Maharashtra is an Indian state and is located on the western part of the country with the Arabian Sea making up its western coast. It is the third largest state in India area-wise and its capital is Mumbai, which is one of the most important cities of India. Maharashtra has a highly developed economy and is a wonderful place for spending vacations. There are many things about Maharashtra that lure numerous tourists from all parts of India and abroad. Its diverse topography has given birth to a range of stunning landscape and on a trip to Maharashtra you will come across beautiful hill-stations, rocky terrain and some of the finest caves which are just a few of the many tourist attractions in Maharashtra. Nature has blessed it with the Western Ghats and Sahyadri Ranges that encompass some of the best hill stations and eco-tourism spots of the state

Fast Facts

Area	3,07,713 sq km
Population	96,752,247
Capital	Mumbai
Languages	Marathi, Hindi, English
Best Time To Visit	October to March

History

The history about Maharashtra is rich and has the region has witnessed lots of rulers reigning over this vast land. The state has been witness to many historic battles that were fought here. The history of this magnificent land dates back to 3rd century BCE and in contemporary literature it is known as Dandakaranya. Maharashtra came under the Territory of Magadha Empire when Ashoka the great used to rule over a vast stretch of land that included present day Maharashtra. Sopara which is the present day Mumbai was an important point of trade with Eastern Africa, Mesopotamia, Aden and Cochin.

Maharashtra saw an immense cultural development under the patronage and rule of the legendary Satavahanas during 230 B.C.E. and 225 C.E.

Maharashtra also came under the influence of the Islamic rulers, the most prominent among them being Ala-ud-din Khalji and Muhammad bin Tughluq.

The seventeenth century saw the emergence of Marathas under the leadership of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Bhonsale who was eventually defeated by Aurangzeb. The Peshwas, who were able administrators and good warriors as well, were instrumental in the development of many forts in Maharashtra .

The advent of the British resulted in three Anglo-Maratha wars that were fought between the Marathas and the British. In the year 1819, the historic rule of the Marathas came to an end and slowly they annexed the princely states of Maharashtra such as Nagpur, Satara and Kolhapur that ultimately were brought under the Bombay Presidency in the year 1848.

After the Indian independence, it was on May 1, 1960 that Maharashtra came into existence when the Bombay Presidency was divided into the new linguistic states of Gujarat and Maharashtra.

Best Season, Climate and Clothing

The climate of Maharashtra is temperate, with fluctuations in temperature ranging between 16�C and 35�C. The monsoon arrives from the month of July to September with good amount of rainfall. However, the interiors of the state receive scanty rainfall. Cotton clothing would be ideal all the year round and light woolens would be best for the winter months.

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