GENERAL INFORMATION
Maharashtra is bordered by the states of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Goa and the Union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli. The Arabian Sea makes up the state's western coast. It  is a large, populous and economically important state. The Lands of Caves, Forts and Temples Mumbai is the capital of the Maharashtra State, India's fourth largest State, but it does not reflect the spirit of Maharashtra. The city is Maharashtra's avaricious heart, its soul lies in the interior of the State in cites like Pune, Kolhapur and Nagpur. Mumbai contains a cross section of the people of India it is like a mini India. If you walk in Mumbai, you will hear a babble of languages you cannot understand, but all Mumbities communicate in their Mumbai Hindi.From Mumbai most travellers head south to the beaches of Goa, south-east to Pune and its famous ashram, or north-east to the World Heritage-listed cave temples of Ajanta & Ellora.

HISTORY
Mughal power dominated much of central and southern India in the 16th century until the Deccan became the epicenter of the Maratha empire in the 17th century. With a relatively small army, Shivaji established a base at Pune and later Raigad. From the early 18th century the the Maratha empire was controlled by the Peshwas who retained power until they upset the British in 1817.Maratha also has a strong links with Gandhi & India's Independence. Gandhi was interned by british in Pune for two years after the Quit India declaration, and his ashram is at Sevagram in the state's far east. After Independence, western Maharashtra and Gujarat were joined to form Bombay state. Today's state, with Mumbai as capital, was formed in 1960 when the Marathi and Gujrati-speaking areas were again separated.

ART, CULTURE AND FESTIVALS
As the name suggest Maharashtra is a great land. its forts, caves, palaces known for it,s rich history, it,s, music, handicrafts and it,s festivals with all their colourful rituals and traditions, all of which get together to give a true reflection of Maharashtrian Culture. Hindus form the majority of Maharashtra population & the culture of Maharashtra reflects that. There are many temples which blend themes from Hindu, Buddhist and Jain cultures. The temple of Vitthala at Pandharpur may be considered the most important to the Maharashtrian Hindu population. The Maharashtrians are a vibrant, earthy people for whom life itself is a celebration. All festivals & holidays in Maharashtra are celebrated with abundant fervour and enthusiasm. The songs, music and dances that accompany almost every festive occasion add joy and excitement to the lives of the people from every walk of life. While holidays are celebrated under many different names and circumstances, their functions are essentially the same.ganeshotsave is the most popular festival of the Maharashtra and it is celebrated celebrated with much reverence. A large number of people walk hundreds of kilometers to Pandharpur for the annual pilgrimage in the month of Ashadh. Maharashtra has also  been famous for its vibrant music and the folk forms like lavnis, povadas, gondnals and bharuds are a true reflection of the society.

CUISINE
The delicious cuisine of Maharashtra is tempting enough to make you return here again and again. It varies according to the region of the state. The people of Konkan has a rice based diet. The people living close to the sea fish being  a major component for those. All kinds of lentils, onions, tomatoes, potatoes, chilies, garlic and ginger are common ingredients in the cuisine of Maharashtra.
BEACHES IN MAHARASHTRA
Maharashtra's 720 km long coasline extends from Dahanu and Bordi in north upto Goa preceeding southwards. With a plethora of beaches it provides a coastline for exciting water sports, sun bathing on golden sands, exploring grand fortresses, temples, and churches and discovering tiny, remote villages. The mouth watering dishes of Konkan leave an unforgettable taste. Whispering coconut groves, sprawling beaches, hills and valleys, tiny pictureque villages, delicious Konkani seafood, the entire strech assures you an unforgetable beach holiday.

Area Covered:             307,690 sq. km
State Capital:                Mumbai.
Main Language:           Marathi.
Best Time to Go:          September to April (coast); September to mid-June(hills)