Aurangabad:

At a distance of 108 km from Shirdi, 181 km from Nashik, 232 km from Pune, 350 km from Mumbai, 482 km from Nagpur and 534 km from Hyderabad, Aurangabad is a historical city and the administrative headquarters of the Aurangabad Division or Marathwada region in Maharashtra. In 2010, the Maharashtra Tourism Minister declared Aurangabad to be the tourism capital of Maharashtra. It is one of the fastest growing cities in India also one of the top places to experince Maharashtra tourism.

Popularly known as City of Gates, Aurangabad city was founded in 1610 AD by Malik Ambar, the Prime Minister of Murtaza Nizam Shah of Ahmadnagar and his son Fateh Khan changed the original name Khadki to Fatehnagar. The areas around Aurangabad were under the control of Delhi Sultanates, Bahamani Sultans, Nizam Shahis, Mughals and Hyderabad Nizams. With the capture .....

Ajanta Caves:

At a distance of 98 km from Aurangabad, 98 km from Ellora Caves, 202 km from Shirdi, 272 km from Nashik, 326 km from Pune and 443 km from Mumbai, Ajanta Caves are ancient Buddhist caves situated near Ajanta village in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra. Ajanta Caves are one of the oldest UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India and also one of the top historical places in Maharashtra. The caves are now protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Ajanta Caves are one of the most visited ancient monuments in India and also one of the top Tourist places in Maharashtra. The Caves were carved between 2nd Century BC and 6th Century AD. Construction of the caves was carried out in two phases; the first group of caves was built around 2nd Century BC, while the second group was built between 4th & 6th centuries.

Ajanta Caves are excavated in horse-shoe shaped bend of rock surface nearly 76 m .....

Lonavala:

At a distance of 67 km from Pune, 95 km from Mumbai and 282 km from Aurangabad, Lonavala is a beautiful hill station in Pune district of Maharashtra. It lies at an altitude of 622 m in the Sahyadri Ranges which separate the Deccan Plateau and the Konkan Coast. Lonavala is among the top hill stations in Maharashtra and also one of the famous Tourist places in Maharashtra. This is also among the best tourist places to visit near Mumbai & Pune.

Lonavala and Khandala are twin hill stations near Pune to Mumbai hightway and are very popular monsoon getaways in India. The hill station is spread over an area of 38 square km. The name of the city is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Lonavali', which refers to a 'group of caves'. The name was given to the place due to the presence of many caves in and around the city.

Lord Elphinstone, who was the Governor of the Bombay Presidency, developed .....

Mahabaleshwar:

At a distance of 54 km from Satara, 123 km from Pune, 177 km from Kolhapur, 243 km from Mumbai, and 377 km from Panaji, Mahabaleshwar is a popular hill station and a town in Satara district of Maharashtra. It lies at an altitude of 1,353 m in the Western Ghats range of India. It is one of the best hill stations near Pune & Mumbai and among the top Places to visit in Maharashtra.

This pretty hill station is often referred as the queen of hill stations in Maharashtra. It offers panoramic view of the plains with the imposing sloppy peaks and surrounding woods. Mahabaleshwar constitutes three villages - Malcolm Peth, Old Mahabaleshwar and some part of the Shindola village. 

Present day Mahabaleshwar has come in to existence in the year 1829-30, when it became the summer capital of Bombay presidency during the British Raj. Earlier, it .....

Mumbai:

At a distance of 149 km from Pune, 535 km from Ahmedabad, 551 km from Panjim, 993 km from Bangalore, 717 km from Hyderabad, 1420 km from Delhi, Mumbai, the entertainment capital and India's financial powerhouse, is the capital city of the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is the most populous city in India and the ninth most populous in the world with an estimated population of 18.4 million. In 2009, Mumbai was named an alpha world city. It is the wealthiest city in India with highest number of billionaires and is also one of the best places to experience the Tourism in Maharashtra.

Mumbai is more affectionately known as the city of dreams. The city is a collection of 7 islands and was named after the goddess Mumbadevi. The history of this metropolis is said to date back to the Stone Age. It has been a part of many major empires including the Maurya, Chalukya and Rashtrakuta as well as Marathas. .....

Panchgani:

At a distance of 18 km from Mahabaleshwar, 48 km from Satara, 104 km from Pune and 254 km from Mumbai, Panchgani also called Paachgani is a famous hill station and municipal council in Satara district of Maharashtra. It is one of the top hill resorts in Maharashtra and among the best hill stations near Pune & Mumbai cities. Panchgani is one of the popular Tourist places in Maharashtra and also an ideal weekend getaways near Pune for a 2 day trip.

Situated at an altitude of 1334 m, Panchgani is bordered by Wai, Bavdhan and Nagewadi dam in the east, Gureghar in the west, Khingar and Rajpuri in the south and Dhom dam in the north. Panchgani is nestled at middle of five hills in the Sahyadri mountain ranges, also there are five villages around the Panchgani which are Dandeghar, Khingar, Godwali, Amral & Taighat. 

The town was discovered by the British as a summer resort in 1860s. .....

Pune:

At a distance of 66 km from Lonavala, 161 km from Mumbai, 116 km from Ahmednagar, 432 km from Goa, 556 km from Hyderabad and 841 km from Bangalore, Pune is one of the most popular cities in India situated at the confluence of Mula and Mutha Rivers. Pune is the 8th largest metropolis in India and the second largest city in Maharashtra. It is also considered an important city in terms of its economic and industrial importance. Situated at an altitude of 560 m, Pune is among popular Tourist places in Maharashtra.

Pune was earlier known as Punya-Nagiri or Queen of Deccan. Earlier, Pune was ruled by the Rashtrakutas and it was a part of Yadava Empire of Devgiri from the 9th century to 1327 AD. It was once the center of power of the Maratha Empire established by Shivaji Maharaj. During his reign, the place witnessed significant development and growth in every aspect. In 1730 AD, Pune became the political center of the Peshwas, who were the .....

Shirdi:

At a distance of 58 km from Manmad, 82 km from Ahmednagar, 90 km from Nashik, 180 km from Pune and 258 km from Mumbai, Shirdi is a small town located in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. This is one of the holiest places in India and also one of the popular pilgrimage Places to visit in Maharashtra. Shirdi, also known as the Land of Sai, is famous for the shrine of Shirdi Sai Baba, which is the main attraction for the devotees who visit this holy shrine.

Sai Baba, who belonged to 20th century, is known as one of the greatest saints of India. Sai Baba visited Shirdi when he was 16 years old and stayed there until his death in 1918. Sai Baba transformed this small village into a holy pilgrimage site for his devotees. Many tales of the renowned Shirdi Sai are associated with this village. His selfless love and dedication to the poor, earned him respect for which he is worshiped even now. Shirdi is the place where he attained his 'Samadhi' .....

Alibaug:

At a distance of 75 km from Lonavala, 102 km from Mumbai, 143 km from Pune, 170 km from Mahabaleshwar and 272 km from Ganpatipule, Alibaug or Alibag is a coastal town and a municipal council in Raigad district of Maharashtra. It is the headquarters of the Raigad district and is a popular weekend getaway from Mumbai and Pune. Alibaug is one of the top Maharashtra tourist places situated near Mumbai.

Alibag is surrounded by sea on three sides, it is very commonly known as the 'Goa' of Maharashtra. The town was founded in the 17th century by Kanhoji Angre who was the naval chief during the reign of Shivaji Maharaj. Earlier, Alibaug was known as Kolaba, attributed to the Kolaba Fort which was built by Shivaji in 1680 CE. Legend has it that a wealthy Muslim named Ali owned many plantations hence the town derived its name Alibag.

Alibaug has witnessed many historic battles including the one at Varsoli between Siddis and Kanhoji Angre. .....

Ellora Caves:

At a distance of 28 km from Aurangabad, 98 km from Ajanta Caves, 104 km from Shirdi, 176 km from Nashik, 253 km from Pune, and 344 km from Mumbai, Ellora Caves are ancient historical caves locally known as 'Verul Leni'. The caves are located near Verul on the Aurangabad-Chalisgaon road to the northwest of Aurangabad in Maharashtra. The Ellora Caves were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. Ellora is the most visited ancient monument and also one of the top Tourist places in Maharashtra. Ellora is also one of the top tourist places to visit near Aurangabad.

The caves at Ellora were carved out of the vertical face of the Charanandri hills between the 6th and 10th centuries AD. The carving work began around 550 AD, about the same time the Ajanta Caves were abandoned. The Ellora Caves were built at time when Buddhism was declining in India and Hinduism was beginning to reassert itself. .....

Ganpatipule:

At a distance of 24 km from Ratnagiri, 152 km from Kolhapur, 193 km from Mahabaleshwar, 207 km from Satara, 291 km from Lonavala,307 km from Pune, and 345 km from Mumbai, Ganpatipule is a small pilgrimage & beach town located in the Ratnagiri district on the Konkan coast of Maharashtra in India. This is one of the top Places to visit in Maharashtra and also one of the best tourist places in Ratnagiri.

The town is mainly known for its 400 years old temple of Lord Ganapati which is the prime attraction in Ganpatipule. The idol of Ganesha is believed to be a monolith which was self-incarnated and discovered over 1600 years ago. The Ganesha Temple in Ganpatipule is unique because it is one of the few temples in the country in which the presiding deity faces west. It is one of the Ashta Ganapati Temples of India and is known as 'Paschim Dwar Devata'. The temple is at the base of a hill, and pilgrims .....

Satara:

At a distance of 48 km from Panchgani, 54 km from Mahabaleshwar, 129 km from Pune and 271 km from Mumbai, Satara is a town and district headquarters in Maharashtra. Located near the confluence of the River Krishna,a tributary River Venna, Satara is one of the famous Places to visit in Maharashtra in monsoon.

Situated at an altitude of 2320 feet, it is a base station to several tourist destinations like Mahabaleshwar & Panchgani. With several tourist places to visit nearby, Satara is an ideal place to visit for a weekend trip from Pune. The name of this town has been derived from the seven mountains surrounding the place implying Sat (seven) and Tara (hills). It is surrounded by Pune district in the north, Solapur district in the east, Sangli district in the south and Ratnagiri in the west.

Shivaji, the great Maratha ruler, occupied this region in 1663 AD. After the 3rd .....

Nashik:

At a distance of 90 km from Shirdi, 180 km from Aurangabad, 182 km from Mumbai, 211 km from Pune and 234 km from Surat, Nashik or Nasik is a religious city located in the northwest region of Maharashtra in India, and is the administrative headquarter of the Nashik district. Nashik is the third largest city by population in Maharashtra and also one of the popular pilgrimage Places to visit in Maharashtra.

Situated at an altitude of 700 m, Nasik has been called the Wine Capital of India and is situated on the banks of River Godavari. According to legend, Lord Rama, along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana stayed here for a while during their 14 year exile. It is believed that the name Nashik comes from the episode of the Ramayana where Lakshmana hacked off the nasika (nose) of Shurpanaka, Ravana's sister. Alternatively, the city has also preserved a tradition of a proverb in Marathi which .....

Ratnagiri:

At a distance of 24 km from Ganpatipule, 134 km from Kolhapur, 196 km from Satara, 198 km from Mahabaleshwar, 308 km from Pune, and 350 km from Mumbai, Ratnagiri is a port city and the district headquarters of Ratnagiri on Arabian Sea coast in southwestern part of Maharashtra. The district is a part of Konkan division of Maharashtra.

Surrounded by beautiful hills of Sahyadri ranges, Ratnagiri is amongst the top Maharashtra places to visit. Ratnagiri was once the administrative capital of Bijapur rulers. It came under the control of Satara kings in 1731 CE, but later the British Empire took over in 1818 CE. A fort was built during the Bijapur dynasty and strengthened in 1670 CE by the Maratha king Shivaji, which is located on a headland near the harbour. Ratnagiri is one of the important ports on Konkan coast.

Ratnagiri district offers the most diverse attractions for tourists in the form of most beautiful beaches, historical monuments .....

Bhandardara:

At a distance of 70 km from Nashik, 104 km from Shirdi, 157 km from Pune and 172 km from Mumbai, Bhandardara is a small hill station and a holiday resort located in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. The place is known for its natural beauty and its soothing environment. it is one of the less known hill stations in Maharashtra and also one of the beautiful hill stations near Mumbai city. This is also one of the popular Maharashtra tourist places to visit in rainy season.

Bhandardara is situated at an altitude of 750 m on the banks of river Pravara. According to a legend, sage Agastya meditated here for a year. Pleased with his penance, Gods blessed him with a stream of river Ganga, now known as river Pravara. This tiny hill station is a blend of natural beauty, waterfalls, mountains, tranquility, greenery, refreshing air and pristine ambiance. .....

Matheran:

At a distance of 94 km from Mumbai, 56 km from Lonavala and 122 km from Pune, Matheran is a small hill station in Raigad district of Maharashtra. Situated at an altitude of 800 m in the Western Ghats range, Matheran is one of the smallest hill stations in Maharashtra. It is one of the top monsoon destinations in Maharashtra and also among popular hill stations near Mumbai & Pune for a weekend trip.

Matheran was developed by Hugh Poyntz Malet, the then district collector of Thane district in 1850 AD. The place was developed by Lord Elphinstone, the Governor of Bombay, as a summer resort for the British. Matheran is birthplace of famous freedom fighter Veer Bhai Kotwal. The Matheran Hill Railway was built in 1907 AD by Sir Adamjee Peerbhoy and covers a distance of 20 km, over large swathes of forest territory. The Matheran hill railway, also known as Matheran Light Railway (MLR), is being considered for UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

Matheran, .....

Tadoba National Park:

At a distance of 29 km from Chandrapur, 145 km from Nagpur, 412 km from Hyderabad, 518 km from Aurangabad, 747 km from Pune, and 863 km from Mumbai, Tadoba - Andhari Tiger Reserve is a popular tiger reserve in Chandrapur district of Maharashtra in India. Renowned as Maharashtra's oldest and largest national park, Tadoba is one of the top wildlife sanctuaries in India and also one of the best places to experience Maharashtra tourism.

Also known as Tadoba National Park, the park is one of the 47 project tiger reserves in India. The Tadoba National Park was created in the year 1955. The Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary was formed in the year 1986 and was amalgamated with the park in 1995 to establish the present Tadoba - Andhari Tiger Reserve. The name Tadoba is derived from the God 'Tadoba' or 'Taru', praised by the tribal people who live in the dense forests of the Tadoba and Andhari region, while the Andhari river that meanders through the .....

Randha Falls (Near Bhandardara):

At a distance of 10 km from Bhandardara Bus Stop, 156 km from Pune & 177 km from Mumbai, Randha Falls is a beautiful waterfall located on the Rajur - Bhandardara road in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra.

The waterfall is formed over Pravara River and cascades down from a height of 170 feet into a beautiful gorge. Considered as one of the prominent waterfalls in India, the jaw-dropping Randha Falls is a must visit place during monsoon and also one of the popular places to visit in Bhandardara. It is the chief source of hydro power in the Bhandardara region. There is a temple on the banks of the river and a viewpoint just above the falls provides a great view of the waterfalls. The rocky sides of the gorge are home to colonies of bees and one can see huge hanging hives under the rocky ledges.

Shani Shingnapur (Near Shirdi):

At a distance of 72 km from Shirdi and 44 km from Ahmednagar, Shani Shingnapur or Sonai is a village in Nevasa taluka of Ahmednagar district in Maharashtra. The village is known for its popular temple of Shani Mahadev, the Hindu god associated with the planet (graha) Saturn. This is one of the most popular Shani temples in India and also among the famous places of pilgrimage in Maharashtra.

The idol of Lord Shanidev at the Shingnapur temple is swayambhu and the temple is believed to be a jagrut devasthan, meaning that a deity still resides in the temple. The idol is personified in the form of a black stone which is five and a half feet high installed on an open air platform. There is a trishul alongside the stone as well as a Nandi on its south. In front are the small images of Shiva and Hanuman. An east facing multi deity temple was built west of the Shani idol later. The premises also contain a tomb of Saint Udasi Baba and a temple dedicated to Dattatreya.

The entire village .....

Devagiri / Daulatabad Fort (Near Aurangabad):

At a distance of 16 km from Aurangabad Railway Station, Daulatabad is an ancient hill fort situated on the way to Ellora Caves from Aurangabad in Maharashtra. Daulatabad Fort is one of the best preserved Forts in Maharashtra and also one of the best in Aurangabad tourist places.

The historical triangular fort of Daulatabad was built by Yadava king Bhillama V in 1187 AD. The city was then called 'Deogiri', meaning the hill of gods. Daulatabad or 'the abode of wealth' was the name given by Muhammad-bin-Tughlaq when he made his capital here in 1327 AD. The region and the fort passed on into the hands of Bahamani rulers under Hasan Gangu in 1347 AD and Nizam Shahis of Ahmednagar in 1499 AD. Daulatabad became the capital of Nizam Shahi dynasty in 1607 AD. The fort passed several hands, captured and re-captured by the Mughals, Marathas, Peshwas and finally placed under the control of the Nizams of Hyderabad in 1724 AD till independence.

Daulatabad .....

Lingmala Waterfall (Near Mahabaleshwar):

At a distance of 6 km from Mahabaleshwar Bus Stand, 116 km from Pune & 252 km from Mumbai, Lingmala Waterfall, one of the best places to visit in Mahabaleshwar, is located at top of the Venna Valley in Satara district of Maharashtra. It is one of the famous waterfalls near Pune and also one of the popular Maharashtra tourist places to visit in Monsoon.

Situated at an altitude of 1278 m, Lingmala Waterfall is formed by Venna River. There are two waterfalls, one mini waterfall and the main waterfall which falls from a height of 500 feet. The mini waterfall is safe & suitable for swimming and playing in the water. One has to walk for 30 minutes to reach the viewpoint of main waterfall from the mini falls. There is no way to get into the water at main falls but visitor can get magnificent views of waterfall from the view point. 

Lingmala Waterfall .....

Umbrella Falls (Near Bhandardara):

At a distance of 500 m from Bhandardara Bus Stop, Umbrella Falls is a beautiful seasonal waterfalls situated at the Bhandardara Dam in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. It is one of the top places to visit in Bhandardara and also one of the best waterfalls in Maharashtra.

When the Wilson dam overflows during monsoon, water gushes out from a small opening in its northern end over a semicircular rock, forming the picturesque Umbrella Falls. The water body is also used for hydro­electric power generation. There is a bridge right below the waterfall, tourists can get a full view of the waterfalls standing on the bridge. The waterfalls can be enjoyed only during the monsoon season, when the dam reaches full capacity.

The falls can be easily reached by walk from Bhandardara Bus Station which is around 500 m.

Aurangabad Caves (Near Aurangabad):

At a distance of 3 km from Bibi Ka Maqbara and 8 km from Aurangabad Railway Station, the Aurangabad Caves are 12 artificial rock-cut Buddhist Caves located on a hill running roughly east to west in Aurangabad. Sculptural carvings of Aurangabad Caves can be compared to the best paintings of Ajanta and is one of the the popular Aurangabad tourist places.

The first reference to the Aurangabad Caves is in the great chaitya of Kanheri Caves. The caves are datable from circa 2nd - 3rd century AD to 7th century AD. The Aurangabad Caves were dug out of comparatively soft basalt rock during the 6th and 7th century. The caves are divided into three separate groups depending on their location. The first group of caves consists of cave number 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, the second group comprises of cave number 6, 7, 8 and 9, while the last and the third group is made up of cave number 10, 11 and 12. The distance between the first and second group of .....

Elephanta Caves (Near Mumbai):

At a distance of 17 km from Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Elephanta Caves are a network of sculpted caves located on Elephanta Island or Gharapuri in MumbaiHarbour. The Caves, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site, is Mumbai's oldest historic sites and also one of the best tourist places in Mumbai and also among the prime places represented in the promotion of Maharashtra tourism.

The identity of the creators of the architectural masterpieces built in Elephant Caves is disputed. It is believed that the Chalukyas and Rashtrakutas were behind the creation of the caves and sculptures. The island was ruled by the Chalukyas and later by the Gujarat sultanate. It was later handed over by the Gujarat Sultan to Portuguese in 1534 AD.

The caves are known for its beautiful Hindu temples and sculptures. The Elephanta Caves were named by the Portuguese after they saw statue of an elephant .....

Aare Ware Beach (Near Ganpatipule):

At a distance of 9 km from Ganpatipule Bus Stand and 14 km from Ratnagiri, Aare Ware Beach is a beautiful secluded beach situated near Nevare village in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra. This is one of the best beaches in the Konkan coast and also one of the famous places to visit in Ganpati Pule.

Actually, Aare and Ware are two beaches with clean blue water and are delight to watch. Aare Beach is one of the lesser known beaches of Ratnagiri district. This is a very long beach having length approximately 3 km and is mostly an untouched beach. A beautiful and dense plantation of Suru dotted the sea shore. This quite long beach is an isolated one covered with smooth sand and offers a breath taking view of the sunset. The beach is still unspoiled and virgin, making it the best place for travelers seeking sheer solitude and tranquility.

Aare Ware point, a place on the top of a hill presents a panoramic view of the beach below. These beaches are on the road connecting Ganpatipule .....

Kalsubai Peak / Mount Kalsubai (Near Bhandardara):

At a distance of 12 km from Bhandardara, 165 km from Mumbai & 174 km from Pune, Kalsubai Peak is a mountain peak in Sahyadri Hills in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. The peak of Kalsubai perched at an altitude of 5400 feet (1646 m) and it is the highest peak in Maharashtra.

The Kalsubai Peak lies within the Kalsubai Harishchandragad Wildlife Sanctuary. It is one of the top things to do in Bhandardara. The peak is a small plateau and offers a commanding view of nearby forts and Bhandardara Dam. It was used for keeping watch on their enemies during the Maratha rule in the region. Kalsubai Temple is Located at the topmost peak of Sahyadri mountain range of Maharashtra.

Mount Kalsubai is a famous trekking destination in Maharashtra. The trekking route attracts large number of visitors, some to conquer the highest peak in Maharashtra, some trek to Kalsubai to visit Mandir and offer prayers to local deity Kalsubai. The temple .....

Juhu Beach (Near Mumbai):

At a distance of 20 km from Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Juhu Beach is situated in the western suburb of Mumbai. Juhu Beach is one of the largest and most popular beaches in Mumbai.

Juhu Beach is located on the shores of the Arabian Sea and it stretches for 6 km long up to Versova. To the north of this beach is Gandhi Gram, where Mahatma Gandhi lived in his days as a lawyer. The southern end of the beach is marked by a number of luxury hotels. The beach is one of the busiest beach in Mumbai and also one of the popular picnic spots in Mumbai.

Several centuries back, when Mumbai was actually seven islands, Juhu was part of one of the islands that now forms the city. Lined by the Arabian Sea, Juhu is home to one of the country's finest theatres, Prithvi Theatre, along with being home to various Bollywood celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan, Anil Kapoor, Dharmendra, Hritik Roshan, etc. The beach is among the most popular sites in the city for the annual Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations .....

Sinhagad Fort (Near Pune):

At a distance of 32 km from Pune Junction, Sinhagad or Sinhagarh means the Lion Fort, is a fortress located southwest of Pune City. Sinhagad Fort is one of the popular places of trekking in Pune and also one of the top places to visit in Pune City.

Previously called Kondana, the fort has been the site of many important battles, most notably the Battle of Sinhagad in 1671 CE. According to history, the fort was built 2,000 years ago and it is said that the name Kondana was derived from sage Kaundinya. Mohammed bin Tughalak captured the fort from the Koli tribal chieftain, Nag Naik in 1340 CE. And in 1496 CE, Malik Ahmad, the founder of the Nizam Shahi dynasty took control of the fort. 

Nearly 200 years later, the Maratha leader Shahaji Bhonsale captured the fort. In 1647 CE, Shivaji held the stronghold and renamed it Sinhagad. In 1665 CE, as per the Treaty of Purandar, Shivaji handed over Sinhagad to the Mughals and again captured it in 1670 CE, under the direction of Tanaji .....

Ratangad Fort (Near Bhandardara):

At a distance of 6 km from Ratanwadi, 23 km from Bhandardara, 183 km from Pune & 197 km from Mumbai, Ratangad is an ancient hill fort situated at Ratanwadi village in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. It is one of the best forts in Maharashtra and an ideal place for trekking around Mumbai & Pune.

The Ratangad Fort is one of the most popular places to visit in Bhandardara and the place leaves visitors spellbound with its rich heritage. The fort is located at a height of 4250 feet. Ratangad Fort is 400 year old fort, which was used by Maratha warrior Shivaji. The fort was initially ruled by the Mughals and it was conquered by Shivaji Maharaj.

Ratangad has a natural rock peak with a cavity at the top which is called Nedhe or Eye of the Needle. The fort has four gates known as Ganesh, Hanuman, Konkan and Trimbak. There are two caves on the Ratangad Fort, one of the caves is smaller and can accommodate 8-10 people, while the .....

Trimbakeshwar / Tryambakeswar (Near Nashik):

At a distance of 28 km from Nashik, Trimbakeshwar or Tryambakeswar is a small pilgrimage town located on the banks of River Godavari at the foothills of Brahmagiri Mountains in Nasik district of Maharashtra. Trimbakeshwar is famous for Trimbakeshwar Temple which is one among the 12 Jyotirlinga temples of Lord Shiva and is also one of the most popular Maharashtra places to visit. 

Trimbakeshwar Temple is built by Sri Nana Saheb Peshwa in 1755-1786 AD. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva as Trimbakeshwar. The extraordinary feature of the Jyotirlinga located here is its three faces embodying Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Rudra. A crown studded with precious stones rests on top of this Linga, which is said to be from the age of Pandavas. This crown is decorated with various precious stones like emeralds, diamonds and many other varieties. The crown is displayed every Monday from 4 PM - 5 PM. 

The temple is built of .....

Pratapgad Fort / Pratapgarh Fort (Near Mahabaleshwar):

At a distance of 20 km from Mahabaleshwar, 140 km from Pune & 221 km from Mumbai, Pratapgad, also known as Pratapgarh, is a large hill fort located in Satara district of Maharashtra. The fort lies at an altitude of 1080 m and is built on a spur which overlooks the road between the villages of Par and Kinesvar. It is among the best forts in Maharashtra and among most scenic places in Mahabaleshwar and one of the best forts near Pune.

Maratha king Shivaji Maharaj had commissioned Moropant Pingle, his prime minister, to commence the construction of this fort for the purpose of defending Nira and the Koyna River banks, and also to guard the Par pass. The construction of the fortress was completed in the year 1656. The fort stands as the witness of historic Battle of Pratapgarh between Shivaji and Afzal Khan, the commander of the Bijapur Sultanate, .....

Ganeshgule Beach & Temple (Near Ratnagiri):

At a distance of 21 km from Ratnagiri, Ganeshgule Beach is a beautiful beach situated at Ganeshgule village in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra. It is one of the most serene beaches of Maharashtra and also one of the top tourist places to visit in Ratnagiri.

Ganeshghule Beach is popular among nature lovers and is known for its clear sunset view. The beach is 1.5 km long and is flanked by mountains on both sides. The rocky, white sandy terrain and clear emerald sea of the secluded Ganeshghule Beach is an idyllic holiday retreat for many.

Ganeshgule Beach is considered as a perfect place for those who want to relax and spend peaceful moments. Swimming and sun bathing are the favorite activities at the beach. This beach also has many water sport activities such as snorkeling, diving, surfing and parasailing. Visitors can even enjoy boat riding when visiting this beach. 

The famous ancient and well known Ganeshgule Temple is located 1.5 km from the beach. This temple is .....

Mandwa Beach (Near Alibaug):

At a distance of 13 km from Kihim Beach, 19 km from Alibaug, Mandwa Beach is a scenic beach situated at Mandwa village in Raigad district of Maharashtra, India. It is a popular weekend beach destination from Mumbai city.

Mandwa is a stunning beach thronged by number of tourists. The beach is isolated from crowd and pollution. The village of Mandwa, which is located nearby, attracts visitors due to the presence of dense coconut trees. The beautiful sunset view from the beach is really picturesque. Chaul is also a popular tourist spot situated near the beach. This place is known for a church, Buddhist caves, a synagogue, a temple and several ruins of Portuguese.

Mandwa Beach is a water sport enthusiast's dream destination, infact the place boasts of being the best water sports center around Mumbai and Pune. The various water sports activities are Jet Ski, kayaking, banana tube ride, water scooters etc. The town also has another tourist attraction the Karmarkar Museum famous for .....

Harishchandragad Fort (Near Bhandardara):

At a distance of 8 km from Khireshwar, 50 km from Bhandardara, 166 km from Pune & 218 km from Mumbai, Harishchandragad is a historical hill fort situated in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. Situated at an altitude of 1,424 m, the fort once played a major role in guarding and controlling the surrounding region. Harishchandragad is very popular place for trekking in Maharashtra and also one of the famous Bhandardara tourist places.

The fort originally dates back to the 6th century during the rule of Kalchuri dynasty. The citadel was built during this era and various caves probably have been carved out in the 11th century AD. Sage Changdev used to meditate here in 14th century AD. Later the fort was under the control of Mughals and Marathas captured it in 1747 AD. Remnants of Microlithic human inhabitants have been discovered here. The various Puranas like Matsyapurana, Agnipurana and Skandapurana have many references about Harishchandragad.

Rohidas, .....

Someshwar Waterfalls / Dudhsagar Falls (Near Nashik):

At a distance of 2 km from Someshwar Temple and 9 km from Nashik Central Bus Station, Someshwar Waterfalls is a breathtaking waterfalls situated near Gangapur on the suburbs of Nashik.

Dudhsagar Waterfalls, popularly known as Someshwar Waterfalls, is one of the most favorite hangout places of Nasik. This small and beautiful waterfall is formed over the holy River Godavari. The height of the waterfall is 10 m and the place turns very picturesque during the monsoon as there is a huge water flow and also a lot more greenery around. It is a much loved picnic spot by families and preferred stop by youngsters, to spend a relaxed evening. There is also a Balaji Temple near the waterfall which is a must visit place.

Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM

Bhimashankar Temple (Near Pune):

At a distance of 111 km from Pune, 124 km from Lonavala, 210 km from Nashik and 224 km from Mumbai, Bhimashankar Temple is ancient pilgrimage center located near Karjat in the Ghat region of Sahyadri hills in Maharashtra. This is one of the top places of pilgrimage in Maharashtra and also one of the best pilgrimage places to visit in Pune.

Bhimashankar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered as one of the 12 holy Jyotirlinga shrines in India, and five in Maharashtra. The other Jyotirlinga shrines in Maharashtra are Vaidyanath near Parli, Trimbakeshwara near Nashik, Grishneshwar near Aurangabad and Aundha Nagnath Temple in Hingoli. Bhimashankar is also the source of the river Bhima, which flows southeast and merges with the Krishna River near Raichur.

It is believed that the original temple of Bhimashankar was built in 12th century CE. However, there is no evidence remains dating to that period have been found. The temple was renovated by Chimaji Antaji Bhide Naik .....

Pandavleni Caves (Near Nashik):

At a distance of 8 km from Nashik Central Bus Station, Pandavleni Caves or Trirashmi Caves are the ancient rock cut caves situated on Trirashmi Hills to the south of Nashik. The location of the caves is a holy Buddhist site in Maharashtra and also one of the popular places to visit in Nashik.

Pandavleni Caves are a group of 24 caves carved between the 3rd century BC and the 2nd century AD, representing the Hinayana Buddhism and has nothing to do with the characters of Mahabharata (the Pandavas).These caves were built by the rulers of that time like Satavahanas and Kshaharatas for Hinayana Buddhist monks. More ancient name of caves is Trirashmi Caves where the root 'Trirashmi' means 'triple royal'.

Most of the caves are Viharas except for the 18th cave which is a Chaitya. Caves 3, 10, 18 and 20 are the most significant and fascinating caves among the 24 caves which are noted for their magnificent sculptures. Cave 3 has a large Vihara with fascinating sculptures. Cave 10 is also .....

Garbett Point / Garbut Point (Near Matheran):

At a distance of 17 km from Matheran and 8 km from Diksal, Garbett Point or Garbut Point is located near Matheran with grand view of the plateau below. The huge plateau gives a view to various waterfalls on the neighboring mountains. This place is also one of the top things to do in Matheran hill station and among most scenic places to visit near Mumbai.

Garbut Point, situated about 5 km walk from Matheran Railway Station, is a comparatively secluded and less visited vantage point. Flanked by a gorgeous valley on one side and the thick jungle on the other, Garbett Point is a place from where enthralling views of sunrise and sunset can be observed.

Garbett to Matheran trekking is very famous for adventure lovers from Mumbai and Pune. The trek is a bit long and requires a little patience to accomplish. The trek starts from Diksal village. After walking for 5 minutes one can see .....

Raigad Fort (Near Mahabaleshwar):

At a distance of 26 km from Mahad, 83 km from Mahabaleshwar, 105 km from Alibaug, 118 km from Lonavala, 136 km from Mumbai, 138 km from Pune and 196 km from Ratnagiri, Raigad is a hill fort situated at Pachad near Mahad in Raigad district of Maharashtra. This is one of the most popular forts in Maharashtra and popular places for trekking near Mumbai. This fort is one of the prime places to experince Maharashtra tourism.

Earlier called as Rairi, Raigad was initially under the control of Chandrarao More of Jawali and was captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's in 1656 CE. After taking over the Rairi Fort, Shivaji Maharaj got it completely renovated and renamed it as Raigad (the King's Fort). Shivaji Maharaj made it his capital in 1674 CE when he was crowned as King. The fort was destroyed by the British in 1818 CE after they conquered it.

Perched at an altitude of 2700 feet above sea level, Raigad Fort falls under the Sahyadri .....

Vikatgad / Peb Fort (Near Matheran):

At a distance of 3.5 km from Neral Railway Station,13 km from Matheran, 88 km from Mumbai & 117 km from Pune, Peb Fort, also known as Vikatgad, is an ancient fort situated near Neral in Maharashtra. This is one of the popular one-day monsoon treks near Mumbai and also one of the top things to do in Matheran hill station. The fort lies at an altitude of 2100 feet above mean sea level.

The fort derives its name from the Goddess Pebi at the base of the fort. The fort is also named as Vikatgad for its supposed shape of the Elephant Headed God, Ganesh. Historical references clearly indicate that Shivaji Maharaj used the caves on the fort to store the grains.

The fort is famous for its caves which are maintained by disciples of Swami Samartha and the meditation chambers carved out from the rock inside the mountain. To get inside the meditation chamber, one has to crawl through a narrow passage and then climb down into the meditation chamber. The chamber is very well maintained with .....

Ghrushneshwar / Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple (Near Ellora Caves):

At a distance of 1 km from Ellora Caves and 29 km from Aurangabad Railway Station, Grishneshwar or Ghrushneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is a famous Hindu temple located at Verul village in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines mentioned in the Shiva Purana and also one of the famous places of pilgrimage in Maharashtra. This is one of the top places to visit in Aurangabad City and also one of the popular places to visit in Ellora.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Grishneshwar Temple is believed to be the last or 12th Jyotirlinga on the earth. The presiding deity, in the form of Jyotirlinga, is known by several names like Kusumeswarar, Ghushmeswara, Ghrushmeswara and Grishneswara. The Grishneshwar temple was re-constructed by Maloji Raje Bhosale, the grandfather of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, in the 16th century. Later, the temple was again reconstructed in the 18th century by Rani Ahilyabhai .....

Kelshi Beach (Near Alibaug):

At a distance of 32 km from Harihareshwar, 29 km from Velas, 34 km from Dapoli, 97 km from Murud - Janjira Fort and 146 km from Alibaug, Kelshi Beach is located at Kelshi village in Raigad district.

Kelshi Beach is a beautiful beach on the Western Coast of India which is situated near Dapoli. The beach stretches for about 2.5 km just outside the Kelshi village across the Bankot creek. Kelshi is a calm and peaceful beach and ideal for people looking for a short weekend getaway. Along the coast of Kelshi are thick woods and groves of Kevda, Cyprus, Coconut and Betel nut.

The sunsets in Kelshi Beach are spectacular. A walk on this beautiful beach listening to the Sea waves is really refreshing. The large black rocks near the place where the Utambar hill meets the Sea is a great place to sit and enjoy the Arabian Sea.

Apart from the beach, Kelshi is well known as a pilgrim center due to Mahalakshmi Temple and the Yakub baba dargah. Mahalakshmi Temple is located at the .....

Anjarle Beach & Ganesh Temple (Near Alibaug):

At a distance of 23 km from Dapoli, 41 km from Harihareshwar, and 152 km from Alibaug, Anjarle Beach is a beautiful and unspoilt white sand beach located at Anjarle village in Dapoli taluk of Ratnagiri district. Anjarle has one of the finest beaches in the Konkan region of Maharashtra and also a popular weekend getaway from Mumbai. 

Anjarle is famous for its white sandy beach and endless rows of coconut palms. The beach is located near the lagoon of the river Jog, which is about 2 km long and the coastline of the beach is also smooth. Overall, the blue waters and the white sand create a pristine feel to the place and the ambience is perfect for a getaway. 

Anjarle Beach is an idyllic place for the family to enjoy swimming. For the adventurous, water sports like parasailing, snorkeling and wind surfing are available. During low tide Anjarle Beach attracts a lot of birds making this place a bird watchers paradise. Visit the beach in the evenings when hundreds of fishing boats .....

Velas Beach (Near Alibaug):

At a distance of 12 km from Harihareshwar, 29 km from Kelshi, 55 km from Dapoli and 124 km from Alibaug, Velas Beach is a small secluded beach situated at Velas, a small fishing village on the western coast of Maharashtra.

Velas is one of the most pristine beaches in Ratnagiri district and is situated close to Shrivardhan region. This beach has a fair number of outdoor recreational activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, water surfing and skiing. Visitors can even enjoy parasailing, swimming and sunbathing at this beach. In addition nature lovers will love this beach as it is considered as a small paradise and many natural green spaces can be seen along the shore of the beach.

Velas Beach becomes a hot spot for environmentalist during the breeding season of the endangered Olive Ridley turtles. Velas has always topped the list with the highest number of nests of Olive Ridley turtles and they also host the Turtle Festival each year to celebrate the release of the hatchlings. .....

Prabalgad Fort / Prabal Fort (Near Matheran):

At a distance of 46 km from Matheran, 16 km from Panvel, 61 km from Mumbai and 117 km from Pune, Prabalgad Fort or Prabal Fort is located between Matheran and Panvel in Maharashtra. It lies at an altitude of 2300 feet in the Western Ghats. This is one of the most beautiful tiny forts in Maharashtra and a great place for trekking near Mumbai.

The fort was built on a plateau very close to Matheran. Prabalgad Fort was built during Bahmani Sultanate to keep an eye on Panvel Fort and Kalyan Fort in North Konkan. It was known as Muranjan until it was taken over and renamed by the Maratha forces under Shivaji's rule. This magnificent fort was captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji from the Mughals. Historians believe that there was a treasure hidden inside the fort at the time of its capture.

Prabal Fort presently in ruins is located at the flat summit of the Prabal hills in the western side of Matheran. The fort contains a temple to Ganesh .....

Ambarnath Shiv Mandir (Near Matheran):

At a distance of 5 km from Ulhasnagar Railway Station, 37 km from Matheran and 59 km from Mumbai Central, Ambarnath Shiv Temple is an ancient Hindu temple situated on the banks of Waldhuni River in Ambarnath. Ambarnath lies on Mumbai to Pune railway route in Thane district of Maharashtra. It is one of the popular historical places to visit near Mumbai city.

This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a popular religious shrine of the region. The temple is believed to be constructed in 1060 AD by King Mahamandaleshwar as a tribute to his ancestors. The temple is carved out of stone in Hemadpanthi architectural style of construction and is known for its resemblance with the famous Dilwara Temples of Mount Abu in Rajasthan.

The temple is built with black basalt stone. The main attraction of this shrine is the marvelous architectural designs carved on the walls and ceilings that grab the attention of the visitors. The .....

Karnala Bird Sanctuary (Near Matheran):

At a distance of 13 km from Panvel, 53 km from Matheran, 56 km from Lonavala, 66 km from Mumbai Central and 112 km from Pune, The Karnala Bird Sanctuary is situated in the Panvel Taluk of Raigad district in Maharashtra. It is one of the picnic spots near Mumbai city.

Karnala was declared a bird sanctuary in 1968 as the first one of its kind in Maharashtra. During its initial phase, the sanctuary covered an area of 4.45 sq. km and in 2003 this was increased so that it now spreads across 12.11 sq. km. This bird sanctuary is situated below the Karnala Fort. The bird sanctuary is a popular destination for bird-watchers and hikers in the Mumbai area.

The Karnala Bird Sanctuary is home to over 150 species of resident and 37 species of migratory birds. In the monsoon season, travellers can spot a vivid collection of bird species such as the racket-tailed drongo, golden backed woodpecker and heart-spotted woodpecker. Three rare birds, .....

Irshalgad (Near Matheran):

At a distance of 40 km from Matheran, 19 km from Karjat, 66 km from Mumbai & 115 km from Pune, Irshalgad is a fortress located between Matheran and Panvel in Maharashtra. It is a twin fort to Prabalgad and among ideal weekend getaways near Mumbai. The area of the fort is not large but there are several water tanks cut from the rock.

Irshalgad pinnacle is accessible by an easy to moderate 3 km trek and it takes about 1.5 hours. The trek starts from Karja village which is about 11 km from Karjat Railway Station. From Karja village one can follow a well-defined path till Irshalwadi village. The path from Karja passes through a steep ridge and then tapers to an easy ascend till Irshalwadi. From the village one has to walk straight up to a small temple dedicated to a local deity. Take left from the temple, standing at this point one can see the Irshalgad peak on the right side. However one has to traverse from left to reach the base of the pinnacle. 

There is a water tank on the .....

Thoseghar Falls (Near Satara):

At a distance of 26 km from Satara, 73 km from Panchgani, 77 km from Mahabaleshwar, 141 km from Pune & 294 km from Mumbai, Thoseghar Falls is a popular waterfalls located at Thoseghar village in Satara district of Maharashtra. It is one of the top waterfalls in Maharashtra and also one of the highest waterfalls in India. Thoseghar falls in among the most popular Satara places to visit.

Thoseghar waterfall is a scenic spot located at the edge of the Konkan region. The waterfall is drops through a series of cascades with a total height of about 500 m. This is a seasonal waterfall which is only seen in monsoon and drops into a deep gorge.

Thoseghar Falls is famous for its serenity, clam and quiet natural surroundings. It is a wonderful place where one can enjoy the beauty of the nature. There is a picnic area and a newly constructed platform which gives a good view of the waterfall. There is no way to enter into the falls but one can go to the starting point of the falls.

People .....

Vajrai Falls (Near Satara):

At a distance of 6 km from Kas Pathar, 28 km from Satara, 41 km from Mahabaleshwar, 53 km from Panchgani, 144 km from Pune & 299 km from Mumbai, Vajrai Falls is a picturesque waterfall located near Kas Flower Valley in Satara district of Maharashtra. This is one the most spectacular waterfalls in Maharashtra and also one of the top Satara tourist places. 

Vajrai Falls is a three tier waterfalls cascading down from a height of around 853 feet (260 m). This is a perennial waterfall but is very spectacular during monsoons. People from different parts of Maharashtra flock to this falls during the monsoons to watch the beautiful flow of the stream. The birthplace of Urmodi River is believed to start from the Vajrai Waterfalls. There are many small caves near Vajrai Falls which can be visited along with the falls.

The waterfall is situated near Bhambavali village in Satara district. One can reach the falls by using personal vehicle or Alawadi Bus from Satara Bus Stand. The 500 m .....

Vasota Fort (Near Satara):

At a distance of 18 km from Bamnoli, 56 km from Satara, 70 km from Mahabaleshwar and 82 km from Panchgani, Vasota Fort is an ancient hill fort situated at an altitude of 1171 m near Bamnoli in Satara district of Maharashtra. The fort is situated in the deep forests and valleys of Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary. It is one of the best places to visit in Satara and also one of the popular places of trekking in Maharashtra apart from being an ideal picnic spots near Pune for one day trip.

Situated on the banks of the Shivsagar Lake, Vasota Fort is surrounded by water on three sides. The Fort was built by King Bhojraj II of Shilhara dynasty in 1178-1193 AD. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj captured the fort in 1655 AD and renamed it as Vyagragad. In 1818 AD along with other forts of Marathas this fort also came under British control.

Vasota Fort, now in ruins, is famous for its traditional Maharashtrian architectural style. The fort comprises of three main sections - Old Fort, New Fort and .....

Koyna Dam (Near Satara):

At a distance of 86 km from Satara, 206 km from Pune & 300 km from Mumbai Koyna Dam is one of the largest dams in the state of Maharashtra and is located at Koyna Nagar in Satara district. It is a rubble-concrete dam constructed on Koyna River, a major tributary of Krishna River, and is one of the top places to visit in Satara.

The construction of this dam was completed in 1963 and is amongst the chief civil engineering projects built after the independence of India. The catchment area of the Koyna Dam blocks up the Koyna River and creates the Shivsagar Lake, which is roughly 50 km long. The spillway of the dam is located at the center and it has 6 radial gates. The dam plays a vital role of flood controlling in monsoon season.

This dam is situated between Chiplun and Karad and is the main water source to the Western Maharashtra region. The main purpose of dam is hydroelectricity with some irrigation in neighboring areas. Today the Koyna Hydroelectric Project is the largest .....

Yamai Devi Temple - Aundh (Near Satara):

At a distance of 44 km from Satara and 63 km from Panchgani, Yamai Devi Temple is an ancient temple situated on a hilltop at Aundh in Satara distric of Maharashtra. The temple is very much revered in Maharashtra and also one of the top places to visit in Satara.

Yamai Devi is the family deity of many Maharastrian families. The idol of Devi Mahishasur Mardini in black stone is almost 2 meters high in a cross-legged sitting position. The idol has four hands and is carrying gada, arrow, trishul and paan patra.

The town and the temple have been associated with the Pant family for many centuries. The present head of this former ruling family, Gayatridevi Pantpratinidhi, has installed a 7 kilograms (15 lb) solid gold kalash or crown on the pinnacle of the Yamai temple on the hill. Another temple of Devi Yamai is located in the town; apart from the one on the hill.

The temple can either be reached using steps that start at the bottom of the hill. Direct road access is also .....

Chandan - Vandan Forts (Near Satara):

At a distance of 26 km from Satara, Chandan - Vandan Forts are twin forts situated at Belmachi in Satara district of Maharashtra. Chandan - Vandan Forts are among the top Satara tourist places.

Chandan - Vandan Forts were built by king Bhoj II of Shilhara dynasty in late 12th century. Shivaji Maharaj won these forts from Adil Shah of Bijapur in 1673 CE along with Kalyangad, Sajjangad, and Ajinkyatara during the campaign of Satara. It was under the control of Marathas till 1689 CE after it passed in the hand of Moghuls. In 1707 CE, the fort was occupied by Marathas under Sahu Maharaj. 

There are two bastions at the entrance gate of Chandan Fort which are presently in a half-demolished state. There is a banyan tree at the upper side of the entrance which is known as Panchvad, as it is comprised of five banyan trees. A temple of Lord Shiva is situated near the Banyan tree. The fort also houses an old mosque. An intact bastion can be seen at the north end of the fort with a Shivalinga .....

Kanheri Caves (Near Mumbai):

At a distance of 42 km from Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Kanheri caves are located inside Sanjay Gandhi National Park to the north of Borivali in the outskirts of North Mumbai in Maharashtra. These Cave are considered as one of the top tourist places in Mumbai.

The name of these caves has originated from the Sanskrit word Krishnagiri, meaning black in colour. The Kanheri Caves constitute a group of rock-cut monuments chiseled out of a massive basaltic rock. The caves demonstrate the Buddhist influence on the art and culture of India. These caves were formed between 1st century BC and 10th century AD, with the earliest rocks comprising 109 tiny rock-cut cells. Most caves were named as Buddhist Viharas in ancient times and were meant for living, study and meditation. The site also served as a university during the rule of Kushanas and Mauryas.

Kanheri caves are divided into three different caves, each of which has a stone plinth for a bed. The caves have chaityagrihas .....

Chowpatty Beach / Girgaon Chowpatty (Near Mumbai):

At a distance of 4.5 km from Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Chowpatty Beach, officially known as Girgaon Chowpatty, is one of the most famous beaches in Mumbai adjoining Marine Drive in the Girgaon area. This is a popular beach which attracts people of all age groups and also one of the top tourist places in Mumbai. 

Chowpatty Beach has been an important center for many celebrations over the years, including Ganesh Chaturthi. During this festival, thousands of devotees gather at the beach to participate in the immersions of the Lord Ganapathi idols in the Arabian Sea. Another popular festival that is held here is Ramlila, which lasts for a period of 10 days. Processions, energetic dance performances and beating of the drums are an integral part of this festival. 

The beach is not as famous for activities like sunbathing or swimming as for its street food. Every evening, the beach is crowded by people of all ages, along with food kiosks, ferries and balloon sellers. .....

Sanjay Gandhi National Park (Near Mumbai):

At a distance of 35 km from Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), earlier known as Borivali National Park, is a large protected area near Borivali in the northern part of Mumbai. It is one of the major national parks existing within a metropolis limit and one of the most famous picnic spots in Mumbai.

The park was named Krishnagiri National Park in the pre-independence era. At that time the area of the park was only 20.26 sq. km. In 1969, the park was expanded to 104 Sq. km by acquiring various reserve forest properties adjoining the park and was renamed as Borivali National Park in 1974. In 1981, it was re-dedicated as 'Sanjay Gandhi National Park' in memory of Sanjay Gandhi, the son of ex-Prime Minister of India Indira Gandhi, who was killed in an air-crash in 1980.

The park is known for its dense forests, vast bird life, butterflies, and the small population of tigers. The Kanheri Caves in the centre of the park were an important Buddhist .....

Vasai Fort (Near Mumbai):

At a distance of 73 km from Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Vasai Fort, also known as the Bassein Fort, is an ancient fort located at Vasai in the suburbs of North Mumbai. The fort, overlooks the confluence of the Ulhas River, is one of the top places to visit in Mumbai.

Vasai was known as a place for ship building in the 15th Century. Bahadur Shah, a Mughal Emperor had built the Bassein Fort in the 1530s. The fort covers an area of around 110 acre. The Portuguese conquered and destroyed most of the fort a year after it was built. The Portuguese remodeled the fort into a flourishing city by building a citadel inside. The fort was under the Portuguese control till 1739 AD. In the 18th century, the fort was raided and overtaken by the Maratha army under Chimaji Appa. They stood strong for 3 long years, and then the British took over the fort in the First Anglo-Maratha War.

Once a strategic place on the Western coast of India, this fort has now mostly turned into ruins. Despite .....

Rajgad Fort (Near Pune):

At a distance of 54 km from Pune, Rajgad is an ancient hill fort situated in the Pune district of Maharashtra. It is one of the top tourist places in Pune and also one of the popular places of trekking in Maharashtra. 

Rajgad Fort is one of the grand forts of the Sahaydris and lies at an altitude of 1400 m (4, 600 feet). Formerly known as Murumdev, Rajgad Fort was the capital of the Maratha Empire during the rule of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj for 25 years, before moving the capital to Raigad Fort. The Rajgad Fort was built with the treasure found on the adjacent Torna Fort. This was one of the favourite forts of Shivaji Maharaj and he stayed the most in this fort. Many historical events took place in this fort, such as the birth of Shivaji's son, Rajaram Chhatrapati, his queen, Saibai's death and Afzal Khan's head is buried in the fort.

The fort is divided into four parts, Padmavati Machi, Suvela Machi, Sanjeevani Machi, and Balekilla (small fort). The fort is an example of .....

Shivneri Fort (Near Pune):

At a distance of 94 km from Pune Junction, Shivneri Fort is an ancient fort situated near Junnar in Pune district of Maharashtra. Shivneri Fort is one of the most magnificent as well as historically rich forts of India. It is a famous trekking destination and also a popular weekend picnic destination near Pune. It is also one of the top tourist places in Pune visiting.

The Shivneri Fort was built during the time of Satavahanas. After the Satavahanas, the Shivneri Fort was occupied by the Shilaharas, the Yadavas, and the Bahamanis. In 1599 AD the hill fort was granted to Shivaji's grandfather, Maloji Bhosale and passed down to Shahaji. Jijabai (Shivaji's mother) spent the days of her pregnancy here and this was the birth place of Shivaji, the famous Maratha warrior who was born in 1630 AD. Shivaji spent his childhood in Shivneri Fort and also undertook his military training here. 

Shivneri is a triangular shape hill fort and has its entrance from the South-West side of the .....

Jejuri (Near Pune):

At a distance of 48 km from Pune Junction, Jejuri is a town and municipality situated to the southeast of the Pune city. The town of Jejuri is renowned for one of the most pious temples in Maharashtra known as Khandoba Temple and is one of the popular tourist places in Pune.

Jejuri Khandoba Temple is dedicated to Khandoba, who is also known as Mhalsakant or Malhari Martand in the region. Khandoba is the important god worshipped by Dhangar, the oldest tribes in Maharashtra. It is believed that Khandoba is a god of Sakamabhakti, the god who fulfills all the desires of his devotees. Jejuri is popular for its old Deep Mala.

The Khandoba temple in Jejuri is built on a hill and offers good views all around. One has to climb a series of almost 200 steps to reach the sanctum sanctorum. There are various stone images of elephants on either sides of the main gateway of the temple. The entire flat plateau above the hill is surrounded by a stone pavement in the center, of which stands .....

Saptashrungi Devi Temple (Near Nashik):

At a distance of 26 km from Vani and 65 km from Nashik, Saptashrungi Devi Mandir is a Hindu temple situated near Nanduri village. The temple lies atop the cliff with an altitude of 1,230 m. 

The temple is dedicated to Goddess Saptashrungi. The temple is known popularly as one of the 'three and half Shakti Peethas' of Maharashtra. The temple is also one among the 51 Shakti Peethas located on the Indian subcontinent and is a location where one of Sati's limbs, her right arm is reported to have fallen. It is also believed that the presiding deity of the temple is Mahishasur Mardini, who was the slayer of the demon Mahishasur. At the foot of the hill lies the head of a buffalo, made of stone, which is believed to be that of the demon.

Saptashrungi Temple is a two storied shrine with the Devi enshrined in the top floor. The goddess idol is said to be swayambhu (self-manifested) which was carved on a rock on the sheer face of a mountain. She is surrounded by seven (sapta-in Sanskrit) .....

Sinnar (Near Nashik):

At a distance of 30 km from Nashik, Sinnar is a town and a municipal council in Sinnar taluka of Nashik district in Maharashtra. Sinnar is mainly famous for Sri Gondeshwar Temple and Gargoti Museum.

Gondeshwar Temple is situated about 2 km from Sinnar Bus Station and it represents the best example of the Hemadpanti style of architecture. The structure was constructed using the locally available black basalt stone and lime. The temple's origin dates back to 12 - 13th century during Yadava dynasty. Some sources claim that Raj Govinda of Yadava dynasty built this great temple. Yet another tradition assigns the building to Govindaraja, another Yadava king who ruled about the beginning of the twelfth century AD.

It is a Shaiva Panchayatan, or a group of five temples within a large enclosure. The central shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva and the remaining four temples dedicated to goddess Parvati, Sri Ganapathi, Surya Bhagwan and Lord Vishnu. This is the largest, most complete and .....

Dugarwadi Waterfall (Near Nashik):

At a distance of 8 km from Trimbakeshwar and 38 km from Nashik, Dugarwadi waterfall is one of the best natural waterfalls of Maharashtra situated near Sapgon.

Dugarwadi is a great place to explore the beauty of mother nature especially in the monsoon season. The dense forest, waterfall and the fresh air are all seductive. It totally makes one forget about all the hustle-bustle, stress and tensions of the city life. During rains take utmost care because the water level rises suddenly.

To reach the Dugarwadi falls, visitors need to drive up to Sapgon on NH-848, which is about 4 km from Trimbakeshwar. From Sapgon the waterfall parking area is 4 km. After reaching the place, one has to park the vehicles near the road and a walk of 1-2 km is required to reach at the exact place of waterfall. It is recommended to make group visit at Dugarwadi, because there is no security available and it is also a lonely place.

Brahmagiri Hill (Near Nashik):

At a distance of 3 km from Trimbakeshwar Bus Station and 31 km from Nashik, Brahmagiri is a mountain adjacent to Trimbakeshwar in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra. Situated at an altitude of 1,298 m, Brahmagiri is the source of the sacred River Godavari.

Brahmagiri literally means the hill of Lord Brahma. According to the mythology, sage Gautama and his wife Ahalya resided on this hill. A cow was unintentionally killed by Saint Gautama while trying to ward it off. To wash his sins, he worshipped Lord Shiva to bring river Ganga on earth from the heaven. Pleased with Sage Gautama's devotion, Lord Shiva requested Ganga river to flow down in the form of Godavari to make Sage Gautama pure. Hence, the river is also known as River Gautami.

Earlier, Brahmagiri hill is considered as a huge form of Lord Shiva and hence the mountain climbing was considered as a sin. In the year 1908, Seth Lalchand of Karachi and Seth Ganeshdas built 500 stone steps at a cost of Rs. 40,000. This has facilitated .....

Vihigaon Waterfalls / Ashoka Waterfalls (Near Nashik):

At a distance of 13.5 km from Igatpuri and 59 km from Nashik, Vihigaon waterfall is a seasonal waterfalls situated at Vihigaon village in Thane district of Maharashtra. This is one of the best natural waterfalls of Maharashtra and also a popular weekend getaway from Mumbai and Nashik.

Vihigaon Falls is a monsoon fed waterfall known for its natural vista. The falls is cascading down from a height of about 120 feet into a pool. Also known as Ashoka Waterfall, the Vihigaon Waterfall is located in deep forest. The waterfall is amazing and the way to waterfall consists of a small hiking through hilly forest and visitors may get a chance of bird watching.

The waterfall is an ideal spot for rappelling. In monsoon, this waterfall gives the adventurers an opportunity to rappel in the middle of the thick forest. The waterfall offers about 120 feet of rappelling height, which is covered in an average of 30 minutes by most people. This perfect adventure weekend getaway can take visitors ....

Dabhosa Waterfall (Near Nashik):

At a distance of 19 km from Jawhar, 61 km from Trimbakeshwar, 88 km from Nashik and 168 km from Mumbai, Dabhosa waterfall is beautiful waterfall situated at Dabhosa village in Thane district of Maharashtra. This is one of the highest waterfalls in Maharashtra near Mumbai.

The Dabhosa Waterfalls is formed over Lendi River and cascades down from a height of about 300 feet. Dabhosa waterfall is more beautiful in the rainy season with full flow and lot of greenery around. It is a superb adventure spot with Kayaking, Valley Crossing, Zip Line, Rappelling and laddering, Trekking and fishing. 

Dabhosa Waterfall Resort and Jawhar Hill Station Resort are the two accommodation options near Dabhosa Waterfalls. These resorts offers various adventurous activities at the falls like Kayaking, Valley Crossing, Zip Line, Rappelling and laddering, Trekking and fishing. The nights are a complete back to nature experience with the roar of the waterfall in the background.

Timings: 7 AM .....

Tringalwadi Fort (Near Nashik):

At a distance of 10 km from Igatpuri, 50 km from Nashik, and 54 km from Trimbakeshwar, Tringalwadi Fort is located at Tringalwadi village in Igatpuri taluka of Nashik district. 

Located at an elevation of 3000 feet, the Tringalwadi Fort is one of the main attractions in Igatpuri region. The presence of the caves indicate that the caves and the fort might be constructed around 10th century. The fort was built to overlook the trade route which connected Konkan to Nashik area. There is no evidence regarding the period during which it was under control of Marathas, however, during the year 1688 AD Mughals took control over the fort. It is one of the 17 forts which were surrendered to British in 1818 AD.

The fort attracts hikers and trekkers mainly during the monsoon. The top of the fort looks like a turban and overlooks the entire mountain range. At the foothills of the fort is a cave with beautifully carved entrance and a stone idol of Rishabhanatha in the sanctum. The cave has .....

Harihar Fort (Near Nashik):

At a distance of 22 km from Trimbakeshwar and 45 km from Nashik, Harihar Fort or Harihargad is a small hill fort in Upper Vaitarana range near Trimbak in Nashik district of Maharashtra. Also known as Harshgad or Harishgad, the fort is one of the popular monsoon trekking places near Nashik.

Harish Fort was one of the forts in the possession of the Ahmadnagar Sultans. It was visited by Captain Briggs in 1818 AD. In 1636 CE, Harishgad, Trimbakgad, Tringalwadi and few other forts were given by Shahaji to the Mughals. Harishgad was one of the 17 strong places that surrendered to the British on the fall of Trimbak in 1818 CE. 

Situated at an altitude of 1120 m (3676 feet), Harihargad lies on a triangular rock with all the three sides vertical and is approachable only from one side i.e. through 200 feet high rock cut staircase. The most fascinating aspect about this trek is the rock cut steps at an angle of 80 degrees that one has to negotiate to enter the fort. Though it is a vertical .....

Pitalkhora Caves (Near Aurangabad):

At a distance of 18 km from Kannad and 77 km from Aurangabad, the Pitalkhora Caves are an ancient rock cut caves located on Chandora hill near Ambala village in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra. 

Pitalkhora consisting of 14 Buddhist Caves and are believed to be one of the earliest of the rock cut cave structures in the vicinity. It is believed that Pitalkhora Caves belongs to 2nd century BC. They are cut in a variety of basalt rock which weathers faster in contrast to other parts in Maharashtra. All the caves belong to the Hinayana period but the painting executed in the caves are of Mahayana period. The caves boast paintings, many sculptures, animal motifs, miniature chaitya windows, wonderful Yaksha figures, the elephants, dwarapalas and mithuna figures. The sculptural representations here are similar to that of found in the stupas of Sanchi, Karla, Nasik, of the same period.

The caves are in two groups, one is a cluster .....

Bhuleshwar Temple (Near Pune):

At a distance of 52 km from Pune and 11 km from Yavat, Bhuleshwar is an ancient Hindu temple situated on a hill near Malshiras in Pune district of Maharashtra. It has been declared as a protected monument and is maintained by Archeological Survey of India.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and was built in 13th century during Yadava Rulers. It is believed that the temple was ruined by Muslim invaders and reconstructed later because the entrance of the temple is hidden like Gaimukhi Buruj construction of Shivaji's time. The fort on which the temple is situated is called as Daulat Mangalgad Fort.

The temple is unique because of its architecture. Black basalt rock was brought to construct this temple which is different as compared to surrounding brownish color basalt rock. From outside it appears to more as a mosque than a temple due to its resemblance to Islamic architecture like circular domes and minarets. There are classical carvings on the walls.

The temple contains .....

Ranjangaon Maha Ganapati Mandir (Near Pune):

At a distance of 50 km from Pune, Sri Maha Ganapati Temple is situated at Ranjangaon in Shirur Taluk of Pune district. This is one among the Ashtavinayak temples in Maharashtra and also one of the popular places to visit in Pune.

The stone pillars of the temple indicate that the temple was built during the 9th or 10th century during the rule of Peshwas. Madhavrao Peshwa made a room in the basement of the temple to keep the idol of Lord Ganesh. Later on Sardar Kibe of Indore renovated it. Nagarkhana is situated above the entrance gate. According to the legend, the village Ranjangaon is considered to be the place where Shiva himself sought the blessings of Ganesh and ultimately destroyed Tripurasur.

The temple faces east and has an imposing main gate which is guarded by two statues of Jaya and Vijay. The temple is designed in such a way that during Dakshinayan, the rays of the sun fall directly on the idol. The idol of Lord Ganesh is seated on a lotus with his consorts Siddhi .....

Chinaman's Waterfall (Near Mahabaleshwar):

At a distance of 2.5 km from Mahabaleshwar Bus Stand, the captivating Chinaman's Waterfall lies towards the south of the Koyna Valley in Mahabaleshwar.

The waterfall cascades down from a height of 500 feet in to a deep valley. The waterfall flows from two different points and merges in to a single stream. Positioned at the top of the Venna Valley, the calm surroundings and the exotic waterfalls render a perfect holiday spot.

The falls can be witnessed from Babbington point and one can also reach the top of the falls from Valley View Resort (around 2 km). Visit to Mahabaleshwar is not complete without a view of astounding cascade of Chinaman's Waterfall. In the past the gardens close to the falls were looked after by the Chinese. Thus the waterfall got its name as Chinaman's Waterfall. Best time to visit waterfall is during monsoon season.

Junnar Caves (Near Pune):

At a distance of 96 km from Pune, Junnar Caves are ancient rock cut caves situated at Junnar in Pune district of Maharashtra. Junnar has the largest and longest cave excavations in India. These are the ASI protected monuments and also one of the popular Pune tourist places. 

Junnar has over 200 independent excavations spread over four hills. All the excavations belong to the Hinayana phase and are datable from mid-3rd century BC to late 3rd century AD. The presence of largest number of rock cut excavations and a large number of inscriptions enabling a paleographical study makes Junnar a prominent site for the study of rock cut architecture. Here there are 24 inscriptions, which provide useful paleographical data for the relative dating of the caves. 

Junnar Caves are classified into various groups depending upon the location of these excavations. They are Tulja Caves, Manmodi Group of Caves, Shivneri Group of Caves and Lenyadri or Ganesh Lena Caves. The Lenyadri or Ganesh Lena .....

Mulshi Dam (Near Pune):

At a distance of 53 km from Pune Junction Railway Station and 46 km from Lonavala, Mulshi is the name of a major dam built across the Mula River located in Mulshi Taluk of Pune district in Maharashtra. Flanked by the deep forests of Sahyadri ranges, Mulshi Dam is among the most visited places near Pune. 

The dam was constructed in 1927 AD, however, commercialization of the place has been done recently. The water from Mulshi Dam is used to produce electricity at the Bhira Hydroelectric plant, operated by Tata Power. Mulshi Dam is one of the most important electricity generating plants in Maharashtra. It is indeed the source which supplies the maximum electric power to Mumbai. Water from this dam is even used for irrigation purposes. 

Mulshi Lake is formed in the catchment area of Mulshi dam and is primarily a tourist attraction near Pune. It attracts several visitors during monsoon season. The lake offers different activities like camping, bird-watching, trekking and photography. .....

Panshet Dam (Near Pune):

At a distance of 45 km from Pune, Panshet Dam, also called Tanaji Sagar Dam, is an earthen dam built across Ambi River at Panshet in Pune district of Maharashtra. This is one of the most popular places to visit near Pune.

The dam was constructed in late 1950s for irrigation purpose and it supplies drinking water to Pune city. The height of the dam above its lowest foundation is 63.56 m while the length is 1,039 m. The volume content is 4,190 km3 and gross storage capacity is 303,000 m3. Panshet Dam burst in its first year of storing water on 12th July 1961, when the dam wall burst, causing massive flooding in Pune.

Panshet Dam is nestled in the lap of Sahyadri mountain ranges and is surrounded by lush green hills streaked with numerous waterfalls. Panshet, one of the famous picnic spots near Pune, attracts many visitors from Mumbai. Water sports are the primary attraction in Panshet apart from trekking. There are facilities for kayaking, boating and few rides like banana ride .....

Moreshwar Temple (Near Pune):

At a distance of 17 km from Jejuri and 65 km from Pune, Sri Moreshwar temple, also known as Sri Mayureshwar Temple, is a Hindu temple located at Moregaon in Pune district of Maharashtra. This temple is considered to be the first temple among the Ashta Vinayak temples of Lord Ganesha and also one of the popular places of pilgrimage in Pune.

The exact date of construction of the temple is unknown, though the Ganapatya saint Morya Gosavi is known to be associated with it. The temple flourished due to the patronage of the Peshwa rulers and descendants of Morya Gosavi. The temple is built with black-stone and has four gates. The temple has four minarets and a 50 feet tall wall around it. 

The presiding deity of this temple is Lord Mayureshwar (Lord Ganesha) also called as Lord Moreshwar, made of alloy of five metals, with his trunk towards left. Ganesha is depicted armed with a spear, while a cobra encircles his head. Lord Ganesha is flanked by his consorts Riddhi, and Goddess Siddhi. ....

Tapola (Near Mahabaleshwar):

At a distance of 28 km from Mahabaleshwar, Tapola, famously called the Mini Kashmir of the West, is a rural hamlet with a magnificent Shivsagar Lake in the Satara district of Maharasthra. It is one of the famous tourist places to visit near Mahabaleshwar.

Tapola is situated at the convergence of the rivers of Koyna and Solshi. The primary attraction in Tapola is the Shivsagar Lake, a 90 km long water body infact the reservoir of the Koyna dam. The Koyna Dam is one of the biggest in Maharashtra and the Koyna Hydroelectric Project is the largest completed hydroelectric power plant of India. The lake offers boating, water scooter rides, kayaking and swimming.

Jungle treks from Tapola are very popular with trekkers. There are many unknown forts in the dense forest around the lake in Tapola like Vasota and Jaygad. Tapola is also the base village to the Vasota fort famous for the arduous jungle trek. Vasota located within the Koyna wild .....

Dhom Dam (Near Panchgani):

At a distance of 21 km from Panchgani & 97 km from Pune, Dhom Dam is an earthfill and gravity dam built on Krishna River near Wai in Satara district of Maharashtra. It is one of the well known picnic spots near Pune for one day trip.

The construction of the dam was started in 1976 and completed in 1982. It is one of the largest civil engineering projects in India at that time and also the first dam to be built on Krishna River in Maharashtra. The main purpose of the construction of the Dhom dam was to ensure adequate water supply for industries in the region, for agricultural activities and to supply potable drinking water to the populace of Panchgani, Mahabaleshwar and Wai regions which lie in the vicinity of the dam. The dam is also the chief source of water supply for farmers of Koregaon, Javli and Khandala taluks of Satara. 

The Dhom dam stands 50 feet tall from .....

Wai (Near Panchgani):

At a distance of 13 km from Panchgani, 35 km from Satara & 88 km from Pune, Wai is a small town situated on the banks of Krishna River in Satara district of Maharashtra. It is one of the ideal places for one day trip near Pune.

Wai has some historical prominence; two important Maratha Brahmin queens Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi and Rani Gopikabai, wife of Nanasaheb Peshwa were born here. Wai is the place referred to as Charanpur in the hit film Swades.

Wai is famed for its seven Ghats, including Gangapuri, Madhi Aali, Ganpati Aali, Dharmapuri, Brahmanshahi, Ramdoh and Bhimkund. It is also known for numerous beautiful temples near the ghats. Brahmanshahi ghat contains several temples including Kaunteshwar, Chakreshwar, Kaleshwar and Chimneshwar. Menavali ghat is the most popular sightseeing destination in Wai apart from the backwaters of Dhom dam and the famous Dholya Ganpati temple. 

The temple of Dholya Ganapati, built in 1762 by Raja Bhoja, is located on the banks of .....

Lohagad Fort (Near Lonavala):

At a distance of 11 km from Lonavala, 66 km from Pune & 114 km from Mumbai, the Lohagad Fort (Iron Fort) is a historical fort situated along the Sahyadri hills in Lonavala region of Maharashtra. It is one of the best places to visit in Lonavala and also one of the popular historical places in Maharashtra. Perched atop a hillock at an altitude of 1050 m, the fort separates the Indrayani basin from the Pawna basin. It is also among the popular trekking places to visit near Pune & Mumbai.

Lohagad Fort is one of the most visited forts in Maharashtra and among popular heritage sites near Pune. The fort was built by Guru Govind Singh in 1564 CE to serve as a prison. Shivaji Maharaj captured it in 1648 CE, but he was forced to surrender it to the Mughals in 1665 CE by the Treaty of Purandar. Shivaji Maharaj recaptured the fort in 1670 CE and used it for keeping his treasury. Later in Peshwa .....

Bhaja Caves (Near Lonavala):

At a distance of 5 km from Lohagad Fort, 15 km from Lonavala, 71 km from Pune & 119 km from Mumbai, Bhaja Caves are one of the popular Buddhist caves of Hinayana faith in Maharashtra. These caves are one of the top places to visit in Lonavala and among the well known tourist places to visit near Pune & Mumbai. These caves are well known historical places near Pune protected as National Monument by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Bhaja Caves or Bhaje caves are a group of 22 rock-cut caves dating back to the 2nd century BC. The caves are 400 feet above the village of Bhaja on an ancient trade route, which extends from the eastern side of the Arabian Sea towards the Deccan.

The Bhaja Caves are similar to the Karla Caves in style and architectural designs. The most prominent among the excavations is the chaityagriha (Cave 12). The chaityagriha is considered to be the earliest of .....

Karla Caves (Near Lonavala):

At a distance of 11 km from Lonavala, 59 km from Pune & 107 km from Mumbai, the Karla Caves or Karle Caves are a complex of ancient Indian Buddhist rock-cut cave temples located at Karli near Lonavala, Maharashtra. It is one of the best Lonavala tourist places and also among well known historical tourist places near Mumbai & Pune protected by Archaeological Survey of India.

Karla is one of the most famous centers of early rock-cut architecture in India. The caves are excavated nearly 100 m on a high spur of the chain of hills on the north flank of the Indrayani valley. These caves were developed over two periods - from 2nd century BC to 2nd Century AD and in 5th - 10th Century AD. The oldest of the cave shrines is believed to date back to 160 BC, having arisen near a major ancient trade route, running eastward from the Arabian Sea into the Deccan. 

The Karla complex consists of 16 rock cut excavations of which cave 8 is the .....

Guhagar Beach (Near Ganpatipule):

At a distance of 79 km from Ganpatipule and 46 km from Chiplun, Guhagar is a pristine beach located at Guhagar in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra. It is one of the top places to visit in Ganpati Pule.

Guhagar Beach is one of the cleanest and less polluted beaches in Maharashtra. It is located just 200 m from Guhagar Bus Stand towards the western side. Guhagar is the place where Vashishti River empties into Arabian Sea. Guhagar Beach is a very long beach and extends for almost 6 km between two hillocks.

Guhagar Beach is the main beach and also the most prominent tourist attraction in Guhagar. The beach is dotted with thick plantations of suru trees and white sand. It is known for activities like swimming and sunbathing. The sea beach offers swings and slides to the children and camel ride to the elders. This beach is also famous for various food and beverage stalls, chaat stalls and flea markets. There are no water-sports or boating activities. 

There is another route .....

Visapur Fort (Near Lonavala):

At a distance of 18 km from Lohagad Fort (3 km by Walk) and 24 km from Lonavala Railway Station, Visapur Fort or Visapoor Fort is a hill fort near Visapur village in Pune district of Maharashtra. It is part of the Lohagad-Visapur fortification. It is one of the popular trekking places in Lonavala and also one of the important places of sightseeing in Lonavala.

The fort has an elevation of 1084 m above sea level. It was built during 1713-1720 CE by Balaji Vishwanath, the first Peshwa of Maratha Empire. Visapur fort was built to guard the Lohagad Fort and it has an impressive fortification and plateau at its top. Making use of its higher elevation and proximity to Lohagad, the British troops set up their cannons on Visapur and bombarded Lohagad, forcing the Marathas to flee. Thus, in 1818, Lohagad and Visapur were taken over by the British.

Visapur Fort is larger and at a higher elevation than Lohagad fort. The fort is famous for .....

Tikona Fort (Near Lonavala):

At a distance of 21 km from Lohagad Fort, 25 km from Lonavala, 53 km from Pune, 135 km from Mumbai and 22 km from Tung Fort, Tikona Fort, also known as Triangle Fort, is a dominant hill fort located in the Maval region of Lonavala in Maharashtra. The fort is one of the top places for trekking near Pune and also one of the popular tourist places near Pune & Mumbai for day trip. Renowned as Vitandgad Fort, Tikona Fort is located at an altitude of 3633 feet above sea level. 

This mighty Fort lacks historical information unlike the many other forts present in the state. The Nizam Shahi dynasty conquered the fort in 1585 AD and annexed it to the Nizam territory. In 1657 AD, Shivaji Maharaj brought the whole of Konkan, which had been Nizam territory, under his control when he conquered Tikona along with the forts of Karnala, Lohagad, Mahuli, Songad, Tala, and Visapur. Tikona fort was surrendered .....

Gopalgad Fort & Anjanvel Lighthouse (Near Ganpatipule):

At a distance of 14 km from Guhagar and 90 km from Ganpatipule, Gopalgad is an ancient hill fort located at Anjanvel village in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra. It is one of the most popular forts in Konkan and also one of the best tourist places to visit near Ganpatipule.

Popularly known as Anjanvel Fort, Gopalgad Fort is believed to have been built by Siddisad, a sardar of Bijapur rulers in the 16th century. The fort was captured by Shivaji Maharaj in 1660 CE. In 1699 CE, it was captured by Khairatkhan, a Siddi ruler who ruled from Murud Janjira. Tulaji Angre then won this fort in 1744 CE and then later lost it to Peshwas in 1755 CE. During the Peshwa rule, the Anjanvel was a center for ship building industry and cloth weaving. With the fall of the Maratha Empire in 1818 CE, the fort came under the control of the British until India got its independence in 1947 CE.

Gopalgad Fort was built on the banks of Vashishti creek for the protection of Dabhol, an ancient port city. .....

Tung Fort (Near Lonavala):

At a distance of 24 km from Lonavala, 67 km from Pune, 121 km from Mumbai and 31 km from Lohagad Fort, Tung Fort is an ancient hill fort situated near Pawna dam in Pune district of Maharashtra. It lies at an altitude of 1075 m and is one of the best Lonavala attractions. It is also among well known Pune places to visit.

Tung fort is also named as Kathingad fort. It is one of the well known forts around Pune. The word Kathin in Marathi means difficult. While climbing, one can experience the difficult challenge of reaching this fort. Tung Fort was built by the rulers of the Adilshahi dynasty before 1600 CE. However it was later occupied by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj of the Maratha Empire. It is a small fortification and supported around 200 soldiers only. This fort served as a watchtower in the past because the site offers a panoramic view of the Maval region of Pawna and Mulshi valley. .....

Jaigad Fort & Lighthouse (Near Ganpatipule):

At a distance of 19 km from Ganpatipule and 42 km from Ratnagiri, Jaigad Fort is coastal fortification that is located near Jaigad village in Maharashtra. It is one of the popular forts in Konkan region and also one of the top tourist attractions in Ganpatipule. It is a protected monument under Archeological Survey of India. 

The meeting point of the river Shashtri and Arabian Sea is called as the creek of Jaigad. For the protection of this creek two forts were constructed, one is Vijaygad at the north direction and the other is Jaigad at south. Situated on a cliff, Jaigad has a commanding view of the bay and the open sea. A jetty port and a lighthouse are located nearby.

It is believed that the construction of Jaigad was initiated in 14th century and completed by Sultan of Bijapur and was named after Jayba Mahar's sacrificing his life for building the fort. It was conquered by Kanhoji Angre, the commander-in-chief during Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaja's regime. Shivaji also .....

Korigad Fort (Near Lonavala):

At a distance of 16 km from Tung Fort, 25 km from Lonavala and 32 km from Lohagad Fort, Korigad, also called Koraigad, is a hill fort in Pune district of Maharashtra. Situated at an altitude of 929 m, Korigad is one of the popular forts near Lonavala and also one of the famous weekend getaways from Pune and Mumbai, well known for trekking.

Its date of construction is not known but likely predates 1500 AD. This fort was taken over into his kingdom by Chhatrapati Shivaji along with the forts of Lohagad, Visapur, Tung and Tikona in 1657 AD. Later in 1818 AD this fort went under the British reign. The fort is in good condition and well maintained. There are many cannons, temples and small caves on the fort.

On the top of the fort is a huge plateau. There is temple of Goddess Korai Devi on the fort and the idol of Korai Devi is around 4 feet. This temple has been renovated recently. There are many bastions on the Southern side .....

Velneshwar Temple & Beach (Near Ganpatipule):

At a distance of 17 km from Guhagar and 72 km from Ganpatipule, Velneshwar Temple and Beach are located at Velneshwar in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra.

Sri Velneshwar Temple is believed to be one of the ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Goddess Parvati. Earlier, the temple was built by Gadgils and was later renovated by Sri Trimbak Ravaji Gokhale. Representing an example of ancient Hindu architectural style, the temple houses many small shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Ganesha and Kala Bhairav. The main sanctum of the temple is adorned with paintings and stone carvings representing various episodes of mythology. This temple is flocked by a large number of devotees during the festival of Mahashivratri. It is held in the month of March and celebrated in honour of the deity Lord Shiva.

Another prime attraction of Velneshwar is the Velneshwar Beach which is lined with coconut trees. This is one of the most secluded and pristine beaches in the entire .....

Hedvi Ganesh Temple & Beach (Near Ganpatipule):

At a distance of 7 km from Velneshwar Temple and 31.5 km (includes ferry ride) from Ganpatipule, Hedvi Ganesh Temple & Beach is located at Hedvi village in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra.

Lakshmi Ganesh Temple at Hedvi is also known as Dasabhuj Ganesh Temple and is one of the famous temples of Konkan region. The name Sri Dasabhuj Ganesh is derived from the idol of Lord Ganesha which possesses dasha bhuja, meaning ten hands. This temple was constructed during the reign of the Peshwas and has been carved from white marble found in Kashmir. The idol is 3 feet high and has 10 hands. There is big ceremony of birth of Ganesh from Shukla Chaturthi to Shashthi in Magh. There is procession of Ganesh in chariot.

Hedvi Beach is situated about 3 km from the Dasabhuj Ganesh Temple and is a black sand cove between the two white sand beaches of Guhagar, Velneshwar and Ganpatipule. Hedvi Beach is a small stretch and is famous because of a rock formation that sits on the beach. Hedvi Beach .....

Amboli (Near Panjim):

At a distance of 88 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus Stand, 115 km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station and 68 km from Belgaum, Amboli is a hill station in Maharashtra situated at an altitude of 690 m (2000 ft). It is the last hill station before the coastal highlands of Goa.

This hill station forms the southern range of the Sahyadri Hills. The Konkan coast lies on one side of Amboli, whereas valleys are found on the other three sides. A British Colonel Westrop made a major contribution to the development of Amboli as a hill station.

Amboli is an idyllic hill station that comes alive in monsoon when the area is abounding with waterfalls and mist. Amboli is receiving an annual rainfall of about 750 cm, wettest region in Maharashtra. 

The best time to visit Amboli is between October and February, when the waterfalls can be seen gushing down from the hills. The sunset point, Amboli Waterfall, the origin of Hiranyakeshi River, Shirgaonkar .....

Duke's Nose / Nagphani (Near Lonavala):

At a distance of 8 km from Khandala Railway Station and 10 km from Lonavala Railway Station, Duke's Nose is one of the popular viewpoints situated near INS Shivaji in Lonavala. It is a popular place for trekking in Maharashtra and also it is one of the top things to do in Lonavala. 

Duke's Nose is named after the Duke of Wellington, owing to its resemblance to the nose of Duke in a reclining position. The cliff is pointed like a snakes hood and hence the name Nagphani. The high altitude of this place makes it a wonderful vantage point. This site is also popular for thrilling activities like trekking, hiking and rock climbing, which attract many adventure enthusiasts. A very steep climb up rocky outcrops enables the tourists to reach the site. Although the cliffs are very steep, the rock at the top is flat and enables tourists to walk along the sides. 

Duke's Nose is an ideal getaway from Mumbai or Pune for a one day trip. There are two trekking routes to reach Nagphani, one .....

Kune Falls (Near Lonavala):

At a distance of 2 km from Khandala Railway Station, 3.5 km from Lonavala Railway Station, 94 km from Mumbai & 70 km from Pune, Kune Falls is a scenic waterfall situated near Kune village in Pune district of Maharashtra. It is one of the famous waterfalls in Maharashtra and also one of the best places to visit in Lonavala.

Kune Falls lies at an altitude of 622 m set against the stunning backdrop of the famous Sahyadri Mountains. It is a three-tiered waterfall cascading down from a height of 200 m and is among popular tourist places near Pune and one of the best waterfalls near Mumbai. The waterfall is divided into 2 sections and the highest drop at this three-tier waterfall is of about 100 m. The Kune Falls is the 14th highest waterfall in India and is located centrally within the Lonavala-Khandala valley. The place is completely surrounded by lush green vegetation and provides a great visual experience. 

The falls attracts tourists .....

Rajmachi Fort (Near Lonavala):

At a distance of 15 km from Lonavala, 15 km from Khandala, 82 km from Mumbai & 82 km from Pune, Rajmachi Fort is an ancient fort situated in Pune district of Maharashtra. It is one of the popular tourist places near Mumbai for trekking and also among the best places to visit in Lonavala. This famous fort in Maharashtra lies at an altitude of 2710 feet. This is a protected monument and is among the most popular historical places to visit near Pune & Mumbai.

Historically, Rajmachi fort was a strategic fort to control Bor Ghat (between Khopoli and Khandala on Mumbai-Pune route) which was a historical trade route. It is one of the ideal one day trip near Mumbai. The fort complex was originally constructed by the Satavahanas. In 1657 CE, Shivaji Maharaj captured this fort along with other neighbouring forts from the Adilshahi ruler of Bijapur. In 1704 CE, the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb captured .....

Devgad Beach (Near Ratnagiri):

At a distance of 30 km from Vijaydurg Fort and 101 km from Ratnagiri, Devgad Beach is a serene beach situated in Devgad town of Sindhudurg district.

Devgad is located on the Arabian Sea coast in the Konkan region of Maharashtra. The Devgad Beach is a popular picnic spot and lies just 1 km away from Devgad Bus Stand. The beach is sandwiched between the two small hills and there are some windmills located on a cliff on one end. The greenery on the beach side is marvelous. Activities like swimming and sunbathing can be enjoyed at this beach. 

Devgad Beach is a very clean, nice and relaxing beach. It has an ancient temple on its shores. Close to the Devgad Beach is the famous Devgad Fort. The beach also has a big harbor and a lighthouse. From the top of the lighthouse, one can enjoy the view of the passing by ships. Devgad is globally famous for its delicious saffron colored Alphonso Mangoes.

Devgad Fort (Near Ratnagiri):

At a distance of 2 km from Devgad Beach, 31.5 km from Vijaydurg Fort, 55 km from Malvan and 103 km from Ratnagiri, Devgad Fort is located at Devgad in Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra. Devgad town got its name from this legendary fort. 

Devgad Fort is situated at the confluence of Devgad Creek and Arabian Sea. Placed strategically on a narrow strip of land jutting into the Arabian Sea, Devgad Fort was constructed by Kanhoji Angre, the brave warrior of Konkan coast, in 1705 AD on a highland of the sea port of Devgad. It was used as a surveillance center. It was attacked by the British Naval Battalion in charge of Commander Walter Brown.

After changing many hands, this 120 acre fort finally came under the British in 1818 AD. Now, only a few strips of the fortifications remain. The walls and the structures of this fort are still intact and in good condition. Devgad Fort commands a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea as well as the casuarinas lining the long stretch of Devgad .....

Marleshwar Temple & Waterfalls (Near Ratnagiri):

At a distance of 65 km from Ratnagiri, Marleshwar Temple is a cave temple located at Maral village near Sangameshwar in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra. Surrounded by the scenic Sahyadri mountain ranges, Sri Marleshwar Temple is one of the popular pilgrimage places in Ratnagiri.

Marleshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that the temple was built by Lord Parashuram. The shrine is most famous for the cobras which are believed to live here with the shivaling and till date have not harmed anyone. This has resulted in increasing faith in the place and every year thousands of devotees visit the place. This temple is known as 'Trimbakeshwar' of Konkan. Marleshwar name may have come from Maral village.

Dhareshwar waterfall is another tourist attraction of Marleshwar. The Dhareshwar waterfall is formed over the Bav River. Adventure lovers and trekkers will love this area. The waterfall sight is very beautiful from the cave but one can get the better view of the .....

Khandala (Near Lonavala):

At a distance of 5 km from Lonavala Railway Station, 93 km from Mumbai & 71 km from Pune, Khandala is a hill station situated in Western Ghats of Pune district in Maharashtra. It lies at an altitude of 625 m at one end of the Bhor Ghat, a major ghat on the road link between the Deccan Plateau and the Konkan plain. Khandala is among popular weekend getaways from Mumbai & Pune and also one of the best hill stations near Pune & Mumbai.

Lonavala and Khandala are the twin hill stations located near to each other and are very popular monsoon getaways in India. Lord Elphinstone, who was the Governor of the Bombay Presidency, developed Khandala along with Lonavala in 1871.There is no reliable historical evidence to suggest the origin of this place and the founding fathers. However, it is well known that Khandala was ruled by Chatrapathi Shivaji and subsequently by the Peshwa rulers, until it was taken over by the British. 

Khandala is .....

Purnagad Fort (Near Ratnagiri):

At a distance of 10 km from Ganeshgule and 24 km from Ratnagiri, Purnagad Fort is an ancient sea fort situated at Purnagad village in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra. It is one of the popular forts of Konkan and also one of the best places to visit in Ratnagiri.

Purnagad Fort is situated on a mountain which is at the confluence of Muchkundi creek and the Arabian Sea. It is believed that the fort of Purnagad was constructed by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, but some evidences suggested that it was constructed by Sakhoji Aangre, son of Kanhoji Angre. 

Spread over an area of 22 acres, Purnagad Fort has two entrance gates, one facing east and the other facing west. The main entrance door is a very robust structure between the two bastions. There is a Hanuman shrine and a well at the entrance. Pictures of Moon, Sun and Lord Ganesh are carved onto the main entrance door. Vestibules of security guards are present on the either sides of the main entrance door. There are stair cases .....

Vijaydurg Fort (Near Ratnagiri):

At a distance of 29 km from Devgad, 73 km from Malvan and 100 km from Ratnagiri, Vijaydurg Fort is an ancient fort situated on a hill near the mouth of the Vaghotan River in Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra. It is one of the largest forts on the Konkan coast of Maharashtra and also one of the top places to visit in Ratnagiri. It is a protected monument under ASI.

Vijaydurg Fort is located at the tip of the peninsular region of Vijaydurg in Devgad Taluka. It was earlier known as Gheria because of its proximity to the village Girye and functioned as a strong military base for Admiral Kanhoji Angre. The fort is also known as the 'Gibraltar of the East' since it was so impregnable, surrounded by the Arabian Sea from three sides. 

The original fort was built by Bhojraja Shilahar between 1196 and 1206 AD. The Maratha king Shivaji took control of this fort from Adil Shahi dynasty in 1656 AD and renamed it as Vijay Durg. Thereafter the fort was the main Maratha naval base under Kanoji .....

Gandharpale / Pale Caves (Near Mahabaleshwar):

At a distance of 5 km from Mahad, 28 km from Raigad Fort and 62 km from Mahabaleshwar, Gandharpale or Pale Caves are situated on a hill near Mahad on Mumbai-Goa highway at the confluence of Savitri and Gandhari Rivers in Raigad district of Maharashtra. These caves are the popular tourist attractions near Raigad Fort.

The Gandharpale Caves have probably taken the name from two villages in the vicinity of Mahad viz Pale village. These Buddhist caves built between 150 and 300 AD. According to the mythological story, the ancient Pandav Leni in Gandharpale is the sculptured houses built in one night by the Pandavas. But according to historians and archaeologists these are Buddhist caves built during the reign of Prince Vishnupalita Kambhoja.

Gandharpale Caves are a group of 31 Buddhist caves. Some caves are on upper side of the hill and some are on the lower side of the hill. They are mostly Buddhist viharas belongs to Hinayana Sect. The caves have a few small stupas located in .....

Murud - Janjira Fort (Near Alibaug):

At a distance of 5 km from Murud, 21 km from Diveagar, 53 km from Alibaug, 84 km from Raigad Fort, 170 km from Mumbai, and 162 km from Pune, Murud - Janjira is an island fort situated near Murud in Raigad district of Maharashtra. This is one of the top places to visit in Alibaug and also one of the popular heritage places to visit near Mumbai and Pune.

Janjira Fort is surrounded by the Arabian Sea on all sides and is one of the strongest marine forts of India. The name Janjira is derived from the Arabic word Jazeera which means island. The original structure was built in the 15th century by a Koli chief as defense against pirates and thieves. Originally a small wooden structure, Janjira Fort was later captivated by Siddi Sirul Khan an Abyssinian Siddi of Ahmednagar kings in the 17th century. During its construction, the fort structure collapsed thrice. Siddi realised that a sacrifice is needed, so he offered his 22 years old son to God. 

The fort was attacked many times by .....

Kihim Beach (Near Alibaug):

At a distance of 11.5 km from Alibaug and 13 km from Mandwa Beach, Kihim Beach is a beautiful beach situated at Kihim village on Mandwa - Alibag road in Raigad district of Maharashtra. Kihim Beach is one of the popular beaches on the Konkan coastline and also one of the top places to visit in Alibaug.

Kihim beach is one amongst the most popular Alibaug beaches with a long stretch of clean sandy beach intermittent by rocky stretches. The beach has soft fine sand and is black in colour. The northern part of the beach is rocky and the southern part has a long stretch of sand. 

The waters at Kihim are as inviting but those venturing to swim have to take caution of the rocks strewn across the beach. The Khanderi and Underi forts loom over the horizon from the Kihim shores and along with the rocky stretches offers one of the most beautiful views of the setting sun in this part of the Konkan beaches. Kihim also offers a rustic lifestyle along with a variety of seafood and typically .....

Kashid Beach (Near Alibaug):

At a distance of 32 km from Alibaug, 20 km from Murud - Janjira Fort, and 133 km from Mumbai, Kashid Beach is a beautiful beach on the shores of the Arabian Sea at Kashid. It is one of the popular beaches in Maharashtra and also a popular weekend getaway from Mumbai and Pune.

Kashid Beach is tucked between two hillocks and is known for its clear waters, white sand and casuarina groves that line the shore. The 3 km long white sand beach is the most beautiful and alluring in the Konkan region. Kashid Beach is a quiet and soothing place and a perfect getaway from the busy city life. Kashid is not as commercially popular as most other beaches in the state. Most tourists stop over at Kashid en route Alibag or Murud.

Kashid Beach is also perfect for surfing with waves rising as high as six feet almost throughout the year. However swimming is not recommended at Kashid. Kashid is also a popular destination for water sports like water scooters, parasailing and banana boat rides. The .....

Korlai Fort & Lighthouse (Near Alibaug):

At a distance of 5 km from Revdanda, 12 km from Kashid Beach, and 22 km from Alibaug, Korlai Fort is a Portuguese fort situated at Korlai in Raigad district of Maharashtra. It is one of the best places of sightseeing in Alibag and also one of the popular historical places near Mumbai.

Korlai Fort, also called Morro or Castle Curlew, was built by the Portuguese in 1521AD under the permission of Sultanate of Ahmednagar. It was built on Morro de Chaul Island which secures the way to the Revdanda Creek. It was meant as a companion to the fort at Chaul. The Portuguese built this fort as a strategic decision to defend their rule from Bassein to Korlai.

In 1521 AD, taking advantage of the confusion in the aftermath of the death of the Burhan Nizam the Portuguese tried to take over the fort but the Ahmednagar sultanate occupied the island. However in 1594, the Portuguese won the fort but not having enough men to stand guard there chose to destroy it leaving only the central tower .....

Revdanda Fort & Beach (Near Alibaug):

At a distance of 5 km from Korlai, 18 km from Alibaug and 15 km from Kashid, Revdanda Fort is an ancient Portuguese fort located at Revdanda in Raigad district of Maharashtra. The fort is located at the mouth of the Kundalika River.

Revdanda Fort, also known as Revdanda Aagarkot, was built by Portuguese Captain Soj in 1558 CE. In 1740 CE, Revdanda along with the Korlai Fort came under Maratha kingdom as per the treaty signed by the Portuguese. Angres defeated the fort in 1817 CE but it came under the British Raj in 1818 AD.

The periphery of the fort is around 5 km. The entire fortification has two main doors one from north and the other from south. Of which the northern gate was for land connection and the southern gate was used as a passage to the sea. This route opens to the main sea through the Revdanda creek. Portuguese built a dock over here which had become non-existent over time. The north and south gate is connected directly by a long road made of stones. Now, only .....

Murud Beach (Near Alibaug):

At a distance of 5 km from Murud - Janjira Fort and 48 km from Alibaug, Murud Beach is located on the shores of Arabian Sea at Murud in Raigad district of Maharashtra. 

Murud Beach is a vast expanse of black sand with clear bluish waters stretching almost 1.75 km along the coastline. This is one of the famous beaches of Maharashtra and also one of the top places to visit in Alibaug. The Murud Beach is the charming destination, where stretches of sand is surrounded by hills on three sides. Rocky outcrops flank it to the north and south, while to the east lies the Murud Town and the hills beyond.

The view of the sunset is extremely beautiful and the adjoining island forts Janjira and Padmadurgad add to the beauty of the beach. The beach boasts of gentle and soothing breeze round the clock, this helps the tourists have a relaxing time tanning themselves. The beach has watersports and numerous boat trips in the area. This attracts many tourists and water sport lovers to the beach .....

Diveagar Beach (Near Alibaug):

At a distance of 12 km from Kondivli Beach, 25 km from Murud Beach and 73 km from Alibaug, Diveagar Beach is a splendid beach situated at Diveagar on the shores of Arabian Sea in the Konkan coast of Maharashtra. This is one of the popular beaches in Alibaug and also one of the favorite weekend getaways from Mumbai. 

Diveagar Beach stretches about 6 km long with white sand and crystal clear waters. This beach is surrounded by Suru trees and a dense cover of belu trees as well. At one end of the beach is a fishing settlement while the other end offers a sanctuary to the migratory seagulls feasting in the creek waters.

Diveagar Beach is not a flat beach unlike most of the other beaches in this region, be careful while playing in the waves as there are rocks strewn across at some parts of the beach. Sand-bubble crabs and dolphins can be found on the beach. Some sea turtles lay their eggs on the beach as well. 

The village also houses a temple called Suvarna Ganesh Temple, .....

Harihareshwar Beach & Temple (Near Alibaug):

At a distance of 20 km from Shrivardhan Beach, 34 km from Diveagar, 52 km from Murud - Janjira Fort, and 121 km from Alibaug, Harihareshwar Beach is a pristine beach located in Harihareshwar town of Maharashtra.

Situated on the Konkan coast, Harihareshwar Beach is nestled between high mountains of Western Ghats. The black sandy beach is clean and relatively less crowded. The beach is unpolluted and mostly unspoiled. Tourists can enjoy speed boat rides and water scooter rides at this beach. The Harihara hill on the sea shore adds to the attraction of the beach. The sea at Harihareshwar is almost always turbulent. The coast is rocky and the force of the waves considerable.

Harshinachal, Brahmadri, Harihareshwar and Pushpadri are some of the hills that form a perfect backdrop for the beach. The hills are dotted with temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma, and Lord Yogeshwari. The Kalbhairav Temple is dedicated to Kalbhairav, a manifestation of Lord Shiva. Built .....

Shrivardhan Beach (Near Alibaug):

At a distance of 20 km from Harihareshwar, 20 km from Diveagar, 61 km from Murud - Janjira Fort, and 110 km from Alibaug, Shrivardhan Beach is a pristine beach located at Shrivardhan town in Raigad district of Maharashtra.

Shrivardhan Beach is about 3 km long, very clean and very calm. The beach is one of the prominent attractions of Shrivardhan town and also one of the popular beaches in Maharashtra. The majestic white sand coastline is bestowed with striking palm groves and mango plantations. One can find water sports activities like boating, paragliding, and water surfing at this beach. It is also an ideal place for swimming as the waters are shallow.

Shrivardhan also offers spectacular views of sunset. The beach is the place for seafood lovers and adventure buffs. Tourists can enjoy different varieties of seafood in this beach. Adventure lovers can go out with a small boat to explore the place where Peshwas were originally resided. This place is known for its gentle winds, .....

Kondivli Beach (Near Alibaug):

At a distance of 12 km from Diveagar, 10 km from Shrivardhan, 35 km from Murud - Janjira Fort and 114 km from Alibaug, Kondivali Beach is a pristine beach on the Konkan Coast near Shrivardhan in Maharashtra. 

Kondivli Beach is the main attraction of Shrivardhan. The beach is frequented by water-sport lovers as it offers paragliding and water surfing to the visitors. The Shrivardhan cliffs, situated close to the Kondivali Beach, are popular for trekking. The brownish black sand of the beach with the lush forest makes it a delight to the visitors.

It is one of the few secluded beaches on the Konkan coast of Maharashtra. The sands are unmarked by footprints, and the road winds around low-lying cliffs from where tourists have to climb down to reach the waters. The currents are a bit unpredictable, but locals claim it's safe for swimming. One can also visit an old and small Shankar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati near the beach.