Bordered by the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, Maharashtra is a beautiful Indian state which has many tourist attractions. It has something for every tourist. If you’re a sea-lover, the beaches in Mumbai and Ratnagiri are where you should be. If history and architecture are your passion, then head to Aurangabad.

With so many places to visit, you may need a list so that you do not miss them on your bucket list. This blog will help you by listing some of the most popular tourist places in Maharashtra. Read along.

1. Mumbai

The capital city of Maharashtra is an interesting amalgamation of modern urban life and old-world charm. Mumbai is the economic capital of India and houses many iconic tourist spots.

• Places to Visit- Gateway of India, Siddhivinayak Temple, Elephanta Caves, Marine Drive, Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount
• Average expenses- Starting from ₹26,747 (4 Days/3 Nights)
• Activities to Do- Sightseeing, visiting tourist attractions, strolling on the beach, shopping, tasting delicious street food
• Best Time to Visit- November - March
• Ideal Vacation Duration- 3 – 4 days

How to Travel

• Nearest Railway Station – Mumbai Railway Station
• Nearest Airport – Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport

2. Pune

This city is the second most important city in Maharashtra after Mumbai. Moreover, Pune has played an important role in the economic development of India because it’s an important IT hub, and here is the list of the best places to visit in Pune for your vacation.

• Places to Visit- Aga Khan Palace, Shaniwad Wada, Sinhagad Fort, Dagadusheth Halwai Ganapati, Western Ghats 
• Activities to Do- Visiting major tourist spots, offering prayers at prominent temples, sightseeing across the city
• Average expenses- Starting from ₹23,896 (4 Days/3 Nights)
• Best Time to Visit- Any time of the year
• Ideal Vacation Duration- 3 – 4 days

How to Travel

• Nearest Railway Station- Pune Railway Station
• Nearest Airport – Pune Airport

3. Aurangabad

This place is one of the best places to visit in Maharashtra. Aurangabad is the repository of ancient Indian architectural wonders and Mughal history.

• Places to Visit- Ajanta and Ellora caves, Daulatabad Fort, Khuldabad, Bibi ka Maqbara, Ghrishneshwar Temple 
• Activities to Do- Exploring ancient caves, visiting historical sites, offering prayers at temples and mosques, exploring the Museum of Chhatrapati Shivaji 
• Average expenses- Starting from ₹30,000 (4 Days/3 Nights)
• Best Time to Visit- October - March
• Ideal Vacation Duration- 2 – 3 Days 

How to Travel

• Nearest Railway Station- Aurangabad Junction Railway Station
• Nearest Airport- Aurangabad Airport

4. Mahabaleshwar

Located in the majestic Sahyadri mountain ranges, Mahabaleshwar was known as the summer capital of Maharashtra. It’s a beautiful place which is a much-frequented destination for young couples.

• Places to Visit- Mahabaleshwar Temple, Lingamala Falls, Venna Lake, Morarji Castle, Pratapgar
• Activities to Do- Mountain biking, rock climbing, boating, sightseeing, trekking, horse riding
• Average expenses- Starting from ₹30,000 (4 Days/3 Nights)
• Best Time to Visit- March - June
• Ideal Vacation Duration- 2 – 3 Days 

How to Travel

• Nearest Railway Station- Pune Railway Station
• Nearest Airport – Pune Airport

5. Nashik

This beautiful place is located on the banks of river Godavari. It is a major tourist place in Maharashtra for Hindu pilgrims. Its scenic beauty also attracts tourists from all across the world.

• Places to Visit- Ram Kund, Sita Gumpha, Kala Rama temple, Panchvati, Trimbakeshwar temple
• Activities to Do- Offer prayers at temples, bathing in the Ghats, visiting vineyards
• Average expenses- Starting from ₹26,000 (4 Days/3 Nights)
• Best Time to Visit- October - December; February - March
• Ideal Vacation Duration- 1 – 2 Days

How to Travel

• Nearest Railway Station- Nashik Road Railway Station
• Nearest Airport – Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport

6. Kolhapur

Located on the banks of Panchganga river, this city is a repository of Maratha history. Moreover, the city is referred to as ‘Dakshin Kashi’ because of the many pilgrimage sites. ‘Kolhapuri’ slippers are special products of this region.

• Places to Visit- Sri Mahalakshmi Temple, Sri Chhatrapati Shahu Museum, Bhavani Mandap, Panhala Fort, Jyotiba Temple
• Activities to Do- Exploring historical sites, visiting museums to learn about Maratha culture, paying a visit to famous temples, shopping for Kolhapuri sandals
• Average expenses- Starting from ₹26,000 (4 Days/3 Nights)
• Best Time to Visit- November - February; June - September
• Ideal Vacation Duration- 1 – 2 Days

How to Travel

• Nearest Railway Station- Sangli Railway Station
• Nearest Airport- Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj (Kolhapur) Airport

7. Matheran

This small hill station is located in Maharashtra's Raigad district and offers a lot to nature and adventure lovers. Matheran’s forests and scenic beauty have attracted tourists from all over the world.

• Places to Visit- Prabal Fort, Echo Point, Panorama Point, Alexander Point, One Tree Hill Point
• Activities to Do- Nature walking, trekking, valley crossing, and local shopping
• Average expenses- Starting from ₹25,000 (4 Days/3 Nights)
• Best Time to Visit- November - June
• Ideal Vacation Duration- 2-3 Days

How to Travel

• Nearest Railway Station- Neral Railway Station
• Nearest Airport- Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport

8. Alibaug

If one wishes to disconnect from everyday urban life's worries and hectic schedules, he or she should visit Alibaug. It’s a peaceful tourist place in Maharashtra with a quiet town and scenic beaches.

• Places to Visit- Alibaug Beach, Kolaba Fort, Kanakeshwar Forest, Mandwa Beach, Nagaon Beach
• Activities to Do- Jet skiing, camping at the beaches, bird watching, trekking, boating
• Average expenses- Starting from ₹31,000 (4 Days/3 Nights)
• Best Time to Visit- October- May
• Ideal Vacation Duration- 2 – 3 Days

How to Travel

• Nearest Railway Station- Roha Railway Station
• Nearest Airport – Mumbai Airport

9. Ratnagiri

With its enchanting beaches, gushing waterfalls and picturesque mangroves, Ratnagiri shows the beauties of nature to travellers. You can visit this place if you wish to enjoy a relaxing holiday.

• Places to Visit- Ratnagiri Fort, Bhagwati Mandir, Thibaw Palace, Mandvi Beach, Bhatye Beach 
• Activities to Do- Relax at the beaches, explore historical sites, go sightseeing, hiking, exploring Marine Fish Museum 
• Average expenses- Starting from ₹26,000 (4 Days/3 Nights)
• Best Time to Visit- October - April
• Ideal Vacation Duration- 2 – 3 Days 

How to Travel

• Nearest Railway Station- Bhoke Railway Station
• Nearest Airport- Mumbai Airport

10. Panchgani

Panchgani, or the land of five hills, is one of the most beautiful places in Maharashtra. Its scenic and quiet beauty provides a much-needed respite from the hassles of daily life.

• Places to Visit- Mapro farms, Lingmala falls, Sydney point, Dhom Dam, Arthur Seat
• Activities to Do- Hiking at Rajpuri caves, trekking, cycling, sightseeing, shopping
• Average expenses- Starting from ₹25,000 (4 Days/3 Nights)
• Best Time to Visit- September - May
• Ideal Vacation Duration- 2 – 3 Days

How to Travel

• Nearest Railway Station- Jarandeshwar Railway Station
• Nearest Airport – Pune Airport

11. Karnala

With its lush greenery, waterfalls, and scenic beauty, Karnala has attracted domestic and international tourists for a long time. Here, one can reconnect with nature and replenish his/her soul with fresh energy.

• Places to Visit- Karnala Fort, Karnala Bird Sanctuary, Big Red Tent
• Activities to Do- Trekking, bird-watching, sightseeing, photography
• Average expenses- Starting from ₹20,500 (4 Days/3 Nights)
• Best Time to Visit- October - May
• Ideal Vacation Duration- 1 – 2 Days

How to Travel

• Nearest Railway Station- Rasayani Railway Station
• Nearest Airport – Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport

12. Igatpuri

Located in the Western Ghats and surrounded by the peaks of Sahyadri, Igatpuri is a paradise for nature-lovers. The peaceful atmosphere is an added attraction for tourists who are looking for a brief respite from their hectic schedule.

• Places to Visit- Vihigaon Falls, Dhamma Giri Vipassana Meditation Centre, Ghatandevi Temple, Tringalwadi Fort, Camel Valley Viewpoint
• Activities to Do- Camping and trekking, water sports, meditations, offering prayers at the temples, sightseeing
• Average expenses- Starting from ₹26,500 (4 Days/3 Nights)
• Best Time to Visit- July - March
• Ideal Vacation Duration- 3 – 4 days

How to Travel

• Nearest Railway Station- Igatpuri Railway Station
• Nearest Airport – Nagpur Airport

13. Harihareshwar

This is one of the must-visit tourist places in Maharashtra. If one is looking for a serene place to spend a quiet holiday, head to the beach destination of Harihareshwar.

• Places to Visit- Harihareshwar Beach, Bagmandala, Kalbhairava temple
• Activities to Do- Beach walking, sightseeing, shopping
• Average expenses- Starting from ₹26,500 (4 Days/3 Nights)
• Best Time to Visit- October - March
• Ideal Vacation Duration- 2-3 Days

How to Travel

• Nearest Railway Station- Mangao Railway Station
• Nearest Airport- Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport

14. Toranmal

This small hill station is named after tribal Goddess Tarona. The serene beauty of nature and lakes and caves attracts many visitors to Toranmal.

• Places to Visit- Aawashabari Point, Lotus Lake, Sita Khai, Yashavant Lake, Machhindranath Cave
• Activities to Do- Picnicking, trekking, sightseeing
• Average expenses- Starting from ₹25,000 (4 Days/3 Nights)
• Best Time to Visit- October - May
• Ideal Vacation Duration- 2-3 Days

How to Travel

• Nearest Railway Station- Nandurbar Railway Station
• Nearest Airport- Surat Airport

15. Malshej Ghat

If one is looking for a quiet getaway from Mumbai, Pune, or Thane, they can head to Malshej Ghat. Its waterfalls, lakes, and mountains make it the perfect destination for nature lovers.

• Places to Visit- Malshej Falls, Pimpalgaon Jogal Dam
• Activities to Do- Trekking along Harishchandragarh Fort, exploring Ajoba Hill Fort, taking a stroll in the streets of Malshej Ghat
• Average expenses- Starting from ₹25,000 (4 Days/3 Nights)
• Best Time to Visit- July - March
• Ideal Vacation Duration- 1-2 Days

How to Travel

• Nearest Railway Station- Jalgaon railway station
• Nearest Airport- Chikalthana Airport of Aurangabad

16. Ajanta and Ellora Caves

These are ancient rock-cut caves located near Aurangabad in Maharashtra. They have attracted tourists with their beautiful sculptures, paintings, and frescoes. Moreover, you can also find Hindu and Jain temples and Buddhist monasteries here. This site has been listed under the UNESCO World Heritage site.

• Places to Visit- Ajanta Caves, Grishneshwar Temple, Jain Caves in Ellora, The Buddhist Caves
• Activities to Do- Visiting the caves, admiring the art work, praying in the temples and monasteries
• Average expenses- Starting from ₹10,000 (2 Days/1 Night), entry fee is ₹40
• Best Time to Visit- June - March
• Ideal Vacation Duration- 1-2 Days

How to Travel

• Nearest Railway Station- Kalyan Railway Station
• Nearest Airport- Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport

17. Panchgani

It is a popular hill station near Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra. Panchgani is a collection of five hills forming the Sahyadri mountain ranges. It has an altitude of 1,334 m, and has attracted tourists for the picturesque backdrop of hills. Moreover, the coastal plains on the other side offer breath-taking visuals. Sunrise and sunset views are exceptional from this beach.

• Places to Visit- Kaas Plateau, Table Land, Kate's Point, Mapro Garden
• Activities to Do- Paragliding from Panchgani hills, taking strolls on the coasts, admiring sunset and sunrise views and taking photographs  
• Average expenses- Starting from ₹10,000 (2 Days/1 Night)
• Best Time to Visit- September - May
• Ideal Vacation Duration- 1-2 Days

How to Travel

• Nearest Railway Station- Satara Railway Station
• Nearest Airport- Lohegaon Airpor

18. Shirdi

If you are a religious person, do not forget to visit Shirdi while travelling across Maharashtra. It is considered the home of Sai Baba, located near Nashik. Sai Baba, who was known for spreading the message of universal brotherhood, had spent the last 60 years of his life in Shirdi. This increases the religious significance of this place. You can check out many small temples here, like Chavadi, Samadhi Mandir, Dwarkamai, and Shani Shignapur.

• Places to Visit- Shri Sai Baba Sansthan Temple, Shani Shingnapur, Gurusthan, Dwarkamai, Lendi Baug
• Activities to Do- Visiting the temples, praying to God, participating in the daily rituals  
• Average expenses- Starting from ₹9,000 (2 Days/1 Night)
• Best Time to Visit- July - March
• Ideal Vacation Duration- 1-2 Days

How to Travel

• Nearest Railway Station- Sainagar Shirdi station
• Nearest Airport- Aurangabad Airport

19. Bhandardara

This is another beautiful hill station located in the Sahyadri ranges of Maharashtra. Its lush greenery, breath-taking waterfalls and high mountains in the surroundings make it a blessing to the eyes of the tourists. It is the perfect escape from the hustles of the urban lifestyle.

• Places to Visit- Umbrella Falls, Wilson Dam, Kalsubai Peak, Randha Falls, Arthur Lake
• Activities to Do- Enjoying the natural beauty, observing the hills and waterfalls, taking photographs
• Average expenses- Starting from ₹10,500 (2 Days/1 Night)
• Best Time to Visit- June - March
• Ideal Vacation Duration- 1-2 Days

How to Travel

• Nearest Railway Station- Igatpuri Railway station
• Nearest Airport- Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport

20. Rajmachi

If you are looking for a secluded place to spend a quick holiday, Rajmachi is an underrated destination. It is a small village near the Sahyadri mountain range, and is mainly popular for Shrivardhan and Manaranjan forts. This place attracts trekkers and adventure enthusiasts with its beautiful hills and forts.

• Places to Visit- Shrivardhan and Manaranjan forts, hills of Lonavala and Khandala
• Activities to Do- Visiting the forts and hills, trekking and climbing, taking photographs
• Average expenses- Starting from ₹9,500 (2 Days/1 Night)
• Best Time to Visit- June - September
• Ideal Vacation Duration- 1-2 Days

How to Travel

• Nearest Railway Station- Lonavala Railway station
• Nearest Airport- Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport

21. Lonavala

Lonavala is one of the most popular hill stations among the tourists from around Maharashtra. It is surrounded by waterfalls, lakes and hills, which makes it perfect for a short holiday. Moreover, you will find dense forests and dams on the rivers. There are also many caves and forts for visiting and taking photographs.

• Places to Visit- Tiger's Leap, Rajmachi Fort, Imagicaa, Aamby Valley, Lonavala Lake, Karla Caves
• Activities to Do- Visiting the hills, trekking and climbing, taking photographs, visiting the caves and lakes
• Average expenses- Starting from ₹10,500 (2 Days/1 Night)
• Best Time to Visit- June - September
• Ideal Vacation Duration- 1-2 Days

How to Travel

• Nearest Railway Station- Khandala Railway Station
• Nearest Airport- Lohegaon Airport

22. Bhimashankar

It is a religious town in Maharashtra, a part of the twelve traditional 'Jyotilingam' shrines of Lord Shiva in India. Tourists are attracted to this 3,250 feet elevated location. Its thick green rainforests and picturesque hills help them escape the usual urban lifestyle. Religious people are often attracted to its jyotirlinga.

• Places to Visit- Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhimashankar Temple, Hanuman Lake, Ahupe Waterfalls
• Activities to Do- Trekking and climbing, visiting the hills and temples, praying, taking photographs, visiting the waterfalls 
• Average expenses- Starting from ₹8,500 (2 Days/1 Night)
• Best Time to Visit- November - February  
• Ideal Vacation Duration- 1-2 Days 

How to Travel

• Nearest Railway Station- Pune Railway Station
• Nearest Airport- Pune Airport

23. Nagpur

Often known as the winter capital of Maharashtra, Nagpur has gained popularity with its tasty orange harvest. It also wins the hearts of the tourists with temples, green gardens, and stunning lakes. Moreover, you will also find the Deekshabhumi here, which is the largest hollow Buddhist stupa.

• Places to Visit- Dhamma Chakra Stupa, Ramtek Fort Temple, Lata Mangeshkar Musical Garden, Ambazari Lake, Amba Khori, Waki Woods
• Activities to Do- Visiting the stupa, praying in temples, photography, shopping  
• Average expenses- Starting from ₹9,500 (2 Days/1 Night)
• Best Time to Visit- October - March   
• Ideal Vacation Duration- 1-2 Days 

How to Travel

• Nearest Railway Station- Sewagram Railway Station
• Nearest Airport- Nagpur Airport

24. Mandwa

A small village in Raigarh, Mandwa offers a quiet and secluded beach. It is easy to visit this place while travelling from Mumbai. As this is a relatively lesser known place, the water and beach are clean. Moreover, the place is calm and serene. You will also find Buddhist caves, churches, and Portuguese historical sites in this area.

• Places to Visit- Kihim Beach, Alibaug, Kolaba Fort, Korlai Fort, Phansad Bird Sanctuary 
• Activities to Do- Parasailing, banana boat riding, fishing, jet-skiing, sun bathing   
• Average expenses- Starting from ₹9,500 (2 Days/1 Night)
• Best Time to Visit- June - March   
• Ideal Vacation Duration- 1-2 Days 

How to Travel

• Nearest Railway Station- Pen Railway Station 
• Nearest Airport- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Airport Mumbai

25. Panvel

It is one of the most crowded localities of Raigad, also known as the gateway of Konkan coast. Tourists are attracted to this place to check out the most famous forts of Raigad and Khopoli. Apart from that, you can catch migrating birds here, and go trekking. Its beauty is evident from its location on the banks of Panvel creek surrounded by the Matheran Hills.

• Places to Visit- Karnala Bird Sanctuary, Karnala Fort, Prabalgad Fort, Bet el Synagogue, Ballaleshwar, Manikgad Fort Trek
• Activities to Do- Sightseeing, photography, trekking
• Average expenses- Starting from ₹10,500 (2 Days/1 Night)
• Best Time to Visit- July - February
• Ideal Vacation Duration- 1-2 Days

How to Travel

• Nearest Railway Station- Bharati Vidyapeeth Railway Station
• Nearest Airport- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Airport Mumbai