5 Lesser-Heard Travel Destinations in Maharashtra

Considering a leisurely weekend getaway in Maharashtra? You would undoubtedly find yourself rummaging through the same old options, such as Mahabaleshwar, Lonavala, Khandala, Panchgani, and Alibaug. These typical tourist destinations have been swamped by crowds and commercialisation over the past several years.

However, little do you know that Maharashtra offers a lot more beautiful and serene locations that may completely revitalise and refresh you after a stressful weekend.

Maharashtra is endowed with breathtaking natural beauty that is both different and singular at the same time. This includes mountains, cliffs, waterfalls, forests, and, of course, tall, imposing forts that bear witness to the state's illustrious past.

So, this time, pack your bags and be ready to travel to a , a lesser-heard, lesser-known, less commercialised, and less crowded location for a little getaway from the mundane work-life hustle.

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Murud-Janjira

The name "Murud-Janjira" is itself a combination of the Konkani and Arabian words for island, "Morod" and "Jazira," and is a remarkable illustration of the blending of its Konkani and Arabian origins. A fisherman constructed the fort to defend his community from pirates. The Siddi community, who were in charge, thwarted all attempts by the Portuguese, Maratha, and even the British rulers to scale and take control of the fort. Although it can be accessed by land, the ferry from Bombay to Rewas, where one may take a local transportation, is the most exciting method to get to the fort.

Bhandardara

One of Maharashtra's best-kept secrets is Bhandardara, a charming vacation resort village in the Western Ghats situated on the banks of the Pravara River. Despite being one of the less travelled areas in the Maratha state, the area is blessed with a wealth of cascading waterfalls, clear lakes, and magnificent hills, making it the ideal natural retreat. The tranquil Arthur Lake, nestled in the heart of the lush Sahayadri Mountains, is this small hill town's main draw. Plan a trip to the lovely "Umbrella Falls" for a closer encounter with nature.

Sea Fort of Vijaydurg

In 1195, when sea travel was prohibited due to religion, the Vijaydurg fort was constructed, reflecting the brilliant craftsmanship and audacity of ancient masters. Due to the fort's strong defences and the shallow waterways surrounding it, larger ships were unable to approach, making it nearly difficult to take it without swimming into the sea.

Tarkarli Beach

'Tarkarli', a lesser-known beach resort in Maharashtra, offers panoramic views of the turquoise seas of the Arabian Sea and the Karli River along with a beautiful shoreline that is surrounded by tall 'Shuru' trees. Hire a Kerala-style houseboat and enjoy a romantic cruise along the pristine backwaters of the Karli River, go parasailing over the tranquil beaches of Tarkarli, take a boat ride and explore the remoteness of the sea for some dolphin spotting experience, or go to the "Tsunami Island" and enjoy a campfire dinner right over the secluded beach.

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Guhagar Beach

Ratnagiri district is home to the dazzling golden sand beach of Guhagar, which spans for five to six kilometres from Guhagar to Asgoli. This coastline is clearly visible from the casuarina woodlands, also known as Suru trees in the local language. Guhagar is home to some stunning forts and temples in addition to the beach. The magnificent, natural fort of Anjavel or Gopalgad is one of the main draws. It is well-known for the Lord Shiva shrine Vyadeshwar. The picture of Nagaraj is etched on the idol (Shivlinga), which is constructed of black stone and has a brass-like surface. Another well-known temple is Chandika Temple, which is located inside a cave and is 15-20 feet below the surface of the ground.