On the western coast of the Indian peninsular region lies a beautiful state named “Maharashtra” by etymology, which means a Great State. A place that is full of life, love, and legends. Geographically situated on the Deccan plateau, Maharashtra is rich and diverse in natural vegetation and climate. The state is bordered by the rock-solid Western Ghats or Sahyadri mountain range accompanied by the Konkan Coast. The state has all that it needs to be a great tourist destination. Let us have a voyage of this great state through this article and understand what exactly it has on offer for us as a traveler.
The Mesmerizing Nature
The geographical location of the state gives it that distinct and diverse natural environment. It just leaves us to be nothing less than being awestruck. Starting from the north bordered by the state of Madhya Pradesh is the Vidharbha region of Maharashtra. It is part of the Tiger Capital of India, with Tadoba and Melghat National Parks and Tiger Reserves what we can do is see the Great Bengal Tiger Ruling the scene in utmost natural Royalty amidst the dense forest. To the west of Vidharbha lies the distinct North Maharashtra or the Khandesh region bordering the state of Gujrat, the region is well known for its non-perennial rivers cutting through the rustic Satpuda mountain range. With the Triambakeshwar plateau in the region, the monsoons ads that dash of lush green vegetation. It makes the region the favorite trekking and hiking destination. Not to miss the fact that the plateau is the origin of the Godavari River recognized as the Ganges of the south. Accompanying North Maharashtra is the Semi-Arid Marathwada region, which is known for its grasslands and rustic arid forests. Going further down south in the state, you get into the western Maharashtra region. Starting with the Pune district surrounded by the Sahyadri Mountains and free-flowing tributaries of the Godavari forming mystic gorges. Not to forget about the scenic beauty of various plateaus in the region. Especially the beautiful Kaas plateau and many others like it. Being the watershed region of many peninsular rivers, Western Maharashtra has always been one of the most loved tourist attractions. Last, but not least is the world-famous Konkan region with serene beaches and various estuaries providing a distinct form of natural vegetation full of mangroves and dense forest region providing a unique amalgamation of both in the same region.
The Mesmerizing Culture
The state of Maharashtra mesmerizes everyone with its distinct cultural identity and is being now recognized worldwide especially because of its welcoming nature. With the rich historical significance through the Maratha Empire, the culture of the state has transcended throughout the country. Certain Maharashtrian festivals which are now identified as the symbols of the culture have crossed even the international borders. Most significant is the Ganapati festival, which includes a 10-day long festivity though celebrated worldwide but the vibe and the zeal that you feel in the state during these festivities must be experienced at least once in a lifetime. Not just this but the cultural events like the 100s of miles long “Vaari” a special celebratory walk by thousands of bhakti cult followers to reach “Pandharpur”, the temple shrine of deity Vithhal on the occasion of Ashadhi Ekadashi. Apart from this what you can witness in Maharashtra is a culmination of a great nation in the great state the real essence of “Unity In Diversity”.
The Mesmerizing Cuisine
With diverse natural vegetation and culture comes diverse cuisine and talking about Maharashtrian cuisine then it changes with miles. Right from the iconic Maharashtrian veg thali consisting of various seasonal yields. It is based on the complete meal principle of Ayurveda. Then comes the Kolhapuri Tamda rassa and Pandhra rassa, which literally means red curry and white curry based on the colour of the curries consisting of meat mostly chicken and lamb or mutton. Talking about spices then we cannot forget the spicy Saoji cuisine of Vidharbha or the Nagpur region. Then is the black curry of the Khandesh or the northern Maharashtra region again a spice-laden preparation used for a variety of veg and nonveg preparation. Amidst all these varieties, the one that has made its separate mark is the Konkan cuisine. Highlighted due to its distinct use of coconut and kokum famous for its seafood. Apart from all these, dishes like modak, Puran Poli, and jhunka bhakari are some of the flavors that unify the state and its people together.
The Mesmerizing Destination
With several UNESCO World Heritage sites located in the region, the state of Maharashtra has always been one of my favourite traveling destinations. Right from the Ajanta & Ellora caves in Aurangabad, the Lonar Crater Lake in Buldhana, and the Melghat in Amravati as the natural and historical heritage sites in the Vidharbha and Marathwada region of the state. Traveling to the west of Vidharbha and Marathwada will take you to North Maharashtra. Here you will find the Triambakeshwar temple and Ram Kund in Nashik. It is the only peninsular location hosting Kumbh Mela a World Cultural Heritage site, a gathering organized once every 12 years. Not just this, Nashik is also the vine capital of India with several national and international vineries originating and operating from the district. Going south in western and south Maharashtra, marking the Sahyadri are the great forts signifying the legacy of the Maratha Empire. Then you have the financial capital of India, Mumbai. With many historical monuments like the Gateway of India and Elephanta caves and the Queen’s necklace to name some. Reaching the southernmost part of the state all you find are serene beaches with pristine natural setup to relax.
The Final Word
So, as a traveller what more do you ask from a place? From nature to culture and cuisine you get it all in Maharashtra. Making it the “Mesmerizing Maharashtra…!”
