MAHARASHTRA GUIDE |
| |
 |
Maharashtra is
one of the largest states in India, both in
terms of population and area. Its booming
capital Mumbai, makes it not only one of the
most important states economically, but also the
2nd largest producer of films in the world. The
Marine Drive, the Mahalakshmi Temple, Fire
Temple, the Victoria Temple, Gateway of India,
are some of Mumbai's best places. You can go
shopping in Bombay at Colaba Causeway, Chor
bazaar, or Zaveri Bazar if you are on the
lookout for some exquisite jewellery.
|
Guide |
Hotels |
Attractions |
|
|
| |
MAHARASHTRA INFORMATION |
|
| The capital of
Maharashtra, Mumbai owes its name to Mumba Devi, the
guardian deity of the city. It is the most cosmopolitan
city with a pace of its own - which is often breakneck.
It is exciting - jostling crowds, pot-holed roads,
rattling suburban trains, pollution, traffic jams, high
rise, beautiful people, Dharavi, the largest slum in the
world et al. A lot of excitement is because Bombay is
"Bollywood", the 2nd largest producer of films in the
world. The Marine Drive, the Mahalakshmi Temple, Fire
Temple, the Victoria Temple, Gateway of India, are some
of Mumbai's best places. You can go shopping in Bombay
at Colaba Causeway, Chor bazaar, or Zaveri Bazar if you
are on the lookout for some exquisite jewelry. The
Elephanta Caves in Mumbai are a must see.Closeby is the
city of Pune where the famous Indian Film and Television
Institute and the Max Mueller Center for German Studies
is situated. At nearby Nasik, considered to be one of
the 7 most sacred cities of the Hindus, the Kumbh Mela
is held to commemorate the churning of the ocean by the
Gods and demons. |
| |
| |
|
MAHARASHTRA FACTS AND FIGURES |
|
Maharashtra at a Glance ... |
| |
|
|
| |
Area: |
308,000 Sq. kms. |
| |
|
|
| |
Languages: |
Marathi,hindi,English |
| |
|
|
| |
No of District: |
35 |
|
|
|
| |
Best
Time to visit: |
October to march |
|
| |
| |
|
MAHARASHTRA HISTORY |
|
| The rise of the Maratha
power played an important role in the second half of the
17th century. In the middle Ages, the Marathas upheld
the national cause under the Yadavas of Devagiri. But in
the 17th century they were organised into a national
state. In 1629, Shivaji's father Shahaji disengaged
himself from the service of the Nizamshahi and joined
the Adilshahi in Bijapur, which was soon to emerge as
the most important power in the region.Shivaji Bhosale
was the hero of the Maratha national movement. He was
born in 1627. His mother Jiji Bhai groomed him by
infusing high and inspiring ideas of heroism,
spirituality and chivalry into Shivaji's mind. In 1646
he captured the fortress of Torna. Since then he raided,
sacked acquired and annexed many forts and territories.
With cunning planning and shrewdness, he always
outwitted his enemies and opponents. By 1673, he had
control over most of western Maharashtra and had made
'Raigarh' his capital. In 1674 Shivaji was crowned king
at Rajgarh. When he died on 14th April 1680 at the age
of 53, nearly whole of the Deccan was under his rule.
Shivaji's son Sambhaji succeeded him who was executed by
Mughals in 1689. Rajaram, Sambhaji's younger brother
succeeded him and his death in 1700 seemed to end the
power of the Marathas. But Tarabai, the elder widow of
Rajaram, enthroned her young son Shahu, and stood up
against Aurangaseb. The fight against the Mughals ended
only with the death of Aurangaseb in 1707. After
Aurangaseb, Mughal power declined in India and balance
of power shifted in favour of Marathas.In 1712, when
Shahu died, his prime minister or peshwa, Balaji
Vishwanath (1712-1721) accented to the throne and
established the Peshwa Dynasty. Balaji was succeeded by
his son Bajirao (1721-1740). Historians regard Bajirao
the founder of Greater Maharashtra, because it was under
his reign that Maharashtra became the centre of Indian
politics. |
| |
| |
|
MAHARASHTRA TOURIST ATTRACTIONS |
|
| Mumbai (Bombay) » Elephanta » Ajanta Caves » Ellora Caves » Bhandordora » Aurangabad » Ganpatipula |
| |
| |
|
MAHARASHTRA FAIRS AND FESTIVALS |
|
| The Maharashtrians are a
vibrant, earthy people for whom life itself is a
celebration. Small wonder then that all festivals in
Maharashtra are celebrated with abundant fervor. These
times provide a unique opportunity to absorb
Maharashtrian culture, with all its colorful customs,
rituals and traditions. The song, music and dance that
accompany almost every festive occasion add joy and
excitement to the lives of the people from every walk of
life. These festivals attract world-renowned artistes -
musicians, dancers, painters, sculptors, weavers - who
come together to pay tribute to Maharashtra's rich
culture and legacy. The Maharashtrians are a hearty,
festive people. The love for celebration is deeply
ingrained in their culture and it finds expression
through the various occasions on the Maharashtrian
calendar. There is festivity all round the year and
people cherish the good times with music, dance and
delectable food.The Most Important festivals are : Nag
Panchami,Narali Pournima,Gokul Ashtmi,Ganesh
Chaturthi,Gudhi Padwa,Pola,Dussehra,Diwali,Makar
Sankranti,Holi,Modern Festivals,Pune Festival,Banganga
Festival,Elephanta Festival,Ellora Festival,Kalidas
Festival at Nagpur. |
| |
| |
|
HOW TO REACH |
|
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.
By Air: There is an extensive network of flights
from Mumbai's Sahar (international) and Santa Cruz
(domestic) airports. There are domestic flights to all
the major cities of the country.
By Rail: Mumbai has trains connecting it to all
important cities in India. Intra city trains in Mumbai
are very good, and are the cheapest and fastest way to
move around in Mumbai.
By Road: Mumbai is well connected to all the
cities in Maharashtra by bus. Intra city bus services
are also very good. |
| |
| |
|
MAHARASHTRA MAJOR CITIES |
|
| Mumbai » Pune » Aurangabad » Mahabaleshwar » Kolhapur » Nasik » Bhandardara » Nagpur » Ahmednagar » Akola » Amravati » Chandrapur » Raigad » Sangli » Satara » Thane » Wardha » Buldana » Dhula » Porbhani » Yawatmahal » Bid » Jalna » Osmanabad » Jalgaon » Latur » Nanded |
| |
| |
|
MAHARASHTRA SHOPPING |
|
| Mumbai-Shopping Shopping
in Mumbai is a memorable experience as you wander
through its Bazaars with striking names like Chor Bazar,
Mutton Street and Zaveri Bazar. At Chor Bazar you'll
find a phenomenal collection of antiques, jewellery,
wooden articles, leatherware and general bric-a-brac.
kolhapur is well known for its textiles and cottons, in
particular Kolhapuri saris. But it is of course most
famous for its jewellery and leather sandals or
Kolhapuri chappals. You could easily get five pairs of
sandals for less than Rs. 500. The jewellery from
Kolhapur is known to dazzle the beholder and is
beautifully crafted with delicate embossing and
workmanship .Mahadwar and Shivaji Roads are good places
to shop. You can find a good variety of Kolhapuri
chappals and other leather goods on Bhausinji Road.
There are a few good buys around the bus station in the
Rajarampuri area. Shetkaari Bazaar is the cheapest place
to shop and is popular amongst the villagers from
surrounding areas.Shopping in Pune can be quite an
experience! There is nothing you won't or cannot find
here…you just have to have the eye for it! Pune with its
blend of Indian and Western cultures is a paradise for
all shoppers catering to each and every
individual.Though one thing that you need to remember is
the snooze time between 1.00 and 4.00 p.m. |
| |
|
|
|
