About Maharashtra

MaharashtraThe name Maharashtra means the 'The Great State' or 'Great Nation'.

The name is said to have been originated probably from 'rathi' which means 'Chariot driver', referring to drivers and builders of chariots who were known as 'maharathis' or 'Fighting Force'.


Maharashtra gets its name aptly, because it is the largest states in India, both in terms of area as well as population. Maharashtra spans 308000 km with a population over 78,937,000 and the state language being Marathi.



SAI BABA AT SHIRDI

The radiance and mysterious power of Sai Baba, the saint who has changed the lives of countless people all over India, can be encountered in a distinguished village 296 km from Mumbai. The idol of the mystic saint Sai Baba at Shirdi is greatly revered by both the Hindus and Muslims.


People of both the communities pay their respects and seek the blessings of the deity, especially on Thursdays and during Ram Navami, Guru Poornima and Dussehra.




MUMBAI, MAHARASHTRA

It is the capital of Maharashtra state, and its official language is Marathi although English and Hindi are widely spoken and understood. The fast-paced life has given rise to hordes of "fast-food outlets" on almost every road, offering lip-smacking choices of Mumbai's very own pau bhaji, bhel puri and kababs.


There is no dearth, though, of multi-culinary delicacies dished out in posh restaurants by expert chefs.



PUNE

Pune is located in the western Indian state of Maharashtra. Pune is the 7th largest city in India, it is the second largest city in the state of Maharashtra. It is situated at the eastern edge of the Western ghats on the Deccan plateau. Pune is widely considered the cultural capital of Marathi-speaking Maharashtrians.


Pune is known as Oxford of India as it has a reputation for its several esteemed colleges and educational institutions. It has a very strong presence in the automobile sector and is on its way to consolidate its position as the 'Detroit of India' too. Its cosmopolitan population speaks several other languages like English and Hindi.



NAGPUR

Nagpur is the third largest city in the western Indian state of Maharashtra after Mumbai and Pune. Nagpur is one of the major industrial cities of Maharashtra. Nagpur is important geographically as it lies practically at the centre of India with the country's geographical centre (Zero Mile) being situated here.


Nagpur is well-known throughout India as a trade centre for high-quality oranges grown in the surrounding region and hence the city is also known as Santra Nagari. In Nagpur, cool environment of Gavilgad Fort, which is 200-300 years old attracts visitors. Lonar Lake is the third largest natural salt-water lake in the world.

AURANGABAD

Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb named this city as Aurangabad. Before Aurangabad it was called Fatehpur. This city is gateway to the World Heritage Sites of Ajanta and Ellora caves. Aurangabad developed as a modern city, provides all comforts and modern facilities, several luxury budget and star hotels, which caters the tourists of the city.


Aurangabad is rich in its culture, heritage, its art and crafts. Whenever we think of Aurangabad, himroo shawls, mashroo and kimkhab weaves click on one's mind, The silver inlay craft of Bidri ware and the well-known fine paithani silk sarees too are world famous.



NAGPUR

Nagpur is the third largest city in the western Indian state of Maharashtra after Mumbai and Pune. Nagpur is one of the major industrial cities of Maharashtra. Nagpur is important geographically as it lies practically at the centre of India with the country's geographical centre (Zero Mile) being situated here.


Nagpur is well-known throughout India as a trade centre for high-quality oranges grown in the surrounding region and hence the city is also known as Santra Nagari. In Nagpur, cool environment of Gavilgad Fort, which is 200-300 years old attracts visitors. Lonar Lake is the third largest natural salt-water lake in the world.

AMARAWATI

Amaravati is situated in the right centre of the northern border of the Maharashtra State. Cotton, jowar and tur (lentil) and oranges are the main productions of this city, lying at the Tapi basin. In this city there are many tourists attractions listed here. To reach Amarawati, Nagpur is the nearest airport (155 km).


Nagpur is the terminus of the branch line of Central Railway on Mumbai-Kolkotta main line. It is well connected by road with the important towns and cities within the state and outside the state.



RATNAGIRI

This city has the distinction of being the native place of three Bharat Ratna awardees, namely Maharishi Karve, Dr. Pandurang Vaman Kane and Dr.B.R. Ambedkar. Ratnagiri is the district place. Great freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak was born here. In 1731 Ratnagiri came under the control of Satara kings; in 1818 it was surrendered to the British.


A fort was built during the Bijapur dynasty and strengthened in 1670 by the Maratha king Shivaji, which is located on a headland near the harbour. It is one of the ports of the Konkan coast. It has a palace where the last king of Burma, Thibaw, and later Veer Savarkar, were confined.