Maharashtra :The modern state of Maharashtra - vast & rugged, is the third largest state in India. As a contrast to the most modern & cosmopolitan capital city of Mumbai, the other parts of the state present an entirely different picture, in so far as it retains the Marathi (local language) speaking, regional traditions and culture.

The greatest treasure of this state are the splendid rock cut cave temples and monasteries, the finest of all being located in the vicinity of Aurangabad - The Ajanta & Ellora caves and temples, dating back to the 2nd century B.C. The Ajanta caves are rock cut caves hewn from near vertical sides of a horseshoe shaped ravine. The caves also house some of the most exquisite paintings on the inner walls. The most elaborate and finest being the Buddhist caves. The Ellora caves also host an amazing wealth of sculpture - Buddhist, Hindu and Jain caves present varied facets of the time, as if standing in competition. The most famous and exquisitely carved among them is the Kailasha temple, often referred to as 'Elloras masterpiece'. Solid rock has been cut out to create an elaborately sculpted temple - a stupendous task very deftly accomplished. The Bibi-Ka-Maqubara near Aurangabad is a replica of Taj Mahal, built in the memory of Aurangzeb's wife. A visit to the nearby fort of Daulatabad - the planned capital of the Mughal empire is a must

The state also has a few hill stations such as Mahabaleshwar & Matheran, which are frequented as summer resorts owing to their salubrious climate. The Karla and Bhaja Caves are worth a visit during your trip to the Lonavala Hill Resort.

The internationally known Osho Ashram established by Swami Rajnish is also located at Pune. The western periphery of the state occupies almost 500 km. of the Konkan coast on the Arabian sea, starting from Gujarat border to Goa; feigned with palm-groves, inlet ridges and picturesque ports, valleys with ancient forts, making it one of the most enchanting sea-coasts.

The states history is rich with the achievements and victories of the great Maratha clan. The greatest of them being Chatrapati Shivaji, the fiercely independent warrior, who united the local forces to place insurmountable obstacles in the way of any prospective invader.

Festivals: One of the major festival celebrations take place at the time of Ganesh Chaturthi, dedicated to the Hindu deity, Ganesha, considered the most auspicious and remover of all obstacles. The grandest celebration with a lot of music, dance and color happen at Pune's Ganapati festival. Equally enthusiastic are the celebrations at Mumbai. The Kite festival held annually at Aurangabad is also worth seeing.

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