12 Best Places To Visit In Maharashtra In 2020

1. Ajanta And Ellora Caves

Vibrant paintings and well-carved figures and sculptures in Ajanta and Ellora Caves define the ancient Indian artisanship. With an amalgamation of Buddhist, Hindu and Jain manuscripts, the caverns display divinity in the form of rocks. And are an important heritage site in Maharashtra! Ajanta and Ellora Caves are not less than a paradise for those who love exploring the panorama of ancient India.

2. Lonavala

Lonavala is a famous hill-station that lies between Pune and Mumbai. It offers an alluring view of misty Sahyadri hills that shroud the dense forests and beautiful waterfalls. Lonavala is a natures gateway for the hikers and those seeking a relaxing weekend in a quiet and serene atmosphere. If you want to get a clear view of nature then must visit Tigers leap, Rajmachi point, Duke's Nose, Lonavala Lake etc.

3. Alibag

Located about 95 Km away from Mumbai, Alibaug or Alibag is a popular weekend getaway for people in and around Mumbai. Alibag is a part of Raigad district and is home to beautiful beaches, coconut groves and boasts pleasant weather. Besides beaches, Alibag is decked with many ruins and temples. If you wish to stay away from the adventure activities and sightseeing, then take a walk on the seaside or stroll amidst the dense coconut groves to have a relaxing evening.

4. Panchgani

Located in the picturesque Sahayadri hills, Panchgani hill station is home to five lush green hills; thus the name, Panchgani. With the mountains on one side and plains on the other Panchgani is an ideal place for nature lovers and photographers. Besides its high peaks, Panchgani also has some viewpoints such as Parsi point, Sydney point, Rajpuri caves and exotic strawberry farms where a yearly strawberry fest takes place every year in the summertime.

5. Ratnagiri

Ratnagiri is more or less a dream destination for tourists as it is bestowed with majestic mountains of Sahayadri range and pristine beaches on the coasts of Arabian Sea. Ratnagiri is a must-visit destination which offers forest, hot water springs and famous monuments. The Alphonso mangos are USP's of Ratnagiri because the majority of mangos is shipped from Ratnagiri to other states of India. The forts and temples in Ratnagiri are its other significant attractions.

6. Jalgaon

Jalgaon is one of the largest cities in Maharashtra and is located on the northern Deccan Plateau. Jalgaon is famous as the banana capital of India as it contributes a significant share in the wide-scale production of bananas. On the other hand, Jalgaon is also far-famed as the golden city of Maharashtra as it is the most extensive jewellery market in Maharashtra due to the excess of gold mines in the area.

7. Igatpuri

Nestled in the Western Ghats of the Sahayadri hills near Nashik, Igatpuri is a hill town and one of the most visited tourist destination in India. Blessed with the captivating beauty, Igatpuri is a natural haven for the adventure seekers and nature lovers. Since most of the hotspots are located closeby, they can be viewed and covered in a single day itinerary. Other draws include Ghatandevi Temple, Kalusbai peak, Bhatsa river valley, Camel valley, and Tringalwadi fort.

8. Amboli

Resting in the foothills of Sahayadri hills of Western Ghats, Amboli is the last hill station in Maharashtra before the lowlands of Goa begin. It is another must-visit weekend gateway, where you can sit back and unwind, in the lap of nature. Amboli receives the highest rainfalls during the monsoon. Therefore the weather remains favourable and attracts the tourists round the year. Shirgaonkar point, Amboli Falls, and Nangarta falls are a few other major attractions in Amboli.

9. Kolhapur

Kolhapur is a city nestled in the lap of river Panchganga. Kolhapur is far-famed for its authentic footwear, spicy cuisines and jewellery. Made out of leather and wood, the Kolhapuri footwear is a bonafide product of this region. Besides its dominance in footwears, the Kolhapuri style of cooking is synonymous with Maharashtrian cuisine. Other draws of Kolhapur are the ancient forts and temples built in the area.

10. Mahabaleshwar

Nestled amidst the Western Ghats, Mahabaleshwar is environed by high peaks and numerous streams. It comprises of lush forests, blooming valleys, Strawberry meadows, ancient temples and viewpoints like monkey point, Arthurs seat, Wilson point, elephant rock, and Lingmala waterfalls that are sure to delight every tourist.

11. Matheran

Located far away from the cacophony of the urban calling, Matheran is a quaint hill station that offers pleasant weather and a delightful view of verdant hills. Matheran is an eco-sensitive zone, and you can hardly see vehicles speeding around in its area; thus, it provides a tranquil environment. Echo point, Louisa point, honeymoon hill and Charlotte Lake are some of the hotspots that one must visit for an enthralling adventure.

12. Khandala

Stationed in the Sahayadri Hills of Western Ghats, Khandala, the twin of Lonavala, is shrouded by the lush green and misty mountains that are immortalised by the Bollywood song Aati Kya Khandala. Khandala is a fantastic weekend gateway for holidaying in the laps of nature. The flexuous cascades and shimmering lakes add more charm to its beauty. Spots like Duke's Nose and Karla hills are famous for trekking and rock climbing.