Maharashtra
Maharashtra- The densely wooded Western Ghats rising steeply from the narrow konkan coast and the Satpura and Sahyadri hill on its northern border are the geological factors that had chiseled the history of Maharashtra more than anything else. It is out of these mountain ranges that superbly talented architects and sculptors carved out the Ajanta and Ellora caves over 2000 year ago. And Chatrapati Shivaji, the 17th century beloved folk hero of the Maharashtrians consolidated his network of 350 near impregnable hill forts across these mountains and gave a sustained resistance of Mughal expansionism. Though Maharashtrinans have a very deep sense of history, the other face of the State is the ultra modern industrialization and business success epitomized in Bombay. Maharashtra is a land of charm and beauty, of lakes and hot springs, of enrapturous beaches, dense monsoon fed forest highlands and rock-cut caves with rich frescoes and astounding stone sculptures which have bedazzled the whole world. Maharashtra has a long tradition of somewhat boisterous folk theatre – lavani and tamasha. The stage techniques are so sound and time tested that modern urban playwrights and directors have revived and used them in recent times, the theatre movement continues to be strong and innovative in Maharashtra.
Tourist Places in Maharashtra
Bombay – the most important financial and industrial centre in India and a city of great dynamism. The Bombay port is in a natural bay and handles nearly half of India’s shipping trade. It is also India’s Hollywood, producing most of the Hindi movies. Juhu, Marina Drive, Chowpatti, Versova main beaches, though more for evening strolls and picnics than bathing. Colonial architecture like the Old Secretariat, Rajabai Tower, Vitoria Terminus, Flora Fountain, Hutatma Chowk are of national fame. An hour’s boat trips away are the famous Elephanta rock caves with their beautiful sculptures. Airport : Bombay.
Pune- once the capital of the Maratha empire, it is still influenced by the legends of Shivaji. Raja Kelkar Museum. Scores of Maratha forts and temples scattered around Pune countryside. Airport: Pune
Kolhapur – Important pilgrimage centre with many temples, Mahalaxmi, Kotiteerth.
Aurangabad- southern capital of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and access town for Ajanta and Ellora caves. Daulatabad where Muhammad bin Tughlak tried to shift his capital. Airport: Aurangabad.
Ajanta and Ellora- world famous man made rock cut cave, with unbelievably beautiful frescoes, depicting Hindu, Buddhist and Jain faiths. Kailash temple in Ellora most famous. Airport: Aurangabad.
Nagpur- Famous orange growing centre. Airport: Nagpur
Shirdi – temple of Sai Baba who because a legend in his lifetime for his spirituality, wisdom and miraculous powers.
Nanded- Sachkhand gurudwara with the remains of the last Sikh Guru.