Maharashtra is one of the largest states of India in terms of area and is also among the most developed ones. The flourishing economy of this state is the consequence of its rapid industrialization and systematic urban planning. Maharashtra is also quite popular in the tourism sector and is home to a large number of tourist destinations. The important destinations of this state are Mumbai, Nagpur, Aurangabad, Pune, Mahabaleshwar and Nasik. All these places have their individual significance and are visited by a large number of tourists from various parts of the country. Before you embark on a tour to this magnificent state rich in culture and history, you should have preliminary tourist information on Maharashtra which will prove to be of immense help to those who are visiting this place for the first time.

Touristplacesinindia.com is the site in which you can find up-to-date Maharashtra state information.

Glimpses of History:
The history of Maharashtra dates back to 3rd century BCE and in literature it was famous as Dandakaranya. Maharashtra was formerly a part of the Magadha Empire under the reign of Ashoka. Sopara was an important point of trade with Eastern Africa, Mesopotamia, Aden and Cochin, which is the present day Mumbai. Maharashtra also came under the influence of the Islamic rulers but the emergence of Marathas under the leadership of Chhatrapati Shivaji Bhonsale made them the supreme power in India for a short period during the 18th century. Many Anglo-Maratha wars were also fought between the Marathas and the British until the core of the Maratha confederacy was annexed by the British and merged with some other areas to form the Bombay Presidency in the year 1848. It was on May 1, 1960 after the Indian independence that Maharashtra got its individual status as a state based on linguistic considerations.

Getting to Maharashtra:
The transportation network in Maharashtra is quite efficient and is well linked with other states of the country. The important private and government airlines operate to and from Mumbai and many other cities of the state. Maharashtra is also reachable by rail and many trains like the Shatabdi, the Mumbai-Kalka Mail travel to Maharashtra. The well maintained network of state and national highways connect the important cities Maharashtra with other destinations of India. Deccan Odyssey, which is one of the best luxury trains of the world, provides a luxurious ride to those who can afford its extravagance.

Festivals:
The state of Maharashtra is also home to many colorful festivals the most important being the Ganesh Chaturthi when Ganesha, the lord of wealth is worshipped. Some of the other festivals worth mentioning would be Gudi Padva, Nariel Purnima, Mount Mary's Feast and Ellora Festival.

Tourist information on Maharashtra also states that it is best to visit Maharashtra from the months of October to March owing to a pleasant climate here.

Touristplacesinindia.com offers online information on the Tourist Information on Maharashtra and also offers useful inputs on travel information for Maharashtra.