India is a land of extraordinary contrasts, where ancient traditions meet modern innovation, and natural wonders coexist with vibrant cities.
Maharashtra is one of India’s most diverse and dynamic states—offering a mix of cosmopolitan cities, Sahyadri mountain ranges, serene beaches, ancient caves, majestic forts, and spiritual centers. From Mumbai’s buzz to Ajanta’s silence, it’s a state of contrasts and charisma.
Here’s a comprehensive and captivating list of the Top 25 Places to Visit in Maharashtra, perfect for your travel articles, website content, or itineraries.
Top 25 Must-Visit Places in Maharashtra
1. Mumbai – The City of Dreams
India’s financial capital and a city that never sleeps.
Don’t Miss: Gateway of India, Marine Drive, Chowpatty, Colaba Causeway, Bollywood studio tours.
2. Alibaug
A coastal escape just a ferry ride away from Mumbai.
Don’t Miss: Alibaug Beach, Kolaba Fort, Nagaon Beach, Beachfront stays.
3. Shirdi
The sacred town dedicated to Sai Baba, attracting devotees year-round.
Don’t Miss: Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, Dwarkamai, Shani Shingnapur (nearby).
4. Nashik
A mix of religion, wine, and heritage, also one of the Kumbh Mela cities.
Don’t Miss: Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga, Sula Vineyards, Panchavati.
5. Lonavala & Khandala
Twin hill stations near Pune and Mumbai, perfect for a quick getaway.
Don’t Miss: Bhushi Dam, Tiger’s Leap, Rajmachi Fort, Chikki shopping!
6. Mahabaleshwar
A serene hill station with strawberries, scenic viewpoints, and temples.
Don’t Miss: Arthur’s Seat, Mapro Garden, Venna Lake boat ride.
7. Pune
A modern city with a youthful vibe and rich Maratha legacy.
Don’t Miss: Shaniwar Wada, Aga Khan Palace, Dagdusheth Ganpati, Osho Ashram.
8. Matheran
Asia’s only automobile-free hill station, perfect for peace and horse rides.
Don’t Miss: Toy train ride, Panorama Point, Echo Point, Charlotte Lake.
9. Aurangabad
A gateway to Ajanta & Ellora, filled with Mughal-era monuments.
Don’t Miss: Bibi Ka Maqbara, Aurangabad Caves, Daulatabad Fort.
10. Ajanta Caves
A UNESCO World Heritage site known for ancient Buddhist murals and rock-cut architecture.
Don’t Miss: Cave 1, 2 & 17 for iconic paintings.
11. Ellora Caves
Another UNESCO site, famous for the massive Kailasa Temple carved from a single rock.
Don’t Miss: Cave 16 (Kailasa), Buddhist & Jain caves.
12. Bhandardara
A scenic lakeside retreat surrounded by Sahyadri peaks.
Don’t Miss: Arthur Lake, Randha Falls, Fireflies in June.
13. Tarkarli
A hidden beach paradise in Sindhudurg known for clear waters and scuba diving.
Don’t Miss: Snorkeling, Dolphin spotting, Sindhudurg Fort.
14. Ganpatipule
A small temple town with pristine beaches.
Don’t Miss: Ganpati Temple, Scenic coastal drives, Aare Ware beach.
15. Ratnagiri
A coastal town famous for Alphonso mangoes and sea forts.
Don’t Miss: Thibaw Palace, Ratnadurg Fort, Beaches & mango farms.
16. Kolhapur
Known for its temple, spicy food, and handcrafted footwear.
Don’t Miss: Mahalaxmi Temple, Rankala Lake, Kolhapuri chappals & cuisine.
17. Raigad Fort
The capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, steeped in Maratha pride.
Don’t Miss: Ropeway to the top, Shivaji’s statue, Fort ruins.
18. Sinhagad Fort (near Pune)
A favorite trekking destination with history and panoramic views.
Don’t Miss: Kanda Bhaji (on top), Sunset view, Battlefield history.
19. Bhimashankar
One of the 12 Jyotirlingas, nestled deep in the Sahyadri forest.
Don’t Miss: Jyotirlinga Darshan, Trekking, Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary.
20. Kaas Plateau (Valley of Flowers of Maharashtra)
A seasonal plateau that blooms with wildflowers during late monsoon.
Don’t Miss: Flower photography, Eco-tours, Scenic lake views.
21. Lavasa
A planned hill city near Pune, offering European vibes and lakeside cafes.
Don’t Miss: Lakeside walks, Boating, Adventure sports.
22. Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve
Maharashtra’s oldest and best-managed tiger reserve.
Don’t Miss: Jungle safari, Birdwatching, Buffer zone night stay.
23. Trimbakeshwar
Another sacred Jyotirlinga located in the Nashik district.
Don’t Miss: Kushavarta Kund, Neel Parvat trek, Shiva darshan.
24. Jejuri
Known as the Khandoba Temple town, famous for its golden turmeric celebrations.
Don’t Miss: Festival time in February, hilltop temple, vibrant atmosphere.
25. Velas Beach (Turtle Festival)
A small village where olive ridley turtles hatch, promoting eco-tourism.
Don’t Miss: Turtle hatchlings (Feb–March), Village homestay, Beach walks.
Perfect For
“Maharashtra is where forts echo the roar of kings, forests whisper to wandering tigers, and cities dance to the beat of dreams. It's not just a destination—it’s a majestic journey through time, terrain, and tradition.”