Maharashtra at a Glance :

Area : 3,07,713 sq km

Population : 96,752,247

Capital : Mumbai

Languages : Marathi, Hindi, English

Best Time To Visit : September to April (coast); September to mid-June(hills)

About Maharashtra :

The name Maharashtra first appeared in a 7th century inscription and in a Chinese traveler's account. Its name may have originated from rathi, which means, "chariot driver". At that age Maharashtra was full of builders and drivers of chariots who formed a maharathis, a "fighting force." In 90 A.D. king Vedishri made Junnar, thirty miles north of Pune, the capital of his kingdom. In the early fourteenth century the Devgiri Yadavs were overthrown by the northern Muslim powers. Then on, for the 900 years ending, no historical information in this region is available. In 1526, first Mughal king, Babar, established his prominence in Delhi and soon the Mughal power spread to the southern India. The Mughals were to dominate India till the early eighteenth century.

Shivaji Bhosle, founder of the Maratha Empire, was born in 1627. He took the oath to make the land free at the fort Torna at the age of sixteen. This was the start of his lifelong struggle against Mughals and other Muslim powers. By 1680, the year of Shivaji's death, nearly whole of the Deccan belonged to his kingdom. He had developed an efficient administration and a powerful army. He also encouraged a spirit of independence among the Marathas that enabled them to withstand for 150 years all attempts to conquer them. Shivaji's achievements amongst monumental difficulties were really spectacular and that is why he holds the highest place in Maratha history.

Climate at Maharashtra :

Maharashtra experiences tropical monsoon climate. The state faces extremely hot summers from March onwards till the starting of the rainy season in early June. The lush greenery is the result of monsoon season, which persists during the following mild winters. The state enjoys mild winters and but the season changing month of October is very unpleasant.

The Sahyadri hills receives a heavy rainfall of 400 cm due to the seasonal rains from the western sea-clouds. The Konkan region is also receives torrential rainfall. At the eastern side of the Sahyadri, the rainfall diminishes with the area receiving just 70 cm. of rainfall. The Solapur-Ahmednagar lies in the heart of the dry zone. But later in the season, the rainfall increases towards the eastwards in the Marathwada and Vidarbha regions. The unpredictable monsoon, some times results in short spells of rainy weather, long dry breaks, floods and droughts making life a little difficult here.

Fairs and Festivals in Maharashtra :

The Maharashtrians are a vibrant, earthy people for whom life itself is a celebration. Small wonder then that all festivals in Maharashtra are celebrated with abundant fervor and enthusiasm. These times provide a unique opportunity to absorb Maharashtrian culture, with all its colorful customs, rituals and traditions. The song, music and dance that accompany almost every festive occasion add joy and excitement to the lives of the people from every walk of life.

These festivals attract world-renowned artistes - musicians, dancers, painters, sculptors, weavers - who come together to pay tribute to Maharashtra's rich culture and legacy.The Maharashtrians are a hearty, festive people. The love for celebration is deeply ingrained in their culture and it finds expression through the various occasions on the Maharashtrian calendar. There is festivity all round the year and people cherish the good times with music, dance and delectable food.

How to Reach Maharashtra :

By Air : Maharashtra has five domestic airports and one international airport at Mumbai. Most of these airports have regular connections through the Indian Airlines and other domestic airlines.

By Rail : Most of the important places in India are connected by rail to Mumbai. Mumbai is the hub of the railway network in Maharashtra having three major railway stations and the headquarters of two Railway Zones in India. Mumbai is the Headquarters for both, Western and Central Railways. Regular train service connect Mumbai with all the major towns & cities in India.

By Road : Maharashtra is well connected by national as well as state highways with major places in and around the state.

By Ship : Damania Shipping Pvt. Ltd. operates a regular catamaran service between Mumbai, Ratnagiri and Goa. The service is suspended during the monsoons. Journey time between Mumbai and Goa is approximately 8 hours.