Maharashtra Tourism and Travel Guide

Maharashtra is known for its pleasant weather throughout the year. While the summers are sunny, monsoons make the surroundings greener. So, you can plan a Maharashtra tourism trip at any time of the year and admire the vistas that different seasons have got to offer in Maharashtra. As per this Maharashtra travel guide, the best time to visit Maharashtra is between October and March when the temperature can range anywhere between 10°C and 37°. During the summer season, Maharashtra's temperature can go as high as 40°C. It is suggested that you should carry loose clothes and plenty of water if you are visiting Maharashtra during the summers, as the climate can be humid and hot. The state tends to be affected by floods during the monsoon season. But if the roads are not blocked, you can head to the hill stations to see the foggy landscapes.

You can visit some of the most splendid beaches, hills and temples in the world on your Maharashtra tourism trip. Some of the best tourist places in Maharashtra which are included in this Maharashtra travel guide are mentioned below.

Mumbai
Mumbai is home to one of the biggest film industries in the world, Bollywood. Located on the west coast, Mumbai overlooks the serene Arabian Sea. You can find some of the biggest MNCs in Mumbai, making it the perfect destination for job opportunities. Astonishing skyscrapers form the skyline of this glitzy city while ancient temples continue to exist amidst the ever-transforming landscape of Mumbai. Sightseeing destinations such as Elephanta Caves, Marine Drive and the Gateway of India are unmissable on your Maharashtra tourism trip. You can also include a visit to the popular markets of Mumbai in your Maharashtra tourism itinerary. You can visit Mangaldas Market on your Maharashtra tourism trip where you can find a wide range of colourful clothes and the infamous Chor Bazaar where you can grab antiques and handicrafts at minimal price.

Pune
The second-largest city of Maharashtra, Pune is known for its pleasant weather and natural landscapes. Situated on the Deccan Plateau, Pune boasts several well-known institutions, MNCs, and scenic locations that can be visited on your Maharashtra tourism trip. You can include a visit to the famous Shaniwar Wada, which is among the most famous tourist places in Pune, in your Maharashtra tourism itinerary. You can also explore other scenic tourist places in Pune such as Aga Khan Palace, Sinhagad Fort and Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park. In fact, you can also find many beautiful temples here such as Pataleshwar Cave Temple and Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Mandir. Pune offers a striking contrast to Mumbai, which is constantly buzzing with sights and sounds. Pune offers a relaxing escape to tourists and that makes it one of the most popular weekend getaways for tourists travelling from nearby cities. 

Lonavala
Located in the lap of the lush green Western Ghats, Lonavala offers a calm environment, scenic vistas and close proximity to nature. From gurgling waterfalls to thick forests, Lonavala is adorned with various natural wonders, offering an escape to tourists from the hustle and bustle of cities. Lonavala is constantly featured in Bollywood movies, and is a famous destination among movie-goers. You can head to Lonavala to recreate your own filmy moment. Include a visit to the gushing Kune Falls in your Maharashtra tourism itinerary. Explore the crystal-clear Lonavala Lake and Tungarli Lake on your Maharashtra tourism trip. Take a stroll across Ryewood Park and bask in the sun’s rays filtering through tall trees. Include a visit to Lion Point in your Maharashtra tourism itinerary from where you can enjoy stunning views of the Western Ghats. 

Mahabaleshwar

Another hill station tucked in the Sahyadri range is the mesmerising Mahabaleshwar. The town is adorned with azure lakes, lush green valleys, evergreen forests and verdant meadows. You can visit the 17th-century hilltop fort, Pratapgad, on your Maharashtra tourism trip and enjoy the views of low-rise and high-rise hills. Other destinations where you can enjoy views of the alluring mountains are Elephant's Head Point and Lodwick Point. You can also head to Panchgani from Mahabaleshwar, which is at a distance of 20 km and offers some mesmerising views. Include exploring Parsi Point on your Maharashtra tourism trip to admire the entire valley dotted with little houses. In fact, Mahabaleshwar is the perfect spot to kick back and gaze at the arresting scenery. 

Nashik

Located on the banks of the Godavari River, Nashik is a holy city by virtue of being a popular pilgrimage site. One of the biggest attractions of Nashik is the grand Kumbh Mela that takes place every 12 years. During the festival, devotees flock to this sacred city and take dips in the revered Godavari. Kumbh Mela is a festival in itself, and you can find the streets and ghats of Nashik filled with devotees. Nashik is also popular as the 'Wine Capital of India' due to many vineyards located in the city. You can embark on a wine-tasting session at scenic locations such as Sula Vineyards and York Winery on your Maharashtra tourism trip. You can also include sightseeing destinations such as Nasik Caves, Someshwar Waterfall and Gangapur Dam in your Maharashtra tourism itinerary. 

Matheran
Nestled in the Western Ghats, Matheran offers a mild climate throughout the year which is perfect for visiting picturesque destinations such as Alexander Point, One Tree Hill Point, Garbett Point and Echo Point. From these locations, you can enjoy lush green vistas of the Sahyadri range. You can also include a visit to Charlotte Lake in your Maharashtra tourism itinerary for a leisure walk or to relax. You will find thick forests, winding routes and gurgling waterfalls in Matheran that never fail to impress. Matheran is an offbeat destination in Maharashtra, offering a relaxing environment to tourists. You can also hop onto a toy train in Matheran on your Maharashtra tourism trip and enjoy the mesmerising view of the verdant Western Ghats.

Khandala
Another destination which has often been referred to in various Bollywood movies and songs is the gorgeous Khandala. Include Khandala in your Maharashtra tourism itinerary and  different kinds of rock formations and ancient artwork at Bhaja Caves and Karla Caves. Khandala is packed with attractive sightseeing spots such as Sunset Point and Rajmachi Point that you can visit on your Maharashtra tourism trip. From there, you can not only enjoy the clear views of Western Ghats but also witness a beautiful sunset. Another spellbinding destination to include in your Maharashtra tourism itinerary is Kune Falls. The best time to visit Khandala is from October to May when the routes are not covered under fog and you can enjoy clear views of the Western Ghats.  

Nanded

The sacred town of Nanded is a popular destination among Sikh and Hindu pilgrims. The town is home to the magnificent Gurudwara Shri Hazur Sahib and beautiful temples such Kaleshwar Temple and Renuka Mata Temple. It is believed that the city derives its name from the mythological vehicle of Lord Shiva called Nandi. The festival of Hola Mohalla is celebrated with great zeal by Sikhs in Nanded and attracts a huge number of devotees every year. Besides pilgrimage sites, Nanded also has other sightseeing destinations such as Kandhar Fort and the historic Nanded Fort that can be included in your Maharashtra tourism itinerary. Although Nanded can be visited at any time of the year but winters are the best time to enjoy the architecture and scenic landscapes of Nanded.

Tarkarli

Tarkarli is a tranquil village located on the banks of the Arabian Sea. You can include a visit to Tarkarli in your Maharashtra tourism itinerary to enjoy its white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. Tarkarli is home to scenic beaches such as Devbagh Beach, Malvan Beach and Kolamb Beach that can be included in your Maharashtra tourism itinerary. Adventure enthusiasts can also enjoy a wide variety of water sports here such as scuba diving, jet skiing and parasailing. It is also the perfect spot to relax and bask in the sun while reading a good book. You can also include other sightseeing destinations such as the 17th-century Sindhudurg Fort, Padmagad Fort and Sarjekot Fort in your Maharashtra tourism itinerary.

From underwater activities such as scuba diving and snorkelling to outdoor activities such as cycling and trekking, Maharashtra offers a plethora of adventure activities. Here are some of the activities included in our Maharashtra travel guide:

Trekking to Kalsubai Peak 

Adventure seekers can embark on a trek to the mesmerising Kalsubai Peak that offers breathtaking vistas to visitors, as the surroundings get covered under a thick blanket of fog. The winding routes pass through thick forests and offer gorgeous views of the hills. The Kalsubai trek can cost you anywhere between Rs.1000 and Rs.1500 per head. In September and October, you can find a wide variety of flowers blooming on the peak while the trekking route offers the views of lush green hills. If you would like to push your limits and challenge yourself, you can also embark on a night trek to Kalsubai Peak on your Maharashtra tourism itinerary. It is suggested that you should take a guide on a night trek so that you don’t end up losing your way. The best time for a night trek is from November to May. 

Paragliding in Kamshet

Another activity that will pump up your adrenaline is paragliding in the lush green valley of Kamshet. While paragliding, you can enjoy wide views of the valley along with various river streams, while the cool wind nips your cheeks. The price charged for paragliding in Kamshet is quite reasonable, as it costs around Rs.1800 to Rs.3000 to enjoy this unforgettable experience for 10 to 30 minutes. An additional amount of Rs.1000 is charged for using a GoPro action camera if you wish to record your entire flight. It’s suggested that you should paraglide when the breeze is mild, so the best month to include paragliding in your Maharashtra tourism itinerary is October. 

Scuba diving in Tarkarli

Another activity that you must try out on your Maharashtra tourism trip is scuba diving in Tarkarli. This beach destination offers the perfect holiday plan for families and friends craving for an escape. Dive into the deep waters of Tarkarli and explore the underwater world where you can spot coral reefs, marine plants and colourful fishes. You can also book a boat ride for spotting dolphins. Although the prices depend on the company you are choosing, the average cost of scuba diving in Tarkarli is from Rs.700 to Rs.1500. The best time to visit Tarkarli for scuba diving and other water activities is from October to May.

Parasailing in Alibaug

Alibaug is one of the most scenic parasailing spots in the country. Include a visit to Alibaug’s Nagaon Beach in your Maharashtra tourism itinerary and enjoy parasailing over the tranquil Arabian Sea. Parasailing in Alibaug not only offers a much-needed adrenaline rush but also treats you with mesmerising views of Nagaon Beach and surrounding areas. It costs around Rs.1000 to Rs.2000 to parasail in Alibaug, depending on the duration you opt for. The usual time to undertake this activity is between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM. 

River rafting in Kolad

Another activity that you must include in your Maharashtra tourism itinerary is river rafting in Kolad's Kundalika River. It offers the perfect amount of adrenaline rush as you row your raft on the wild cuts and sharp turns of the river. The river is bordered by lush green forests that accentuate your rafting experience. The best time to embark on this adventure is during the summer when the water level is optimum. The usual time to begin rafting in Kolad is 9:00 AM, and the cost of rafting varies on the basis of weekdays and weekends. Rafting for a duration of 2 to 3 hours can cost you around Rs.800 weekdays and up to Rs.1200 on weekends.

Camping in Wai

A relaxing activity that can be included in your Maharashtra tourism itinerary is camping in Wai, a town surrounded by the lush green Sahyadri range. While the prices depend on the company you are choosing, the average cost of camping in Wai is somewhere around Rs.1200 to Rs.1800. Summers offer a good time to go camping in Wai, as the weather is pleasant even during the nights and you can enjoy crystal-clear views of the Western Ghats. You can also gaze at the countless stars gracing the sky at night. You can also enjoy various outdoor activities such as badminton and frisbee in Wai, making it the perfect holiday destination for families and friends alike. 

Bungee jumping in Lonavala

Another activity that should be included in your Maharashtra tourism itinerary is bungee jumping in Lonavala. If you enjoy extreme sports, then you can bungee jump from a height of 150 feet while enjoying the views of the majestic Sahyadri range. The pleasant weather of Lonavala makes the activity more exciting. You must be at least 35 kg to undertake this activity. Many companies also issue a certificate on successfully bungee jumping, highlighting your achievement. It can cost around Rs.2000 to Rs.3000 to enjoy bungee jumping in Lonavala.

Luxury hotels in Maharashtra

On your Maharashtra tourism trip, you can choose to stay at the luxurious hotels of the state and enjoy a unique blend of affluent lifestyle and traditional experience. Some of the best luxury hotels included in our Maharashtra travel guide are:

• The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai
• Vivanta, Aurangabad 
• Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Karjat
• Four Seasons Hotel, Mumbai
• Conrad, Pune

Mid-budget hotels in Maharashtra

You can choose accommodation options on your Maharashtra tourism trip which are not only easy on the pocket but also offer all the amenities required for a comfortable experience. Some of the best mid-budget hotels included in our Maharashtra travel guide are:

• Lakeside Chalet, Mumbai
• TIM Grand, Mumbai
• FabHotel Prime Magnus Square, Pune
• Hotel Surya, Nasik
• The Blue Lagoon Resort, Lonavala 

Budget hotels in Maharashtra

If you want to minimise your expenditure and travel on a shoestring budget, you can choose to stay at accommodation options mentioned in this Maharashtra travel guide. These are some of the best budget hotels for your Maharashtra tourism trip:

• Hotel Emerald Inn, Mumbai
• Hotel Meru, Pune
• Hotel Royale Heritage, Nasik
• Hotel Dean Villa, Lonavala
• KC Residency, Mumbai

From spicy dishes that will tickle your tastebuds to seafood that will satisfy your cravings, Maharashtra is known for a wide variety of cuisine. Maharashtrian cuisine is known for its extensive use of items such as wheat, bajri and lentils. Vegetarians and non-vegetarians can enjoy plenty of options on their Maharashtra tourism trip. 

Vegetarians can relish the flavour dishes such as misal pav, sabudana khichdi, kanda poha and vada pav on their Maharashtra tourism trip. On the other hand, non-vegetarians can try out seafood items such as pomfret fry, prawn fry, sungtachi-hinga kodi, kingfish fry, bangda and crabs.You can also savour the taste of the famous Bombay duck which is cooked in peanut oil. If you have a sweet tooth, you can eat items such as karanji, kharvas and shankarpali on your Maharashtra tourism trip.

The easiest way to reach Maharashtra is by taking a flight to one of the major airports such as Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur. You can also prepare a Maharashtra tourism itinerary with the help of Tripoto's Maharashtra travel guide or choose a tour package in accordance with your budget and duration. MSRTC, a state-run bus service is also available, connecting all the major cities of Maharashtra. If you’re a budget traveller,  we recommend travelling in Maharashtra via buses for a cheap and hassle-free journey. You can also find cab services in all the major cities of Maharashtra.

Maharashtra is the perfect state for all kinds of travellers regardless of their budget and travelling style. From five-star hotels that let your splurge to your heart’s content to walking tours that are easy on the pocket, Maharashtra has something for everyone. Means of transport and accommodation options in Maharashtra play a major role in determining the cost of your trip. Here are the per day costs of Maharashtra:

As per our Maharashtra travel guide, a luxury traveller can expect to spend around Rs.10,000 to Rs.20,000 per day while exploring Maharashtra.a. The cost includes accommodation in five-star hotels, eating at premium restaurants and exploring the impressive forts of Maharashtra.

Mid-budget travellers can expect to spend around Rs.2000 to Rs.5000 per day on their Maharashtra tourism trip. To keep the cost low, it is suggested that you should stay in three-star hotels and get an idea regarding cab fares beforehand.

Budget travellers can explore Maharashtra in Rs.1500 to Rs.2000 per day. It is suggested that budget travellers should stay in hostels and travel via local trains and buses to keep the cost low.

Which are the best tourist spots in Maharashtra that should be included in a Maharashtra tourism itinerary?

Maharashtra is home to some of the most scenic cities in India. You can include scenic cities such as Mumbai, Pune, Nashik and Nagpur if you wish to explore the urban landscape of Maharashtra. Maharashtra is also known for its natural vistas. You can include towns such as Lonavala, Mahabaleshwar, Khandala and Saputara in your Maharashtra tourism itinerary if lush green hills, gurgling waterfalls and verdant meadows catch your fancy. If you would like to bask in the sun on a beach, you can include destinations such as Alibaug, Tarkarli, Kashid and Malvan in your Maharashtra tourism itinerary. Maharashtra is also home to some of the most sacred sites of India such as Shirdi where the revered Sai Baba Temple is located or Nanded where you can find the magnificent Gurudwara Hazur Sahib.

Which is the best month to plan for Maharashtra tourism?

 Since Maharashtra experiences a moderate temperature, you can plan a Maharashtra tourism trip any time of the year. As per our Maharashtra travel guide, the best time to visit Maharashtra is between October and March when the weather turns pleasant and there is less humidity in the air. During this time of the year, the temperature can range anywhere between 10°C to 37°. Summers are rather hot in Maharashtra , and the temperature can go as high as 40°C. But summers offer a good time to visit the hill stations of Maharashtra. Monsoons turn Maharashtra into a wonderland, as the routes get covered under thick fog. In fact, Maharashtra also faces floods due to constant showers.

What are the accommodation options in Maharashtra? 

Maharashtra has plenty of accommodation options in accordance with your budget and preference. You can choose to stay at a 5-star hotel on your Maharashtra tourism trip and pamper yourself in the lap of luxury. You can stay at hotels such as The Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai, Vivanta in Aurangabad and Radisson Blu Resort & Spa in Karjat. You can also choose budget hotels such as Hotel Emerald Inn in Mumbai, Hotel Royale Heritage in Nashik and Sunrise Hill Resort in Khandala. Backpackers can also enjoy staying at budget hostels on their Maharashtra tourism trip such as YouthVille Hostel in Pune and Zostel in Mumbai and Panchgani. 

What kind of activities can be enjoyed on a Maharashtra tourism trip?

Besides sightseeing, Maharashtra tourism is boosted by enthralling outdoor activities. You can enjoy camping at Pawna Lake, Alibaug and Wai. You can also embark on cycling tours across Alibaug and Mahabaleshwar. You can also opt for extreme sports in your Maharashtra tourism itinerary. Try out adventure activities such as paragliding in Kamshet and bungee jumping in Lonavala. Maharashtra also offers trekking opportunities. You can include trekking to destinations such as Kalsubai Peak, Garbett Point, Matheran and Peb Vikatgad in your Maharashtra tourism itinerary. In fact, you can also trek to various forts in Maharashtra such as Lohagad Fort, Sinhagad Fort and Ratangad Fort. 

Name some of the must-try dishes in Maharashtra.

Maharashtra is known for its seafood and spicy dishes. A wide variety of dishes is available in Maharashtra which are cooked with extensive use of wheat, bajri and lentils. Vegetarians can enjoy dishes such as misal pav, sabudana khichdi, kanda poha and vada pav on their Maharashtra tourism trip. You can also savour a wide variety of seafood in Maharashtra that includes dishes such as pomfret fry, prawn fry, kingfish fry and crabs. Non-vegetarians can relish the flavour of the famous Bombay duck. You can also indulge in some of the sweet delicacies of Maharashtra such as karanji, kharvas and shankarpali on your Maharashtra tourism trip.

What is the approximate budget for Maharashtra tourism?

Your Maharashtra tourism vacation cost depends on the hotel you are opting for, your means of transportation and how much you are spending on food. A luxury traveller can expect to spend around Rs.10,000 to Rs.20,000 per day exploring Maharashtra if they are staying at a five-star hotel. Mid-budget travellers can expect to spend around Rs.2000 to Rs.5000 per day on their Maharashtra tourism trip. Budget travellers can minimise their cost by staying in hostels and travelling via local trains. In that case, a Maharashtra tourism trip will cost you around Rs.1500 to Rs.2000 per day.  

What should be the duration of an ideal Maharashtra tourism itinerary?

For a Maharashtra tourism trip, you will need at least 7 to 10 days in order to explore all the major cities and towns of Maharashtra. 

Which is the easiest way to reach Maharashtra?

As per our  Maharashtra travel guide, you can reach Maharashtra via airways, roadways and railways. The quickest way to reach Maharashtra is by taking a flight to one of the major airports in Maharashtra such as Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur. All the major cities of Maharashtra are well-connected via an extensive railway network that makes your Maharashtra tourism trip hassle-free. Maharashtra is also connected with other states of India via roads. National Highway 6 and National Highway 17 are among the major highways of Maharashtra. 

Suggest three tips for planning an Maharashtra trip.

While making an Maharashtra tourism itinerary, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. If you are planning a Maharashtra tourism trip in summers, make sure that you have packed cotton clothes. 
2. Before visiting popular cities such as Mumbai, book a hotel beforehand. 
3. To save money on transportation, plan a budget beforehand, and get a rough estimate of cab charges in Maharashtra from the Internet. 
4. Be cautious while visiting Maharashtra during the monsoon season, as the state witnesses floods during this time.

Are there ATMs all across Maharashtra? Do digital payments work?

Yes, you can find ATMs in all the major cities of Maharashtra. Although the major cities of Maharashtra accept plastic money, rural areas of Maharashtra still lack digitalisation, and you have to make payments via cash.

Written by Shivani Vohra, an in-house writer at Tripoto. She is a storyteller, dreaming of living in the hills someday.