Maharashtra, India - Travel Guide

Maharashtra offers a vibrant blend of historical sites, bustling cities, and serene coastal areas. From the iconic Gateway of India in Mumbai to the ancient caves of Ajanta and Ellora, it provides a rich cultural and historical experience with diverse landscapes and delicious cuisine.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay7 days

Budget$25/day

Mid-range$50/day

Luxury$500/day

Known For

MumbaiPuneNagpurNashikAurangabadShirdiWestern GhatsKonkanMarathwadaVidarbha

🇮🇳 Country Information: India

CapitalNew Delhi

CurrencyIndian rupee (₹)

Language Hindi , English, Bengali, Marathi, Telugu, Tamil, Gujarati, Urdu, Kannada, Odia, Malayalam, Punjabi, Assamese

Phone Code+91

Electricity230V (Type C, D, M)

Tap WaterNot recommended

Tipping

Tipping is common in restaurants (5
10% or rounding up), for hotel staff, and drivers (small amounts)
For guides, a tip of 200
500 INR per day is common

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available, especially in urban areas
Credit cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, but less so in rural areas
It's advisable to carry some cash, especially for smaller vendors and rural areas
There isn't a significant black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites
Remove shoes before entering temples, mosques, or homes
Greet elders with respect, often by touching their feet
Eating with your right hand is customary, especially when eating Indian food

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. Homosexuality was decriminalized in 2018. While acceptance is growing, LGBTQ+ individuals may still face societal challenges, particularly in rural areas.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

The legal drinking age varies by state, generally 18 or 21
Drug laws are very strict, and possession of even small amounts of drugs can lead to severe penalties

Special Laws

Public display of affection can be frowned upon
Photography near government buildings or military installations may be restricted
Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites

Common Phrases

NoNahi (nah-hee) नहीं

YesHaan (hah-n) हाँ

HelloNamaste (nah-mah-stay) नमस्ते

PleaseKripya (krip-yah) कृपया

Excuse meKshama Kijiye (kshuh-maa key-jee-yeh) क्षमा कीजिए

Thank youDhanyavaad (dhun-yah-vahd) धन्यवाद

Climate

Maharashtra has a tropical wet and dry climate, with significant variations due to its diverse geography including a coastline, Western Ghats mountains, and an inland plateau.

Climate Zone: Tropical Monsoon

Best Time to Visit

Monsoon season: Jun
Sep (heavy rainfall, potential for floods)
Super hot season: Mar
May

Getting There

Fly into Mumbai (BOM) or Pune (PNQ)
Major train routes connect to Mumbai from all over India (e
g
, Delhi to Mumbai 16
20h, $20
60)
Extensive bus network for inter
city travel (e
g
, Mumbai to Pune 3
4h, $5
15)

Getting Around

Local trains and buses in major cities like Mumbai and Pune
Ride
sharing apps like Uber and Ola are widely available
Auto
rickshaws are common for shorter distances
Taxis are available for hire

Health & Vaccinations

Routine vaccines recommended (MMR, DTP, Polio)
Hepatitis A and B recommended
Typhoid recommended
Malaria risk in some rural areas, consult doctor for prophylaxis
Traveler's diarrhea is common, probiotics may be helpful

Staying Connected

eSIMs available
Major Indian networks like Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone Idea (Vi) support eSIM
Airalo and Nomad eSIM work well for international travelers

Local Cuisine

Vada Pav street_food

The quintessential Mumbai street snack, consisting of a deep-fried potato dumpling (vada) placed inside a soft bread bun (pav). It is typically served

Misal Pav breakfast

A spicy and tangy curry made from sprouted moth beans (misal), topped with potato curry, poha, chivda, farsaan, chopped onion, and tomato. It is usual

Sol Kadhi non_alcoholic_beverage

A popular coastal beverage, particularly in the Konkan region, made from coconut milk and kokum (Garcinia indica). It is known for its cooling and dig

Puran Poli dessert

A sweet flatbread consisting of a wheat flour wrapper stuffed with puran—a sweet mixture of boiled and mashed Bengal gram (chana dal) and jaggery. Thi

Modak seasonal

A sweet dumpling with a filling of freshly grated coconut and jaggery, often prepared with an outer shell of rice flour. The steamed version (ukdiche

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

High-Demand Accommodation (Mumbai, Pune, or during peak season) Accommodation

Book 1–3 months in advance

Accommodation in major cities and popular tourist spots (like hill stations or during festivals) fills up quickly, and prices increase closer to the date.

Indian Railways Long-Distance Sleeper/AC Tickets Transport

Book at least 60 days in advance

Indian long-distance train tickets, especially for sleeper or AC classes, are released 120 days in advance and sell out extremely quickly due to high domestic demand.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Ajanta and Ellora Caves Guided Tours/Private Transport tour_or_activity

Book 1–3 weeks in advance

While entry tickets are generally available, booking a reputable guide and reliable private transport (car and driver) ensures a smoother and more informative experience.

Fun Facts

1. Maharashtra is the only state in India with a saline soda lake, Lonar Lake, which was formed approximately 52,000 years ago when a meteor struck the Earth.
2. The state holds the unique distinction of having two capitals: Mumbai in the summer and Nagpur in the winter season.
3. Maharashtra is known as the "Land of Saints" and is the birthplace of many famous spiritual figures, including Shree Sai Baba and Shree Swami Samarth.
4. In Shani Shingnapur, a village in Maharashtra, the local tradition is for residences to have no doors, due to the belief that Lord Shani Maharaj protects the village from thieves.

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