Maharashtra
Maharashtra is one of the largest states in
India, both in terms of population and area. Its booming capital Mumbai, makes
it not only one of the most important states economically, but also a major
gateway for overseas visitors.The name Maharashtra first appeared in a 7th
century inscription and in a Chinese traveller's account. Its name may have
originated from 'rathi', meaning 'chariot driver', referring to builders and
drivers of chariots, who were known as 'maharathis', or 'fighting force'.
The physical character of Maharashtra is predominantly that of a plateau. The
Western Ghats flank the western coast of the state. The Satpura range covers the
northern part of the state, while the Ajanta and Satmala ranges run through the
central part. Maharashtra is contiguous to the Arabian Sea on the western side,
while Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh are its neighbours on the northern side. The
eastern part of Maharashtra has its boundary with Madhya Pradesh, and on its
southern side are the states of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. The third -
largest state of India, both in area and population, Maharashtra was formed in
1960, when the Marathi and Gujarati linguistic areas of the former Bombay state
were separated. Bombay (Mumbai) city became the capital of the new state.
Fast Facts :
- Area: 3,07,713 sq km
- Religion: Hinduism (81.11%), Islam (9.66%), Others (9.23%)
- Capital: Mumbai
- Languages: Marathi, Hindi, English
- Best time to visit: October to March.
- Major Cities: Mumbai , Pune , Nagpur , Nashik ,Solapur, Aurangabad
Tourist Attractions :
Bombay :
Being the
commercial hub of India, Bombay is the main international gateway to the
country. The city has far more international flights than Delhi, Kolkata or
Chennai. It also has the busiest network of domestic flights, including flights
to Aurangabad the base for visiting the world heritage sites of Ellora and
Ajanta caves. The international airport (Sahar) and the domestic terminal (Santa
Cruz) are 30km and 25km respectively from the center of Bombay. You have a good
facilities shuttle buses between the two terminals. Long-distance buses ply from
the state road transport terminal opposite Bombay's Central railway station to
different destination within the state of Maharashtra and outside the state. The
state buses of Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh connect Bombay to
different places in these states.
Gateway of
India :
The ceremonial arch was built in 1927 to comemorate the visit of
King George V and Queen Mary for the Delhi Durbar in 1911.Constructed in
honey-coloured basalt the gateway was designed by George Wittet, inspired by
16th century Gujarat Style.Historically the Gateway holds greater significance
as the last of the British troops left Independant India by sea marched through
its portals.
Marine Drive :
This sweeping Queens
Necklace, Flickering with a thousand light turns into the main thoroughfare
linking Malabar Hill and the northern parts of the island to the southernmost
points of Colaba, Cuffe Parade, Nariman Point and Fort.
Shirdi
:
97 kms from Nashik, Shirdi is associated with the name of the mystic
saint Sai Baba (c. 1838 - 1918) who is revered by the people of different faith.
A temple deicated to him has been built here and draws thousands of visitors.
Other tour attraction are the Gurusthan, the Khandoba Temple, the Shani Mandir,
the Narsimha Mandir, the Changdev Maharaj Samadhi and the Sakori Ashram.
Flora Fountain :
The beautifully sculptured fountain
was erected in the memory of the Governer, Sir Henry Bartle Edward Frere as a
tribute for his contribution towards the building of Bombay.
Mahabaleshwar :
One of the most beautiful hill stations in
Maharashtra, Mahabaleshwar is situated at an elevation of 1372 mtrs. above sea
level. Better known as Strawberry Country the place is an ideal place for
honeymoon couples and families.
Popular tourists points in and around
Mahabaleshwar are Wilson Point, Connaught Peak, Elphiston Point, Marjorie Point,
Castle Rock, Arthur's Seat, Baghdad Point, Babington Point, Northcote Point,
Falkland Point, Carnac Point, Fitzgerald Point, Bombay Point, Gaolani Point,
Panchgani Point, Helen's Point and Venna Lake.
Pune :
Located in Sahyadri
hills near the west coast of India, Pune is a fascinating city with a healthy
climate all year around.The city was one of the pivotal basesof the 17th century
great Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji, who was born at the Shivneri Fort
here.Pune became the seat of the enterprising Peshwas, under whom Maratha power
rose into a major political force. The Peshwas were renowned patrons of the arts
and in their time, enriched the city with temples, gardens and educational
institutions. It was here that Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak introduced the
principle of Swadeshi during the Freedom Movement.Today Pune is one of the
leading metros in India, with the Film and Television Institute of India and
National Defence Academy based here.
