The beautiful town on the charming Konkan coast is the birthplace of Lokmanya Tilak, the famous freedom fighter. It is the largest town on the south coast and the main transport hub. Ratnagiri abounds in fruits typical of the Konkan and the luscious mangoes produced here are popular all over the world. It is also an important port.

Lokmanya Tilak Smarak: A small museum here commemorates Lokmanya Tilak.

Thibaw Palace: Thibaw, the last king of Burma, was incarcerated here by the British in 1885.

Patit Pawan Mandir: The famous shrine is the first place of worship built for non-brahmins by Veer Savarkar, a revolutionary leader.

Bhatya Beach: This pleasant site lies on the outskirts of the town.

Around Ratnagiri

Ganapatipule (50 kms.)

Gorgeous Ganapatipule, the famous pilgrim site is endowed with splendid scenic beauty. A 400-year old temple at the foot of the green hillock enshrines an idol of Swayambhu (self-originated) Ganapati. The presiding deity is considered to be the Paschim Dwardevta’ or the Western Sentinel God of India. The beautiful beach here is perhaps the most spectacular on the Konkan coast and is noted for its virgin beauty and greenery.

Ahmadnagar (120 kms.)

lt was founded by Ahmed Nizam Shah and has a 400-year-old fort, which witnessed many battles. Later on, freedom-fighters were imprisoned here. Other attractions are Chandbibi Mahal or Salabatjang’s Tomb and Farah Bagh.

Alandi (21 kms.)

The pilgrim center on the banks of the river Indrayani is famous for the sacred Samadhi of Saint Dnyaneshwar, who wrote Dnyaneshwari, a Marathi commentary on the Bhagawad Gita. Two fairs are held here annually – one on Ashadhi Ekadashi and the other on Kartik Ekadashi. Another attraction is the temple of Vithoba-Rakhumai.

Bhatghar Dam (40 kms.)

The dam on the river Velvandi is one of the highest dams in India. It is also a good holiday resort and picnic spot.

Bhimashanker (95 kms.)

The beautiful Shiva temple here was built by Nana Phadnis, an eminent statesman. It enshrines one of the 5jyotirlingas of Maharashtra. A large fair is held on Shivratri. The town is also noted for its scenic beauty and bracing climate. Other places worth visiting are Bombay Point, Gupta Bhimashankar (the originating point of Bhima river), Hanuman tank and Nagphani point, etc.

Jejuri (50 kms.)

The pilgrim center is famous for the temple of Lord Khandoba, the family deity of many Maharashtrians. A large fair is held here during the month of Magashirsha.

Karla (66 kms.)

The famous Buddhist rock-cut cave shrines in the Western Ghats have a large collection of Chaitya halls adorned with intricate carvings. The caves were excavated between 2n century B.C. and 7th century A.D. and are considered to be as beautiful as the world-famous Ajanta- Ellora. A 45 meters long Chaitya hall here is considered to be the most perfect of its kind. An inscription at the entrance attributes its excavation to Bhutapal of Vaijayanti. The caves with Viharas were excavated for the Buddhist monks, who used to gather here during the monsoons. While at Karla, the Bhaja and Bedsa caves are worth a detour. The Bhaja Caves set ina lush valley are as old as the Karla caves and its Cave No. 12, a large Chaitya hall resembles the one at Karla. Another cave has a magnificent stilted vault. The last cave is a treasure house of rich carvings. To the south of the main cave is an amazing group of 14 Stupas. The Bedsa Caves are another set of excellent rock-cut caves. One of them has a fine Chaitya hall with a ribbed roof, supported by 26 octagonal pillars. The 18th-century Lohagad and Visapur forts are located just 6 kms. from Karla. Another attraction nearby is the hill resorts of Lonavala (10 kms.) and Khandala (14 kms.). Mumbai is 114 kms. from Karla.

Lonavala (66 kms.)

The beautiful hill resort on the Mumbai – Pune road lies 104 kms. from Mumbai and is easily accessible by road and rail. The must-visit sites are the Lonavala Lake, Bushi Dam, Tiger’s Leap, Barometer Hill, Valvan dam, Tungarli Lake, etc. Lonavala is also famous for its chikki, a local sweet. Khandala a charming hill resort just 5 kms. from Lonavala. The famous points here are Rajmachi Point and the Duke’s Nose, named after the Duke of Wellington, for its uncanny resemblance to his nose. The Kune Point, located midway between Khandala and Lonavala affords picturesque views of the surroundings. It is a convenient base for visiting Karla, Bhaja, and Bedsa caves.

Mahabaleshwar (120 kms.)

Mahabaleshwar, the Queen of the Ghats is one of the best known and the highest hill resort of Western India. It was developed by Sir John Malcolm in 1828. The beautiful hill station teems With orchids, Lilies, and luscious strawberries and has three silvery falls – Dhobi Falls, Chinaman Falls, and Lingmala Falls. Excellent viewpoints 1like Wilson Point, Babington Point, Kate Point, Elphinstone Point, Bombay Point, and Arthur’s Seat provide great views of the Krishna and Koyna valleys. The old village of Mahabaleshwar is held sacred by the Hindus and is known for the Panchganga temple, said to contain five streams including the River Krishna.

Panchgani (98 kms.)

This small and attractive hill resort is situated along a ridge atop the Parasni Ghat. The picturesque resort overlooks the scenic Krishna valley and is endowed with rich floral wealth. There are also some excellent educational institutions.

Pratapgad (137 kms.)

An impressive fort here was built by Shivaji, to command the route from the Deccan. The Afzal Buruz tower in the fort marks the spot where the Mughal general Afzal Khan was killed by Shivaji. There is a famous Bhavani temple in the fort. An equestrian statue of Shivaji has been erected in the fort.

Purandar (38 kms.)

Purandar was the capital of Marathas for a brief period and has a magnificent fort of Chhatrapati Shivaji, set atop a hill. It is also the location of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Academy. Buses are available from Pune and Saswad.

Raigad (126 kms.)

The hilltop fortress here was almost impregnable capital of Shivaji for over 15 years. Shivaji was crowned and also died here. Within the fort is the samadhi of Shivaji and the remains of his palace. There is also a large lake amidst scenic surroundings.

Satara (106 kms.)

This capital of the Marathas witnessed the most glorious chapter of Maratha history from 1707 to 1749, under Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj. The palace, fort, and museums here display the relics of the golden era.

Shree Kshetra Mahuli (112 kms.)

The pilgrim center is near the confluence of the rivers Krishna and Venna is known for the temples ofYavateshwar, Mangala Devi, and other Hindu deities.

Shivneri (93 kms.)

Chhatrapati Shivaji was born here at the seven-tiered fort atop a hillock. On the sides of the hill are about 50 Buddhist caves

Sinhagad (Lion Fort) (24 kms.)

It was one of the most impregnable forts of Western India. Shivaji captured it in 1670 but lost his ablest commander Tanaji Malusare over here. The fort is built at the edge of a sheer precipice, which was scaled by Shivaji’s men with the help of iguanas and ropes.

Tuljapur (280 kms.)

The famous pilgrim center is associated with goddess Bhavani (Durga), the family deity of Chhatrapati Shivaji and the Marathas.

Wai (74 kms.)

Wai, one of the most important pilgrims and cultural centers of Maharashtra is set on the banks of the river Krishna and is famous for the Maha Ganpati temple. There are many other old temples on the banks of Krishna. The famous Sanskrit Pradnya Path Shala and the headquarters for Vishvakosh Publication are located here. Some attractions around Wai are the Buddhist caves of Lonara (7 kms.) a dam across the Krishna at Dhom (9 kms.).

Picturesque Pune, the ‘Queen of the Deccan’ nestles in the scenic Sahayadri ranges, on the edge of the Deccan plains. This ‘Cultural Capital of Maharashtra’ was once the glorious capital of the Maratha empire and the center of the Maratha awakening. It booms with all corollaries of modernization and also retains the rich cultural heritage. According to the Pune Gazetteer, the word Pune is derived from Punya’ or a holy place, as the city stands on the sacred a confluence (Sangam) of two rivers. Pune became the base of Chhatrapati Shivaji, the great Maratha emperor, whose exploits against the Bijapur army and Mughal king Aurangzeb are legendary. The Maratha emperors were followed by the Peshwas. In 1818, the British captured the city after the battle of Koregaon. The city also played an important role in the freedom struggle and was the nerve center of national politics during the lifetime of Lokmanya Tilak. Pune is also known as the “Oxford of India’ for its world-renowned educational and research institutions.

Aga Khan Palace – Kasturba Gandhi Memorial: It was built in 1908. by Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan III, the spiritual head of the Ismailiah Khoja community. Mahatama Gandhi, his wife Kasturba Gandhi, and private secretary Mahadeo Bhai Desai were imprisoned here during the Quit India Movement in 1942. Mahadeobhai Desai died on 15th August 1942 and Kasturba Gandhi passed away on 22nd February 1944+. Their bodies were cremated here and later on two marble samadhis were built in their memory. Khadi or cotton handloom garments and textiles can be purchased at a shop here.

Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute: It is housed in a beautiful oriental style building and has over 20,000 manuscripts from the collection of Bolhar, Kielhorn, and Bhandarkar.

Bund Gardens or Mahatama Gandhi Udyan: The well laid out gardens on the right bank of the Mula-Mutha rivers is a popular evening spot. It has boating facilities and has a well-designed jogging track.

Kesari Wada: The famous Kesari newspaper was started here by Lokmanya Ba Gangadhar Tilak. who advocated ‘Self Rule’. The Ganapati festival was started in the courtyard of the Wada by Tilak.

Khunya Murlidhar Temple: This temple of Lord Krishna (Muralidhar) at Sadashi Peth was built in 1797, by Sadashiv Raghunath or Dada Gadre, a famous merchant.

Mahatma Phule Museum: This unique museum at Ghole Road, Shivaji Nagar was established in 1890. It showcases industrial, agricultural, and handicraft articles. There are also specimens of the body structures of different animal species.

Parvati Hill & Temples: Parvati hill located in the south-east corner of Pune has the historic temple of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva (Devadevesvara). It can be reached through a flight of 108 steeply rising steps. The Parvati museum here displays portraits of Peshwas, old manuscripts, weapons, and coins. The hill affords a panoramic view of Pune city.

Pataleshwara Caves: The 8th-century rock-cut cave temples at Shivajinagar on the Jungli Maharaj Road are dedicated to Lord Pataleshwar (Shiva), the God of the nether world. The exquisitely carved caves have a shrine of Shiva in the center, with a huge lingam and the Nandi bull in front under a circular canopy. There is a small museum near the caves. A grain of rice exhibited here is engraved with about 5000 characters and finds a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Peshwe Udyan (Zoo): It is located near Saras Baug and has a rich variety of wild animals. Other attractions are a toy-train ride, an elephant ride, and boating.

Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum: It lies at Shukarwar Peth on the Bajirao Road and is one of the major attractions of Pune. The museum is housed in a quaint Rajasthani-style building with a facade of red stone and its galleries bear the stamp of the Maratha period. It exhibits historical and everyday artifacts collected over 60 years by Shri Dinkar Gangadhar Kelkar from all over the country.

Shanwarwada Palace: This bastion of Peshwa power 1S an icon of Pune and its rich culture. It was built in 1736 and became the seat of political power under Bajirao-I. Within the massive walls of the Wada (fort) is the magnificent palace of Peshwas, which was destroyed by a major fire in 1827. There are well laid out gardens with impressive fountains. A fine statue of Bajirao Peshwa -I in front of the Wada is quite impressive. A Light and Sound show is held here in the evenings.

Shindyanchi Chhatri: The imposing structure at Wanawadi was built in the memory of great Maratha nobleman Mahadji Shinde, the commander of the Maratha army from 1760-80 under the Peshwas.

Tilak Smarak Mandir: It commemorates Lokmanya Tilak, the great freedom fighter and social reformer. A small museum on the ground floor is dedicated to Tilak.

Tribal Museum: This unique museum near the Don Bosco Bridge provides an interesting insight into the life of tribal communities of Maharashtra.

Vishrambaug Wada: The three-storied mansion of the Peshwas in the heart of the city is an icon of Pune’s rich culture and heritage. The Kirti Mandir museum here showcases the glorious history of Pune. Other places of interest in Pune are – Bal Gandharv Mandir, Bharat Itihas Samshodak Mandal, Dr. Ambedkar Museum, Film & Television Institute (FTII), National Film Archives of India, Lal Deval (Synagogue), Museum of Arthropoda, National War Museum, Omkareshwar Temple, Pune Ved Pathshala, Osho Ashram, etc.

Nashik, one of the most important pilgrim centers of Maharashtra is set on the banks of the sacred Godavari river. It is believed that Lord Rama stayed here for some time during his 14 years of exile. The temple town has over 2000 small and big temples and bathing ghats lining the banks of the river. Nashik is the venue of the holy Kumbh Mela, which is held once every 12 years. The city is also a famous educational and industrial center.

Ramkund: The sacred tank built-in 1696, by Chitrarao Khatarkar is believed to mark the site where Lord Rama and Sita used to bathe during their stay over here.

Muktidham Temple (7 kms.): The famous temple has a very unusual architecture. It is believed that visiting the shrine is like undertaking the pilgrimage of four sacred dhams.

Kalaram Temple: The 70 ft. high temple built in black stone in 1794, by Gopikabai Peshwa, resembles the famous Trimbakeshwar Temple and enshrines beautifully ornamented sandy black idols of Lord Rama, Sita, and Laxman. The temple is surrounded by several smaller temples like Vithal Temple, Ganapati Temple, and Maruti Temple.

Coin Museum: It was established by the Indian Institute of Research in Numismatic Studies amidst scenic surroundings. The museum exhibits a well-documented record of the history of Indian numismatics, through photographs, artifacts, line drawings, replicas, and real coins.

Around Nashik

Trimbakeshwar (39 kms.)

This important pilgrim site is famous for the temple of Trimbakeshwar and the source of the sacred Godavari river located nearby. The temple enshrines one of the twelve jyotirlingas in the country. A big fair is held on the occasion Shivratri. The massive Sinhasta fair or Kumbh Mela is also held here once in twelve years. According to mythological legends, when Amrit (the nectar of immortality) was recovered from the ocean, there was a battle between the gods and demons for it. During the fight, few drops of Amrit fell at Allahabad, Nashik (Trimbakeshwar), Haridwar, and Ujjain. Since then the Kumbh Mela is organized at these places, once every 12 years.

Shirdi (112 kms.)

This ‘abode’ of Sri Sai Baba is one of the most important pilgrim centers of the State. Sri Sai Baba, the great teacher, and saint lived and died here and is believed to be the incarnation of Guru Dattatraya. He preached religious tolerance and universal brotherhood and is revered by devotees of all faiths. His followers from all parts of India and abroad flock to the sacred shrine round the Shirdi Sai Baba year. The main temple has a life-like marble statue of the saint installed on a high pedestal. Thursdays are of special importance, as on this day Sai Baba attained Nirvana’. Annual fairs are held here on Ramnavami, Guru Purnima, and Dusshera. Other places of importance are the Gurusthan, the Kandoba Temple, Shani Mandir, Narsimha Mandir, Changdev Maharaj Samadhi, and the Sakori Ashram. Kopargaon (15 kms.) is the nearest railhead for Shirdi.

Bhandardara (80 kms.)

The quiet little hill resort is dominated by Mt. Kalsubai, the highest peak (1,646 meters) in the Sahyadri range. The Wilson Dam is probably the only one to be constructed at a height of 150 m. and the Arthur lake is the largest and loveliest lake to be situated at such a height. It is 185 kms. from Mumbai and 191 kms. from Pune. The nearest railhead is at Igatpuri (45 kms.).

Jawhar (60 kms.)

A beautiful hill resort 180 kms. from Mumbai is also known as the ‘Mahabaleshwar of Thane district’. The nearest railhead is at Igatpuri (61 kms.).

Nagpur, the ‘City of Oranges’ regarded as the geographical center of India, is a metropolis-in-the-making. It was founded on the banks of Nag river during the early 18th century, by the Gond Raja Bakht Buland and later flourished under the Bhonsle’s. Due to its prime location, the British developed it as an important administrative. judicial and revenue collection center. The city is studded with several antiquities, which include, a splendid fort and several mausoleums. It is also an important commercial and educational center. Nagpur is a convenient base for visiting various sanctuaries like Tadoba, Nagzira, Nawegaon, and Pench.

Around Nagpur

Ramtek (58 kms.)

This legendary pilgrim center has numerous temples dedicated to Lord Rama. Sita and Laxmana, who tarried awhile here. Kalidasa, the famous poet is also believed to have stayed here and written his masterpieces. A major 15-day fair is held in November.

Wardha (67 kms.)

It is a convenient base for visiting the two most famous centers of the modern pilgrimage age, Gandhiji’s Sewagram and Vinobha Bhave’s Paunar. Wardha is a railway junction on Central Railway.

Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary (170 kms.)

The scenic sanctuary sprawls amidst the Tirora Range of Bhandara Forest Division and is home to tiger, panther, bison, sloth bear, sambar, antelope, chital, etc. The best time to visit is during April and May. The nearest bus stand is Sakoli, 22 kms. away. Other nearby towns are – Gondia (45 km) and Bhandara (75 km).

Nawegaon National Park (132 kms.)

It is inhabited by rich and varied wildlife. The Nawegaon lake is believed to have been built by Kolu Patel Koli in the 18th century. The Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Nawegaon is home to almost 60 % of the bird species found in the entire Maharashtra. Every winter beautiful migratory birds visit the lake.

Pench National Park (70 kms.)

The park covers an area of 257.26 sq kms and comprises of tropical dry deciduous forests, which are home to tiger, panther, gaur, sambar, chital, barking deer, blue bull, macaque, langoor, wild boar, bear, wild dogs, and civet cat. The best time to visit is from February to April. It is just 35 kms. from Ramtek.

Tadoba National Park (127 kms.)

It is the best-known game sanctuary of Maharashtra. The forests here teems with animals like panthers, sambars, bison, deers, etc. Birdlife too is diverse and colorful. The lake in the middle of the park is held sacred by the tribals and is a haven for crocodiles. The best season to visit is from March to May.

Dhakna -Kolkaz Wildlife Sanctuary (279 kms.)

This unique sanctuary in the Amravati district is located amidst the verdant valleys of the rivers Sipna and Dolar. Dhakna is 29 km. ahead of Kolkaz. This is the Melghat Tiger Reserve, even richer in other animal and birdlife.

It was the erstwhile capital of an important Maratha state and is dotted with some splendid palaces and royal homes. Kolhapur is also known as the Dakshina Kasi, as the temples here are considered amongst the most important in Maharashtra. The town was also an important center of arts, wrestling, leather footwear, and the Marathi film industry.

Ambabai/ Temple of Mahalaxmi: This imposing 7th-century temple was built by the Chalukyan King Karnadev Ray and is a fine example of the Hemadpanti style of Ray architecture. The main sanctum enshrines an idol of goddess Mahalaxmi, weighing 40 kgs. It is believed that the idol has not been created by human hands, but is in natural form, a primeval monolith of uncut diamonds and precious stones. The shrine attracts a large number of devotees.

New Palace: The palace was built between 1877 1884 and is the residence of the royal family of Kolhapur. There is a Clock Tower, gardens, a lake, a wrestling ground, a small zo0, a museum, and a swimming pool around the palace.

Old Palace: The 200-year-old palace has a temple dedicated to Goddess Bhavani.

Shalini Palace: This modern palace is built in Indo-Saracenic style.

Rankala Lake: It is a popular picnic site. Other attractions are Khasbaug Stadium, Ganesh Temple, Kotiterth, Panchganga, Town Hall, Cenotaph, Irwin Museum, and Rani’s garden.

The historic city was founded in 1610, on the site of Khirki village by Malik Ambar, the Prime Minister of Murtaza Nizam Shah II. In 1653, Aurangzeb became the viceroy of Deccan, he made the city his capital and named it Aurangabad. The town is associated with the rulers of Delhi and the Deccan and its surroundings are dotted with some Muslim monuments and Buddhist caves. Aurangabad is also famous for its Himroo Shawls, Bidriware, and Aurangabad Silk. It is a convenient base for visiting the world-famous Ajanta and Ellora caves as well as Daulatabad.

Bibi-ka- Maqbara: This mausoleum of Aurangzeb’s wife is a striking replica of the famous Taj Mahal. It was built in 1679, by Aurangzeb’s son, as a tribute to his mother Begum Rabia Durani.

Aurangabad Caves: The caves on the outskirts of the town, belong to the Buddhist era and were excavated between the 3rd and 11th century and reflects tantric influences in their iconography and architectural designs. Cave number 3 and 7 are the most interesting among the group.

Panchakki: The 17th-century water-mill was used to grind grain for the pilgrims. It receives a perennial water supply through earthen pipes, which are connected to water springs located in the nearby mountains. Mortal remains of a Sufi saint and spiritual guide of Aurangzeb were buried here in 1624.

Sunehari Mahal or Golden Palace: It is thought to be built by Malik Kafur.

Around Aurangabad

Ajanta (107 kms.)

Ajanta is world-renowned for the rock-cut Buddhist caves, dating from 2nd century BC to 5th century AD. About 30 caves are nestling in a panoramic gorge amidst Sahyadri ranges in the form of a gigantic horseshoe. This treasure house of art and architecture was discovered in 1819, by a group of British officers. Today, Ajanta has been designated as a ‘World Heritage Site’ by UNESC0. The caves were once the retreat of Buddhist monastic orders and comprise of Chaitya halls or shrines dedicated to Lord Buddha and Viharas or monasteries, used by monks for meditation and the study of Buddhist teachings. The frescoes in 5 caves and some of the sculptures are considered to be among the greatest achievements of Indian artists. The nearest convenient railhead for Ajanta is at Jalgaon (58 kms.).

Daulatabad (13 kms.)

The huge hilltop fort here has been described as ‘the most impregnable fort ever fort ever constructed’. It was earlier known as Devgiri and is said to be constructed by the Yadava Kings in 1338. There are several historical antiquities within the fort

Ellora (30 kms.)

The rock-cut cave temples of Ellora nestles amidst the Chandragiri hills and have been designated as World Heritage Site by UNESCO. In all, there are 34 cave temples, 12 Mahayana Buddhist caves (600 875 A.D.), 5 caves of Jain faith (800 1000 A.D.), and 22 caves dedicated to Lord Shiva, which were recently discovered. The caves were excavated between the 5th and 11th centuries and are adorned with splendid sculptures. The Kailasa temple (cave 16) has been hewn out of a single rock and is considered to be the most gigantic monolithic rock-cut temple in the world.

Ghrishneshwar: The sacred site is just half a kilometer from Ellora and enshrines one of the 12Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.

Khuldabad: It is the Karbala town or holy shrine of Deccan Muslims. Mughal emperor Aurangzeb was buried here.

Paithan (56 kms.)

The pilgrim site on the banks of the river Godavari is the birthplace of the Marathi poet-saint, Eknath. Several temples dot this pilgrim center. The Dnyaneshwar Udyan located nearby is laid out on the lines of Mysore’s Vrindavan Gardens and is perhaps the largest garden of Maharashtra. The town is also famous for zari work sarees, known as Paithanis.

Pitalkhora Caves (78 kms.)

The 13 rock-cut caves at Satmala ranges were excavated between the 2nd century B.C. and 5th century A.D. and are said to be the oldest cave temples in India.