Mumbai - bride of cities

Mumbai draws its legacy mainly from the British Raj. The first "outside" interaction of the city is recorded way back in sixteenth century with the Portuguese in the times of Vasco da Gama. The Portuguese gifted the Bombay islands to England King Charles II on his marriage with the Portuguese princess Catherine. The British impact on the city is still apparent in its architectural heritage. The Gateway of India, Prince of Wales Museum, Victoria Terminus, Old Colonial-era buildings, and Elephanta Caves are must visit places.

Ratnagiri - abode of nature

Located on the southwestern part of Maharashtra also known as Konkan, Ratnagiri is a lovely coastal place surrounded by lush Sahyadri hills to the west. Like many beautiful places in India, Ratnagiri has got its slice of history too. The legend has it, Pandavas of Mahabharata epic settled at Ratnagiri for some time during their exile. In 1670, Shivaji strengthened the Ratnagiri fort built by a Bijapur ruler. The town came under the control of Satara ruler and later of British in nineteenth century. Thebaw Palace, Mandavi, Bhatye beaches, Marleshwar, caves, and Rajapur Ganga are some of the prime attractions at Ratnagiri.

Sindhudurg - citadel afloat

Situated on the Konkan coast and accessible from Goa and Mumbai, Sindhudurg was a strong naval base of Marathas. The serene and spectacular Sindhudurg is rife with relics of the past including temples and forts. Beaches at Sindhudurg, unlike commercialized beaches, are much better, cleaner and lovely. The Sindhudurg Fort bears testimony to the valor and chivalry of the Marathas especially during the rule of Shivaji.

Goa - of sun, sand and the sea

Life is a beach, literally, in Goa. With a myriad of unspoilt and clean beaches with serene surroundings and picturesque setting, Goa is invariably the first choice of every nature lover. No wonder, the state is one of the most haunted places in the world. Attractions galore as also the fun time while in Goa. The only problem is choosing from beaches dotted along the 131-km long coastline with each one as alluring as anything. However, for practical purpose here's a convenient popular list of few of them: Anjuna, Arambol, Bogmalo, Candolim, Colva, Varca, Majorca, Vagator and Mandrem.

Pune - cultural capital of Maharashtra

Pune is the second largest city in Maharashtra after Mumbai and one of the metro cities in India. Although it is regarded a satellite city of Mumbai, Pune is believed to have existed since tenth century. Shivaji, the founder of Maratha reign, lived here as a boy and witnessed the phenomenal development of the city in the later years. Pune is cultural melting pot of the state and has myriad of educational facilities, museums, research centers, theatres and literary centers. There're more than 100 educational institutes in Pune. Among the attractions of this city include: Raja Kelkar Museum, Aga Khan Palace, Osho meditation resort, Konark Park, Tribal museum and Pataleshwar Caves.

Aurangabad - the city of the throne

Founded by Malik Amber in 1610, Aurangabad was named after Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, the last of great Mughals. The city has a brisk track record of development and has been regarded as the fastest growing cities in the world. Aurangabad is also the gateway to world famous heritage sites of Ellora and Ajanta. The myriad tourist attractions of Aurangabad include: Bibi ka maqbara - the tomb of Aurangzeb's wife, Panchakki - the water mill with an underground water channel, Khuldabad, Daulatabad fort and UNESCO world heritage sites Ellora - situated 30 km northwest of city, and Ajanta lying northeast of Aurangabad.

Nashik - a bite of legend

Legend has it that Rama made Nashik his home during his 14 year exile. From 15th to 19th centuries the city was under Mughal control then known as Gulshanabd, city of gardens. When Peshwas got control of the city in 1818, the city got its present name. Nashik has been on tourist map, especially of religious nature, since ages. There's plenty to see at Nashik: Gangapur Dam - a beautiful site, Dudhsagar fall - a natural fall near Gangapur, Numismatic museum, Pandav Caves, bird sanctuary and vineyards.