Being the third-largest state concerning area, therefore, it has numerous inspiring things to explore throughout the state. It offers the best things that inspire me to travel to Maharashtra with geographically diverse nature. Moreover, it gives people the opportunity to travel to places of their preference and have a memorable time there. So today, Travliv360 thought to put forward; a short glimpse of a versatile state, which can inspire you for a trip to this state.
RICH DIVERSE CULTURE
Being a richly diverse culture state of people and go along with each other. Most people speak Marathi while having various dialects such as Kokani, Malvani, Puneri, Varhadi, Kolhapuri, Satari, Agari. It is home to diverse cultures and religions such as Muslim, Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Parsi, who live together and intermingle. The people of Maharashtra have traditional outfits like Pheta & Dhotar for men, and women wear Navwari saree. There are amazing things that inspire me to travel to Maharashtra and be a part of its culture during particular times of the year, especially during the festivities.
THE COLOURFUL FESTIVALS
Ganesh Mahotsav, Gudi Padva, Rangpanchami (Holi), Dussehra, Diwali, and Narali Purnima are the major festivals celebrated in Maharashtra. You can travel to Maharashtra during August & September to enjoy the Ganesh Chaturthi Celebration. You will witness one of the best festivals to celebrate in India. The festivals are one of the best things that inspire me to travel to Maharashtra.
Mumbai is the capital city where you have a glimpse of the famous idol of Lord Ganesha, known as Lal Baghucha Raja. During Ganeshotsav, people carry idols of Lord Ganesh with Dhol Nagara Bands to their homes & pandals. People worship the Lord in their homes for eleven days while singing aartis & bhajans. Everyone carries prasad to offer to Lord Ganesha then distribute to all the devotees. During Visarjan, people do farewell to their favourite deity for that year emotionally.
According to the Marathi Calendar, Gudi Padva is the New Year for the Maharashtrian people. On this day, people raise Gudis outside their homes to symbolise and celebrate this day. People make and exchange sweets as a tradition to pray for a good year ahead which comes in April. Rangpanchami is the festival of colours that people celebrate to the fullest. It is much famous as Holi in other parts of India. This festival is enjoyed everywhere in the state. In this festival, people light a bonfire to symbolise the burning of evil deeds & thoughts.
DELICIOUS CUISINE & FOOD
What would you like to taste in Maharashtra? Puran Poli, Zunka Bhakari, Bharlela Vanga, Masala Bhaat, Kanda poha, Modak, Shrikhand, Sabudana vada or anything else. Numerous dishes make your mouth water for delicious cuisine & food in Maharashtra. There is more to explore in different regions in this state, whether you are a vegetarian or non-vegetarian.
If you are a vegetarian, Puran Poli is a prominent traditional sweet that you must try on auspicious occasions. If you are a non-vegetarian, Sukka Mutton, Sukka Chicken, Mutton Cha Rassa, Mutton Raan, Chicken Rassa, Pandhara and Tamda Rassa are the mouthwatering dishes, which you can’t leave out. This t is not enough a lot more dishes to offer such as Pomfret fry, Rawas fry, Prawns fry, Squid rings, all the fish curries, oyster fries and curries are irresistible.
THE PLACES THAT INSPIRE ME TO TRAVEL TO MAHARASHTRA
NATURAL DESTINATIONS
Being naturalistic, Maharashtra has various beautiful natural sights that one can visit while having one of the longest coastlines in the country, where Malvan, Devgad, Alibaugh, Murud Janjira, Vasai, Arnala are famous for their beaches. The Sahyadri range provides eco-friendly destinations with rich flora & fauna where you can try out various hill stations and enjoy the cool climate with pleasant surroundings.
Lonavala, Khandala, Ratnagiri, Mahabaleshwar, Malshej Ghat, Bhimashankar, Chikhaldara, and Igatpuri are famous hill stations where you can plan your weekend plans in the arms of nature. Numerous spots make you say awe-inspiring and appreciate the beauty of nature. The Sahyadri ranges is also an excellent hotspot for botanists and zoologists as it has well-developed niches which contribute to their beauty and richness. The numerous things that inspire me to travel to Maharashtra.
HISTORICAL & MONUMENTAL DESTINATIONS
Maharashtra is a state which has a lot of history behind it. Therefore, it has a lot of historical and monumental establishments throughout the state. It encourages people to travel a lot while having historical forts such as Raigad, Panhala, Sindhudurg, Pratapgad, Murud Janjira, Sinhagad, Vishalgad, Vijaydurg, Devgiri. Tourists are also awed with archaeological monuments such as Ajanta, Ellora caves near Aurangabad, Elephanta caves near Mumbai, Ambejogai, Kanheri caves in Mumbai, Lonar Lake, Shivleni caves.
While having historical structures, it is not much behind the religious monuments in this state. Ashta Vinayak, Sade teen Shakti Peeth such as Kolhapurchi Mahalaxmi, Tulajapurchi Bhavani, Mahurchi Renuka Mata, and Vanichi Saptashrungi, and Jyotirlingas such as Bhimashankar, Trimbakeshwar, Vaijanath are the religious sites where people travel to devote themselves. How can we forget the famous Sai Baba Mandir of Shirdi? Pandharpur is a popular tourist attraction among the Varkaris for the darshan of Vitthal and Rakhumai. Legends say that Rakhumai eloped from her Royal Palace to marry Lord Vitthal at this Pandharpur Temple. Many people gather during the Varis of Pandharpur, which is regarded as the marriage day of Vitthal-Rakhumai as it is an auspicious occasion and seek their blessings.
THE LAST NOTE
I like to sum up everything that has been stated so far to all the people who travel to experience the diversity of culture, food, nature and the other best things that inspire them to travel to Maharashtra. It is a treasure trove of all the things which make you more lively and vivid. Everyone who travels here should enjoy and experience the people’s hospitality. Maharashtra has enough to offer the gourmets, diverse flora and fauna to the naturalists and for historians awe-inspiring historical monuments. Travel addicts will have a lot of places to travel to in Maharashtra. Last but not least, those who want to know and feel Spirituality will get what they want.
So, will your next travel be to Maharashtra? Comment down. Keep travelling & Bye!
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Story By: Vedasree Debnath
Beautiful experience reading this!
Awesome blog!!!