MAHARASHTRA
Travel 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 of Maharashtra 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. The historic city of Vasai is also worth visiting.
Capital
of Maharashtra: 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 of Maharashtra: 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 Maharashtra 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 of Maharashtra: 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 in Maharashtra: 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
of Maharashtra: 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 OF MAHARASHTRA: 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.
Temperatures: Summer (average) 22°C-39°C; Winter 12°C-34°C.
Best Time To Visit Maharashtra: September to April (coastal
regions) and September to mid-June (hill stations).
Festivals of Maharashtra: 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 in Maharashtra: 92 million
Tourist Offices in Maharashtra:
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, Maharashtra
Know more about this Package !!!
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