Maharastra

HISTORICAL

Aga Khan Palace On Nagar Road, this Palace is also recognized as Kasturba Gandhi Memorial or Kasturba Samadhi. This palace was built in 1892 by Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah Agakhan III and was donated to India in 1969 by Aga Khan IV.

Ajanta-Ellora Caves The Ajanta caves are 108 kms north-east of Aurangabad .The caves are carved in the rock face which is in the face which is in the form of a horse-shoe through which flows the stream Waghora.Situated in this beautiful surroundings are 30 Buddhist caves some unfinished comprising of either viharas (monastic halls) or chaityas(chapels)containing

Bassein Fort in Maharashtra A Portuguese stronghold till 1739 when the Marathas took over, Bassein Fort is a place you should not miss on your tour of forts in Maharashtra.

Bharata Itihasa Samshodhak Mandal In the calm residential area of Sadashiv Peth lies the grey stone building of Bharata Itihasa Samshodhaka Mandala.

Bibi Ka Maqbara Bibi Ka Maqbara is the tomb of Begum Rabia Durani,wife of Emperor Aurangazeb. The monument is an excellent example of Persian Architecture.

Bombay Natural History Society This private institution was established in 1883, A unique centre, its behavior are manifold and involve publications like the Journal of Bombay Natural History Society, usual newsletters and books on Indian animals, birds and nature.

Daulatabad Fort Almost 800 years ago, Daulatabad, then called 'Devigiri' was a thriving city. It was founded by Bhillamraja of the Yadava dynasty in 1187 AD. Later, the fort of Daulatabad passed through the hands of several dynasties in the Deccan.

Elephanta Caves  One of the major attractions of Maharashtra, the Elephanta Caves is located near the metropolitan city of Mumbai.

Flora Fountain Flora fountain stands at a busy five-point intersection in the heart of the comercial fort area. The beautifully sculptured fountain was erected in the memory of the Governer, Sir Henery Bartle Edward Frere, as a tribute for his contribution towards the building of Mumbai.

Gateway of India Mumbai's most famous monument, this is the starting point for most tourists who want to explore the city.

Haji Ali Mosque This mosque is located in the causeway protruding into the Arabian Sea. The white mosque is the tomb of Saint Haji Ali. Haji Ali was a rich Muslim who renounced the world and proceeded to Mecca.

Heras Institute of Indian History & Culture Displayed at the Heras Institute arc group of Mesopotamian antiquities like cylindrical seals and terracotta objects.

Janjira Fort, Maharashtra Built In The Janjira Fort was built by the rulers of the Ahmed Nagar under the patronage of emperor Malik Amber in the 15th century AD.

Jehangir Nicholson Museum of Modern Art Jehangir Art Gallery is situated at Kala Ghoda locality of Mumbai, Maharashtra. Constructed in 1952, this art gallery is the most prestigious and modern place for Indian artistes in the city.

Karla, Bhaja & Bedsa Caves Karla Caves about 10 kms from Lonavla is the site of the biggest Chaitya cave in India dating back to 80 B.C.Carved inside are a numeral of inscriptional records in Brahmi characters giving the names of donors who contributed for the excavation of this cave.

Kesari Wada Tell tale signs of modern civilization stare one in the face. Cement dampers stand outside the courtyard where once Sayajirao Gaikwad, the prince of Baroda state used to live.

Khuldabad 22 Kms. From Aurangabad. Khuldabad is called the "Valley of the Saints" because of a large-scale Sufi migration to this spot a number of hundred years ago.

Lal Mahal In its present renovated avatar, a formation of the Pune Municipal Corporation in 1983, the Lal Mahal resembles more a sandstone- red palace, than a traditional Wada.

Mani Bhawan Mahatama Gandhi Museum (Mumbai) A memorial to Mahatama Gandhi, who stayed at these premises a number of times between 1917 and 1934. It contains a collection of books on and by the Mahatama.

Mastani Mahal Legends about Mastani and her presumed stay at Shaniwar Wada apart, it is most certain that Bajirao I did build for her a palace at Kothrud. Laying waste in the wilderness, the Mahal was recreated by Pune's 'Kaka' Dinkar Kelkar.

Murud Janjira Fort in Maharashtra The island fort of Murud Janjira is a well-known architectural heritage from a lesser-known dynasty that has stood unconquered for centuries.

National Gallery of Modern Art The national gallery of Modern art in Mumbai exhibits plenty of modern Indian art which are of a very elevated quality.

National Maritime Museum (Mumbai) National Maritime Museum is situated in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The museum conserve the historical assets of India obtained from other countries and models of ships built in Mumbai.

Nehru Science Center Nehru Science Centre exhibits actively involve the visitor in discovering information through participation in the demonstration process.

Panhala Fort in Maharashtra A well-liked hill station destination, Panhala is also famous for its Panhala Fort that was host to Shivaji and his entourage during the height of his glory.

Prince of Wales Museum of Western India Prince of Wales Museum King George V, who as Prince of Wales, laid the foundation stone of this museum in 1905.

Raigad Fort This is the very heart of Maratha country -- Raigad, the capital of Shivaji's kingdom. Strategically perched atop a wedge-shaped block of hill, split off from the Western Ghats and inaccessible from three sides.

Raja Dinker Kelkar Museum (Pune)  Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum is in Pune, Maharashtra. The museum has nearly around 20,000 collections of objects paintings, handicrafts, armour-suits, musical instruments and many other objects of art and artifacts collected from all over the world.

Shahaji Chhatrapati Museum (Kolhapur) Shahaji Chhatrapati Museum is at fresh Palace in Kolhapur, Maharashtra. Curious and interesting set from the possessions of Maharaja Shahaji Chhatrapati like guns, trophies and clothes are potted here.

Shri Bhavani Museum (Aundh) Shri Bhavani Museum in Aundh, which is 48 km from Satara in Maharashtra. The museum has 500 miniature paintings of all major schools - Jaipur, Kangra, Mughal, Punjab, Bijapur, Pahadi and Maratha of the period between 15th and 19th century.

Sinhagad Fort Sinhagad -- where valour is etched on every stone and the soil has turned red seeped by the blood of martyrs! From the time when a Koli chieftain, Nag Naik stoutly defended this fort (AD 1328)

Taraporewala Aquarium (Mumbai) Taraporewala Aquarium is at crowded locality of Marine Drive in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It has nautical life and rare kind of fishes and beautiful pearl jewellery.

Tilak Smarak Mandir Tilak Smarak Mandir on Tilak Road is a building commemorating the immense freedom fighter and communal reformer Lokmanya Tilak.

Tribal Museum Tribal Museum is situated at Pune in Maharashtra. It is close to the railway line, which is just east to the railway station. Maharashtra is a huge country and there are uncountable numbers of tribal in this country.

Victoria & Albert Museum Adjoining the Victoria Gardens, this museum built in the Greco-Roman style houses archaeological finds, maps and photographs depicting the history of Mumbai.

Victoria Terminus A major landmark of Mumbai city is the Victoria Terminus, designed in Italian Gothic style by Architect F. W. Stevens. Recently renamed as Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus, it is one of Mumbai's most prominent buildings and architecturally one of the finest stations in the world.

Vishrambaug A three-storied mansion remarkable for its good-looking entrance and the balcony with carved woodwork classic of the Peshwa period.

Vijaydurg & Sindhudurg Fort Once naval bases, Vijaydurg and Sindhudurg bear testimony to Maharashtra's martial supremacy during Shivaji's reign.

LAKES & BEACHES

Bassein Bassein is in the peaceful location, which is 77 km away from Mumbai. It is closely Once upon a time a Portuguese fortified city. the Marathas beseiged it in 1739.

Dahanu Bordi Not only for its wide and tidy beach, Dahanu is also known for its huge chikoo fruit orchids. Dahanu is 145 km away from Mumbai that comes under Thane district of Maharashtra. And Thane district is again known for its 17 km long sea line that stretches from Dahanu to Bordi.

Daman-Silvasa-Vapi Beach The beaches at Daman (Devika Beach), a former Portuguese territory and now a Union Territory of India, is a beach that you must visit on your tour of beaches in Maharashtra for its Moti Daman Fort, Light House, Gandhi Park.

Ganapatipule The waters of Ganapatipule are crystal clear and pristine. The entire stretch of beach is covered with fresh greeneries. The roadside sceneries on the way to Ganapatipule are captivating with narrow roads, red soil, roofed houses, clean courtyards, innumerable fruit bearing trees and casuarinas lining.

Harnai-Beach Harnai is about 200 km away from Mumbai. Despite its quietness, it is emerging fast as a tourist destination as visitors from Pune and Mumbai are frequently visited this place to celebrate the weekends. Harnai fort is also a main tourist attraction of the area.

Juhu Beach A decade ago the luxury hotels fronting this long stretch of sandy beach were as glamorous as it got among Mumbai's filmi crowd. Stories of wild pool parties at at the Holiday Inn and illicit tete-a-tetes at the Sun 'n' Sand Hotel were an essential ingredient of every film magazine's gossip columns.

Kihim and Mandwa Kihim and Mandawa is almost 10 km away from Mumbai. Kihim has dense coconut trees that give a pollution free green location. This is a place for the nature lovers who want to spend some time with the beauty of the nature.

Madh Island Beach Even though Madh Island is fairly a rural sort, but it is quite enjoyable to walk down along the villages of fishermen. This can at least give some peace of mind to the hurried and exhausted life.

Mandwa - Kihim It is beautiful beach located 18 km north of Alibag on the north coast. A clear day and sky gives a breathtaking view right up to the Gateway of India. Dr. Salim Ali's favourite hunt, it has woods brimming with wild flowers, rare butterflies and birds.

Marine Drive The Marine Drive beach is also an significant beach known as the Chopwpatty beach. It is situated in the center of Mumbai and is related to the historical freedom movement. This beach is also a popular picnic spot for tourists as well as for local's residents.

Marve Manori Gorai Marve, also recognized as Borivali is a village very close to Mumbai. Now this place has become quite industrialized, but its beauty remains the same. One can witness the remains of colonial time in Marve.

Murud Janjira Murud-Janjira is situated close to Alibagh, which is the headquarter of Raigad district. It is one of the most popular and alluring beaches of Maharashtra.

Shriwardhan One more unexplored jewel in the long Konkan coastline, Shriwardhan bay is simply irresistible to beach lovers.

Tarkarli Takarali beach is known for is clarity of water. One can occasionally see the seabed unto a depth of 20 ft. If we look the beach panoramically, one can see the serene prettiness with shuru trees and wide Karli River at the background.

Velneshwar Velneshwar is an ideal beach for swimming and sunbathing. The green coconut palm grooves and rock free seawater make the beach so beautiful and attractive. Despite, Velneshwar is a small village, which is in the north of Shastri River, this beach is quite famous.

Vengurla Malvan Vengurla is well-known for its long stretch of iridescent sand, lined up with solid cashew, coconut, jackfruit and mango groves. Vengurla rocks or Burnt Islands is so near to this beach. Malvan has now become a part of the mainland.

Vijaydurg Sindhudurg The great Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji used Vijaydurg - Sindhudurg as naval base for the period of his reign. So this place has lots of chronological sites to see apart from the picturesque beaches. The most important of all is the Vijayadurg fort built by Shivaji in the 17th century.

SPIRITUAL

Afghan Church Also known as the Church of St. John the Evangelist, this church was built in 1847 and is dedicated to the soldiers who died in the Sind campaign of 1838 and the Afghan War of 1843.

All Saints Church The Church was consecrated on 29th October 1869 during the British regime. The Governor of that time used to come to this Church.

Ambadevi Temple Ambadevi Temple is situated at the heart of the city of Amaravati, Maharashtra, which is 155 km from Nagpur.

Ambarnath Akoli Ambarnath Temple is on the Mumbai-Pune railway line at Akoli. Ambarnath Temple is said to be the only temple of its type in India.

Anwa Temple Anwa Temple is located 10 km away from Golegaon close to Aurangabad, Maharashtra. Presiding deity is Lord Shiva, and the temple dates back to 12th century.

Ayyappa Temple Temple is regarded to be the only Ayappa Temple outside Kerala state. The original name of this temple is Mini Sabarimala Shree Ayyappa Temple.

Bahubali Hill Temples Bahubali Hill Temples are situated 27 km south of Kolhapur, Maharashtra on the Bahubali Hills.

Balaji Temple Nerul Balaji Temple at Nerul, Mumbai is the exact replica of Balaji Temple at Tirupati. This temple is built on the lines of Venkateshwara Temple at Tirupati and has been constructed according to the Shilpashastras.

Ballaleshwar Temple Ballaleshwar, or more properly Bholeshwar (the Pure One) is built of black stone with an ornamental, octagonal dome.

Chakreshwar Temple Chakreshwar Temple is located at Titte, near Kolhapur, Maharashtra. Lord Chakreswar is worshipped in the temple.

Christ Church Christ Church is said to be the major Church in Maharashtra and there are about 2000 members of the Church.

Ganapati Temple Ganapati Temple is regarded as the most beautiful temple in south Maharashtra. It is situated on the banks of river Krishna at Sangli.

Girijaatmaja Vinayak This temple is situated on the beautiful Lekhan Hills, located along the Kukdi River. These hills are situated on the Pune -Nashik highway about 150-km from Pune.

Haji Ali Mosque Honoring the Muslim saint Haji Ali this mosque was built in the center of the sea with only a slim path leading to it giving it an ethereal look.

Jama Masjid According to an old Urdu account, the original Jama Masjid of Mumbai was located near Dongri. It was later detached and erected at Esplanade.

Kailash Temple The Kailasha Temple is located near the village of Ellora about 30-kms from Aurangabad. This famous temple is famous for its amazing architecture.

Mahalakshmi Temple The Mahalaxmi Temple is located at the northern foot of the Malabar Hill in Mumbai. The temple is oldest temple in Mumbai dedicated to Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati.

Mahim Shrine The most remarkable characteristic of Mahim is the holy place of Makhtum Fakih Ali Paru. Of Arab origin, he studied and traveled broadly and was selected law officer of Mahim.

Methodist Marathi Church American Methodist Missionary Mr. William Tailor came to Pune on 14th September 1872. But Methodist Church was started in the house of Mr. Anglow Desuza on the golden day of 28th September 1872.

Mount Mary Church - Mumbai It is one of the famous churches in Mumbai. A week long fair, which is popularly known as Bandra fair, is held in the month of September to celebrate the birth of Mother Mary on September 8.

Mumbadevi Temple This temple was built in honor of the Goddess Mumbai, from whose name it is said, that the English word 'Bombay' is derived.

Nageshwar Temple Nageshwar Temple is one of the oldest temples of Pune, Maharashtra. It has been there since the times of Sant Jnaneshwar and Tukaram.

Osho Ashram Osho Ashram, also known as the Osho Communal Centre is situated at the greenery area of 17 Koregoan Park of Pune, Maharashtra. The Ashram offers a variety of expensive courses on meditation.

Pandharpur Pandharpur is situated in a place, which is 65 km away from Sholapur on the banks of river Bhimarathi. This place is one of the most valued pilgrimage sites in Maharashtra.

Shirdi Shirdi, a little village in Kopargam Taluk, in Ahmadnagar, Maharastra is regarded to be an important pilgrimage place in India as sage Sai Baba lived here till his death.

Dattatreya Temple Dattatreya Temple is situated at Ganganapur, Maharashtra. The presiding deity is Dattatreya, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu Dattatreya.

Shri Hazur Sahib Takhat Sachkhand Shri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib is the most significant Gurdwara located in Nanded, Maharashtra.

Vishnu Temple (Bishnupur) The conical roofed shrine is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Built in 1467, during the reign of King Kiyamba, the temple is interesting for its antiquity and Chinese design.

Siddhivinayak Temple Siddhi Vinayak temple is located at Prabhadevi in Mumbai, Maharashtra. This famous temple is devoted to Ganesha, the elephant-headed God of Good Fortune.

St Thomas' Cathedral In the heart of commercial Fort District stands St Thomas' Cathedral. Work on the chruch commenced under Gerald Aungier, Governor of Mumbai, in 1672 and the church was opened to the public in 1718.

Surya Narayan Temple Built in the year 1899, the temple is devoted to the worship of the Sun God. It is situated at Surajwadi, Panjiapol Lane, Bhuleshwar.

Walkeshwar Temple (Lord of Sand) Walkeshwar Temple or the Lord of the Sand temple is one of the oldest heritage sites in Mumbai. located on Malabar Hill, the original Walkeshhwar Temple was built by the Silaharas around 1050 years ago.

The Church of the Holy Name (Pavitra Naam Devalaya) This Church Will Stand Till the Second Coming" this is what Sadhu Sunder Singh said about this Church when he visited it in 1917.

Varad Vinayak Temple The Varadvinayak temple is located in the Mahad village of Raigarh district in Maharastra. This temple is devoted to Varadvinayk (Ganapati or Ganesha).

ADVENTURE & WILDLIFE

Anerdam Wildlife Sanctuary The sanctuary is located on southwestern range of Satpura range in Shirpur Tehsil of Dhule District. The sanctuary was once extremely rich in wildlife, now it is trying to regain its previous status.

Bhamragarh Sanctuary Bhamragarh Wildlife Sanctuary has many types of wild animals like leopard, jungle fowl, wild boar and sloth bear, barking deer, blue bull, peacock and flying squirrel. The whole area is enclosed with the moist deciduous mix forests. Gond-Madia tribes are the people who are residing in and around the Bhamragarh Wildlife Sanctuary.

Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary This sanctuary is sprawled over an area of 100 sq km. Rich in flora and fauna, the park has a wide range of wildlife including animals like leopards, sambars, barking deers, wild boars, Hanuman langurs and Rhesus macaques.

Bor Wildlife Sanctuary Situated in Hingni in Wardha of Vidarbha region, Maharashtra, Bor Wildlife sanctuary area includes 3,237 hectares of Reserve Forest, 2,213 hectares of Protected Forest, and 660 hectares of Unclassed.

Borivali Wildlife Park Spread in a small area of 104 sq km, the Borivili National Park offers an enjoyable change from the humdrum life of the metropolis. This virgin forest area is an perfect hangout for the picnickers, nature, bird and wildlife lovers. Borivili is a park for all seasons.

Chaprala Sanctuary Chaprala Wildlife Sanctuary is home to almost 131 types of wild animals like tiger, leopard, jungle cat, sloth bear and wild dog. Many of the species are integrated under the endangered kind' list like two species of bird, two species of reptiles, Indian python and common Indian monitar.

Chikhaldhara Chikhaldara is in Amaravati district of Vidarbha area of Maharashtra. It is supposed that its name is derived from Keechaka. This hill station is the only hill station, which offers the tourists lots of wildlife, viewpoints, lakes and waterfalls in the Vidharba region.

Dajipur The jungle resort of Dajipur is located on the border of Kolhapur and Sindhudurg districts, near the backwaters of the Radhanagari dam. Bounded by rugged mountains and dense forests, this secluded area is completely cut-off from human habitation.

Karnala Bird Sanctuary Close to Mumbai, Karnala is the high spot for an incredible weekend. Karnala is also a birdwatcher's paradise and MTDC has rent-a-tent facilities so you can bird watch at spare time. Spot sunbirds, drongoes, orioles, babblers and the occasional male paradise flycatcher with its unusual silvery-white tail and colorful local bird type can all be sighted.

Mahim Nature Park The Mahim Nature Park is located near Dharavi, Asia's largest slum. The park is sprawled over an area of 450 acres, established with an aim to care for the natural beauty and estuarine ecosystem of the region.

Melghat Tiger Reserve In the enchanting southern collection of the Satpuras nestling in the tehsil of Amravati district is Melghat Tiger Reserve. Amidst teak and bamboo groves you will find the protected tiger roaming around freely.

Nagzira Another wildlife sanctuary which is known for its verdant hills and dales, where the fauna offers a mesmerising blaze of colours, is the Nagzira Wild Life Sanctuary. Ambling around in these idyllic environs is the sloth bear, tiger four horned antelope, the Bluebull, Chital, Barking Deer, Bison and the Panther.

Navegaon Park Navegaon is a very popular forest resort in the Vidarbha region. This eastern most part of Maharashtra was built in the 18th century. There is also a picturesque lake that situates amidst the green hills of Navegaon. There is a watchtower at Navegaon National Park.

Pench National Park The Pench National Park on the border of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra has been known through the ages for its rich flora and fauna. As the 25th Tiger Reserve of the country, Pench takes pride in its tigers and other wildlife.

Tadoba National Park Tadoba National Park is a big park sheltered with lush, green forestland. It is situated at a distance of 45 km from Chandrapur. Tigers, leopards, gaurs, nilgais, sambars and chitals can be seen at night in this park. There is also a lake at the park.

Tipeshwer Sanctuary Black buck, blue bull, chital, sambar, peacock, hare, snake, monkey, wild boar, bear, wild cat, wolf and jackal are the wild animals that are plentifully seen at the Tipeswher sanctuary. Temperatures are fairly pleasurable all around the year, although there are three seasons namely summer, winter and the monsoons.