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WEATHER

Maharashtra is generally more favored by domestic tourism than the foreign tourist. A great shame, as this wonderful state has loads to offer, hill stations galore, beautiful national parks, carved caves ancient forts quite unlike those of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, serene white sanded beaches, Temples, and of course the economic powerhouse of Mumbai. this green state is truly a gem of India and offers many rewards to those who take some time to explore the nooks and crannies of this sprawling state.

We'll start in the deep south of the state, near the Goan border, in the tiny hillstation of Amboli Barely 50 Kilometers across the border, this tiny place has a few hotels and restaurants and offers clean fresh air, a pleasant change from the often humid coastline. The views over the red and green buttresses of the Western Ghats are breathtaking and there are a couple of big waterfalls close by, a great place for a day or two's respite.

Heading west onto the southern coast you pass through the charming little town of Sawantwadi, the traditional house stretching around the Moti Talav a lovely man made lake, the old palace

buildings and tall palms make this place a great stopover on the way to some of the beautiful beaches in the area. Sawantwadi is one of the few places in India who still produce Ganjifa cards - The ganjifa card is a card featuring painted pictures of the Dashavatara (Ten reincarnations), Planets, and other folklore. You'll also find Moghul pattern cards, these elaborately decorated playing cards, make a really nice gift for the folks back home. beautiful Lacquerware is also a popular craft here. The nearby village of Aronda is also worth a look before the bridge changes the scenery forever.

Moving north, you have some wonderful beaches and forts at Malvan. The dominating edifice of Sindhudurg Fort lies just off the coast at the sleepy fishing town of Malvan and if you dare overloaded motor launches ferry tourists too and fro between the coast and the fort built in the sea.

There are several beaches within striking distance of Malvan, Tarkarli beach, Vebgurla Beach Chiwla Beach,

Arse Mahal Beach, Tondavali Beach. You can also explore the rivers and backwaters at Devbaug and Tarkarli, at Tarlkarli they hope to launch houseboats for stays on the river in 2008.

There are also several temples of note in the area like the Bharadi Temple or the Sateri Temple at Vengurla.

Malvan also has a highly developed local cuisine, similar to Coastal Goan cuisine A lot of Masalas are used, which have dry Red Chilies and other spices like coriander seeds, Peppercorns, Cumin, Cardamom, Ginger, Garlic etc. Some dishes also use Kokum, dried Kokum (Amsul), Tamarind, and Raw Mango (Kairi). the meals will be washed down and initiated with Sol Kadhi or Soul Curry,a pink colored appetizer drink made from the kokam fruit and Coconut Milk. It's also good for your stomach after a Hot and Spicy Konkani / Malvani meal.

Have a look here for just some of the delicious recipes on offer in Malvan and along the Konkan coast.

Heading North again we can catch the train at Kudal, just 28 Kilometers away and head for Ratnagiri. This small town nesteled in a river valley has quite a few things of interest both in and around the town.

In the town itself you can visit the British built palace of Theeba, once used to hold the Burmese King 'Theeba' in confinement, it now houses a museum. The huge forts of Ratnadurga and Bhagwati beg to be explored. The horse shoe shaped collection of forts spread along the coast near Ratnagiri are sea facing on three sides and only a narrow strip of land joins them to the mainland. From the fort you can get a good view of the town below.

Other forts in the area include Jaigad Fort: Nestled on a cliff, at the entrance of the Sangameshwar river and 35 km from Ganapatipule. This 17th century fort offers a commanding view of the sea.

Parashuram Temple near Chiplun, Ganapatipule and Pavas are also in the area and draw many visitors. Caves in Chiplun, Khed, Dabhol, Sangameshwar, Gauhani Velgaum and Vade Padel are also worth visiting.

The "Ganga (Ganges) of Rajapur" is a natural phenomenon believed by many locals to be a miracle. Nearly every 3 years the well forms 14 small pools of water of different temperatures about 3 ft apart. It is believed that the holy Ganga Mata appears to the devotees there.

Ganpatipule a small beach resort and pilgrimage spot is worth a few days to relax and soak up the local ambience a swim and some local cuisine.

Moving away from the coast and into the lush hills of the western Ghats there are many beautiful hill stations to visit.

Such as Mahabaleshwar, this cool hill station if in the center of the fruit growing industry of Maharashtra, Grapes, Sweet lime Strawberries bananas all flourish in the area.

The nearby Pratapgad Fort

About 24 km. away from Mahabaleshwar was built by Marathi hero Shivaji and makes for an interesting day out.

For train buff Matheran Hill Station is a must see, catch the Neral-Matheran mountain railway, the two hour journey through green hills offer some breath taking views down through the valleys and cliffs, a great way to reach your destination.

Matheran offer a traffic free experience in beautiful countryside, nature and walks are just some of the attractions on offer.

Maharashtra bristles with hill stations all have their own charm, and offer a cool escape from coastal Maharashtra. Here's a list of just some of them.

Bhandardara, Chikhaldara Hills, Jawhar,

Khandala, Lonavala and Karla, Malshej Ghat, Panchgani, Panhala

Toranmal

Heading north on the way to the Caves of Ellora and Ajanta drop in on Shirdi, the birthplace of the orginal Sai Baba, who remains, even today, a popular Indian saint.

Seeing the caves is a must do for visitors to the state pf Maharashtra, these unesco world heritage sites draw thousands of foreign tourist every years.

Basing yourslef in Aurangabad is one way of seeing the caves at Ellora and Ajanta. Although the Ajanta caves are quite some distance away, Aurangabad is close to Ellora and Aurangabad itself has plenty to keep the inquisitive tourist happy. Like , Daulatabad fort, which a imposing monolithic fort with some interesting defense systems.

Bibi Ka Maqbara. (A replica of the Taj Mahal) Aurangabad Caves, Panchakki, or The Water Mill complex and Khultabad the resting place of Aurangzeb, who gave his name to the town..

All in all Aurangabad and the various monuments will keep you busy for a couple of days at least. Some great food on offer here too. Try Pinkies for an unusual night of dinning, in some very kitsch surroundings.

Moving east take a look at the huge crater at Lonar. The crater is 1.83 km (6,000 ft) in diameter and 170 meters in depth, the second biggest in Basaltic rock on the planet.

No visit to any of India' states is complete without at least a glimpse of the many regions and sects practiced in India. In Maharashtra head for Nasik. The city is situated on the banks of the Godavari River, making it one of the holiest places for Hindus all over the world.

the name "Nasik" is said to come from the Hindu epic, the Ramayana.

During the exile of Lord Raam, Shoorpanakha the sister of the demon king Raavan tried to seduce Raam. Angered, Raam ordered Lakshman to cut off Shoorpanakha's nose (nashika/naak). .

It is one of the four cities that hosts the massive Sinhastha Kumbh Mela once every twelve years. A massive event that see millions of pilgrims come to bathe in the Godavari river to atone for sins in this life.

The most striking historical structure in Nasik is the Trirashmi Caves also known as the Paandav Caves. Carved out of stone by Buddhists.

Maharashtra also has a rich abundance of forest and lonely hills and valley, so it is home to several interesting parks and Sanctuaries.

Though most visit Pench to see tigers and Leopards Pench is also home to sambhar, chital, barking deer, nilgai, black buck, gaur, wild boar, chausingha, sloth bears, wild dogs, langurs, monkeys, mouse deer, black-naped hares, jackals, foxes, hyenas, porcupines, and flying squirrels.

Bird life is also well represented The feathered inhabitants of Pench include both resident and migratory birds like Malabar pied hornbills, Indian pittas, ospreys, grey-headed fishing eagles, white-eyed buzzards, storks, waterfowls.

Other parks throughout the state include Chikhaldara Wild Life Sanctuary, Tadoba National Park ,Bhamragarh, Bor Dam, Chaprala, Dajipur, Nagzira, Navegaon National Park, Tipeshwer.

Maharashtra really has it all from Nature to beaches and beyond.

. Recently theres' been a new dive center set up at Tarkarli/Malavan, which offers many dive courses from the beginner to Dive Master, all in some of the clearest waters in India.

So Don't shoot through to Goa, stop and drink in some of this amazing state. You'll be so glad you did..