Maharashtra
Maharashtra pairs Mumbai's coast and film industry with the rock-cut Ajanta and Ellora caves and the hills of the Western Ghats.
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Maharashtra is a state on India's western coast, and Mumbai is its capital and largest city. Mumbai is the center of India's film industry and has colonial-era landmarks such as the Gateway of India. A short ferry from the Gateway reaches the Elephanta Caves, rock-cut shrines on an island in the harbor.
Inland, the Ajanta and Ellora caves are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Ajanta is known for its Buddhist wall paintings, and Ellora's 34 caves include Buddhist, Hindu and Jain shrines cut into the same rock face. Both are reached from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad). Further west, the Western Ghats hills around Pune and Mahabaleshwar and the vineyards near Nashik offer a slower pace. Go from October to February, when the weather is cooler and drier.
Maharashtra in five
- Pair Ajanta and Ellora, but not on the same dayThe two UNESCO cave complexes are on different sides of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), and each closes one weekday. Check the closing days before you plan, and give each a half to full day.Mumbai
- Fly into Mumbai or PuneMumbai (BOM) is the main gateway, and Pune (PNQ) has domestic flights. Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar airport (IXU) serves the caves, so check which route fits your itinerary.Pune
- Use Nashik for wine and templesNashik, about 4 hours from Mumbai by road, is a Godavari pilgrimage town and the center of Maharashtra's wine country. Many visit on a weekend; see the hub for details.Nashik
- Avoid the monsoon for caves and beachesFrom June to September heavy rain hits the coast, though the Western Ghats turn green and waterfalls flow. For caves and coast, aim for October to February.
- Mind festival weeksGanesh Chaturthi, in August or September, brings crowds and processions, especially in Mumbai and Pune. It is a highlight for some and a logistics problem for others, so book early.Goa
Neighborhoods
Mumbai
Colonial-era landmarks, Art Deco buildings by the sea and the Hindi film industry make Mumbai a city to plan around its monsoon season.
Pune
Pune is a Maharashtra city known for Maratha-era palaces, hill forts, Marathi theatre and classical music, and an easy stop 149 km from Mumbai.
Nashik
Nashik is a city on the Godavari River in Maharashtra, known for its riverside ghats, the Trimbakeshwar temple and the wineries on its outskirts.
Things to do in Maharashtra
See all attractions in Maharashtra
Need to know
- Airport
- Mumbai (BOM), Pune (PNQ) and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (IXU)
- Getting there
- Flights to Mumbai; trains across the state
- Getting around
- Trains between cities; car and driver for caves and hill areas
- Best base
- Mumbai for the city; Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar for the caves
- Time needed
- 7 to 10 days for Mumbai, the caves and Pune
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryDry, pleasant
- FebruaryDry, clear
- MarchHot, humid
- AprilHot, humid
- MayPre-monsoon
- JuneMonsoon begins
- JulyHeavy monsoon
- AugustMonsoon, Ganesh
- SeptemberGanesh, rain
- OctoberClearing
- NovemberDry, pleasant
- DecemberDry, busy
Right now in Maharashtra
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
22
- Feels like
- 25°
- Humidity
- 78%
- Wind
- 0 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 8%
Maharashtra
06:20 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today29°21°8%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 21°. Chance of rain 8%.
- Wed30°21°8%Wednesday: Cloudy. High 30°, Low 21°. Chance of rain 8%.
- Thu30°21°24%Thursday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 21°. Chance of rain 24%.
- Fri29°21°22%Friday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 21°. Chance of rain 22%.
- Sat30°20°4%Saturday: Clear. High 30°, Low 20°. Chance of rain 4%.
- Sun30°19°0%Sunday: Clear. High 30°, Low 19°. Chance of rain 0%.
Updated 03:18 AM local time · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 95.08 INR
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Mumbaistarting pointThe financial capital, with markets, Gothic buildings and street food.Read the guide
- Puneabout 3 to 4 hours by road from MumbaiA hill-edge city of forts, cafés and universities.Read the guide
- Nashikabout 4 hours by road from MumbaiGodavari temples and vineyards in a quieter pace.Read the guide
Before you go to Maharashtra
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Rules for Maharashtra, checked
- Most foreign nationals need an Indian visa before arriving. Check your eligibility and apply through the official e-Visa portal.Source
- Take off your shoes before entering temples, mosques and dargahs, and cover your head where the site asks.
- Alcohol is sold through licensed shops and bars, and some dry days close them. Check the state excise rules before a night out.
- Single-use plastic bags are banned in Maharashtra, so bring a cloth bag for shopping.
Plan around Maharashtra
Entry rules, regions and trip planning
Read the guideMumbaiThe financial capital and gateway
Read the guidePuneForts, cafés and a student-city pace
Read the guideNashikTemples, wine and the Godavari River
Read the guideGoaBeaches south of Maharashtra's coast
Read the guideTransport in IndiaRail booking and when to hire a driver
Read the guideMaharashtra FAQ
What is Maharashtra famous for?
Mumbai, the Ajanta and Ellora cave complexes, the Western Ghats hill stations, vineyards near Nashik and a long Konkan coastline. It is more varied than most visitors expect.
How many days do you need in Maharashtra?
Seven to ten days cover Mumbai, the caves and Pune. Longer stays can add the Konkan coast or hill stations.
When is the best time to visit Maharashtra?
October to February is the sweet spot for weather and sightseeing. March to May is hot, and June to September is heavy monsoon, good for waterfalls but poor for beaches.
Can I see Ajanta and Ellora in one day?
It is a very long day and not recommended. Give each cave complex its own half day, and check the weekly closing days because they differ.
Is Mumbai or Pune better for a first visit?
Mumbai for the energy and landmarks, Pune for a slower, cafe-led pace. Most first visits start with Mumbai and add Pune or the caves.