Best Places to visit in Maharashtra
Maharashtra is one of the most diverse and culturally rich states in India. From bustling cities and ancient temples to scenic hill stations, beaches, forts, wildlife sanctuaries, and pilgrimage sites, Maharashtra offers unforgettable travel experiences for every type of traveler.
This complete Maharashtra travel guide covers the best places to visit in Maharashtra, including temples, hill stations, beaches, waterfalls, forts, wildlife destinations, family picnic spots, and offbeat locations — all in one place.
Maharashtra Travel Guide – Best Places to Visit, Temples, Beaches & Hill Stations
Why Visit Maharashtra?
- Rich history and Maratha heritage
- Famous pilgrimage destinations
- Beautiful hill stations and Western Ghats
- Long coastline with peaceful beaches
- Adventure, wildlife, and trekking options
- Ideal for family trips, weekend getaways & road trips
Maharashtra is perfect for families, couples, spiritual travelers, adventure lovers, and budget travelers.
Popular Tourist Cities in Maharashtra
- Mumbai – Financial capital & coastal city
- Pune – Cultural and educational hub
- Nashik – Wine capital & pilgrimage city
- Aurangabad – Historical and heritage city
- Nagpur – Gateway to wildlife destinations
- Kolhapur – Spiritual and cultural city
đŸ‘‰ Read more: Major Tourist Cities in Maharashtra
Temples & Spiritual Places in Maharashtra
Maharashtra is home to some of India’s most important pilgrimage sites.
- Shirdi Sai Baba Temple
- Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga
- Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga
- Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai
- Tuljapur Bhavani Temple
- Mahalaxmi Temple, Kolhapur
- Jejuri Khandoba Temple
- Pandharpur Vitthal Temple
đŸ‘‰ Read more: Famous Temples in Maharashtra
Hill Stations in Maharashtra
The Sahyadri ranges offer stunning hill stations with cool weather and greenery.
- Lonavala & Khandala
- Mahabaleshwar
- Panchgani
- Matheran (vehicle-free hill station)
- Igatpuri
- Amboli
đŸ‘‰ Read more: Best Hill Stations in Maharashtra
Beaches in Maharashtra
Maharashtra’s Konkan coast is known for clean, peaceful, and scenic beaches.
- Alibaug Beach
- Kashid Beach
- Murud Beach
- Ganpatipule Beach
- Tarkarli Beach
- Devbag Beach
- Harihareshwar Beach
đŸ‘‰ Read more: Best Beaches in Maharashtra
Forts & Historical Places in Maharashtra
Maharashtra has the highest number of forts in India, built during the Maratha empire.
- Raigad Fort
- Sinhagad Fort
- Pratapgad Fort
- Shivneri Fort
- Rajgad Fort
- Murud-Janjira Fort
- Daulatabad Fort
đŸ‘‰ Read more: Famous Forts in Maharashtra
Waterfalls & Nature Places in Maharashtra
During monsoon, Maharashtra turns into a paradise for nature lovers.
- Bhushi Dam & Waterfall
- Thoseghar Waterfalls
- Lingmala Waterfall
- Devkund Waterfall
- Kune Waterfalls
- Vajrai Waterfall
đŸ‘‰ Read more: Waterfalls in Maharashtra
Wildlife Sanctuaries & National Parks
Maharashtra offers exciting wildlife experiences.
- Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve
- Sanjay Gandhi National Park
- Pench National Park
- Navegaon National Park
- Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary
đŸ‘‰ Read more: Wildlife Places in Maharashtra
Family Picnic & Weekend Getaway Places
Maharashtra is ideal for short trips and weekend holidays.
- Lonavala
- Karjat
- Bhandardara
- Malshej Ghat
- Alibaug
- Kolad
đŸ‘‰ Read more: Weekend Getaways in Maharashtra
Adventure & Things to Do in Maharashtra
- Trekking in Sahyadris
- River rafting at Kolad
- Camping & bonfire stays
- Jungle safaris
- Road trips & scenic drives
- Paragliding & ziplining
đŸ‘‰ Read more: Adventure Places in Maharashtra
Offbeat & Less Crowded Places in Maharashtra
Explore hidden gems away from tourist crowds.
- Jawhar
- Velas Beach (Turtle Festival)
- Amboli Ghat
- Naneghat
- Sindhudurg villages
- Chikhaldara
đŸ‘‰ Read more: Offbeat Places in Maharashtra
Trekking & Places in Mumbai Maharashtra
Explore hidden gems away from tourist crowds.
- Kanheri Caves Trekking
- Shilonda Trekking
- Yeoor Hills Trekking
- Chinchoti Waterfalls Trek
- Dhak Bahiri Cave trek
đŸ‘‰ Read more: Trekking Places in Mumbai Maharashtra
Best Time to Visit Maharashtra
- October to March: Best for sightseeing
- June to September: Monsoon beauty & waterfalls
- April to May: Summer holidays & hill stations
How to Reach Maharashtra
- By Air: Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Aurangabad airports
- By Train: Well connected to all major cities
- By Road: Excellent highway connectivity
Maharashtra Travel Tips
- Plan hill station trips early on weekends
- Carry rain gear during monsoon
- Book temple darshan slots in advance
- Respect local culture and forts
Final Thoughts
Maharashtra is a complete travel destination offering spirituality, nature, history, adventure, and relaxation. Whether you are planning a short weekend picnic or a long holiday, Maharashtra promises diverse experiences and unforgettable memories.

