MAHARASHTRA
Capital : Mumbai
Attractions : Gateway Of India , Ajanta And Ellora Caves , Marine Drive.
Languages Spoken : Marathi
Best Time To Visit: September To April (Coastal Regions) And September To
Mid-June (Hill Stations)
Rugged and vast, of enormous energy and vitality, Maharashtra, the third
largest state in India, was created in 1960, from the Marathi-speaking regions
of what was previously Bombay State. The state is bounded by the Arabian Sea in
the west, Gujarat in the northwest, Madhya Pradesh in the north, Andhra Pradesh
in the southeast, and Karnataka and Goa in the south.
Maharashtra with its diverse geographical features provides a range of tourist
centres. The state has a 720-km coastline dotted by rugs standing as mute
witnesses down the ages to the march of warrior kings, foreign trading vessels
and invaders from across the seas.
Running parallel to the coast are the Western Ghats, which harbour some of the
more scenic and inviting hill stations - particularly Matheran and
Mahabaleshwar. The Ghats divide the Deccan from the Konkan coast, with its
unspoilt beaches, today being developed as modern resorts, like Ganapatipule
and Sindhudurg.
The beauty of Maharashtra is in its forts, caves and temples, so much so that
it is called 'Dagd-Ancha Desh', meaning the Land of Rocks. It has a lot to
offer to a visitor, its features are such that any tourist will definitely find
something of his interest from among its beaches, forts, caves, temples,
cities, wildlife sanctuaries, bird sanctuaries etc.
The intricately carved caves of Ajanta, Ellora and Elephanta highlight the
Indian heritage and the spellbinding Indian Culture. Religious places like
Pandharpur, Nashik, Shirdi, Trimbakeshwar, Tuljapur, Ganapatipule, Bhimashankar
etc are a refreshing experience and make a fascinating whole.
Capital: Mumbai, the capital, can well claim to be (after Kolkata) the second
cultural centre of India. Also known as the First city of India, it is one of
the world's truly great cosmopolitan metropolises. Being the economic
powerhouse of India Mumbai is the most affluent and industrialised city in the
country today. Its tradition of glamour and showbiz makes it the city of
dreams. Lively and pulsating, Mumbai is India's answer to Hollywood, producing
more films each year than any other county in the world. It is also the centre
of a healthy theatre culture.
Originally, the city was a place of seven islands, which Colaba, Fort, Byculla,
Parel, worli, Matungs and Mahim. At present the Greater Mumbai extends into a
single Mumbai extends into a single large land mass. Mumbai's major sightseeing
interests include Gateway of India, Bombay High Court, Victoria Terminus, and
countless others.
Basically Mumabai belongs to the international culture. A lot of western
influence over many Decades has managed to smooth out the cultural differences
of the local people and pop music and disco-culture prevail above all. Open
spaces in this crowded city include Chowpatty, Marine Drive and Juhu beach.
History: Maharashtra is the land of legendary warriors, full of history and
adventure. Maharashtra enters recorded history in the 2nd BC, with the
construction of its first Buddhist caves. Maharashtra also played a key role
during the freedom struggle with strong connections to Gandhi and the Indian
National Congress.
A large area of the state rests on high plateau, historically the main centre
of the Maratha Empire, which successfully defied the might of the Mughals under
the fearless rule of Chhatrapati Shivaji, who is still an immortal legend here,
his memories alive in the many forts scattered across the countryside. Many of
the inland and coastal forts of Maharashtra are a legacy of Shivaji's rule.
Povadas are Marathi ballads that describe the events in the life of Shivaji.
They are very popular in Maharashtra and Maharashtrians highly respect this
great hero and remember him through these ballads.
Culture: Maharashtra is a huge storehouse of timeless art and culture, which
has been reflected through its, forts, caves, palaces known for its rich
history, its saints, philosophers, music, handicrafts and its festivals with
all their colourful rituals and traditions, all of which amalgamate together to
give a true reflection of Maharashtrian Culture.
Occupation: Majority of Maharashtrian people are engaged in agriculture; main
crops being sugar cane, cotton, peanuts, tobacco and pulses. The strong
agriculture sector in the state has always made significant contribution to the
economic development of the region. Sugarcane farming and 100's of strong
complex of sugar cooperatives are turning into important growth centers in
rural areas.
Manufacturing industries are centred in Mumbai and to a lesser extent cities
such as Nagpur, Nashik, Aurangabad, Sholapur and Kolhapur, now account for a
quarter of the nation's output. Textiles have long been important, but this is
now also the premier region for electronics.
Handicrafts: Maharashtra is the proud home to various different artistic
techniques that have flourished under many rulers including the Marathas, the
Mughals and the British. The state has a long and varied tradition of art and
crafts from the paintings at Ajanta dating back to many hundreds of years to
today's Warli paintings. Maharashtra is known for its Worli folk paintings. The
Paithani and Narayan Peth saris are the most celebrated textiles of the state.
Kolhapur is famous for its jewellery and Chappals and the craft of Lacquerware
in Sawantwadi continues to cast its spell on visitors.
CLIMATE: November to February is most comfortable time to visit Maharashtra
although evenings can be cold. Summers are warm with the state receiving
monsoon rainfall between mid-June and mid-September.
Best Time To Visit: September to April (coastal regions) and September to
mid-June (hill stations).
Festivals: Maharashtrians have many festivals to celebrate, with each having a
special reason to celebrate. Ganesh Chaturthi is the most important of all
Maharashtrian festivals and is celebrated with great aplomb amongst Marathi
communities worldwide. The Government of Maharashtra (MTDC) organizes cultural
festivals that are held as a tribute to the artists of yore, to celebrate the
greatness of a site or simply a religious occasion. Gokhulashtami, Holi,
Diwali, Raksha Bandhan, Gudhi Paadva, Guru Pournima, Maharashtra Day are the
other festivals celebrated in the state.
Population: 92 million
TouristOffices:
Government of India Tourist Office , 123 M.Karve Road, Churchgate, Mumbai- 400
020.
Government of India Tourist Office Counter , Domestic Airport, (Timing 7.00 am
till the last flight).
Government of India Tourist Office Counter , International Airport, (round the
clock).
Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation , CDO Hutments, Madam Cama Road,
Nariman Point
India Tourism Development Corporation , Nirmal Building, 11th Floor, Nariman
Point
Government of India Tourist Office , Krishna Vilas Station Road (West),
Aurangabad