Maharashtra India: Top Destinations

In India, Maharashtra is known as one of the most developed states. Apart from being home to diverse cosmopolitan cities and centers, Maharashtra also attracts a majority of tourists towards it. This state is an amalgamation of culture, and each of its tourist spots depicts the same. As a tourist, you can never get over the beauty of Maharashtra. There are beautiful temples, ancient monuments, picturesque locations, hill-stations, quaint villages, and many other places of attraction.
Maharashtra tourism includes places of cultural importance, religious importance, scenic beauty, and many others. This is a land of beautiful culture and mouth-watering cuisines as well. Thus, from your travel-sore eyes to your food cravings – the state has the best offerings to satiate your desires. Here are the top tourist destinations of Maharashtra that you must visit:

Mumbai

Nearest airport - Mumbai
1402 Kms from New Delhi

Mumbai is the capital city of Maharashtra and is one of the most developed cities in the country. This place is an amalgamation of chaos, glamour, culture, traditions, and much more. The city of dreams, apart from being a cosmopolitan and home to crores of people, is also an important tourist attraction of Maharashtra.
 
There are many places in Mumbai that might attract the tourist in you. The places such as Marine Drive, Gateway of India, Juhu Beach. Bandra-Worli Sea link, Colaba Causeway, Siddhivinayak Temple, Haji Ali Dargah, etc. are some of the most popular tourist attractions here. Mumbai is also famous for its street food. This place is a mixture of cosmopolitan life, culture, traditions, and many different tourist spots that will put you in awe.
 
While touring Mumbai, don’t forget to cover the nearby attractions like Alibaug, Khandala, Matheran, Kashid, and Manori.

Aurangabad

Nearest airport - Aurangabad
667 Kms from Mumbai (east)

The city of Aurangabad has been declared as the Tourism Capital of Maharashtra by the government. Hence, as a tourist, you can unfold many stories, places, and tourist attractions that this place boasts for you. Aurangabad is home to the extremely popular caves of Ajanta and Ellora. This is one of the most popular tourist spots in the country and many foreign tourists, too, come to visit the same.
 
Apart from the caves, the beauty of Aurangabad also lies in its rich ancient monuments such as Daulatabad Fort, Bibi ka Maqbara, Grishneshwar Temple, etc. The heritage, glory, traditions, and charms of Aurangabad still remain intact amidst its increasing globalization. There is a beautiful garden known as Siddharth Garden and any nature and wildlife lover can have a good time here. In short, a visit to Aurangabad is a must.

Nashik

Nearest airport - Mumbai
166 Kms from Mumbai (north east)

The religious Hindu city Nashik hosts the Kumbha Mela that is organized every 12 years. This is one reason that you must visit Nashik. The story doesn’t end here. Nashik is situated on the banks of the Godavari River and is touted as a famous tourist spot among all the tourists. This place has beautiful forts, vineyards, and waterfalls to explore. Sula vineyard has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city.
 
The temples of Nashik are a must-visit for any religious tourist. You can mark your presence at the many temples of the city and seek blessings from your favorite deities. The beautiful combination of cultural and modern tourist spots makes Nashik a go-to place for all kinds of tourists. The nearby attractions such as Lonavala, Bhandardara, and Malshej Ghat, too, are a must-visit as well.
 
New Pune International Airport is the nearest airport to Nashik and is located at a distance of 130 kilometers only. You can take a road trip to reach the city from here.

Pune

Nearest airport - Pune
148 Kms from Mumbai (south east)

One of the liveliest metropolises of Maharashtra is Pune. Just like Mumbai, Pune too offers the best of both worlds to all the tourists. From amazing hospitality to popular shopping malls, cafes, and restaurants, Pune has everything to extend to its tourists. The modernity is further blended with traditions. Many popular ancient cultural tourist spots are a must-visit while touring this city.
 
The places such as Shaniwar Wada, Aga Khan Palace, Osho Ashram, etc. are some of the most sought-after attractions to explore. This city also entertains the colonial-era charm. Singhagad Fort is another tourist attraction in Pune that you must add to your itinerary. The nearby tourist attractions of the city are other options for your further exploring. These places include Lavasa, Panchgani, Mahabaleshwar, Lonavala, etc. Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary is another popular spot located 70 kilometers away from the city.
 
Pune has its own airport. It is well connected with the other cities of the states such as Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Goa, as well.

Raigad

Nearest airport - Mumbai
16o Kms from Mumbai (south east)

Raigad is a historically-rich Maharashtra district that is located in the Konkan region of the state. This place is flanked by Mumbai Harbor, Ratnagiri, Thane, Pune, as well as the Arabian Sea. Raigad Fort is the major tourist attraction of this place which is built on the irregular molds of rock. The Samadhi of the renowned Maratha Ruler, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is placed in the fort.
 
Apart from the Raigad Fort, this place is popular for other forts and monuments as well. Taste the Maharashtrian culture at its best by visit the Raigad district. You will learn a lot about the history of Marathas. Mumbai Airport is the nearest commute that is located at a distance of 140 kilometers from Raigad. You can also reach this place by road. Sion-Panvel Expressway provides fair connectivity to the district.

Nagpur 

Nearest airport - Nagpur
834 Kms from Mumbai (east)

The City of Oranges, Nagpur is a famous tourist destination in Maharashtra. The city rests in the geographical center of the country. Thus, you will come across many flat tablelands, plateaus, rivers, as well as streams flowing through the city. There are many different places of attraction for the tourists in Nagpur. From the temples, lakes, lush green gardens, to other modern tourist spots, this place doesn’t disappoint you as you start exploring it.
 
Deekshabhumi in Nagpur is the largest hollow Buddhist stupa in the world. You can visit here to seek peace. Ramtek Fort temple is another tourist attraction. Furthermore, Bohra Masjid, Futula Lake, Ambazari Lake, orange orchards, etc. are the other places that you must cover while your excursion in this city. You can plan a 3-day stay here at the best hotels as Nagpur doesn’t disappoint you in terms of hospitality. Nagpur has its own airport. You can also rely on the bus services that connect the city to other major Maharashtra places such as Pune and Mumbai.

Kolhapur

Nearest airport - Pune
376 Kms from Mumbai (south)

Another Maharashtra city that has a lot of offerings for all the tourists is Kolhapur. This city is located on the banks of the Panchaganga River, at a distance of 230 kilometers from Pune. The legacy of this city is quite rich and the ancient buildings and monuments are proof of the same. Mahalakshmi Temple of Kolhapur is the most popular tourist spot where you can visit to seek blessings from Goddess Mahalakshmi.
 
Other places of attraction and tourism in Kolhapur include the Bhavani Temple, Panhala Fort, Rankala Lake, Jyotiba Temple, New Palace Museum, etc. The shopaholics can have the time of their lives by shopping for the famous Kolhapuri sandals as well as necklaces here. You can also seek amazing gastronomical experience by tasting the authentic Maharashtrian delights at the annual festival organized here.

Ratnagiri

Nearest airport - Pune
331 Kms from Mumbai (south)

Ratnagiri is another quaint city of Maharashtra state that is laden with beautiful hills, seashores, rivers, creeks, hot water springs, dense forests, waterfalls, and many other natural bounties. Thus, if you want a trip full of relaxation and rejuvenation, visit Ratnagiri and you will witness all the peace and tranquility upon reaching here.
 
The mighty Sahyadri Range and the Arabian Sea along with cascading waterfalls, white beaches, palm groves, monuments, etc. are some of the highlights of Ratnagiri and you must explore each of these spots while touring the city. There are many forts in Ratnagiri where you can learn about the history of the city. Today, this area has transformed into a big Maharashtra district that also has various tourist small villages where you can plan your itinerary. Explore the places such as Jaigad Fort, Jaigad Lighthouse, Swayambhu Ganpati Temple, Pawas, and Thibaw point. The nearby attractions of Ratnagiri include Mahabaleshwar, Chiplun, Kunkeshwar, Goa, etc.

Ahmednagar

Nearest airport - Aurangabad
253 Kms from Mumbai (east)

Ahmednagar is situated in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra at a distance of 120 kilometers from Pune as well as 114 kilometers from Aurangabad. This place is the perfect tourist spot for all the history fanatics and being one, you can explore a lot many gems as you start roaming around the city. Ahmednagar Fort is the most popular tourist spot where you can learn about the rich Mughal history of the place.
 
The Fort’s Defence System is another spot that would capture your attention. This place comprises of 24 towers, and each of them is worth exploring. Other places that you cannot miss while exploring the city of Ahmednagar include Chand Bibi Palace and Cavalry Tank Museum. The latter is a one-of-a-kind place that has around 50 vintage armored fighting vehicles. Plan a visit to this majestic city and you can also travel to nearby Shirdi that is located only at a distance of 79 kilometers from Ahmednagar. Other popular sports near the city are Matheran, Ajanta Ellora Caves, and Lonavala.

Latur

Nearest airport - Pune
474 Kms from Mumbai (east)

Latur in Maharashtra is a portion of the Marathawada region of the state. You can learn about the history and cultural importance of this place by exploring each of the tourist spots located here. This place is flanked by beautiful historical monuments and temples that are worth witnessing.
 
You don’t have to plan a three-day itinerary to explore this place. Latur is a small city, thus, you can explore it by setting up a one-day trip as well. The Ausa Fort happens to be a famous tourist spot. Another fort that glorifies tourism in Latur is Udgir Fort. You can visit the nearby Kharosa Caves for a thrilling experience altogether. The connectivity of Latur to the major cities by roadways and railways make it a go-to spot for a majority of tourists.

Satara

Nearest airport - Pune
256 Kms from Mumbai (south)

Satara is considered as one of the most famous historical places of Maharashtra state. Seven different hills envelop this place which forms the highlight of Satara for any tourist. This old city was established in the 16th century. Thus, it is obvious that you will spot many ancient forts and monuments while exploring the city. Ajinkya Fort is considered to be the major tourist attraction of Satara where you can learn details about the Maratha reign and history. The Statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj stands near a canon and this place also happens to be a major tourist spot where people click a lot of pictures and celebrate the Maratha history.
 
You can also mark your presence to the places like Vajrai Falls, Thoseghar Falls, Pratapgarh Fort, Sangam Mahuli, and Sajjangad Fort. If you want to plan a mini weekend getaway, Satara is the best place to be in. This is because you can travel to various nearby attractions from here including Panchgani, Mahabaleshwar, and Kaas Plateau. Satara is only 130 kilometers away from Pune and 270 kilometers away from Mumbai.

Amravati

Nearest airport - Nagpur
665 Kms from Mumbai (north east)

Also known as Ambanagari, Amravati is a place of religious significance in the whole of Maharashtra state. It is also referred to as the city of Lord Indra and Cultural Capital of Vidarbha. You will spot many temples dedicated to Goddesses Ambadevi and Lord Krishna as you start exploring the place. The famous Varhadi cuisine is native to Satara and being a foodie, you can relish upon the same to your heart’s content.
 
If you are looking forward to indulging and immersing yourself in the local Maharashtrian culture, you will have the time of your life in Amravati. The beautiful Melghat Tiger Reserve situated in the mighty Satpura range is another tourist spot that you can visit with your friends and family while touring the place. Other major attractions in Amravati include Kartik Pournami Mela, Kaundinyapur, Shri Ekvira Devi Temple, etc. Don’t forget to visit the beautiful Bamboo Garden. You can have your lunch in the quaint environment of this place. The Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport of Nagpur is the nearest commute to Amravati.

Akola

Nearest airport - Aurangabad
615 Kms from Mumbai (east)

Akola is situated in the western part of the Nagpur division in Maharashtra. This place is flanked by the Amravati district, Yavatmal, as well as Parbhani and Buldhana districts. As a tourist, you will spot a plethora of archaeological, historical, religious, wildlife, as well as natural spots while touring Akola. This place is also believed to be having several mythological roots and you can learn about the same while touring around it.
 
You can visit the Raj Rajeshwar Temple to seek some blessings and spend some quaint time while touring through Akola. Other famous tourist spots of this region include Asadgad Fort and Balapur Fort where you can learn about the history of the place and click pictures for your social media. The nearby attractions of Akola, too, are very popular among the tourists. Don’t forget to explore the places such as Anand Sagar, Gajanan Maharaj Temple, Gajanan Maharaj Ashram, and Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan.

Beed
Beed is a Maharashtra district located in the central part of the state and remains bounded by Jalna, Latur, Ahmednagar, Aurangabad from different directions. This place hosts a multitude of archaeological, historical, natural, wildlife, and religious tourist spots. However, it is mainly famous for its religious importance as there are many temples and shrines located at this place.
 
This district has been a major pilgrimage destination for centuries. You will spot many temples as well as places of religious importance while exploring Beed. Jyotirling of Parli-Vajinath and Yogeshwari temple of Ambejogai is located in Beed. This place is also famous for the only peacock sanctuary in Maharashtra where you can spot beautiful peacocks and peahens dancing amidst the natural surroundings. Other places of tourist attractions in Beed include Jama Masjid, Majalgaon Dam, Hazrat Shahenshahwali Mazar, Sautada Waterfall, etc.

Bhandara

Nearest airport - Nagpur
901 Kms from Mumbai (north east)

Another central Maharashtra district for the tourists to visit is Bhandara. This place is called the District of Lakes. Thus, you will come across various quaint lakes here as you start excursing the place. Bhandara is very famous for its brass products. You can take home many souvenirs created beautifully in brass metal while shopping in the district.
 
There are rivers, lakes, hills, dams, and many other natural resources. The district remains away from the mediocre hustle-bustle, hence a quaint place where you can spend some good time with your family and friends. Half of the area of Bhandara is covered by dense forests. The adventure junkies can steal some time and indulge in various adventure activities such as hiking, strolling, trekking, etc. Tourism here is an amalgamation of religious and leisure activities. Ambagad Fort is the major tourist spot of Bhandara. The hills such as Bhimsen, Gaimukh, Darkesa, Koka, etc provide a beautiful scenic view. Do not miss touring the Gaikhuri range on your trip to Bhandara.

Chandrapur

Nearest airport - Nagpur
858 Kms from Mumbai (east)

Chandrapur is a beautiful Maharashtra district that is sunk in natural beauty, popular temples, as well as many historic places to explore. The Andandwan and Tadoda Andheri Tiger Reserve Forest are located in Chandrapur. This is the best place to visit for all wildlife enthusiasts where they can spot many wild species. The religious places at Chandrapur such as Mahakali Temple, Jain Temple at Bhadravati, etc. are where you can offer prayers.
 
There are coal mines, water bodies, and dense forests in Chandrapur that constitute popular tourist attractions among the tourists of all kinds. But most of all, this place serves a paradise for all the trekkers and wildlife enthusiasts who love adventuring their hearts out amidst the dense forest. You can go for a safari in these forests and spend time worth cherishing.

Jalgaon

Nearest airport - Nashik
412 Kms from Mumbai (north east)

Jalgaon is one of the smallest Maharashtra districts that is situated on the boundary of the state. This district is protected by the beautiful landscape of Satpura Range on the north as well as Ajanta Range on the south. From a tourism point of view, the district boasts a beautiful stretch of landscapes such as wild hills, gardens, groves, forests, rocky hills, riverbanks, etc. Although the district doesn’t promote itself in terms of tourism, you can still spot some beautiful and picturesque places while exploring it.
 
If you are touring Jalgaon, visit the spots such as Gandhi Research Foundation, Patna Devi, Hatnur Dam, Waghur Dam, Mahatma Gandhi Garden, Omkareshwar Mandir, Swinging Towers of Farkande, Echhapurti Ganesh Temple, and Bahinabai Park.

Sindhudurg 

Nearest airport - Goa
500 Kms from Mumbai (south)

Sindhudurg is another destination of Maharashtra that you can travel while vacationing in the state. The Sindhudurg Fort is the major attraction of this place. You can learn a lot about the history of the Maratha Rule by visiting this place. The fort is situated in the Konkan region and is a must-visit spot. It was built by Chhatrapati Shivaji on an island and provides a picturesque view altogether.
 
Another sought-after tourist attraction of Sindhudurg is Tarkali. This place is all about white sands and pristine beaches and waters. The hospitality of this place is admirable and you can stay in the cottages to spend some tranquil time amidst nature. Sindhudurg is located at a distance of 495 kilometers in Mumbai. The nearest airport from this place is situated in Ratnagiri, at a distance of 134 kilometers. You can also reach here by rail and road.

Apart from the above-mentioned tourist attractions in Maharashtra, there are other places of cultural and religious importance that you can explore from a tourist point of view:
 
Solapur
This district of Maharashtra is famous for its many ancient temples such as Someshwar Temple, Kapilsidhha Mallikarjun, Mahadev Temple, etc. You can also explore places such as Smrutivan and Sub-Regional Science Center.

 Jalna 
Jalna is popular for the temples such as Ganesh Temple, Matsyodari Devi Temple of Ambad, Jalicha Dev Jaidevwadi, and Mazar-e-Moulaya Nooruddin Saheb Dargah Sharif.
 
Gondia
You can explore the places such as Nawegaon-Nagzaria Tiger Reserve, Hazara Falls, Suryadeo Mando Devi Temple, Itiadoh Dams, Shree Sant Lahari Ashram, and Kachargarh Caves while touring in Gondia.
 
Hingoli 
Hingoli is a Maharashtrian district that is famous for the temples and places such as Mallinath Digambar Temple, Aundha Nagnath, Sant Namdev Sansthan, Tulajadevi Sansthan, etc.
 
Maharashtra is the perfect state to visit for traveling needs of all kinds. Maharashtra culture, tourism, cuisines, heritage, and history are surely going to allure any tourist. Explore the different cities and districts of Maharashtra during your vacation to this colorful and majestic state. You are going to love your vacation in Maharashtra.