
Maharashtra, India’s third largest state, is home to many stunning temples, well-preserved caves, historical sites and more. Every year, tourists from all over the world visit to witness the rich culture of the past, enjoy the capsizing waves, lose themselves in the crowd and do a variety of other activities. Maharashtra is also a popular travel destination throughout the year because of its UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Here are 5 heritage sites in Maharashtra that you must explore
1. Ajanta Caves
The Ajanta Caves in Aurangabad are a wonder of the ancient world! These caves, which date from the second to sixth centuries, are a collection of 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave structures. These are adorned with magnificent sculptures and colourful paintings that portray the life of the Buddha and other Jataka stories.
2. Ellora Caves
The Ellora Caves located near Aurangabad are breathtaking! The Charanandri Hills are home to several caves. These date from the sixth to the tenth century CE and feature rock-cut temples and monasteries that reflect the Buddhist, Jain and Hindu religions.
3. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus
This architectural wonder in Mumbai, previously known as Victoria Terminus, is a blend of Victorian Gothic and Indian traditional styles. In addition to being a busy railway station and an important centre for transportation, it is also a UNESCO site that portrays Mumbai’s colonial past.
4. Elephanta Caves
The next site on Maharashtra’s UNESCO World Heritage List is an amazing example of rock-cut architecture that captures the era of medieval India. There are two alcoves in Elephanta Caves, including five Hindu and two Buddhist caves.
5. Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai
The Victorian Gothic and Art Deco-inspired structures are some of the most solid examples of 19th-century Victorian Gothic architectural magnificence. This structure represents the early public-private collaborations in colonial India.