As the airplane touched down in Mumbai, I pressed my forehead to the window, trying to take in the dazzling coastline of the Arabian Sea. I had read about Maharashtra, one of India’s most vibrant states, but experiencing it firsthand felt like stepping into a living storybook.
From the bustling streets of Mumbai, alive with the aroma of spicy vada pav, to the peaceful caves of Ajanta whispering tales from 2,000 years ago, Maharashtra was not just a destination—it was an emotion. For an international traveler like me, it was overwhelming, yet deeply inviting.
What I found here was a perfect mix: world-class luxury hotels, humble street food, Bollywood glamour, ancient forts, and soulful traditions. Maharashtra was India in microcosm—a state that could keep a traveler enchanted for weeks.
🏙️ Mumbai – The Gateway to India
Every journey to Maharashtra often begins in Mumbai, the city of dreams.
Gateway of India: Standing proudly by the Arabian Sea, this colonial-era monument is a must for international travelers. A ferry from here takes you to Elephanta Island, a UNESCO site with rock-cut caves.
Marine Drive & Chowpatty Beach: Best experienced at sunset, with the cool breeze and locals enjoying street snacks.
Bollywood Tours: Mumbai is the home of Bollywood, and guided studio tours give travelers a peek into India’s biggest film industry.
Luxury Experiences: Stay at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, overlooking the Gateway, for a mix of heritage and luxury.
📸 Instagram Spot: The aerial view of Marine Drive at night, famously called the “Queen’s Necklace.”
Pune – Culture and Education Hub
Only a few hours from Mumbai, Pune offers a mix of history and modern lifestyle.
Shaniwar Wada: A majestic fort with stories of the Marathas.
Aga Khan Palace: Famous for its connection with Mahatma Gandhi.
Food Culture: Pune’s misal pav is spicy, fiery, and unforgettable.
Nightlife & Cafés: International travelers find Pune youthful, buzzing with cafés, breweries, and vibrant street art.
Ajanta & Ellora Caves – Timeless Masterpieces
For history and culture lovers, Ajanta and Ellora Caves in Aurangabad are non-negotiable.
Ajanta Caves: Over 2,000 years old, these caves are adorned with Buddhist frescoes and paintings.
Ellora Caves: Carved from a single rock, the Kailasa Temple is one of the world’s greatest architectural wonders.
Daulatabad Fort & Bibi ka Maqbara (mini Taj Mahal) nearby make this trip even more rewarding.
📸 Instagram Spot: Standing in front of the massive Kailasa Temple, capturing the intricate carvings.
Konkan Coast – Beaches & Seafood
For international tourists seeking a coastal escape, the Konkan Coastline is paradise.
Ganpatipule: Known for clean beaches and a sacred Ganesh temple.
Alibaug: A short ferry from Mumbai, with luxury beach villas.
Sindhudurg & Malvan: Great for scuba diving and water sports.
Food highlight here? Malvani seafood—but vegetarians and Jain travelers will also find thalis with coconut-based curries.
Hill Stations of Maharashtra – A Cool Escape for International Travelers
When international travelers think of India, many imagine the Taj Mahal, Rajasthan’s desert forts, or Kerala’s backwaters. But Maharashtra has its own hidden gems — hill stations that offer lush greenery, cool weather, colonial-era charm, and a chance to slow down. These hill towns are a refreshing escape from Mumbai’s urban energy and make for excellent weekend getaways or longer holidays.
Here are the most popular and must-visit hill stations in Maharashtra that international tourists will love:
https://maharashtratourism.gov.in/
1. Lonavala & Khandala – The Twin Hill Stations of Bollywood Fame
Just a 90-minute drive from Mumbai or Pune, these twin hill stations are where Mumbai’s elite often escape for fresh air, waterfalls, and luxury resorts.
Why Visit:
Famous for lush monsoon landscapes with valleys covered in mist.
Trekking hotspots like Rajmachi Fort, Duke’s Nose, and Lohagad Fort.
The iconic Bhushi Dam where locals and tourists splash around during monsoon.
Chikki (a traditional sweet made from jaggery and nuts) is a must-try souvenir.
Unique for International Travelers:
Lonavala is a Bollywood favorite — many films are shot here, so you may recognize the scenery.
Luxury resorts such as Hilton Shillim Retreat & Spa offer wellness programs, yoga, and fine dining.
Adventure seekers can try paragliding and hot-air balloon rides.
2. Mahabaleshwar – The Strawberry Capital of India
Tucked in the Western Ghats, Mahabaleshwar is cooler than Lonavala and is a favorite for both families and couples.
Why Visit:
Strawberry Farms: Between December and February, you can walk through strawberry plantations and even taste fresh strawberry cream.
Venna Lake: Enjoy boating, horse rides, and local snacks around the lake.
Colonial Architecture: Old bungalows, churches, and boarding schools give it a British-era charm.
Viewpoints: Arthur’s Seat, Wilson Point, and Elephant’s Head Point offer breathtaking views of valleys and rivers.
Unique for International Travelers:
Great for slow travel with boutique stays in heritage bungalows.
Trekking trails lead to Pratapgad Fort, full of Maratha history.
Perfect for families and honeymooners alike.
3. Matheran – India’s Only Car-Free Hill Station
Just 80 km from Mumbai, Matheran is unique because no cars are allowed inside the town. Travelers reach it by toy train or horseback, making it feel like stepping back in time.
Why Visit:
The Matheran Toy Train (a UNESCO World Heritage Mountain Railways) offers scenic rides.
Panoramic viewpoints like Panorama Point and Echo Point for sunrise and sunset lovers.
Horseback riding and hand-pulled rickshaws are the main ways to explore.
Perfect for travelers who want silence, greenery, and no pollution.
Unique for International Travelers:
A chance to experience an eco-friendly village life without cars.
Colonial-style guest houses and heritage stays.
Ideal for photographers who want Instagram-worthy landscapes.
4. Igatpuri – A Hidden Gem in the Sahyadris
Lesser-known internationally but loved by Indian travelers, Igatpuri is just a short drive from Mumbai and Nashik. It’s a paradise for monsoon and wellness seekers.
Why Visit:
Surrounded by Western Ghats mountains and waterfalls.
Famous for the Vipassana International Academy, one of the world’s largest meditation centers.
Trekking to Kalsubai Peak (the highest peak in Maharashtra) is popular among adventure enthusiasts.
During monsoon, the town turns into a lush green wonderland.
Unique for International Travelers:
A perfect blend of spiritual retreats and natural beauty.
Luxury resorts with infinity pools overlooking valleys.
Ideal for wellness tourism and mindfulness travel.
5. Khandala – A Scenic Neighbor of Lonavala
Although often mentioned with Lonavala, Khandala has its own unique charm.
Why Visit:
Known for its deep valleys, waterfalls, and caves.
The Karla and Bhaja Caves, ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves, are nearby.
Famous trek to Rajmachi Fort, offering spectacular views of the Sahyadris.
Its strategic location on the Mumbai-Pune expressway makes it easily accessible.
Unique for International Travelers:
You can combine luxury stays with adventure treks.
Experience India’s monsoon magic like nowhere else.
Khandala is also immortalized in Bollywood songs, adding cultural flavor to the visit.
Spiritual Maharashtra
For international travelers interested in spirituality:
Shirdi: Home of Sai Baba, attracting millions of devotees.
Nashik: A sacred Hindu city and also India’s wine capital (Sula Vineyards).
Trimbakeshwar Temple: One of the 12 Jyotirlingas.
Wildlife & Adventure
Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve: Spot tigers and leopards in the wild.
Koyna & Bhimashankar: Great for trekking and bird watching.
Water Sports: Parasailing in Alibaug, scuba diving in Malvan.
Food of Maharashtra – A Flavor Explosion
Food in Maharashtra is as diverse as its landscapes.
Street Food in Mumbai: Vada pav, pav bhaji, pani puri, bhel puri.
Thali Experience: A Maharashtrian thali offers a mix of spicy curries, puran poli (sweet flatbread), and aamras (mango pulp).
Vegetarian & Jain Options: Easily available, with entire restaurants dedicated to Jain cuisine.
International Comfort: Big cities like Mumbai and Pune offer Indian, continental, and fusion fine dining.
Indian Restaurants for International Travelers
Mumbai: Copper Chimney, Khyber (fine dining), plus plenty of vegetarian options.
Pune: Shabree (authentic Maharashtrian thali).
Aurangabad: Indian Veg Restaurant near Ajanta for vegetarian-friendly menus.
Goa Connection: Many Konkan eateries serve seafood but also Jain alternatives on request.
Practical Travel Tips for International Travelers
Sim Card: Buy at the airport or through providers like Jio, Airtel, or Vodafone. Passport & visa required.
Travel Insurance: Recommended for medical, luggage, and flight protection.
Transport: Use Uber, Ola, or prepaid taxis. Trains connect most major cities.
Best Time to Visit: October to March (pleasant weather).
Luxury Experiences in Maharashtra
Stay at Taj Mahal Palace (Mumbai) – iconic luxury.
Hilton Shillim Estate Retreat & Spa – eco-luxury in the Sahyadris.
Beach Villas in Alibaug – private luxury stays.
Wine Tourism in Nashik – stay at Sula Vineyards resorts.
📸 Instagram-Worthy Spots
Marine Drive at night (Mumbai)
Ajanta Caves frescoes
Strawberry farms in Mahabaleshwar
Ganpatipule Beach sunsets
Bollywood studio shots in Mumbai
Festivals & Culture
Ganesh Chaturthi: A grand 10-day celebration with colorful processions.
Ellora Festival: Classical dance & music near the caves.
Kala Ghoda Arts Festival (Mumbai): Art, music, food, and literature.