Maharashtra

Presented by:
•M.Dharamveer
•Arjun Balwantrao Deshmukh

Dating back to as far as Asokan reign in 246 BC, the name
of Maharashtra State existed. It was believed that the
emperor had sent an embassy to this rich land during his
kingship. During the 3rd century BC emperor Asoka ruled
the region of Mahrashtra.
The state had undergone several changes of hands in
regard to its administration. The celebrated Islamic rulers
of Delhi captured a significant portion of Deccan during
the 13th century BC. The possession of the state went in
hands of Sultanate of Bijapur and remained under this
Sultanate for 150 years.
The emergence Marathas was noted during the beginning
of 17th century. The political prominence of Martha was
gained during the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji Bhosale..The
Marathas continued to show their gallantry even during
the time of British colonization in India.

Area 307,713 kmsq
Capital Mumbai
Population 112,372,972
Official language Marathi, Hindi, English
Climate
Summer
Monsoon
Post Monsoon
Winter
Spring
BEST TIME TO VISIT
March-may(22-39
degree)
June-Sept(20-27 degree)
Oct-Nov(23-33 degree)
Nov-Feb (12-14 degree)
Jan-March
Sept-Feb

ROMANCE
Raigad(Matheran)
Mumbai(Elephanta
caves)
Pune(Konkan
Beaches)
Nashik(Igatpuri)
Mahabaleshwar
ADVENTURE
Lonavala(Rajmachi
Fort)
Sayahadri Hills
Nagpur(Waki Woods)
Nagpir(Tadoba
National Park)
SPIRITUALITY
Pune(Osho Ashram)
Pune(Shirdi)
Mumbai(Haji Ali)
Mumbai(Mahalaxmi
temple)
WELLNESS
Thane(Shahapur)
Vishwanand
HERITAGE
Aurangabad(Ajanta)
Aurangabad(Ellora)
Mumbai(Elephanta)
Mumbai(Kanheri
Caves)

Bombay or Mumbai as it is now called, is the capital of the state of
Maharashtra, and the largest and most populous city of India.
Historically acquired as a colonial exchange, Bombay formed a part of
the dowry of Catherine of Braganza, a Portuguese princess who married
Charles II of England in the 17th century. Originally, Mumbai was a
cluster of seven islands, namely Colaba, Little Colaba or Old Woman’s
Island, Worli, Parel, Mazgaon, Mumbadevi and Mahim. The islands
created a natural harbour and offered an ideal place for maintaining
Britain’s trade links with India. This realisation was chiefly responsible
for linking the seven islands, massive land reclamation and creating the
city as we know it today.
The city has changed several hands through the centuries. First it was
the Aryans from North India. Then came the Mouryas and the Satvahanas
followed by the Silaharas and the Yadavas. The Sultans of Gujarat and
the Portuguese invaders came next. Finally, in the 17th century, it
became a part of the British accession.

Mumbai Excursions:
Elephanta Caves
Elephanta caves are in the magnificent Elephanta Island, which is 11 km
from Mumbai. It has beautiful carvings, sculptures, and a temple of the
Hindu God, Lord Shiva.
Kanheri Caves
The location of the Kanheri caves is so green
with wooded hills and valleys, and it is at a
distance of 42 km from Mumbai.
Marve, Manori and Gorai
These three beaches are the villages very close to
Mumbai. Now this place has become quite
industrialized, but its beauty remains the same.
Tourists can reach Marve within an hour, as it is just 40 km from Mumbai.

Mandwa and Kihim
Kihim and Mandawa is nearly 10 km away from Mumbai. Kihim has dense
coconut trees that give a pollution free green environment.One can also
enjoy perfect tent stay and a wonderful surfing.
Bassein
Bassein is in the peaceful location, which is 77 km away from Mumbai. It
is closely similar with the India's sultry beach state of Goa.The Portuguese
cuisines served by the locals are really delicious.
Khandala, Lonavala and Karla
Locating at an altitude of 625m,
these hill stations for its beautiful hills,
deep green valleys, huge lakes,
historic forts waterfalls etc.

Mumbai Tourists Attractions:
Gateway of India
Gateway of India is regarded to be the
starting point for most tourists who
want to travel around the Mumbai city.
This 26m-high structure has four
turrets and intricate latticework carved
into the yellow basalt stone.
Marine Drive
Marine Drive is the place where
Mumbaites hang out to cool down a
while from the steamy hurried and
busied life. The beach, it is also known
as called Queen's Necklace.

Juhu Beach
Juhu is one of the most popular
and posh beaches of India.
This fizzing beach on the shores of
Arabian Sea is the place where one
can find the bungalows of Bollywood
stars. Tourists can enjoy horse and
donkey rides, dancing monkeys,
acrobats, cricketmatches, toy sellers etc. here.
Essel World
Essel World offers over 40 exciting rides, games, and attractions. The Water
Kingdom is said to be the largest of its kind in Asia. It is a perfect destination
for a one-day holiday.

History Of Pune
Down the centuries, Pune has been ruled by several dynasties. The
earliest evidence found (copper plates of 758 A. D. and of 768 A. D.)
reveals that the Rashtrakootas ruled this region then. At that time, Pune
was referred to as Punaka Vishaya and Punya Vishaya. Later on, the city
has been mentioned as Kasabe Pune. After the Rashtrakootas, Pune was
ruled by the Yadava dynasty.
After the fall of this dynasty, it came under Muslim dominance till the
middle of the seventeenth century. With the emergence of Chhatrapati
Shivaji, who founded the Maratha empire, Pune became known to the
Delhi Sultanate. Shivaji, spent his early childhood in Pune at Lal Mahal, a
palace built by his father Shahaji, where Shivaji's mother Jijabai lived for a
decade. Dadaji Konddev, Shivaji's mentor, developed Pune city.
After the death of Shivaji in 1680 and the cold blooded murder of his son
Sambhaji, Aurangazeb named Pune as Muhiyabad. Pune gained
importance during the period of the second Peshwa Thorala (senior)
Bajirao who ruled from 1720 to 1740. He was instrumental in urbanising
Pune city and encouraged the setting up of Peths or wards in Pune. He
constructed the famous Parvati Temple complex, a pride of Pune city.

Pune Excursions:
Panshet Dam
Tourists can visit Panset Dam for water sports. Here one can try
kayaking or wind surfing at the newly developed water sports complex.
Special facilities for speedboats and water scooters too are available.
Bhatghar Dam
It is only 40 km from Pune. Bhatgar Dam is the highest river dam wall in
India, which is built on river Velvandi, Bhatgar Dam. Fun lovers often
visit the dam. Government buses are available between Pune and
Bhatgar Dam.
Pimpri Chinchwad
Chinchwad is about 15 km away from Pune, Maharashtra. The Ganesh
Temple in Chinchwad is very famous place, and a Yatra takes place in
the month of 'Shravan'.

Pune Tourist Attractions:
Osho Ashram
Osho Ashram, also known as the
Osho Communal Centre is located at
the greenery area of 17 Koregoan Park of the city.
The Ashram offers a variety of expensive courses on
meditation. Osho Ashram attracts a number of devotees each
year.
Tribal Museum
It is near the railway line, which is just east to the railway station.
Maharashtra is a vast country and there are uncountable numbers of tribal
in this country. Having different languages, these tribes have their own
food habits, taboos, and beliefs - in short distinct cultures.

Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum
The museum has nearly 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.
Kasturba Gandhi Memorial
It is located within the serene locality of Aga Khan Palace in Pune.
It is widely known as Kasturba Gandhi Memorial and is built in
memory of Mahatama Gandhi's wife Kasturba Gandhi who
breathed her last in this palace.The exquisite white marble
memorial or Kasturba Samadhi is designed by the noted architect
Charles Correa. Kasturba Gandhi's ashes are kept here and a
statue of Mahatma Gandhi has been built near by the memorial.
Kasturba Samadhi is accompanied by a National museum in
memory of Kasturba Gandhi.

History Of Nagpur
The present city was founded in the early 18th century by Bhakt Buland,
a Gond prince of the kingdom of Deogad in the Chhindwara district.
Seeing the advantage of civilized life in Delhi, he started to build Nagpur
as his new capital. His successor Chand Sultan continued the work.
Eventually the control of Nagpur slowly passed on from the Gonds to the
Marathas. It became the capital of the Bhonsles. In 1811 Pindaris
attacked Nagpur. Bhonsles again lost to the British in 1817 and Nagpur
came under British influence. In 1853 Raghuji III died without an heir to
his kingdom. As a result, the city lapsed into British control under Lord
Dalhousie's Doctrine of Lapse.
In 1861, Nagpur became the capital of the Central Provinces. The advent
of the Great Indian Peninsula Railway (GIP) in 1867 spurred its
development as a trade centre.
After Indian independence, Nagpur became the capital of Madhya Bharat
state (C.P. and Berar). In 1960, the marathi majority Vidarbha region was
merged with the new state of Maharashtra and Nagpur was designated
the second capital of Maharashtra state, alternating with Bombay as the
seat of the Maharashtra state legislature.

Nagpur Excursions:
 Aadasa
Aadasa is located at a distance of 45 km from Nagpur. This small
village has a plethora of ancient and magnificent temples. There is
also a Ganapati Temple here, which is worth to be visited. This
place is easily accessible from Nagpur with many buses are plying
from Nagpur, Kamleshwar and Saoner.
 Khekranala
Khekranala is situated at a distance of 55 km from Nagpur. There is
a beautiful dam at this place. The location of the site is green and
beautiful.

Markanda
Markanda is a cluster of nearly 24 temples,
which resembles the architecture of the Khajuraho
temples. This small town is located on the left bank
of Vainganga River, which is famous as a religious site.
Dhapewada
Dhapewada Lake is 8 km from Ramtek and 60 km from
Nagpur. This place has a small temple of Vithoba lies
peacefully on the banks of the Chandrabhaga River.
It has a variety of water sports to offer as well.
Nagardhan
Nagardhan too has a fort, which is believed to be constructed by the
Bhonsles. Gifted with an abundance of wild life, Nagzira has a
wildlife
sanctuary resting in natural domains that are a harmonious
combination of lush greens and water bodies.

Nagpur Tourist Attractions:
Gavilgad Fort
It is located near the hill station of Chikhaldara in Amravati district.
The Hindu rulers originally constructed Gavilgad fort. It is located at
a height of about 370 ft above sea level (MSL). Historians believe
that it is 200-300 years old.
Magnificent Forts of Balapur
The forts of Balapur are named after goddess Baladevi. Balapur has
turned into a seat of pilgrimage and a tourist spot over the years. It
is located between the two rivers of Mana and Mhais. This place is at
a distance of 6 km from the railway station.

Lonar Lake
Lonar Lake is the third largest natural
salt-water lake in the world. The lake
also has a dam of 1800 m.
Vidarbha Pandhari Kundinpur
It is located on the banks of Wardha River in Tiwsa Tehsil of
Nagpur. It is about 120 km from Nagpur. There organize an
annual ten-day fair during Karthik Purnima that attracts not less
than 50000 devotees

For Adventure Lovers
Trekking:
Trekking in Maharashtra might not be that adventurous
and risky like any Himalayan trekking. It is calm and easy;
till it is enjoying and thrilling giving a lifetime experience.
Sahydris is the most important trekking region in the state.
Trekking In Rajmachi Fort
Rajmachi Fort is famous for trekking. The beautiful place is has
exotic natural locations as well as it is a historic site. Rajmachi can
be reached via the town of Lonavla along the Khandala plateau.

Trekking In The Sahyadris
In Maharashtra, Western Ghats is called Sahyadri in local Marathi
language. Sahyadri is known to be a trekker's paradise with green
hills, dotted lakes and forests all around.
Trekking In Waki Woods
Waki Woods is just 30 km
away from Nagpur on Saoner
Road near Warki Dargha.
This resort offers activities like
bird watching, boating, archery,

Safari Trips:
Safaris in Maharashtra can be done mainly at Tadoba National Park, Sanjay
Gandhi National Park and Navegoan National Park. Spreading over an area
of 135 sq km, it consists of a deer park, an aviary and three beautifully
landscaped gardens. One can also enjoy staying in a unique treetop house
and riding a power or sailboat on lake. So, safari in this park is really a
thrilling experience.
Navegaon National Park
The Navegaon National Park is located in Navegoan in Gondia,
Maharashtra. It is one of the most popular forest resorts in the Vidarbha
region. Spreading over an area of 135 sq km,

Doba National Park
Tadoba National Park spreads over 120 sq
km, which is at an altitude of 200m. It is
located 100 km south of Nagpur and
45 km north of Chandrapur. It
is the oldest national park in
Maharashtra.
Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Sanjay Gandhi National Park, also known as Borivali National Park
is located at the suburb of Borivali, Mumbai. The main attraction of
the park is its lion and tiger safari. One of the main attractions to
the National Park is the lion safari.

Maharashtrian Culture: The life and
soul
The culture of Maharashtra is an amalgamation of festivals, dances,
music, art and crafts, foods and costumes. The Maharashtrians are
vibrant, down to earth people for whom life itself is a celebration.
During festival seasons it would be a great time to absorb
Maharashtrian culture, with all its colourful costumes, cuisines,
rituals and traditions. The song, music and dance that accompany
almost every festive occasion, add joy and excitement to the lives of
the people from every walk of life. These festivals attract world-
renowned artistes - musicians, dancers, painters, sculptors, weavers
- who come together to pay tribute to Maharashtra's rich culture and
legacy.

Maharashtrian cuisine is packed
with the subtly flavoured vegetarian delicacies and hot
aromatic meat and fish curries, while the crunchy, crisp
sweets are made mostly from rice and jiggery are also
their favourite.
Maharashtrian cuisine: Maharashtrian cuisine is of two
kinds - Konkani and Varadi. Despite its difference in
style of preparation, both the style use lot of seafood
and coconut.
•Konkan Cuisine: Konkan cuisine is strong in spice, red
chillie powder, corianders, and prepared with coconut
oil. It is prepared using a deep purple berry, kokum
and raw mango. The Konkan food has a lot of coconut
in it and strong in masalas, red chillies and coriander.
•Varadi Cuisine: The cuisine has a good balance of
spices with generous use of powdered coconut and
besan
(gram flour) – the latter used more for vegetarian
dishes.

Gifted with its rich culture and
traditions, Maharashtra has different types of dance forms.
 Povada is the dance form that showcases the lifetime
achievements of
the Maratha ruler Shivaji Maharaj.
 Lavani and Koli dance forms entertains maharashtrians.
 Dhangri gaja, Dindi and Kala
are the religious folk dances.

As Maharashtra is a vast state, the people of this
colourful
state wears different types of costumes, take
different
cuisines, different forms of dances and music
according to
the physical features of their locality.
Generally, men wear dhoti and pheta in olden
days, while
women wear choli and saree.

Maharashtra has a wide variety of handicrafts available. These
art and craft showcases the true spirit of Maharashtrian
culture. Different categories of Maharashtra handicrafts are:
Sawantwadi Crafts
Bidri Works
Leather Works

Mashru and Himroo
Weaving
Ajanta Paintings,Warli
Paintings
Jewellery

The Maharashtrians are a vibrant, earthy people for whom life
itself is a celebration. Small wonder then that all festivals in
Maharashtra are celebrated with abundant fervor and enthusiasm.
These times provide a unique opportunity to absorb Maharashtrian
culture,
with all its colorful customs, rituals and traditions.
The various festivals celebrated here are:
Nag Panchmi
Narali Pournima
Gokul Ashtami
Gudhi Padwa
Pola
Makar Sankrant

Maharashtrians celebrate every fair with great fervour and
enthusiasm. The sacred Kumb Mela at Nashik that comes
after every twelve years is regarded to be the most important
religious fair in Maharashtra. Tha various fairs that are held
all over the state of maharashtra are:
Nashik Kumbh Mela Ganesh
Chaturthi

Pune Festival Navaratri
Mahalaxmi Fair
Rath Yatra

By Air
There is basically one major international airport in Maharashtra
i.e. the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport of Mumbai. Apart
from that, the city also has a domestic airport - Santa Cruz
Domestic Airport. The airports at Nagpur and Pune also operate
a few international flights, apart from the usual domestic ones.
The cities of Kolhapur and Aurangabad also have a domestic
airport of their own.
By Rail
The largest as well as the most important railway station of
Maharashtra is situated in Mumbai and is known as Chhatrapati
Shivaji Terminus. From there, you can get trains to almost every
part of India. Apart from that, there are railway stations in Pune,
Nashik, Nagpur, Kolhapur, Aurangabad, AMravati, etc. In short,
Maharashtra is well connected with the other states via railways.
HOW TO REACH

By Road
There are a number of National Highways and State Highways
crisscrossing Maharashtra, which make it easier for any visitor to visit
the state by road. Infact, through these highways, you can easily
approach the state from any and every part of the country. Apart from
that, you can easily get buses and taxis from the numerous cities in
Maharashtra to travel within as well as outside the state.
By Sea
Since a number of cities in Maharashtra are situated on sea banks,
you can also go there via ship from the neighboring countries. Apart
from the international naval port at Mumbai, there are a number of
other minor ports in the state. Thus, reaching Maharashtra by
presents no problems for the tourists.

Maharashtra

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