Holiday Tourism India --» West India
Holidays --» Maharashtra Holidays
Maharashtra Holidays
Maharashtra, a state where a millennium of culture weaves a tapestry of
myriad charms. The spiritual solace of centuries. The sylvan serenity of
the countryside. The stillness of a thicket disturbed only by a tiger flashing
past, or the symphony of tradition from its varied population. All abound
in a unique togetherness. In Maharashtra, a state as vivid as vivacious.

The Chinese pilgrim, Hiun Tsang, visited Maharashtra during AD 640-641 and
was very impressed by the prosperity of the country, the efficiency of the
administration and the character of the people. He called the land Mo-ho-lo-cha
(Moholesh), and was perhaps the first person to discuss the region and its
people.
He says: "The soil is rich and fertile and it is regularly cultivated
and very productive. Men are fond of learning and studying both heretical
and orthodox books. The disposition of the people is honest and simple;
they are tall in stature and of a stern and vindictive character. To their
benefactors, they are grateful; to their enemies, relentless. If they are
insulted, they will risk their lives to avenge themselves. If they are asked
to help one in distress, they will forget themselves in their haste to render
assistance."
Places to See
Ajanta Caves
Way back in1819, a party of British army officers on a tiger hunt in the
forest of western Deccan, suddenly spotted their prey, on the far side of
a loop in the Waghora river. High up on the horseshoe- shaped cliff, the
hunting party saw the tiger, silhouetted against the carved façade
of a cave.
Ellora Caves
Nestled in the crook of the Charanadari hill in Deccan is a series of ancient
temples and monasteries hewn out of the moutainside. Situated on the ancient
north- south trade route or the dakshinapatha, the tiny mountain village
of Verul - mutated today to Ellora -was a well- known stopover for traders,
priests and pilgrims who plied the route to the western ports.
Aurangabad
Aurangabad, it is known for some of the finest colleges and university in
Maharashtra. And it is the fastest growing industrial town in India. But
the charm and glory of its long past has not been lost. And its heritage
is rich and varied - the result of the artistic and cultural influences
of several dynasties since its first Stone Age inhabitants.
Mumbai 
Mumbai was given by Portuguese as dowry to Charles II of England when he
married Catherine. The group of seven island was leased to the East India
Company who offered freedom of business and religion to persons who came
and settled here. Initially a few Parsis and Gujarati came but soon a sizeable
population began to thrive here. This was way back in the 17th century.
Today also Mumbai is a city of migrants. People from all over the country
have come and settled here. This gives the society of Mumbai a multi-lingual
and multi-cultural colour.
Elephanta Caves
Elephanta Island was known in ancient times as "Gharapuri" or
The Place of Caves. The Portuguese took possession of the island and named
it Elephanta after the great statue which they found on the seashore. There
are seven caves of which the most important is the Mahesha-Murti Cave. The
main body of the cave, excluding the porticoes on the three open sides and
the back aisle, is 27 m square and is supported by rows of six columns.
The gigantic figures of Dvarapalas, or doorkeepers are very impressive.