MONUMENTAL HERITAGE Famous Monuments : Gateway of India, Haji Ali Mosque, Bibi-Ka -Maqbara World Heritage Sites : Ajanta - Ellora Caves, Elephanta Caves, Shivaji Terminus Famous Forts : Bassein Fort, Raigadh Fort Unconquered Forts : Daulatbat Fort and Janjara Fort

Monumental Heritage of Maharashtra

Janjira fort, Murud

Places To Visit Ajanta - Ellora Caves Transport

Elephanta Caves Shivaji Heritage Lonar Creater and Lake

Aurangabad Mumbai

Maharashtra, the Land of Marathas where human imagination fails to conceptualize how wonderful this part of earth could be. Dotted with the historical tales of valor and chivalry of great rulers and beautified with the splendid stone architecture well preserved and showcased in some of the regions mighty forts and temples. Yes, besides its other attraction the state of Maharashta is much known for its erstwhile monumental heritage - a testimony to the era when the regime of Rajas and Maharajas was at its zenith.

World Heritage Sites of ancient stone caves of Ajanta, Ellora and Elephanta Caves have no match in the outer world and are much visited by the tourist from all over the world. Mighty forts all along the coastline is the mark of the fact that the state of Maharashtra was the center of power during the kingship of Marathas, Portuguese and Britishers. Come and explore the rich cultural heritage of Maharashtra hidden in its rock and stone cut architecture.

Attractions Marked on the World Map

Ajanta and Ellora Caves

Ajanta Caves inside View

The rock cut caves of Ajanta and Ellora are the two specimens of the ancient architecture in India. Ajanta caves located on the Ajanta Village and above Waghora river are carved on the side of the ravines and depict story of Buddhism spanning a period from 200BC to 650 AD. Visit these caves and the imposing beauty of these caves will stun you. Similarly visit the Ellora caves just 29 kilometers from Aurangabad presents the impeccable blend of the Jain and Hindu temples carved around six and seven century in the Ellora village. Take time to notice the Impressive figures adorning the walls and elaborate facades with the exceptional oxygenating charm in its 34 caves.

Elephanta Caves

The Elephanta caves also known as the city of rocks is an island just 10 kilometers away from the Apollo Bunder near Gateway of India where from you can get a boat to this World heritage site. These caves are famous for their rock cut carvings, Creating columns, internal spaces and most of all its colossal images. The caves are thought to date as back as 9th through 13th century. The imposing image of three headed Shiva most akin to trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwar adds to its religious tint of these caves. The other sculptures are the idols of Natraja, Sadashiva and splendid sculptures of Ardhanarishwara.

Gateway of India

Gateway of India

Visit the Mumbai's most popular monument, the Gateway of India that marks the visit of King George and Queen Mary in 1919 and you will be spellbound by its majestic charm. Built on the Yellow basalt with four turrets and intricate latticework, the structure stand 26 meter high. This monument presents a panoramic view of Arabian Sea and offers you an opportunity to cruise around its pristine blue waters. And at the other end there stands the Taj Mahal Palace and Taj Intercontinental, statue of Swami Vivekananda and Shivaji on astride horse that adds beauty to the monument.

Shivaji Terminus

The true jewel that embodies the architectural crown of the Mumbai City is the Venetian Gothic Styled Central Shivaji Terminus (CST) formerly known as Victoria Terminus (VT) also included in the list of World Heritage Site. This structure presents the exquisite design work especially in filigrees, carvings and arches. On top of this building you can find the statue of progress. This is the historic railway station of the Mumbai Suburban Railways and Presently serves as the Headquarter of the Central Railways of India and is the busiest station in the country.

Forts In Maharashtra

Raigarh Fort

The Forts of Maharashtra mostly built by the great Maratha ruler Shivaji numbers 350. These forts are the sentinels of history and have witnessed many up and downs since their establishment. These forts where built all around the state with a single purpose to protect the enemy invasions. The famous forts of the state are Bassein, a Portuguese fort; Panhala Fort built on the beautiful hills of Panhala region; Raigadh Fort the 14th century fort of Marathas built in the their capital city Raigadh in such a way that its three sides are completely inaccessible. It is here Shivaji crowned himself as Chhatrapatti Shivaji; Vijaydurg (victory fort) and Sindhdurg (ocean fort) are the witness to the architectural genius of the Maratha Ruler Shivaji. Similarly the Murd Janjara and Daulatabad fort are the two forts nobody has conquered up to this time except with treachery. The foolproof defensive system of these forts where the thorn in the heart of enemies. Whatever the reason may be every fort of Maharashtra is famous for its special characteristics pay a visit to all these forts and you can imagine what the powerful kingdom means.

Experience the Monumental Heritage

The western state of Maharashtra is replete with monumental attractions where you can manage time to see all its monuments. The 350 forts, three world heritage sites and other monuments that present the blend of Indo - Gothic architectural style dots the whole state. The Portuguese Churches of Bassein, Zoroastrian fire temple at Alibag and British era structures in Mumbai including the Bombay presidency. Visit the Gateway of India that will be the beginning of your exploration of monumental heritage sites in Maharashtra.