Maharashtra

The name Maharashtra first appeared in a 7th century inscription and in a Chinese traveler’s account. Its name may have originated from rathi, which means, “chariot driver”. At that age Maharashtra was full of builders and drivers of chariots who formed a maharathis, a “fighting force.”

Shivaji Bhosle, founder of the Maratha Empire, was born in 1627. He took the oath to make the land free at the fort Torna at the age of sixteen. This was the start of his lifelong struggle against Mughals and other Muslim powers. By 1680, the year of Shivaji’s death, nearly whole of the Deccan belonged to his kingdom. He had developed an efficient administration and a powerful army. He also encouraged a spirit of independence among the Marathas that enabled them to withstand for 150 years all attempts to conquer them. Shivaji’s achievements amongst monumental difficulties were really spectacular and that is why he holds the highest place in Maratha history.

Places in and around Maharashtra

Groups always run in this order. Inside each group, the must-see picks come first; hikes and places to stay follow the order Windhorse recommends.

Sights and attractions in Maharashtra

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Ajanta
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Aurangabad

Aurangabad is a tourist hub, surrounded with many historical monuments, including the Ajanta Caves and Ellora Caves, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as well as Bibi Ka Maqbara.
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Bibi Ka Maqbara

Bibi Ka Maqbara is a maqbara built by Prince Azam Shah, son of Emperor Aurangzeb,one of the Mughal Emperors, in the late 17th century as a loving tribute…
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Daulatabad Fort

Once known as 'Devgiri', this magnificent 12th century fortress stands on a hill just 13 km. from Aurangabad.
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Dhobi Ghat

The "laundries" are called "ghats": row upon row of concrete wash pens, each fitted with its own flogging stone.
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Elephanta Caves

The Caves are now designated as a World Heritage Site and visited by hundreds of tourists both for their art historical and scenic value.
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Ellora Caves
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Gandhi Memorial Museum

It was from Mani Bhavan that Gandhi initiated the Non-Cooperation, Satyagraha, Swadeshi, Khadi and Khilafat movements.
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Gateway of India

It was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India in 1911.
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Hanging Gardens Of Mumbai

On its western side, just opposite the Kamala Nehru Park. They provide sunset views over the Arabian Sea and feature numerous hedges carved into the shapes of animals.
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High Court of Bombay

In addition to Bombay Bench it has benches at Aurangabad, Nagpur, Panaji(Goa). In Bombay it has Original Jurisdiction in addition to Appellate.
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Malabar Hill

It is situated at a height of 50 metres (approx. 165 feet), it is the highest point in South Mumbai.
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Marine Drive

This is the stretch now known as Netaji Subhashchandra Bose Road with Nariman Point on one end to Babulnath, at the foot of Walkeshwar on the other, it…
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Mumbai

Mumbai prevoiusly known as Bombay, is the capital of Maharashtra. It is the country’s financial powerhouse and its vogue centre of fashion, film and after-dark frolics.
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Prince of Wales Museum

Built to commemorate King George V's visit to Mumbai (while still Prince of Wales), it was designed by George Wittet and completed in 1923.
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University of Mumbai

The name of the University was changed from University of Bombay to University of Mumbai It is abbreviated as either (UoM) for University of Mumbai or as (MU)…