Things to do in  Maharashtra

The Ajanta and Ellora Caves, both UNESCO World Heritage sites, are among the largest rock-cut monastery-temple cave complexes in the world. At Ajanta, there are 29 Buddhist cave temples dating from 2nd century BC. Meanwhile, the 34 Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist caves at Ellora date from the 6th century AD.

A popular day trip from Mumbai, the Karla Caves is a series of Buddhist shrines that were carved from a hillside thousands of years ago, with many dating back to the first century BCE. Here you'll find beautifully preserved prayer halls and monasteries, many decorated with intricate sculptures of elephants, horses, and people.

SItuated in the Western Ghats, and within day-tripping distance of Mumbai, the Bhaja Caves is a series of 22 rock-hewn cave structures dating back to the 2nd century BC. They're worth visiting for their beautifully carved prayer halls, stupas, and relics, along with their depictions of scenes from Indian mythology.

Lake views, picnicking spots, and the Sinhagad Fort nearby draw travelers to Khadakwasla Dam, a feat of local engineering on the Mutha River on the outskirts of Pune near Khadakwasla Village. Equal parts water source and tourist attraction, the dam offers lovely views over the lake/reservoir—especially at sunset from the official viewpoint.

India might not be well-known as a winemaking country, but Nashik’s Sula Vineyards is working to change that. It was the area’s first winery, established in 1999 by a Nashik native who saw the region’s potential after studying in California. Now, the company produces a variety of award-winning red and white wines, and offers accommodation packages, tours and tastings, two restaurants, and a wine store.

Among Hindu temples in India, Shree Narayani Dham is a relative novice, built around 2010. Yet this religious complex spread over 4.5 acres (1.8 hectares), roughly the size of four American football fields, is a major spiritual retreat in Lonavala. Its modern hall with marble floors fans out to a rose garden, dining halls, and enough housing for dozens of guests and devotees.

Dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, the Mahabaleshwar Temple is a 16th-century construction built in the Hemadant style and crowned by a pyramidal roof. It houses Shiva lingams (an abstract representation of the diety) that draw in huge crowds of religious pilgrims throughout the year.

Between Ellora, Ajanta, and Elephanta, Maharashtra has no shortage of spectacular caves of cultural and natural interest. Visitors to the central state can add Nashik’s Pandav Caves to their itinerary. Built into the Trirashmi Hills, these predominantly Buddhist caves are between 1,500 and 2,000 years old and contain intricate carvings and statues.

Also called the Pu La Deshpande Garden, the Pune Okayama Friendship Garden is among the largest public gardens in Pune, India. Established as a symbol of friendship between the sister cities Pune and Okayama in Japan, this landscaped space is said to be the largest Japanese-style garden outside of Japan, and offers visitors a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of Pune’s city life.

By some accounts, this historic road stretching from Alka Square to Quarter Gate Square in the heart of Pune is named after Laxmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity—hence, the road bazaar overflows with shops and stalls where you can bargain for almost anything, from clothing to textiles and jewelry.

The Wet’n Joy Water Park is a fun, family-friendly destination and a great place to cool down. The large water park features a variety of waterslides, a wave pool, a rain dance area, and may types of water games. Extreme water slides appeal to teenagers and adults, while gentler areas are suitable for even the youngest kids.

Maharashtra’s compact Karnala Bird Sanctuary is a protected greenspace that provides a habitat for hundreds of species of birds, monkeys, antelope, and butterflies. It's also the site of Karnala Fort, also known as Funnel Hill, a popular trekking destination among day-trippers from Mumbai.

A temple dedicated to Lord Ganesh—the Hindu god with the head of an elephant—lies in the center of Saras Baug, a locally-beloved park featuring manicured gardens and walking paths. Arrive here early to see locals take morning walks and perhaps prayers, and don’t leave before checking out the small museum displaying hundreds of idols of the elephant-like deity.

Among the more popular of Mahabaleshwar's many viewpoints, Elephant's Head Point is a great place to take in views of the Sahyadri mountains and beyond. Be prepared to do a bit of light hiking to reach the top, but you’ll be rewarded with impressive vistas worth the climb.