from November 28, 2016 to December 10, 2019 (Asia/Kolkata)
TIFR, Mumbai
Asia/Kolkata timezone
CKM 2016

Tourism in Maharashtra

Mumbai, the capital of the state of Maharashtra, nestled between the Arabian sea and the Sahyadri Mountain range is close to many tourist destinations- either a car/train journey away or a short flight distance away.  We have listed some suggestions below for a 2-3 day trip. 


AJANTA AND ELLORA CAVES:

Picture previewPicture previewPicture preview
Located near Aurangabad in Maharashtra are designated as World Heritage sites and have Buddhist and Hindu rock paintings that date as far back as the 2nd Century B.C. These caves are a must see and are carved into the side of a cliff. The elaborate architectural carving and murals in these caves represent an era of Indian history that is best preserved and represented at these sites.

Ways to reach Ajanta/Ellora: 

A slower but probably more interesting way to get to these sites involves a luxury rail journey with the Indian railways:http://www.indiarailtours.com/ajanta-ellora-tour.html 
Alternatively a flight to Aurangabad from Mumbai and then transfer by car to the cave sites. 


SEASIDE RESORTS NEAR MUMBAI: ALIBAUG, MANDWA AND MURUD JANJIRA

Just a 45 minute ferry ride away from the Gateway of India in Mumbai are the sleepy, fishing villages of Mandwa, Alibaug and Murud Janjira. Recently these have also been invaded by harried city folk seeking a break from the fast-paced life of hustling and bustling Mumbai. Murud Janjira is a fort located on an island off the coast of Murud. These locations would be ideal for an overnight or 2-3 day trip.

Below are links for Ferry information and possible locations to book a stay. 

It is pretty easy to go to the Gateway of India and book a ferry seat right at location on the PNP Catamarans. Ferry Time Tables: http://alibagtourism.com/ferry-time-table

Suggested place to stay:
Ccaza Commodore: A lovely little Bungalow rented out by Commodore Nitin Mongia. The speciality of this place is the exceptional food from Mongia’s catering company. A perfect base to explore the Raigad district and the sleepy fishing villages of the Konkan Coast.  A car with driver can be rented out by contacting Commodore Mongia. http://www.ccazaccomodore.com

Mango resorts:  Boutique hotels/homestays near the Kihim beach and Alibaug beach.
http://www.mangoalibaug.com

Radisson Spa at Alibaug:  A Spa experience par excellence 
http://radisson.hotelgroup.in/radisson-blu-resort-alibaug.html

Tropicana resorts: A Boutique hotel with rooms and villa bookings.
http://www.alibaugbeachresort.com/tropicanahotel/tariffs.html.



KHANDALA/LONAVALA:

A two drive from Mumbai are the hill stations of Khandala and Lonavala. From here one can explore the beauty of the Sahyadri Mountain range and also hop over to Pune, the Cultural capital of Maharashtra, for a tour of its old-fashioned streets, markets and homes (wadas). 

Picture preview

Suggested place to stay: 

Machan- a luxury eco-resort with tree houses that gives you a live experience of the rich canopy of the Sahyadri. It is located in a biological hotspot, Jambuline, a 2.5 hour drive from Mumbai. It also serves as an excellent base from which to trek to the forts that nestle atop the glorious Sahyadri peaks and represent the history of the Maratha rulers of the state. www.machan.com.


MAHABALESHWAR:

It is Maharashtra’s most popular hill station with soaring peaks and breath-taking valleys. A short drive from the town brings you to the beautiful Venna lake and Panchgani hills. 
http://www.tripadvisor.in/Tourism-g635749-Mahabaleshwar_Maharashtra-Vacations.html.

Picture preview


GOA:

The state of Goa is a tourist paradise with its unique history, scenic beauty, beaches and architectural splendors. It can be reached by a short 45 min flight from Mumbai.

http://www.goa-tourism.com

Picture previewPicture preview

Picture preview

Picture preview