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Blessed with stunning beauty that is diverse and unique at the same time, Maharashtra enjoys mountainous reliefs, cliffs, waterfalls, forests and of course the tall and proud forts that speak of its glorious history.
May 1, 1960- the date holds a prime importance in the hearts of every Maharashtrian, was the day that the state got its independent status despite being in existence for more than 4,000 years and is hence celebrated as Maharashtra Divas.
On this historic day, let’s celebrate the beauty of this rich land by going around its 25 offbeat places in Maharashtra that will make you want to explore this gorgeous state!
1. The proud Kalavantin Durg – One of the Best Tourist Place in Maharashtra
Between the plateaus of Panvel and high rising forests of Matheran lies a fort that is rumoured to be one of the most dangerous to get across and conquer. Built during the rule of Bahmnai Sultanate, it was a fortress guarded by the nature itself.
The rock cut stairs leading up to the top provide trekkers with the thrill of a lifetime! On a clear day, views as far as Mumbai fill the eyes with wonder making it one of the best unexplored places in Maharashtra.
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2. The Dynamic Flows of Kundalika River
In a non-descript village about 160km from Mumbai, the Kundalika River originates in the higher elevations of the Sahyadris. Cascading over the cliffs, it is finally contained by the Mulshi Dam.
It is this water that feeds the stunning waters of the river, making it ideal for white water rafting ranging from grade 2 to a tougher grade 3! Heighten thrill and adventure with this amazing experience!
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3. The Impenetrable Sea Fort of Vijaydurg
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Reflecting the ingenious craftsmanship and bravado of ancient masters, Vijaydurg fort was built in 1195, an era in which sea faring was barred by religion! The tough bastions of the fort meant that it was virtually impossible to conquer it without swimming through the sea as the shallow waters around it made it impossible for larger vessels to enter.
However, in the modern times the fort can be easily reached by land via state transport buses.
4. The Unconquered Islands of Murud and Janjira
A fine example of the amalgamation of its Konkani and Arabian heritage the name ‘Murud-Janjira’ is itself a combination of the Konkani and Arabian words for island ‘Morod’ and ‘Jazira’. The fort was built by a fisherman to protect his people from the pirates.
All attempts to scale and conquer the fort by Portuguese, Maratha and even the Bristish rulers were foiled by the Siddi community who were the rulers. Although it can be reached via land, the most interesting way to reach the fort is by a ferry from Mumbai to Rewas from where one can take a local transport.
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5. The Untamed Wilderness of Tadoba and Andhari Tiger Reserve
Rightly called the ‘Jewel of Central Maharashtra’, Tadoba and Andhari tiger reserves are spread over an area of 625 sq.km. of beautiful forest lands.
Boasting of one of the highest tiger populations in the nation, the reserve has about 43 of them, still roaming around freely in their natural habitat. Easily reached by both land and air, the reserve is located at just about 140 km from the nearest main city of Nagpur, which is a major hub.
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6. The Cascading Falls of Bhandardara
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Gushing, meandering and making their way through the resilient cliffs of the Sahyadri, the most notable of the falls at Bhandaradara are the Umbrella falls. Beautiful, snow white, fast and at the same time calming, the Umbrella Falls are formed due to the backwaters of the Wilson Dam.
The most notable fact about the Wilson Dam is that it is one of the oldest and yet surviving dams of ASIA! Romantic and charming, making it one of the best unexplored places in Maharashtra.
7. The only Coffee Estate in Maharashtra- Chikhaldara
Unusually known as the best tourist place in Maharashtra, Chikhladara surprises the wary tourist with sights far beyond the ordinary.
The only coffee plantation estate in Maharashtra, it is one of most beautiful and yet offbeat destination in the state rising to a height of 1080m. Close to Amravati, Chikhladara can be reached by road very easily and is a haven for solace seekers and one of the best offbeat places in Maharashtra.
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8. The Bike Rider’s Paradise-Tamhini Ghat
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Connecting the hilly regions of Pune to the coastlines of Konkan, Tamhini Ghat truly comes alive during the monsoons as the land around transforms to a red earth covered with a blanket of moss, creepers and small shrubs.
Swaying merrily along with the rushing winds, the wild plants provide a perfect company and the sudden cascades of waterfalls make the ride truly refreshing! Although wrought with potholes, the ride through Tamhini Ghats is rewarded richly by the surrounding scenery!
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9. The Craggy Outcrop of Duke’s Nose
Image Source:Wikimedia Commons
One of the most preferred unexplored places in Maharashtra for both avid and inexperienced trekkers, Duke’s nose is located very close to the popular hill stations of Lonavala and Khandala.
The peak, also called as Naagphani, rises to a height of approximately 1000ft. and is a haven for rappelling and rock climbing lovers.
The funny story associated with its name is that, it resembles the nose of Duke of Wellington which was believed to be big and humongous!
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10. The Birthplace of Raja Shivchhatrapati- Shivneri Fort
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
History, bravado and heritage are the pride and joy of Maharashtra. Shivneri, one of the best unexplored places in Maharashtra, a place where history was born, symbol of honour for every Maharashtrian. A tall, proud and majestic fort overlooking the pretty town of Junnar.
The fort was built by Shahaji Raje, who was Shivaji’s father to secure the birth of his son and his mother Jijamata against invaders and natural calamities. Surrounded by the spectacular cliffs of mountains and nestled securely, the fort is in a truly impeccable condition!
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11. The historic relics of Karla and Bhaja Caves
Whenever someone mentions the caves of Maharashtra, the first instinct is to think of Ajanta, Ellora and Elephanta, as important as these might be, there are numerous other caves that served as refuge to the Buddhists from the historic era, that can be found around the state.
Located near the popular tourist town of Lonavala, the caves are just off the main street and are a delight to explore.
The carvings and construction are believed to have been done somewhere around 1st or 2nd Century BC by the Hinayana sect of Buddhism and look so alive that they appear to be talking from the rocks and wooden beams! In fact, the Karla Caves are the largest chaityas (temples) in India!
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12. The longest uninterrupted beach Tarkarli
For the beach bums out there, Maharashtra has a treasure chest full of surprises and goodies and the most sparkling among them is the 8km long undeterred coast of Tarkarli. The place where the Karli River meets the Arabian Sea marks the start of the beach.
A truly spectacular coastline, the waters of Tarkarli are clearer than any other beach and you can see to a depth of almost 20ft! Emerging as a hotspot for water sport and adventure activities like Scuba Diving, snorkeling and even jet skiing, Tarkarli is a gorgeous destination that is a delight for every beach lover and solace seeker!
13. The flowery carpets of Kaas Plateau
Kaas plateau, is one of the most incredible places to visit in Maharashtra. Anybody who can boast of being a traveler has to visit this dreamlike landscape atleast once.
Every year in the months of August to September, the plateau comes alive with 150 varieties of blooms that are all wild! Donning hues of every colour, the plateau itself becomes a blanket of flowers woven intricately together at your very feet.
This incredible destination has also been awarded a UNESCO World Biodiversity heritage hotspot for its myriad and diverse blooms that are a treat for the sore eyes.
14. The mysterious forests of Amboli
There are few forests that enjoy the rich and abundant forest cover of Amboli in the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra. The last elevation before the terrain gives way to the beaches of Goa, the forest is an unexplored paradise prosperous with unique flora and fauna.
For the creepy-crawly lovers, this forest is a veritable hostspot for reptiles of every form may it be geckos, snakes, lizards or skinks.
Endemic to the Malabar region of India, the Malabar gliding frog can also be spotted. If peace, quiet and the meditative silence of the forest is what you are looking for, then this is the place to be.
15. The mountain temple of Pali
At the foothills of the Sudhagad fort in the Konkan region of Maharashtra lies a temple that has bought devotees from all over the state thronging to its feet in search of blessings and redemption. The Ballaleshwar temple of Pali is a unique piece of architecture constructed so that it forms the letter ‘Shree’ in Devnagari script, which is another name for Lord Ganesh, whose idol in the natural form the temple houses.
The surroundings of the temple are not only green and luxuriant, but also fragrant by a distinct hallowed atmosphere.
It is believed by the villagers that you may not get justice in the highest courts, but at the foot of their deity, true justice will be served.
16. The gushing falls of Thoseghar
About 20km from the city of Satara flow the wondrous Thoseghar waterfalls. Tall, heavy and lush, these waterfalls fall from a soaring height of almost 1000mt! At the very edge of Konkan region of Maharashtra, the waterfalls are surrounded by luxuriant woody slopes and even a placid lake nearby.
A little distance ahead, you can also see the surrounding hills that are populated and beautified by windmills. Truly majestic, the beauty of the falls comes even more alive in the midst of the Monsoons, when the roads and the landscape dons a beautiful velvety green garb!
17. Where peacocks roam the streets – Morachi Chincholi
Amble about merrily in the farmlands of Morachi Chincholi, with the majestic national bird of India for company! How does that sound? The village of Morachi Chincholi is a hidden legend in itself.
The peacocks roam about freely in their natural habitat amongst the daily life of the villagers as if they are the real residents and the villagers are just visiting guests. Capitalizing on the rare combination, the village has fast developed into an agri tourism hotspot!
18. The surrealistic firefly dance in the village of Purushwadi
City lifestyles rarely give us time to think that there might exist a world out there that is far from the maddening crowd and is enveloped in a charm of its own.
Take out your car and drive down to the beautiful village of Purushwadi near Mumbai, which is the site of one of the most astounding spectacles of nature- the firefly mating dance.
Every year between May 23 to July 6, the valleys of Purushwadi come alive with the fiesta of a million fireflies who are in the midst of their mating rituals as they fleet around dancing from tree to tree. Incredible!
19. The heaven for water sports – Tapola
Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar are probably the only two destinations that people think of going to when they plan for the best unexplored places in Maharashtra, but there’s so much more to that! Just a little ahead of the crowded Mahabaleshwar, lies a place that is called the ‘Mini Kashmir of the Western Ghats’- Tapola.
The best way to get here is to hire a car and drive down from the nearest city of Pune, which is just 150km. Unexpectedly Tapola has some of the best water activities that you can indulge in as soon as you get here, what’s more? You can also take the narrow village pathways and explore the nearby forts and jungles like Vasota, which are known for their beautiful sceneries and historic temples.
20. The Refreshing Greens of Matheran
Vast hills filled with striking green vegetation, trees, wildlife, flowers and echoing with the chirping of numerous birds; that is Matheran for you! It is hard to imagine that such a heavenly destination could be located so close to Mumbai, but there you have it! Sitting prettily in the surrounding mountains, Matheran can be easily reached by taking the famous toy train from the Nerul Junction, be warned however, no cars or two wheelers are allowed in Matheran, isn’t it just perfect? A little slice of paradise safely tucked away from the pollution.
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FAQ’s
Which are the best unexplored places in Maharashtra?
Kalavantin Durg: One of the most unique unexplored places in Maharashtra can be found tucked away within the tropical greenery of the Western ghats. The Kalavantin Durg is an ideal place for nature walks, treks and challenging adventure activities.
Kundalika River: One of the most versatile rivers in the state is the Kundalika River that starts in the Sahyadri Ranges and flows all the way down to the Arabian Sea. Apart from its natural beauty, you can also explore adventures such as white-water rafting, kayaking, etc. on the river.
Vijaydurg: Built in 1195, this impenetrable fort was built on the edge of the ocean so that no one could conquer it, even if it was invaded. Today, you can explore this majestic fort and catch an incredible view from the ramparts of one of the most offbeat places in Maharashtra.
Bhandardara Waterfall: Bhandardara falls, or the Umbrella waterfall is a scenic, stunning and unique natural phenomenon that is surprisingly under-explored.
Which are the hidden places in Maharashtra near Pune and Mumbai?
Tamhini Ghat: Located within 100 km of Mumbai and Pune is Tamhini Ghat – a stunning waterfall that comes alive during the monsoon season. It is the perfect place for a picnic or trekking.
Shivneri Fort: If you are looking for a quiet picnic spot or a trekking destination, you can check out Shivneri Fort, the birthplace of the great Chhatrapati Shivaji. The fort is located at a distance of 92 km from Pune and 155 km from Mumbai and is amongst the most beautiful offbeat places in Maharashtra.
The forests of Amboli: Located on the outskirts of Mumbai are the magical forests of Amboli that have been relatively unexplored. It is ideal for a quick weekend getaway in the midst of undisturbed nature.
Morachi Chincholi: This sprawling farmland is a hidden gem when it comes to unexplored places in Maharashtra. You can catch peacocks roaming the streets and check out authentic indigenous farming practises that are conducted there.
Which are the best unexplored waterfalls in Maharashtra?
Vihigaon Waterfall: This stunning waterfall can be found dropping down from a height of 120 feet in Thane. The waterfall is surrounded by crags and hills, so you can observe the gushing waters from various angles.
Dabhosa Waterfall: Surrounded by incredible greenery, this is one of the tallest waterfalls – dropping down from a height of 300 feet. The small, tropical oasis is incredibly romantic and beautiful for adventure and nature lovers.
Bakiri Waterfall: The Bakiri Waterfall is one of the most beautiful and offbeat places in Maharashtra. The blue pool below is ideal for swimming, and the 4 km long trek to reach the waterfall is sure to be a memorable experience.
Kataldhar Waterfall: This waterfall exists only during the monsoon season, making it a rare sight to behold and a stunning one at that. You can trek and hike around the falls, and even conduct enjoyable picnics in the cool, hilly weather.
What is the best time to visit Maharashtra?
The autumn, winter and spring season, that lasts from October to March, is the best time to visit Maharashtra. This is the time when the weather is perfect for treks, hikes, picnics, road trips and adventures, which is the best way to explore the natural beauty and historical attractions of Maharashtra.
Monsoon season (July to September) is also a great time to visit since this is when the flora and fauna of the state come alive.