous pandals like Lalbaugcha Raja, Siddhivinayak, and Andheri Cha Raja. It is a cultural celebration that millions of people, both devotees and tourists, will never forget. It is a celebration that is worth remembering, from the happy aartis to the last visarjan.
Ganesh Chaturthi will occur from August 26 to September 5, 2025.
The dates for Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 are September 15 to September 25.
Lalbaugcha Raja, Siddhivinayak, and Andheri Cha Raja are some of the most famous pandals.
9. Go boating in Shirdi and pray for blessings at the Sai Baba Temple.
Shirdi is one of India's most popular pilgrimage sites, with millions of people visiting each year. The town is famous for being the home of the holy saint Sai Baba, and it has a peaceful atmosphere that attracts both curious tourists and people looking for spiritual guidance. The Sai Baba Samadhi Mandir is the main attraction in Shirdi, but places like Dwarkamai and Chavadi make the experience even better. Whether or not you are religious, the atmosphere here is unforgettable.
Boating spot: Nilwande Dam (close to Shirdi)
Boating costs: ₹100 and ₹300 per person.
Temple hours: 4 AM to 11 PM every day
10. Hike to Rajmachi Fort
People who hike in the Sahyadri ranges love Rajmachi Fort. The fort is about 16 miles from Lonavala and has a great hike that combines history with beautiful natural scenery. The twin forts of Shrivardhan and Manoranjan stand tall here. They give visitors a great view of the lush valleys and waterfalls, especially during the monsoon. The trail is lined with plants and has a rustic feel that makes it a fun adventure for both experienced and new hikers.
A popular spot for hikers in the Sahyadris.
The best period is during the monsoon season, which runs from July to September.
16 miles from Lonavala, this place has beautiful views and a lot of history.
11. Beach Hopping in Alibaug
Alibaug is the best beach getaway for the weekend because it's only a few hours of drive away from Mumbai. You can take long walks by the water, do water sports, and eat fresh fish along this coast. Each beach, like Kashid, Nagaon, and Alibaug itself, has its own charm, whether you want to relax or go on an exciting trip. The beach has forts and homestays, which make it the best place to visit in Alibaug and see new things at the same time.
Popular beaches: Alibaug, Kashid, and Nagaon.
Best time: November to March.
Among the most relaxing things to explore in Maharashtra.
12. Visit Kaas Plateau (Valley of Flowers)
The Kaas Plateau, which is also called Maharashtra's Valley of Flowers, is a stunning natural wonder that changes every monsoon. From August to October, the plateau is covered in a blanket of blooming wildflowers in every color you can think of. Walking through this UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site feels like stepping into a painting. There are endless chances to take pictures and think quietly. It's one of those places that makes you remember how beautiful and different the landscapes in Maharashtra can be and there are endless opportunities of places to stay near Kass Plateau, where you can live peacefully.
Blooming season: August to October, when wildflowers cover the plateau.
Entry fee: Around ₹100 for visitors.
A colorful addition to the list of unique things in Maharashtra.
13. Trek Through Naneghat Pass
The mountain pass known as Naneghat transports visitors to the period of time when the Satavahana dynasty was in power. There are still ancient caves and inscriptions along the route that tell stories from a very long time ago. This route was once used as a conduit for trade. Today, it is a well-known hiking trail, particularly during the monsoon season, when waterfalls cascade down the cliffs and the valleys are covered in mist. Because of the abundance of history and the natural beauty that it possesses, it is one of the most memorable treks in the state of Maharashtra.
Best time: July to September for monsoon waterfalls.
An ancient Satavahana trade route with stone inscriptions.
One of the most scenic monsoon things to do in Maharashtra.
14. Go to Kalaram Temple in Nashik.
In terms of Lord Rama, the Kalaram Temple in Nashik is considered to be among the most significant temples in all of India. Due to the fact that the temple is constructed entirely out of black stone, it stands out due to the stunning elegance of its architecture and the spiritual atmosphere that it exudes. People from all over the nation travel to this location to pay a visit, particularly during the festival of Ram Navami, when the temple is filled with a variety of rituals and celebrations. It is imperative that you visit the Kalaram Temple in Maharashtra if you are interested in gaining knowledge about culture and spirituality.
This famous black stone temple is dedicated to Lord Rama.
Best time: all year, but especially during Ram Navami.
A spiritual jewel that is one among the things to see in Maharashtra.
15. Climb Harihar Fort, Nashik.
The descent to Harihar Fort, which is famous for its steps that are almost vertical, is considered to be one of the most exciting hikes in the state of Maharashtra. At first, the ascent might appear to be terrifying; however, this is precisely what makes the experience so thrilling and unforgettable. Trekkers will be able to admire the Sahyadri ranges and valleys all around them once they reach the summit of the mountain. Those who have a passion for adventure will find that this walk offers the ideal combination of tests and rewards.
Best time: October to February.
Known for steep rock-cut steps and adventurous trekking.
A thrilling trek that stands out as one of the unique things in Maharashtra.
In conclusion
Maharashtra is more than just a place to visit; it's a whole experience in one state. There are so many things to do here, including going diving along the Konkan coast, climbing up misty paths in the Sahyadris, visiting ancient caverns, and just enjoying the simple pleasure of local street food. It has a lot of nature, history, culture, and adventure, so you can keep going back and find something new every time.
You now know where to go the next time you want to get away from it all. A vacation to Maharashtra, with all its unique things to see and see, can be the one that gives you stories to tell for the rest of your life.
