MAHRASHTRA

Unspoilt Unhurried Untouched

Unexpected
Unconfined Unparalleled

UNLIMITED!!!

Facts about Maharashtra

Area Capital 307,713 kmsq Mumbai

Population
Official language Climate Summer Monsoon Post Monsoon Winter Spring BEST TIME TO VISIT

112,372,972
Marathi, Hindi, English

March-may(22-39 degree) June-Sept(20-27 degree) Oct-Nov(23-33 degree) Nov-Feb (12-14 degree) Jan-March Sept-Feb

HISTORY

Dating back to as far as Asokan reign in 246 BC, the name of Maharashtra State existed. It was believed that the emperor had sent an embassy to this rich land during his kingship. During the 3rd century BC emperor Asoka ruled the region of Mahrashtra. The state had undergone several changes of hands in regard to its administration. The celebrated Islamic rulers of Delhi captured a significant portion of Deccan during the 13th century BC. The possession of the state went in hands of Sultanate of Bijapur and remained under this Sultanate for 150 years. The emergence Marathas was noted during the beginning of 17th century. The political prominence of Martha was gained during the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji Bhosale..The Marathas continued to show their gallantry even during the time of British colonization in India.

ADVENTURE Lonavala(Rajmachi Fort) Sayahadri Hills Nagpur(Waki Woods) Nagpir(Tadoba National Park)

SPIRITUALITY Pune(Osho Ashram) Pune(Shirdi) Mumbai(Haji Ali) Mumbai(Mahalaxmi temple)

CITIES FAMOUS FOR

ROMANCE Raigad(Matheran) Mumbai(Elephanta caves) Pune(Konkan Beaches) Nashik(Igatpuri) Mahabaleshwar WELLNESS Thane(Shahapur) Vishwanand HERITAGE Aurangabad(Ajanta) Aurangabad(Ellora) Mumbai(Elephanta) Mumbai(Kanheri Caves)

PLACES TO VISIT

MUMBAI

History Of Mumbai
Bombay or Mumbai as it is now called, is the capital of the state of Maharashtra, and the largest and most populous city of India. Historically acquired as a colonial exchange, Bombay formed a part of the dowry of Catherine of Braganza, a Portuguese princess who married Charles II of England in the 17th century. Originally, Mumbai was a cluster of seven islands, namely Colaba, Little Colaba or Old Womans Island, Worli, Parel, Mazgaon, Mumbadevi and Mahim. The islands created a natural harbour and offered an ideal place for maintaining Britains trade links with India. This realisation was chiefly responsible for linking the seven islands, massive land reclamation and creating the city as we know it today. The city has changed several hands through the centuries. First it was the Aryans from North India. Then came the Mouryas and the Satvahanas followed by the Silaharas and the Yadavas. The Sultans of Gujarat and the Portuguese invaders came next. Finally, in the 17th century, it became a part of the British accession.

Mumbai Excursions: Elephanta Caves Elephanta caves are in the magnificent Elephanta Island, which is 11 km from Mumbai. It has beautiful carvings, sculptures, and a temple of the Hindu God, Lord Shiva. How to reach the place Kanheri Caves The location of the Kanheri caves is so green with wooded hills and valleys, and it is at a distance of 42 km from Mumbai. How to reach the place Marve, Manori and Gorai These three beaches are the villages very close to Mumbai. Now this place has become quite industrialized, but its beauty remains the same. Tourists can reach Marve within an hour, as it is just 40 km from Mumbai. How to reach the place

Mandwa and Kihim Kihim and Mandawa is nearly 10 km away from Mumbai. Kihim has dense coconut trees that give a pollution free green environment.One can also enjoy perfect tent stay and a wonderful surfing. how to reach Bassein Bassein is in the peaceful location, which is 77 km away from Mumbai. It is closely similar with the India's sultry beach state of Goa.The Portuguese cuisines served by the locals are really delicious. How to reach Khandala, Lonavala and Karla Locating at an altitude of 625m, these hill stations for its beautiful hills, deep green valleys, huge lakes, historic forts waterfalls etc. How to reach

Mumbai Tourists Attractions: Gateway of India Gateway of India is regarded to be the starting point for most tourists who want to travel around the Mumbai city. This 26m-high structure has four turrets and intricate latticework carved into the yellow basalt stone. How to reach Marine Drive Marine Drive is the place where Mumbaites hang out to cool down a while from the steamy hurried and busied life. The beach, it is also known as called Queen's Necklace.How to reach

Juhu Beach Juhu is one of the most popular and posh beaches of India. This fizzing beach on the shores of Arabian Sea is the place where one can find the bungalows of Bollywood stars. Tourists can enjoy horse and donkey rides, dancing monkeys, acrobats, cricketmatches, toy sellers etc. here.How to reach Essel World Essel World offers over 40 exciting rides, games, and attractions. The Water Kingdom is said to be the largest of its kind in Asia. It is a perfect destination for a one-day holiday. How to reach

PUNE

History Of Pune
Down the centuries, Pune has been ruled by several dynasties. The earliest evidence found (copper plates of 758 A. D. and of 768 A. D.) reveals that the Rashtrakootas ruled this region then. At that time, Pune was referred to as Punaka Vishaya and Punya Vishaya. Later on, the city has been mentioned as Kasabe Pune. After the Rashtrakootas, Pune was ruled by the Yadava dynasty. After the fall of this dynasty, it came under Muslim dominance till the middle of the seventeenth century. With the emergence of Chhatrapati Shivaji, who founded the Maratha empire, Pune became known to the Delhi Sultanate. Shivaji, spent his early childhood in Pune at Lal Mahal, a palace built by his father Shahaji, where Shivaji's mother Jijabai lived for a decade. Dadaji Konddev, Shivaji's mentor, developed Pune city. After the death of Shivaji in 1680 and the cold blooded murder of his son Sambhaji, Aurangazeb named Pune as Muhiyabad. Pune gained importance during the period of the second Peshwa Thorala (senior) Bajirao who ruled from 1720 to 1740. He was instrumental in urbanising Pune city and encouraged the setting up of Peths or wards in Pune. He constructed the famous Parvati Temple complex, a pride of Pune city.

Pune Excursions: Panshet Dam Tourists can visit Panset Dam for water sports. Here one can try kayaking or wind surfing at the newly developed water sports complex. Special facilities for speedboats and water scooters too are available. How to reach Bhatghar Dam It is only 40 km from Pune. Bhatgar Dam is the highest river dam wall in India, which is built on river Velvandi, Bhatgar Dam. Fun lovers often visit the dam. Government buses are available between Pune and Bhatgar Dam.how to reach Pimpri Chinchwad Chinchwad is about 15 km away from Pune, Maharashtra. The Ganesh Temple in Chinchwad is very famous place, and a Yatra takes place in the month of 'Shravan'.How to reach

Pune Tourist Attractions: Osho Ashram Osho Ashram, also known as the Osho Communal Centre is located at the greenery area of 17 Koregoan Park of the city. The Ashram offers a variety of expensive courses on meditation. Osho Ashram attracts a number of devotees each year. how to reach

Tribal Museum It is near the railway line, which is just east to the railway station. Maharashtra is a vast country and there are uncountable numbers of tribal in this country. Having different languages, these tribes have their own food habits, taboos, and beliefs - in short distinct cultures. How to reach

Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum The museum has nearly 20,000 collections of objects paintings, handicrafts, armour-suits, musical instruments and many other objects of art and artifacts collected from all over the world. How to reach
Kasturba Gandhi Memorial It is located within the serene locality of Aga Khan Palace in Pune. It is widely known as Kasturba Gandhi Memorial and is built in memory of Mahatama Gandhi's wife Kasturba Gandhi who breathed her last in this palace.The exquisite white marble memorial or Kasturba Samadhi is designed by the noted architect Charles Correa. Kasturba Gandhi's ashes are kept here and a statue of Mahatma Gandhi has been built near by the memorial. Kasturba Samadhi is accompanied by a National museum in memory of Kasturba Gandhi.

NAGPUR

History Of Nagpur
The present city was founded in the early 18th century by Bhakt Buland, a Gond prince of the kingdom of Deogad in the Chhindwara district. Seeing the advantage of civilized life in Delhi, he started to build Nagpur as his new capital. His successor Chand Sultan continued the work. Eventually the control of Nagpur slowly passed on from the Gonds to the Marathas. It became the capital of the Bhonsles. In 1811 Pindaris attacked Nagpur. Bhonsles again lost to the British in 1817 and Nagpur came under British influence. In 1853 Raghuji III died without an heir to his kingdom. As a result, the city lapsed into British control under Lord Dalhousie's Doctrine of Lapse. In 1861, Nagpur became the capital of the Central Provinces. The advent of the Great Indian Peninsula Railway (GIP) in 1867 spurred its development as a trade centre. After Indian independence, Nagpur became the capital of Madhya Bharat state (C.P. and Berar). In 1960, the marathi majority Vidarbha region was merged with the new state of Maharashtra and Nagpur was designated the second capital of Maharashtra state, alternating with Bombay as the seat of the Maharashtra state legislature.

Nagpur Excursions: Aadasa Aadasa is located at a distance of 45 km from Nagpur. This small village has a plethora of ancient and magnificent temples. There is also a Ganapati Temple here, which is worth to be visited. This place is easily accessible from Nagpur with many buses are plying from Nagpur, Kamleshwar and Saoner. How to reach
Khekranala Khekranala is situated at a distance of 55 km from Nagpur. There is a beautiful dam at this place. The location of the site is green and beautiful. How to reach

Markanda Markanda is a cluster of nearly 24 temples, which resembles the architecture of the Khajuraho temples. This small town is located on the left bank of Vainganga River, which is famous as a religious site. how to reach Dhapewada Dhapewada Lake is 8 km from Ramtek and 60 km from Nagpur. This place has a small temple of Vithoba lies peacefully on the banks of the Chandrabhaga River. It has a variety of water sports to offer as well. how to reach Nagardhan Nagardhan too has a fort, which is believed to be constructed by the Bhonsles. Gifted with an abundance of wild life, Nagzira has a wildlife sanctuary resting in natural domains that are a harmonious combination of lush greens and water bodies. how to reach

Nagpur Tourist Attractions: Gavilgad Fort It is located near the hill station of Chikhaldara in Amravati district. The Hindu rulers originally constructed Gavilgad fort. It is located at a height of about 370 ft above sea level (MSL). Historians believe that it is 200-300 years old. how to reach

Magnificent Forts of Balapur The forts of Balapur are named after goddess Baladevi. Balapur has turned into a seat of pilgrimage and a tourist spot over the years. It is located between the two rivers of Mana and Mhais. This place is at a distance of 6 km from the railway station. how to reach

Lonar Lake Lonar Lake is the third largest natural salt-water lake in the world. The lake also has a dam of 1800 m. how to reach

Vidarbha Pandhari Kundinpur It is located on the banks of Wardha River in Tiwsa Tehsil of Nagpur. It is about 120 km from Nagpur. There organize an annual ten-day fair during Karthik Purnima that attracts not less than 50000 devotees

For Adventure Lovers

Trekking: Trekking in Maharashtra might not be that adventurous and risky like any Himalayan trekking. It is calm and easy; till it is enjoying and thrilling giving a lifetime experience. Sahydris is the most important trekking region in the state. Trekking In Rajmachi Fort Rajmachi Fort is famous for trekking. The beautiful place is has exotic natural locations as well as it is a historic site. Rajmachi can be reached via the town of Lonavla along the Khandala plateau. how to reach

Trekking In The Sahyadris In Maharashtra, Western Ghats is called Sahyadri in local Marathi language. Sahyadri is known to be a trekker's paradise with green hills, dotted lakes and forests all around. how to reach Trekking In Waki Woods Waki Woods is just 30 km away from Nagpur on Saoner Road near Warki Dargha. This resort offers activities like bird watching, boating, archery,

Safari Trips: Safaris in Maharashtra can be done mainly at Tadoba National Park, Sanjay Gandhi National Park and Navegoan National Park. Spreading over an area of 135 sq km, it consists of a deer park, an aviary and three beautifully landscaped gardens. One can also enjoy staying in a unique treetop house and riding a power or sailboat on lake. So, safari in this park is really a thrilling experience. Navegaon National Park The Navegaon National Park is located in Navegoan in Gondia, Maharashtra. It is one of the most popular forest resorts in the Vidarbha region. Spreading over an area of 135 sq km,

Doba National Park Tadoba National Park spreads over 120 sq km, which is at an altitude of 200m. It is located 100 km south of Nagpur and 45 km north of Chandrapur. It is the oldest national park in Maharashtra. Sanjay Gandhi National Park Sanjay Gandhi National Park, also known as Borivali National Park is located at the suburb of Borivali, Mumbai. The main attraction of the park is its lion and tiger safari. One of the main attractions to the National Park is the lion safari.

Maharashtrian Culture: The life and soul

The culture of Maharashtra is an amalgamation of festivals, dances, music, art and crafts, foods and costumes. The Maharashtrians are vibrant, down to earth people for whom life itself is a celebration. During festival seasons it would be a great time to absorb Maharashtrian culture, with all its colourful costumes, cuisines, rituals and traditions. The song, music and dance that accompany almost every festive occasion, add joy and excitement to the lives of the people from every walk of life. These festivals attract world-renowned artistes musicians, dancers, painters, sculptors, weavers - who come together to pay tribute to Maharashtra's rich culture and legacy.

Cuisines
Maharashtrian cuisine is packed with the subtly flavoured vegetarian delicacies and hot aromatic meat and fish curries, while the crunchy, crisp sweets are made mostly from rice and jiggery are also their favourite. Maharashtrian cuisine: Maharashtrian cuisine is of two kinds - Konkani and Varadi. Despite its difference in style of preparation, both the style use lot of seafood and coconut. Konkan Cuisine: Konkan cuisine is strong in spice, red chillie powder, corianders, and prepared with coconut oil. It is prepared using a deep purple berry, kokum and raw mango. The Konkan food has a lot of coconut in it and strong in masalas, red chillies and coriander. Varadi Cuisine: The cuisine has a good balance of spices with generous use of powdered coconut and besan (gram flour) the latter used more for vegetarian dishes.

Dances
Gifted with its rich culture and traditions, Maharashtra has different types of dance forms.
Povada is the dance form that showcases the lifetime achievements of

the Maratha ruler Shivaji Maharaj. Lavani and Koli dance forms entertains maharashtrians. Dhangri gaja, Dindi and Kala are the religious folk dances.

Costumes
As Maharashtra is a vast state, the people of this colourful state wears different types of costumes, take different cuisines, different forms of dances and music according to the physical features of their locality. Generally, men wear dhoti and pheta in olden days, while women wear choli and saree.

Handicrafts
Maharashtra has a wide variety of handicrafts available. These art and craft showcases the true spirit of Maharashtrian culture. Different categories of Maharashtra handicrafts are:
Sawantwadi Crafts

Bidri Works

Leather Works

Mashru and Himroo

Weaving

Ajanta Paintings,Warli Paintings Jewellery

Festivals
The Maharashtrians are a vibrant, earthy people for whom life itself is a celebration. Small wonder then that all festivals in Maharashtra are celebrated with abundant fervor and enthusiasm. These times provide a unique opportunity to absorb Maharashtrian culture, with all its colorful customs, rituals and traditions. The various festivals celebrated here are:
Nag Panchmi
Narali Pournima Gokul Ashtami Gudhi Padwa Pola Makar Sankrant

Fairs
Maharashtrians celebrate every fair with great fervour and enthusiasm. The sacred Kumb Mela at Nashik that comes after every twelve years is regarded to be the most important religious fair in Maharashtra. Tha various fairs that are held all over the state of maharashtra are:

Nashik Kumbh Mela

Ganesh Chaturthi

Pune Festival

Navaratri Mahalaxmi Fair

Rath Yatra

Travel Tips: Things to remember

Maharastrian people are friendly and cooperative. The Maharashtra government in collaboration with the central government has instituted many tourist guide centres all over the state in major cities and towns. But still foreign tourists have to know a few costumes and traditions of this state. Customs to keep in Mind Not only in Maharsahtra but also in whole India, tourists have to remove shoes before entering any shrine. Tourists are prohibited from using alcoholic beverages or speaking in a raised voice on the premises of any shrine.

Women are advised to dress properly, and should cover their head before entering a Sikh Gurudwara or a mosque.

Visitors are supposed to step the right foot first into the courtyard when anybody enters any religious place All leather products like shoes, belts, handbags, camera cases etc. are prohibited in some Hindu and Jain temples.

Visitors are to wash their hands and feet under a tap or tank available on the premises before entering the shrines.
No visitor in a gurudwara should keep his feet pointing towards the Holy Book or step over any one sitting in prayer or meditation. While spinning a prayer wheel of any Buddhist monastery, one must always remember to follow the clockwise direction. Cushions and chairs inside the monastery are reserved for lamas (monks). Visitors may sit on the steps outside or on the floor. Incase one gets the opportunity to meet a Rimpoche (head lama) or a respected monk, it's polite not to turn one's back on him while leaving.

HOW TO REACH
By Air There is basically one major international airport in Maharashtra i.e. the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport of Mumbai. Apart from that, the city also has a domestic airport - Santa Cruz Domestic Airport. The airports at Nagpur and Pune also operate a few international flights, apart from the usual domestic ones. The cities of Kolhapur and Aurangabad also have a domestic airport of their own. By Rail The largest as well as the most important railway station of Maharashtra is situated in Mumbai and is known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. From there, you can get trains to almost every part of India. Apart from that, there are railway stations in Pune, Nashik, Nagpur, Kolhapur, Aurangabad, AMravati, etc. In short, Maharashtra is well connected with the other states via railways.

By Road There are a number of National Highways and State Highways crisscrossing Maharashtra, which make it easier for any visitor to visit the state by road. Infact, through these highways, you can easily approach the state from any and every part of the country. Apart from that, you can easily get buses and taxis from the numerous cities in Maharashtra to travel within as well as outside the state. By Sea Since a number of cities in Maharashtra are situated on sea banks, you can also go there via ship from the neighboring countries. Apart from the international naval port at Mumbai, there are a number of other minor ports in the state. Thus, reaching Maharashtra by presents no problems for the tourists.

THANK YOU
Submitted by: SWADHA AGARWAL 042, SECTION-AB