Maharashtra, a state where a millennium of culture weaves a tapestry of myriad charms. The spiritual solace of centuries. The sylvan serenity of the countryside. The stillness of a thicket disturbed only by a tiger flashing past, or the symphony of tradition from its varied population. All abound in a unique togetherness. in Maharashtra, a state as vivid as vivacious.
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.

Places of Interest in Maharashtra

Mumbai (Bombay): Mumbai was given by Portuguese as dowry to Charles II of England when he married Catherine. The group of seven island was leased to the East India Company who offered freedom of business and religion to persons who came and settled here. Initially a few Parsis and Gujarati came but soon a sizeable population began to thrive here. This was way back in the 17th century. Today also Mumbai is a city of migrants. People from all over the country have come and settled here. This gives the society of Mumbai a multi-lingual and multi-cultural colour.

Ajanta & Ellora: Ajanta & Ellora among the finest examples of some of the earliest Buddhist architecture, caves-paintings and sculptures, these caves comprise Chaitya Halls, or shrines, dedicated to Lord Buddha and Viharas, or monasteries, used by Buddhist monks for meditation and the study of Buddhist teachings. The paintings that adorn the walls and ceilings of the caves depict incidents from the life of the Buddha and various Buddhist divinities.

Aurangabad: Today Aurangabad, it is known for some of the finest colleges and university in Maharashtra. And it is the fastest growing industrial town in India. But the charm and glory of its long past has not been lost. And its heritage is rich and varied - the result of the artistic and cultural influences of several dynasties since its first Stone Age inhabitants.

Bhandardara: Amidst the dense green forest, lies the most splendid lake of country - Arthur Lake. It is formed by the dammed waters of the Pravara river. Legend has it that Shri Agasti Rishi meditated continuously for a year, living only on water and air. Pleased with his tremendous devotion the Lord came down to Earth. He blessed Shri Agasti Rishi and left leaving behind a stream of Ganga - now known as Pravara River. Bhandardara is easily among the most beautiful holiday resorts.

Elephanta: The history of elephanta is the hoary mists of time. Crowning the island's easteem hill, and commanding a panoramic view of wood-land, marsh and sea, are the Buddhist stupas' or burial mounds and cisterns. Their antiquity has been traced back to the third century or even earlier.

Ellora: Ellor Caves: Spanning a period of about 600 years between the 5th and 11th century AD, the earliest excavation here is of the Dhumar Lena (cave 29). The most imposing excavation is, without doubt, that of the magnificent Kailasa Temple (Cave 16) which is the largest single monolithic structure in the world. Interestingly, Ellora, unlike the site of Ajanta, was never 'rediscovered'.

Ganpatipule: This is Ganapatiphule Land of the 400- year old Swayambhu ganapati and eager tourists. Set along the western coast of maharastra, is a small little village called Ganapatiphule. It is known for it's scerene sedate beach. Unlike most beaches which are spoilt by tourist traffic, the Ganapatiphule beach is as natural and pristine as ever. Even today, the waters are blue and the sands, white.