Whoever said that small is beautiful had perhaps never set foot in Maharashtra, one of the largest and wealthiest states of India. With its history dating back to the third century BC, Maharashtra finds mention as Mahratta as early as 246 BC and in another inscription dated 560 BC, as a province with 99,000 villages. Today, Maharashtra is the country’s largest state economy with its capital, Mumbai, being the nation’s financial and entertainment hub. There’s much more to the state than what is oft-repeated. Silken beaches, ancient monuments, prehistoric caves, solemn temples, salubrious hill stations and lofty peaks—Maharashtra’s bounty is endless. It is a state that spoils the tourist and the traveller alike with a million choices. A state where seasons bring alive their own largesse and hidden gems wait to be discovered. We focus on 12 must-see, must-do places in Maharashtra including picturesque hill stations, stunning beaches, heritage and new wine hotspots.
Hill Stations
1. Khandala
Ask any Hindi film fan and he’ll quickly sing a Khandala song or pick a thrilling scene set in Khandala, a hill station that sits close to Mumbai. Located at the top end of Bhor Ghat, Khandala is at the heart of the MumbaiPune Expressway and a favorite weekend getaway. The holidayer drives to the hill station for its salubrious air, the adventure-lover goes rappelling and trekking on the Duke’s Nose; the rock climber aspires to conquer the 2,506-foot cliff while the devout scramble into the Karla and Bhaja Caves. Dating back to the second century BC, the Karla Caves include a stupa, a representation of the Buddha, and an aisle made up of 37 pillars and carved elephant heads, which once had real ivory tusks.
The best viewpoints are Tiger’s Leap and Amrutanjan Point. Another must-see in Khandala includes the ancient prison which was built in 1896 and housed the founders of St Xavier’s College who were jailed by the British as prisoners of war. For the religious-minded, there are two Ashtavinayak places nearby, namely, Pali and Mahad. Not too far from Khandala is Lonavala, famous for its weather, chiki and fudge. Rajmachi Point offers a spectacular view of the Rajmachi Fort and valley while Ryewood Park is the best picnic spot. The Celebrity Wax Museum in Lonavala also draws tourists.
Navigator
Getting There: It is 81 km from Mumbai. the nearest airport is Pune; the nearest railway station is Lonavala.
Stay: The Dukes Retreat (020 39520894), Fariyas Resort (0211 4273852), the LagoonaResortt (0211 4273817), Picaddle (0211 4271000), to name a few.
Eat: Duchess restaurant, High Point Bar & Restaurant, Panorama Café, Royal Park Restaurant.
Do: Duke’s Nose for hiking; prison built in 1896; Tiger’s Leap; Amrutanjan Point; Karla and Bhaja Caves; Bhushi Lake
2. Mahabaleshwar
Elphinstone Point
Mahabaleshwar is so verdant and its climate so charming that it is little surprise the British chose it as the summer capital of Bombay Province. With one of the few evergreen forests of India, it is a plateau bound by valleys on both sides. Reaching a height of 1,439 meters at its highest, Mahabaleshwar comprises three villages: Malcolm Peth, Old ‘Kshetra’ Mahabaleshwar and part of a village called Shindola. Deriving its name from Sanskrit which translates into ‘god of great power,’ Mahabaleshwar is known for its winding roads, deep valleys and abundance of strawberries.
Explore Arthur’s Seat from where you get a view of Jor Valley; head to Lodwick Point which is located almost 1,240 m above sea level. Kate’s Point gives visitors a view of the Dhom and Balakwadi dams and Needle Hole point has a natural hole in the rock formation. Other must-sees include Monkey Point, Carnac Point, Falkland Point, Helen’s Point, Elphinstone Point, Mumbai Point, Marjorie Point and Babbington Point.
Navigator
Getting There: It is 262 km from Mumbai. The nearest airport is Mumbai; the nearest railway station is Wathar.
Stay: Citrus Chambers (02168 260432), Evershine Keys Prima Resort (02168262000), Club Mahindra Sherwood Resorts (02168 270070)
Eat: Mapro, Grapevine, the Olive Garden, Little Italy, Saayali Restaurant, Chingari, Snowdrop Restaurant
Do: Boat on Venna lake; head to the main bazaar; eat strawberry-flavoured ice-cream or fresh strawberries with whipped cream
3. Matheran
The country’s smallest hill station and Asia’s only automobile-free hill station, Matheran is perched 2,625 ft above sea level. The joy of Matheran lies in getting there on a toy train that traverses the narrow gauge track to the top from where travelers can walk or take a horse-carriage ride into the heart of the tiny town which is still dotted with old Parsi and British bungalows. Snuggled in the Western Ghats, it is a popular weekend getaway from Mumbai and Pune. Living up to its name as ‘forest on the forehead,’ Matheran has been declared an eco-sensitive area by the Ministry of Environment and Forest and has 38 designated look-out points. Panorama Point provides a 360-degree view of the surrounding area and Neral town—the sunrise and sunset are spectacular here. Louisa Point offers a clear view of Prabal Fort. Other look-out points include One Tree Hill Point, Heart Point, Monkey Point, Porcupine Point and Rambagh Point. If you are in Matheran during the monsoon, ensure you spend half a day by Charlotte Lake.
Navigator
Getting There: It is 83 km from Mumbai. the nearest airport is Mumbai; the nearest railway station is neral from where you can board a toy train to Matheran.
Stay: The Byke Heritage (02148 230365), Hotel West end (09969444786), Adamo the Village (02148 230007), Giri Vihar Hotel (02148 230231), Cecil Hotel (08108878821), Usha Ascot (02222078292), Royal Hotel (09764908019)
Eat: Kokan Katta, Shabbir’s Biryani House, Ketkar’s Restaurant.
Do: Besides soaking in the views, eat fudge and shop for curios on MG Road.
4. Panchgani
Discovered by John Chesson, the British superintendent who was then placed in charge of the hill station in the 1860s and developed as a retirement place by the British, Panchgani is nestled amid five hills in the Sahyadri mountain ranges and amidst five villages known as Dandeghar, Khingar, Godwali, Amral and Taighat. Known for its climate and beautiful landscape, the hills are characterized by a table top volcanic plateau, which is the second highest in Asia after the Tibetan Plateau. From Sydney Point, one can see the waters of the Dhom Dam while Parsi Point overlooks the Krishna valley. Panchgani finds mention in mythology—it is believed that the Pandavas lived in Devil’s Kitchen for some time.
Navigator
Getting There: It is 244 km from Mumbai. the nearest airport is Pune; the nearest railway station is Wathar
Stay: Aman Hotel (02168 260417), Blue Country (02168 241321), Hotel Mala’s (02168 240321), Hotel Millennium Park (02168 241771)
Eat: Panchgani Fast Food, Lucky Restaurant, Purohit Pure Vegetarian Restaurant, Hilltop Ice Cream, Rustam’s Strawberry Inn
Do: Head to Panchgani in the summer to attend the Strawberry Festival.
Beaches
1. Alibaug
Developed in the 17th century by Sarkhel Kanhoji Angre, the naval chief of Chatrapati Shivaji, Alibaug (Alibag) was originally named Kulaba. Legend has it that a rich Bene Israelite man, Ali, owned several coconut and mango orchards in the area. Locals started referring to the place as Alichi Bagh (Garden of Ali in Marathi) and the name stuck. Alibaug is the historic hinterland of Bene Israel Jews and famous for an observatory built in 1904. Today, Alibaug’s beaches attract visitors from across the country, the most famous being Alibaug Beach, a long walkable stretch of black sand. Do not try to make sand castles on this beach—the waves wash them away even before you can pat a handful of sand into a castle boundary. Roughly four kilometres from Alibaug is the famous Shiva Temple. To get there, you must trek a little. Other must-sees include Alibaug Fort which was built by Shivaji and has been the seat of the Raigad district administration since 1852, the Khanderi and Underi islands, the Magen Avot Synagogue, Varsoli Beach and Akshi Beach.
Navigator
Getting There: It is 92 km from Mumbai, the nearest airport. the best way to get there is to take a bus/cab from Mumbai.
Stay: Radisson Blu Resort & Spa (02141 302400), Hotel Sea View (09404585540), Hotel Sahyadri (02141 226404), Hotel Ravi Kiran (02141 222459), Ghanvatkar Bunglow at Zirad (09322247222), hotel Maple IVY (02141 225316) the Windmill Resort (02141 232885)
Eat: Suruchi, Sanman Restaurant, Aparanta, Bohemyan Blue, Kokum & Spice, Sarita Vihar, Charcoal, Kiki’s Café & Deli
Do: If you are a biker, do the Mumbaialibaug bike ride. head there during the monsoon. alibaug has a lot of water sports facilities during peak season. Do the nature walk in Vrindavan Farm. Pick Kolhapuri chappals and antiques. remember to haggle.
2. Tarkarli
Tarkarli might not be as famous as Alibaug but the beach hamlet has a million things to offer. The pious can seek salvation in Mahapurush, Khalcha Mahapurush, Witthal and Kunkeshwar temples. Those who wish to slough off urban malice can head to Tarkarli and Nivti Beaches. Solitude-lovers can float on the river in a houseboat. The avid tourist can go sightseeing around the Sangam where the Arabian Sea meets the Karli river. For wildlife enthusiasts, there’s the Dajipur Bison National Park. Achara and Nivti beaches in Tarkarli are some of the most popular places where dolphins are easy to spot. Or shed fear and book banana and bumper boat rides at Tarkarli Beach.
Navigator
Getting There: It is 489 km from Mumbai. the nearest airport is Goa; the nearest railway station is Kudal. You can take the Mandovi express or Konkan Express
Stay: Blue Sea Beach homes (09922419287), Visava Beach Resort (09423304303), Omkar Deluxe Beach Resort (09403291549), Kinara Resort (09665514055), Coconut Garden BeachHousee (9960251409)
Eat: some of the must-eats include shark curry and local pickles
Do: snorkeling; scuba diving; staying in a houseboat; parasailing
3. Ganapatipule
An unspoiled town laced with silver sand beaches and a divine legend is how the story of Ganapatipule begins. Mythology mentions that Lord Ganesha took umbrage at a local woman’s remark and moved to Pule (a few kilometers from town) from his original abode of Gule. That is how Ganapatipule got its name. Even today, the temple of Lord Ganesha is this tiny town’s most famous landmark. The idol in the Lord Ganesha Temple is said to have been discovered 1,600 years ago. Tourists drive to Ganapatipule for its stunning beaches—considered among the best on the Konkan coast. The best place to learn about the history of the Konkan region is Pracheen Konkan, a museum that depicts life as it was in the earliest years. Not too far away is the village of Malgund, the birthplace of Keshavasuta, the poet considered the herald of modern Marathi poetry.
Navigator
Getting There: Ganapatipule is 332 km from Mumbai. the nearest airport and railway station are at Ratnagiri
Stay: MTDC Ganapatipule (02357 235248), Abhishek Beach Resort (07620044777), the Fern Greenleaf Resort (02357235300), Blue Ocean Resort & Spa (02240294907)
Eat: Mehendale’s Swaad Dining, Bhau Joshi Bhojnalay, Hotel Sameer, On the rocks, Konkan spice, among others.
Do: Visit the Pracheen Konkan Museum; buy artifacts made of sea shells; make a day trip to Thibaw Palace, where the last Burmese king, thibaw, was interned under the British from 1886 until his death in 1916.
Wine
1. Nashik
For eons, Nashik, the third largest city of Maharashtra, has been associated with gods. Archaeologists believe that Nashik was settled as early as 1,400 BC. One of the most popular destinations for pious Hindus, Jains and Buddhists, Nashik finds mention in the Ramayana. It is believed that Rama, Sita and Lakshman lived in the forests of Nashik during their exile and the city owes its name to the Surpanakha nose-chopping episode in the Ramayana. Unsurprisingly, Nashik is dotted with temples which include the magnificent ones at Sinnar, Anjaneri and Trimbakeshwar. The temple at Trimbakeshwar, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas (the phallic emblem of Shiva with fire), is considered the most sacred of all temples. Thousands of devout pilgrims throng Nashik during the Kumbh Mela which is celebrated here every 12 years.
For the tourist, the must-sees include Buddhist rock-cut caves, locally known as the Pandav Leni (a group of 24 caves in Trirashmi Hill); forts such as Ankai-Tankai, Salher, Mulher, Ramsej, Dhodap and Ahivant; and ancient caves near Manmad. A museum near Nashik at Gargoti has a magnificent collection of zeolites.
In recent times, Nashik has added a new feather to its cap—as the country’s wine hub. Known as the wine capital of India, Nashik has several vineyards and breweries where one can experience winemaking and wine-tasting.
Navigator
Getting There: It is 165 km from Mumbai. there are regular flights into Nashik from many cities. It is also an important railhead.
Stay: Abhishek, Panchavati Karanja, (0253 2514202), Ashoka Castle hotel (0253 2393165), Hotel Amarpreet (0240 2332521), Emerald Park hotel (0253 2378818)
Eat: Annapoorna Lunch Home, Khyber, Panchavati hotel Complex, talk of the town
Do: Go on a wine tour; get spiritual at Vipashyana International Academy located at Igatpuri
2. Raigad
Once the capital of Shivaji, Raigad is named after the fort and located in the dense forest of a west-facing spur of the Western Ghats. It was in Raigad Fort that Shivaji was coronated and it was here that he breathed his last. In Raigad, it is the fort with its beefy bastions and grand palaces that become the first stop for the tourist. For those not historically inclined, there are enough trails to trek and test one’s mettle. Torana, Sinhagad, Rajgad, and Lingana are approachable fort destinations from Raigad. Hop onto the ropeway for a spectacular view of the fort and the hills and valleys. Do not curl up too late in the hotel, wake up at the crack of dawn to watch the sun rise from behind the Raigad and Torana Forts. If you are there during or soon after the monsoon, take time off to see the waterfalls. Spend half a day in Pachad village to see the memorial to Shivaji’s mother.
Navigator
Getting There: It is 169 km from Mumbai. the nearest airport is Mumbai; the nearest railway station is Veer. The best way to travel is by bus/ cab (takes about two hours).
Stay: Savli Village Resort Shriwardhan (02147 222080), Motel Visava (02145 222866), Kamath Residency Nature Resort (9869279937), Kundalik Rafting (020 66447777) Eat Vimum,
Eat: Vimum, Shree Datta Snacks, Restaurant Vaibhav
Do: Visit Kihim Beach, Shri Ballaleshwar Ashtavinayaka, Varsoli Beach, Kolaba Fort, Phansad Bird sanctuary and the Kondana Caves
Heritage Sites
1. Ratnagiri
One of the most important tourist destinations of Maharashtra, Ratnagiri is famous for its beaches, monuments and temples. The region is blessed with hills, beaches, rivers, hot water springs, forests and waterfalls. And, yes, the Alphonso mango. A prominent port town, Ratnagiri was the birthplace of freedom fighter Lokmanya Tilak. The first stop for most tourists is Ratnadurga Fort which sprawls over 120 acres and is hemmed by the Arabian Sea on three sides. A tunnel connects the north and south side of the fort and the 1857 lighthouse guided sailors. A trip to Ratnagiri is never complete without tasting the traditional Konkan food. Try fish curry and rice with sol kadi, a pink digestive drink; amba poli (thin pancakes of dried and crushed mangoes), phanas poli (thin pancakes of dried and crushed jackfruit).
Navigator
Getting There: It is 330 km from Mumbai. Ratnagiri has an airport and a railway junction as well Stay
Stay: Krishnali Beach Resort (022 23822999), Hotel Giriratna rail hotel (02352 231260), Hotel Landmark (02352 220120), Kohinoor Samudra (02352 255232), Hotel Vihar Deluxe (02352 222944)
Eat: Mithila Vegetarian hotel, Drive Inn Carnival, Masala Kitchen, Amantran, Helekar Bandhu Mithai Do Visit Lokmanya tilak’s home, the
Do: Visit Lokmanya Tilak’s Home, the Ratnadurg Fort, Marleshwar Temple, Thiba Point and the aquarium (make sure to look for the whale skeleton).
2. Kaas Plateau
If you ever want to see French painter Renoir’s canvases come alive, head to the Kaas Plateau where you can see miles and miles of flowers. Purple. Yellow. Orange. Pink. All popping out of a sea of green. More than 850 species of flowering plants are found on the plateau of which 624 have been recorded in the Red Data Book (which lists species of plants and animals under threat). Nearly 40 species are endemic to the area. The floral landscape of Kaas is varied; the puddles have marshy flora while trees and shrubs are found on the periphery. Orchids bloom for a few weeks in August, turning the plateau into a pretty floral canvas. Kaas lake looks like a bowl carved out of the Sahyadri mountains. The lake is not only a perennial source of water but also serves as a favourite picnic spot. Such is the beauty and rarity of the flowers of the Kaas Plateau that it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Navigator
Getting There: It is 275 km from Mumbai. the nearest airport is Mumbai; the nearest railway station is Satara
Stay: Kaas Pathar Village Resort and Kaas Hotel (08291008666), Kaas Holiday Resort—Sahyadri Nivas (9822046163)
Do: Marvel at the flowers on Kaas Plateau; visit Kumudini Lake, Ghatal Devrai and Vasota Fort
Tip: Do not pay entry fee online. The best time to go is late August to September.
3. Sindhudurg
Go back in time and think of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj picking a location with stunning natural rock formations as a site for a fort. Barely two kilometers from the sea, Sindhudurg Fort is surrounded by smaller forts. This is, of course, the main attraction of Sindhudurg district which has the highest number (37) of forts in Maharashtra. Kunkeshwar village in the district is where the devout go to pay obeisance to Lord Shiva in its famous temple. Known as Konkan Kashi, Kunkeshwar is also famous for its mangoes.
For the foodie, Sindhudurg is the hub of traditional Malvani cuisine which is the common fare in the Konkan regions of Maharashtra and Goa. The must-haves include spicy seafood curries, sol kadhi, a pink drink made of kokum and coconut milk, and kombdi vade, a chicken dish.
Other tourist attractions include Devbagh Beach, the rock garden in Malvan and dolphin sighting trips.
Navigator
Getting There: It is 489 km from Mumbai. The nearest airport is Mumbai. The place is serviced by several trains
Stay: Hardika Beach Resort (07507596776), Sonchafa the Motel (02365 251144), Sunshine Homestay (09422434962), Gharkul Homestay (9422373089)
Eat: Vithal Kamats, Atithi Bambu, swami Family restaurant, Aswad Fast Food
Do: Visit Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg Fort, the Botanical Garden, Napne Waterfall, Amboli Falls, Vengurla rocks, Devbagh and the Karli backwaters, among other places
(Source: Preeti Verma Lal)
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