City: Maharashtra
Top Things to do in Maharashtra
Top Hotels in Maharashtra
What to do and see in Maharashtra, India: The Best Ancient Ruins
Maharashtra (/mɑːhəˈrɑːʃtrə/; Marathi: [məharaːʂʈrə] ( listen), abbr. MH) is a state in the western region of India and is India's second-most populous state and third-largest state by area. Spread over 307,713 km (118,809 sq mi), it is bordered by the Arabian Sea to the west and the Indian states of Karnataka, Telangana, Goa, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and the Union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli. It is also the world's second-most populous subnational entity. It has over 112 million inhabitants and its capital, Mumbai, has a population of approximately 18 million. Nagpur is Maharashtra's second capital as well as its winter capitalp
Restaurants in Maharashtra
1. Ellora Caves
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,668 reviews
Spectacular rock cut caves and elaborate sculptures of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain faiths are over 10 centuries old.
Reviewed By mechmanoj - Emirate of Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The majestic Kailash temple is one of the most remarkable cave temples in the world because of its size, architecture and sculptural treatment It is an engineering marvel and is a proof of our rich heritage and technical capabilities centuries before.
2. Karnala Fort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 122 reviews
Reviewed By nilesh_pp
Karnala fort is through the Karnala bird santuary. We did this in Oct-18 during the Diwali vacation and certainly was great fun. Travelled with extended family and that included a few senior citizens and few kids as well. We reached late at the base enterance. There is pay and park available and you will be charged around 50 (if i remember is right). For enterance as well there is a fee. Once done your bags will be checked for plastic bags. As you enter there a very good tree cover and this extends all along, after some 20 mins you will reach the zoo, there is the last place where you will get bottled water, after that you are on your own. Plan to conserve you water so that you dont struggle. As we reached late, we had our lunch (lunch box) and then proceeded withe the trek. you can either have lunch at the place near the zoo or you can have it somewhere mid way, there are hutments/ shades created for this. Beware of monkeys, there's a lot of them. After the lunch and the limited water we had most of us started the trek, there are quite a few difficult spots so those who have concerns should determine based on appitite, out gang of senior citizens travelled with us through most of the difficult part but later didn't want to push luck too much and they halted mid way. Did the complete trek and since it was in the noon that we did this , it certainly became intensive and ofcourse we were a little low on water. The last leg is very interesting and exciting as you take support of the railing and complete the trek. By this time you will be out of water (we were), luckly there is a small water tank / cave where you can get water. This saved the day for us, bottle it and we were good to go. All in all, very nice exicting trek Tips: 1. Plan to reach earlier 2. Carry sufficient water 3. Good footware and comfortable wear is a must
3. Lonar Crater
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 116 reviews
Reviewed By thenikhilmohite
The Lonar Lake a.k.a. Lonar Crater was created by a meteor impact and is believed to be around 500,000 years old. It was initially belived to have been formed due to volcano. The lake is about 500ft deep and is majorly saline with few sections of fresh water. There are such 4 craters on our planet which were formed due to either comet or asteroid impact, 3 of them are in Brazil and this one's in the heart of Maharashtra. A short trek down through the forest takes you to the sarovar (lake). It is located in Buldhana district around 150kms from Aurnagabad and the roads are in a brilliant condition. A must visit place for geological enthusiastics.
4. Rajgad Fort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 232 reviews
Reviewed By Prasad_wildindia - Pune, India
It is aptly named as Raj-Gad, literaly meaning a King-Fort. Among all the forts conquered, built and reinstated by the great maratha warrior king Shivaji, this one was his Capital. Difficulty level - average/ medium Reach/ accessibility: easy by private transport best time to visit - any time of the year, avoid peak summers of course.
5. Vijaydurg Fort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 54 reviews
Reviewed By mahesh822 - Mumbai, India
Vijaydurg Fort, Vijaydurg, Konkan, Maharashtra, India. Build by Kanhoni Angre, Tulaji Angre, Sambhaji Angre deservingly own the pride of building this majestic fort overlooking Arabian Sea. High tide teaching to 120 ft height during monsoon, Banyan tree of 350 years age, conference hall with ultimate acoustics and fronted by waiting hall where checking if the visitor or guest used to happen. Red stone from local quary was used to build the Hemadpanthi structure ransacked by the Invaders time and again from Goan side with the help of Portuguese but often were mislaid by a dummy fort build to disguise the actual Vijaydurg fort across the Creek. The Great Maratha Warrior - Raje Shivaji visited the fort only once. Armour store with Canon balls and other a..Ignition used to get stored in a godown completely made from Red Stone with a slopping roof so that even if bit by any canon ball, it will get rolled down without harming the main store. Traitors were given death punishments by putting them in bug sacks tied with a huge stone and thrown in the Arabian sea around the fort. Has 3 layers of deep digged bunks with water and crocodiles to attack the enemy soldiers even if they entered crossing the surrounding wall. Huge waves had broken the structure on the hind site and is redone with red stone by the ASI team. Even. Ow the canon balls hit on the surrounding ding walls bear the marks in white cement patches a d bore the witness to the continuous attacks by the invaders. A must visit fort, to have a glimpse in the history of Great Marathas, Dolphin citing rides on Local fishermen's boats around the fort In an hour's time. If you find the review, please like and inform. Regards Mahesh Kulkarni 09820277426 Mumbai
6. Krishnabai Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 229 reviews
Reviewed By 71srikantap - Lagos, Nigeria
Will suggest everyone to see this place. An archaeological interest, A historic ruin, which shoes the culture, spiritual excellence, the classic carvings, the unparalleled art and science and many many more things all at one place.
7. Gorakhgad Fort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By 921shubhamp - Mumbai, India
Gorakhgad is one of the thrilling trek of Maharashtra.One can enjoy the scenic folds of sahyadri.It is about 2hrs from kalyan station. It is known for its thrilling 80 degree steep climbing.It seems hard but one can easily climb it.
8. Ramling Caves Temple, Palsambe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By meena1981 - Bokaro Steel City, India
The site is home to monolithic temples believed to be where the Pandavas did their 'Tapascharya' in that era. Each of these temples is carved into a single laterite stone which is a major attraction for tourists.
9. Bhairavgadh
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By Shivaneeshinde - Bengaluru, India
Bhairavgad is one of the most thrilling and adventurous trek in Sahyadri. I went for Bhairavgad trek with Sahyadri Rock Adventures group on last weekend, this was my solo experience with them and I really appreciate the support and patience of our Trek guides Pavan Ghuge, Darshan Deshmukh, Jayesh Harad, Vikas Jhagade, Kishore Mali and Girish made the entire experience so much beautiful. This fort is consist of hang over point and many difficult stiffs but all trek leads were so friendly and they guided very nicely. This trek is risky for beginner and average trekker but SRA trek group provided all safety equipments so we did it easily. On descend we did rappelling and it was wonderful experience .. I would highly recommend SRA
10. Daulatabad Fort
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 674 reviews
Reviewed By IndradeepR - Mumbai, India
Doulatabad Fort also called as Devgiri Fort is one of those forts which can never be invaded unless otherwise there is an Inside traitor. I will not dwell much on the history as you can find a lot of material to read it in case you are a history enthusiast. I am writing this review from a tourist point of view and how I was excited all the way to trek upto the summit. The Fort is built on a hill of around 600 feet and thus trekking to the top is not for the faint hearted. If you have back or knee problem it is better to take it slow and go up as much as you can rather than stretching yourself as the pathway is rocky and the stair fit more from a horse traversing it than humans If you drive down you will be required to park the vehicle about 50 metres from the entrance gate. This is a paid parking albeit not maintained at all. The ticket counter is available before the entrance gate. You can pay by cash or scan a QR code and buy the tickets. As you enter the fort the QR code would be scanned from your handheld device and thus allowed entry. Alternatively you can also visit the ASI website and buy tickets and scan it too for entry. Please note that plastic water bottles are not allowed and if you intend to go all the way to the top you will require water, thus please carry water bottles/sippers as you deem fit. I always carry 2 steel water bottles in my backpack and by the time I came out of the exit it was over. As you enter through the gate you will be find a small courtyard where ASI have displayed the various forts of Maharashtra and the unique canons in front of them. I just loved it and spent time reading about them to enhance my knowledge. As you pass the courtyard you will reach the Main entrance ( Mahakoot), where you can till date see the wooden doors are spiked with Iron rods to ensure that elephants cannot break in. The other interesting aspects is that as you cross the door there is a right turn with an open passage which ensures that even if someone breaches the gate there would be soldiers awaiting to kill with boulders, rocks, bow and arrow etc. Once you cross the Mahakoot the real journey or trekking of the fort starts. As you continue to walk you will find large Orange structure called Chand Minar which stands around 210 feet in height. It can be reached on op through a spiral staircase however I found it closed at this point of time. On the opposite side please visit the Canon museum. This was conceptualised and executed by one of our archaeologist named Dr Dilip Kumar Khamari. My heartfelt tribute to his idea which allowed me to see 56 different types of Canons of different size and built and for different purposes. As you continue further you will find the Chini fort. While there are Chinese tiles used and thus the name. The fort has an architectural style of Anglo Indian and thus caught my attention, Importantly, the spot is amazing to get a few clicks of Chand Minar from this spot. Henceforth the terrain will continue to be steep and treacherous so brace yourself mentally and keep your body moving rather than sitting down. You will soon reach the Sarawati well the Moat which is normally there across any Forts. This is probably the most difficult breach for the enemy if they even reach here. Earlier there were no bridge to cross the moat and I am told that soldier used to swing in with the help of Leather belts. Thankfully we don’t have to do it as the Government has provided a steel bridge. If you have not taken a guide as the official guide charges around Rs 1800/- speak with the security guard and get to know of the details of Andheri ( Dark) Passage. I am uploading a video of this place for you to get a sense of the total darkness. This was done to ensure that if an enemy breach the moat and enter they would not be able to see anything and soldiers waiting in darkness can eliminate them completely. After you have crossed this segment the fort continues upward to the top of the hill.You will find a Ganesh temple with an old lady telling you tales if you have the time and energy. But patience hearing to such tales can be enlightening if you go with an open mind. As you go up further you will find Baradari a fantastic place for a 360 degree view from the fort. If you decide that you cannot go up further probably this is the place you can stay put for sometime before you start your descend. For others who can continue the best is yet to come. First you will be greeted with Kala Pahad canon which is also a fantastic place to take a few pictures. Once you are done with your pictures you will be taking the last leap of faith towards the top most part of the Fort where a gigantic and powerful Canon rests called the “Durga Canon” If you have a basic sense of imagination personify yourself to an eagle and take a good view of the world around you. The entire fatigue of the journey will vanish off because of the magnificent all around view the wind which will rejuvenate you back to take the steps down. Catch on the air as much as possible and take a few sips of water before you walk back. The coming down is tougher than climbing and thus take it slow so that you don’t hurt your knees. As you reach your Parking spot turn around and take a long look of the Fort and feel proud of what you have achieved in climbing it. Bid goodbye with a thought and gratitude for our ancestors for building something so unique and a marvellous structure on a hill with no modern tools and equipments.
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