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Traveling to India would mean getting ready for a roller coaster ride because you’re going to encounter some relentless honking, narrow roads where cruising in a serpentine manner would get you to the lush green vegetation. Occasionally, you may even find cows blocking the road making the driver get down from the car to give them a warm push goodbye from the road (Well, that’s also a unique experience!).
With more than 30 spoken languages, mesmeric splendor of natural beauty and not to mention the warm hospitality of the native people, India is a country of relentless diversity. So if you’re planning to visit India for the next break, then you should travel to Maharashtra.
A Glimpse into the Beauty of Maharashtra
Maharashtra is an extravagant canvas displaying many of India’s famous and awe-inspiring attractions. You are going to get entertained by palm-dotted beaches, lofty and cool green mountains; you can also visit some UNESCO World Heritage Sites, hustling and bustling cities where people are utterly lost in the madness of busy life. From the beautiful national parks to Tiger reserve, you can get a glimpse into the beauty of nature for sure. There are extraordinary cave temples of Ellora and Ajanta in inland; undoubtedly most of these timeless historic monuments are made by hand from solid rock.
If you want to look back into the past of colonial era, then you should visit Matheran, a colonial-era hill station that you can cruise on a toy train. While pilgrims and spiritual explorers visit Pune as it is famous for alternative spirituals, some prefer moving towards the west in the search for romanticism to Konkan coast where fringing sandy beaches are dotted with the crumbling fort.
Elsewhere in Kashedi, you can find lonely streets dotted with palm trees where crumbling and abandoned forts stand like lone warriors seemingly proud of their stance against the evil force.
Mumbai: A Cosmopolitan, Maddening Frenzy with Extreme Nightlife
Mumbai, the financial capital of India, has much to offer beyond your imagination. The bustling streets with cars going in honking relentlessly and mindlessly can be a little unworldly though. Of course, you cannot escape it, but then there is also a unique beauty associated with it.
The streets at Colaba dotted with colonial buildings can give you a glimpse of the past. Do not forget to take a horse ride while you’re near the Gateway of India. The southern part of Mumbai can be mesmerizing with its natural beauty as you could see posh buildings owned by industrialists and eminent business professionals ornament the streets. You are going to discover a wide range of architectural style. Certainly, that is not the main attraction. When you are in South Mumbai, do not forget to visit the Hanging Gardens.
When you had too much of it, then you should move to suburbs preferably to Bandra which is known as the queen’s necklace. Here you can explore some cool pubs, night clubs where eminent Bollywood personalities frequent. Well, you might not be a fan of Bollywood stars, but that should not hinder you from enjoying a glass of wine while listening to some cool track by Nirvana or Metallica.
Pune: The Romantic Destination
If you’re suffocated in the hustle and bustle of Mumbai, then remember that it’s time to travel to Pune. A rather cool city that is utterly slow, unlike Mumbai. But then, before you hit Pune, do not forget to make a stop at Lonavala. It is a hill station located 70 miles away from Pune.
There you can have peaceful surroundings along with a nice breeze that will soothe your senses. Here you’re going to witness nature at its best. Do not forget to pick the famous Chikki to taste the sweetness of the place.
Once you reach Pune, you’re going to be mesmerized by the serenity of the atmosphere. You also have a range of activities to take part in. From trekking at Sinhagad Fort to exploring the snake species at Katraj Snake Park and being contemplative at the lap of nature at Bhigwan Bird Sanctuary where you would be accompanied by birds(known for flamingos) and a sun that looks lonelier than the solitude of your own musings.
Pleasure on the Plate
The food here in Maharashtra can be a little spicy, but you should never miss an opportunity to taste the traditional Misal Pav with sliced onions. And if you’re a lover of sweets, then you must taste the famous Sheera and Puran Poli. The natives here are quite welcoming and convivial.
If you’re a non-vegetarian, then you should have some Kolhapuri chicken on your plate. The dishes are made using Indian homegrown organic spices. The variety of food can vary from place to place but what remains constant is the style of cooking that defines the culinary culture. Fish lovers won’t be disappointed because moving towards Konkan, you’re going to get spicy fish curries, too.
Explore Cultural Fabrics
The festivals here display an extraordinary sense of social congregation. The maddening frenzy of Ganapati Bisrajajan (A deity known for endowing intelligence) can drive you crazy as you see people getting lost in the tunes of drum beats. If you happen to be present during Navaratri, then do not miss the opportunity to take part in dance with the natives. Get mesmerized by the cosmic tunes of devotional music, and if out happen to be with more modern mass, then you might just get to tap your feet to some western fusion music.
For adventures seekers, this region offers a range of activities. From trekking to paragliding and boating, you can go for endless activities, and when you think that it is too much of activities, it is time that you should get back to retreat on a palm-fringed beach to explore the romanticism of the loneliness.
The state has inspired, mesmerized and baffled even the most seasoned and jaded travelers and that is why in 2018 Maharashtra witnessed the largest number of international tourists compared to other states. Being here would mean looking at a country that is colored with multiple social and cultural fabrics. This is a nation with extraordinary past, glorious history, and all those telltales could be found in the ruins and crumbling monuments.
If you want to explore the romanticism of the place, then you should visit the sandy beaches of Mumbai. At last, make sure that you get ready for an utter maddening rush where lives are throbbing with beauty.