5 POPULAR DESTINATIONS TO TRAVEL IN MONSOON
Maharashtra is one of India's largest commercial and industrial centers, which has led to its being called the gateway of India. Maharashtra is also famous for its culture and beauty. The ancient cave paintings found at Ajanta and Ellora are Unesco world heritage sites and popular tourist destinations. Maharashtra is a leader among Indian states in terms of agricultural and industrial production, trade and transport, and education. Its ancient culture, at one stage considerably obscured by British dominance, survives largely through the medium of a strong literary heritage. A common literature in Marathi the predominant language of the state, has played an important role in nurturing a sense of unity among the Maharashtrians. Area 118,800 square miles (307,690 square km). Maharashtra is the 3rd largest and one of the most populated states in India. Bordered by the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, it is a favored destination for travel enthusiasts. Besides its world-famous entertainment industry, the state is also known for its delectable taste palate, rich culture, festivities, etc. The state of Maharashtra spans multiple cultures which includes cultures related to Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Sikhs, Christians, etc. Lord Ganesha, Maruti, and Mahadeo in the form of SHIVLINGA, KHANDOBA, KALUBAI DEVI, AND LORD VITTHAL are some of the deities worshipped by Hindus of Maharashtra. Popular places to visit in Maharashtra are AJANTA, MAHABALESHWAR, PANCHGANI, KOLAD, and KHANDALA.
AJANTA CAVE: -Considered to be one of the finest examples of ancient rock-cut caves, is located near Aurangabad in Maharashtra, India. Ajanta and Ellora caves complex is adorned with beautiful sculptures, paintings, and frescoes and includes Buddhist monasteries and Hindu and Jain temples. The Ajanta caves are 29 in number and were built between the 2nd century BC and 6th century AD, whereas the Ellora Caves are more spread out and 34 in number and date to the period between 6th and 11th Century AD. Ajanta and Ellora caves are designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are quite popular among travelers worldwide. Ajanta Caves, located around 99km north of Aurangabad, are mostly Buddhist sites and were used as a retreat by Buddhist Monks. Ellora is just 15 km west of Aurangabad and has a better mix of Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist sites.
These hand-carved caves were built and sponsored by the Indian rulers of those periods and were almost buried by thick forests. One of the most famous places in the entire Ajanta and Ellora Caves is the Kailash Temple, which is also the single most massive monolithic structure globally. These rock-cut caves containing carvings are some of the best examples of ancient Indian architecture and sculpture.
MAHABALESHWAR:- Is a hill station located in the Western Ghats, in the Satara district of Maharashtra. Apart from its strawberries, Mahabaleshwar is also well known for its numerous rivers, magnificent cascades, and majestic peaks. It is among the most sought-after weekend getaways from Pune & Mumbai, located about 120km southwest of Pune and 285km from Mumbai.
Mahabaleshwar is also a sacred pilgrimage place for Hindus as the Krishna river originates from here. Once a summer capital of the British, the hill station of Mahabaleshwar comprises ancient temples, boarding schools, manicured and lush green dense forest, waterfalls, hills, and valleys. It is often used as a base to visit the magnificent Pratapgad Fort, located an hour away. Malcolm Peth, Old Kshetra Mahabaleshwar, and a region of the Shindola village are the three villages that make up Mahabaleshwar.
PANCHGANI:- Is a popular hill station near Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra, famous for its various sunset and sunrise points and scenic valley view. Located at an altitude of 1,334 mts, Panchgani is also known as Paachgani as the five hills that form the Sahyadri mountain ranges offer Panchgani its name.
The picturesque backdrop of hills on one side and coastal plains on the other makes for an amazing view. In the British era, the place was treated as a summer resort and hence many colonial-period establishments can be seen here. Mahabaleshwar is like a twin city to Panchgani. A Majestic hill station at an altitude of 4242 ft above sea level, Panchgani is a famous destination for its natural beauty that entices tourists from different parts of the world. It would serve as a summer retreat for British officials.
KHANDALA:- Is a popular hill station in Maharashtra, perched on the foothills of Sahyadri in the Western Ghats. Khandala provides a perfect weekend respite for the Mumbai population, with its scenic valleys, grassy hills, serene lakes, and misty waterfalls. It is one of the twin hill stations - Lonavala and Khandala. The place immortalized by the popular Bollywood song, "Aati Kya Khandala", is a must-visit destination for everyone looking for beautiful nature, pleasant weather, and the feeling of mist in the air. The natural beauty of Khandala blooms to its zenith and reveals a magical charm during the monsoons. Its meandering waterfalls and glittering lakes attributes to the majestic look and imposing ambiance. It must visit destinations in Maharashtra for tourists.
KOLAD:- Famous for white water rafting, Kolad is a thriving tiny village in the Raigad district in Maharashtra. Known for its cascading waterfalls, green meadows, and picturesque backdrop of Sahyadris, Kolad is gaining traction as an adventure sports destination with provisions for rafting, rappelling, and kayaking.
Kolad boasts of natural beauty which blooms during the monsoons. Known as the Rishikesh of Maharashtra, the majestic valleys and picturesque backdrops make Kolad a treat for nature lovers as well as shutterbugs. The river Kundalika is a big attraction here, especially for people who are interested in white water rafting. The Kundalika River is one of the fastest-flowing rivers in the South which makes it ideal for water rafting and other adventure activities. Along with that, there are a couple of forts, dams, and waterfalls which make Kolad a good holiday destination with something to offer to everyone.
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