Attractions In & Around of Maharashtra

Ajanta and Ellora

The caves of Ajanta and Ellora are the biggest Tourist Attractions in Maharashtra, which the United Nations has declared as World Heritage Sites. The oldest caves date back to 2nd Century BC. The mural paintings in Ajanta and the sculptures in Ellora alongwith their picturesque location would cast a spellbinding effect on you.

Aurangabad

Although the city is more famous as the gateway to the heritage sites of Ajanta and Ellora, it has its own share of tourist attractions. The city owes the name to Aurangzeb, the Mughal emperor, who made it a viceregal capital to rule over Deccan. The emperor built here Bibi-ka-Maqbara in imitation of the famous Taj Mahal, as a tribute to his mother. Pan Chaaki and the Darwazaas are examples of exceptionally skilled architecture of the bygone days.

Elephanta Caves

One of the major Tourist Attractions of Maharashtra, the Elephanta Caves are situated near the metropolitan city of Mumbai. The Elephanta island is located 10 Kms away from the Gateway of India. There are various rock cut temples present in these caves, which are as old as 5th century.

The Elephanta Island was named by the Portuguese, after the statue of an elephant near the landing area of the island.

Construction of The Caves : The rock cut temples in Elephanta Caves are carved out of rock. There are columns, internal spaces and images within these temples. The entire temple is related to a large sculpture. In fact one can walk through the corridors and chambers of this sculptured temple. Created through a process of rock removal, the entire complex is an interesting monument. Some of the rock surfaces here are finely finished whereas some are unfinished bare rock.

The Elephanta rock caves are sprawled over a large area of about 60000 square feet. These temple caves consist of a main chamber, courtyards and several subsidiary shrines. There is also a mass of natural rock, above the temple.

There are three entrances to the temple. The eastern and the western entrances mark the axis of the temple. There is a 20 pillared hall that lines the axis, and on its western end is a cell in which a Shivalingam enshrined.

The Mystical Images : The magnificent image of Sadasiva, a manifestation of Shiva, is carved in relief at the end of the north south axis. The stupendous 20 feet high image of the three headed Shiva, known as Trimurthy is a magnificent one. It is regarded as a masterpiece of Indian art. This huge image represents Panchamukha Shiva, whose only three faces are carved into the wall. It attracts your attention just as you enter the temple through the northern entrance.

Along with this image there are grand sculptured images of Kalyanasundara, Gangadhara, Ardhanariswara and Uma Maheswara on the southern wall. Other sculptured images of Nataraja and andhakaasuravadamoorthy are to the west of the northern entrance and the images of Yogiswara and Ravanaanugrahamurthy are to its east.

Gateway of India

The majestic Gateway of India is a glorious historical memorial built during British rule. This magnificent monument has been built in Indo-Sarcenic style to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Bombay. Gateway of India is one of the finest example of colonial architectural heritage in India. This grand structure stands at the Apollo Bunder, a popular meeting place in Mumbai. The Gateway of India was designed by the British architect George Wittet and was opened for general public in the year 1924.

Mumbai

The capital city of the state is the financial powerhouse of the country. But the city also has some important Tourist Attractions in Maharashtra, namely : Prince of Wales Museum, Gateway of India, Hanging Gardens, Mahalaxmi Temple, Haji Ali Shrine, Marine Drive, the beaches of Juhu and Chowpatty. Mumbai boasts of being home to Bollywood film industry. No wonder if you happen to see some of the most popular actors and actresses in the tinsel towns.