Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Maharashtra Highlights
Be amazed by the intricate beauty of the
Kailasa Temple
(
Click here
), the pièce de résistance in the monu-
mental Ellora temple complex
Wander through the ancient cave galleries of
Ajanta
(
Click here
) to admire sublime ancient Buddhist art
Sip on a glass of zinfanel, or lose yourself in a holy confluence of faith and ritual in
Nasik
(
Click here
)
Take a horse to spectacular viewpoints and breathe in the pollution-free air at the hill station of
Matheran
(
Click here
)
Delve into new-age spiritualism and modern Indian cuisine in diverse and bustling
Pune
(
Click here
)
Contemplate the power of nature while ambling around the primordial
Lonar Meteorite Crater
(
Click here
)
Rediscover the Gandhian way of life at the
Sevagram Ashram
(
Click here
)
History
Maharashtra was given its political and ethnic identity by Maratha leader Chhatrapati Shiv-
aji (1627-80), who lorded over the Deccan plateau and much of western India from his
stronghold at Raigad. Still highly respected today among Maharashtrans, Shivaji is credited
for instilling a strong, independent spirit among the region's people, as well as establishing
Maharashtra as a dominant player in the power relations of medieval India.
From the early 18th century, the state was under the administration of a succession of
ministers called the Peshwas who ruled until 1819, ceding thereafter to the British. After
Independence (1947), western Maharashtra and Gujarat were joined to form Bombay state,
only to be separated again in 1960, when modern Maharashtra was formed with the exclu-
sion of Gujarati-speaking areas and with Mumbai (Bombay) as its capital.
Information
Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation
(MTDC; 022-22044040;
www.maharashtratourism.gov.in
; Ma-
dame Cama Rd, opposite LIC Bldg, Nariman Point, Mumbai; 10am-5pm Mon-Sat, closed 2nd & 4th S at)
The
Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation's head office is in Mumbai. Most major
towns throughout the state have offices, too, but they're generally only useful for booking
MTDC accommodation and tours. Sunday is not a business day, and many government of-
fices also remain closed on alternate Saturdays.
Getting There & Away
