Maharashtra is home to majestic forts and ancient temples that provide a glimpse into India’s glorious past. These architectural treasures give visitors a peek into India’s glorious history.
Daulatabad Fort stands atop a 200-meter-high conical hill and rewards visitors with breathtaking views and strategic protection against enemies. Notable features of Daulatabad Fort include its captivating turrets, pointed arches, wood carvings, and balustrades.
Ajanta and Ellora Caves
Ajanta and Ellora Caves of Aurangabad, India are two UNESCO World Heritage sites renowned for being Buddhist monk-carved meditation caves between the 2nd and 10th centuries CE by Buddhist monks as places for meditation. Impressive ancient paintings on each cave depict stories from Jataka tales or incidents from Buddha’s life, making these caves two incredible UNESCO sites.
Ellora Caves are home to both Buddhist and Hindu/Jain temples, including 34 rock-cut caves that feature them. Most notable among these is Kailasa temple devoted to Lord Shiva – it stands as one of the world’s largest monolithic structures!
Private tours are the ideal way to see Ajanta and Ellora Caves, providing the opportunity to avoid crowds while experiencing these two sites simultaneously in peace. Be sure to select a tour which also visits Bibi Ka Maqbara or Daulatabad Fort for added value – they may cost more as they cater specifically to foreign visitors but well worth their cost.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
Everyday, over three million people pass through this majestic railway station. Formerly known as Victoria Terminus, in 1996 it was renamed in honour of Maratha warrior king Shivaji Maharaj by Frederick William Stevens who designed it into one of India’s finest examples of Victorian Italianate Gothic Revival architecture and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Its central dome is an architectural marvel. As the first octagonal ribbed masonry dome of its kind in the world, supported by decorative squinches. Additionally, this structure boasts sculptures depicting gargoyles snarling away at each other and leaping griffins leaping forward before opening their feather fans like fans to reveal intricate sculptures depicting gargoyles, leaping griffins and peacocks opening their feathers like fans.
This landmark building serves as a reminder of Mumbai’s growth into an important commercial centre during its late-19th century heydays, epitomising an east-meets-west style that emerged due to collaboration between local craftsmen and British architects. Today, this terminus stands as an icon of Mumbai Metropolitan Region as well as being an essential component in Maharashtra state transportation systems.
Irshalgad Fort
Irshalgad Fort is an impressive trekking destination in Maharashtra’s Sahyadri Mountains, featuring several water cisterns carved directly out of rock. Near Chouk Manivali, this popular trail ranks among India’s premier treks and should not be missed by adventure seekers.
Irshalgad’s best time for trekking is during monsoon season, when its region receives sufficient rainfall that transforms it into an idyllic green landscape. You’ll experience an unforgettable zig-zag trek along rugged paths filled with vibrant flora and fauna culture – you may even catch sight of rare species!
At moderate difficulty level, this adventure trek rewards trekkers with breathtaking views and an amazing sense of accomplishment. However, it is recommended to bring along an experienced guide since monsoon season can make trails confusing with thick vegetation covering some sections. Night treks are also possible in winter if you are familiar with mountaineering; night trekking should only be attempted by those experienced enough.
Vikatgad Peb Fort
Vikatgad Peb Fort lures adventure enthusiasts with its fascinating past and captivating location. Part of Matheran Mountain Range in Sahyadri Ranges, it is surrounded by lush forests and panoramic vistas. Additionally, there is a temple dedicated to Swami Samartha that contains his footwear – Padukas.
The trek is moderately difficult and can be completed within five hours, taking you along water streams, rocks, meadows and forests along a trail featuring water channels, boulders and even a ladder leading up to Fort Rehsord.
Winters are ideal for visiting the fort; temperatures are cool yet comfortable, allowing visitors to discover its flora and fauna in greater depth while less people crowding its pathways. Raincoats or umbrellas may come in handy during your trek; you could also visit during monsoon season but be wary due to heavy rainfall and slippery trails.
