Maharashtra, a State where a millennium of culture weaves a tapestry of myriad charms, the spiritual solace of centuries. The sylvan serenity of the countryside. The stillness of a thicket disturbed only by a tiger flashing past, or the symphony of tradition from its varied population. All abound in a unique togetherness. In Maharashtra, a State as vivid as vivacious.Maharashtra is one of the largest States in India, both in terms of population and area. Its booming capital Mumbai, makes it not only one of the most important States economically, but also a major gateway for overseas visitors. The first well known rulers of Maharashtra were the Satavahanas (230 BC to 225 AD), who were the creators of Maharashtra, and have left a plethora of literary, epigraphic, artistic and archaeological evidence. The Maharashtrians' love for art and culture is quite evident in their intense interest in drama. Their approach to music and dance is rather lusty. Mahasivaratri, Gokulashtami, Holi and Ganesh Chaturti are the main festivals of this fun loving State. No matter what kind of holiday you are looking for, you will find it here. Whether it is lazing on the sun - swept sands of the 720 kms coastline, or a peaceful self-exile in the awe-inspiring mountains, or quiet worship at some famous shrines, or revelation in cave architecture, art and culture or challenging treks or abundant wildlife thrills, Maharashtra has it all. Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra, is the fastest moving, most affluent and industrialised city in India. Mumbai is part of India's beautiful west coast, that runs down from Gujarat, through Mumbai to Goa, Karnataka and Kerala. The city has a natural harbour, which was developed by the British. It is one of the most busy ports of India, handling approximately 40 percent of India's maritime trade. Mumbai (till recently known as 'Bombay'), derives its name from the local deity Mumba Devi, whose temple is still there. The Portuguese predecessors of the British preferred to think of the name as Bom Baim, the Good Bay. Mumbai is a group of seven islands which are today known as Colaba, Mahim, Mazgaon, Parel, Worli, Girgaun and Dongri. Large expanses of open sea have been filled in, and tidal swamps have been reclaimed for furthering the land area. These reclaimed areas include Churchgate and Nariman Point. Mumbai is home to people of all Indian creeds and cultures. It is a fascinating city, throbbing with life, and, for many people, the gateway to India. What to See/Around Mumbai/When to Visit/How to Get There/Where to Stay/Contact Gateway of India the principal landmark of Mumbai, was the principal port when the visitors came to India by ship. The gateway was conceived, following the visit of King George V to India in 1911, and was officially opened in 1924. Its architecture is akin to the conventional Arch of Triumph, with elements derived from Muslim styles of 16th century Gujarat. Near the gateway is the, which extends to the end of Colaba promontory, the southern end of Mumbai Island is always interesting to visit at dawn, when the fishing boats come in and unload their catch. The area north of Colaba is known as Mumbai , since the old fort was once located here. There are a lot of impressive buildings from Mumbai's golden period here. St. Johns church, dedicated to the soldiers, who laid down their lives in the Sindh campaign of 1838, and the first Afghan war of 1843, is also worth a visit. The Prince of Wales Museum, built to commemorate King George's V visit to India, was opened in 1923. It is modelled on the Indo - Saracenic design, and has sections for art and paintings, archaeology, and natural history. The +ADw-i+AD4-Jehangir Art Gallery is within the compound of the Museum, and displays paintings of modern Indian artists. Flora Fountain is also nearby, and is the business centre of India, housing many of the major banks and offices. It was erected in 1869 in honour of Sir Bartle Frere, who was governor of Mumbai from 1862-67. Close to the fountain is the Cathedral of St. Thomas begun by Gerald Aungier in 1672, but formally opened in 1718. One of the most popular promenades of Mumbai is the Marine Drive, built on land reclaimed during 1920, and runs along the shoreline of Back bay, starting at Nariman point, and sweeping around by Chowpatty beach up to Malabar hills is one of Mumbai's famous beaches, and is a popular spot for people seeking evening outs. It is also a scene for the vibrant annual Ganesh Chaturthi festival. A major landmark of this vibrant city is the Victoria Terminus which was designed in Italian Gothic style by F. W. Stevens. The first train to steam out of Mumbai was from here to Thane in 1853. Taraporewala Aquarium is also on Marine drive, and has both fresh water and saltwater fishes. On top of the Malabar hills are the Hanging Gardens Kamala Nehru Park, which offer superb views over Mumbai. Some distance away from Hills is Mahalaxmi Temple, the oldest temple in Mumbai, dedicated to the Goddess of Wealth. Haji Ali tomb and Mosque is located nearby, and can be reached by a long causeway, which can be crossed at low tide. Other attractions of Mumbai include the Juhu beach and the Nehru Planetarium Places which you should visit when in Mumbai are the Elephanta Islands, about 10 km northeast of Apollo Bunder, or Gateway of India, Krishnagiri Upavan National Park, Kanheri Caves (42 km from Mumbai), Manori Beach (40 km), Montepezir and  Jogeshwari Caves and Bassein, which separates Mumbai city from the mainland, and was a Portuguese fortified city from 1534 to 1739.When to Visit Mumbai can be visited any time of the year, though the hot and humid months of June, July and August are best avoided Air: There is an extensive network of flights from Mumbai's Sahar (International) and Santa Cruz (Domestic) airports. International flights connect it to all the major cities of the world. There are domestic flights to all the major cities of the country. Train: Mumbai has trains connecting it to all the major cities of the country. Intra-city trains in Mumbai are very good, and are the fastest and cheapest way to move around in Mumbai.Road: Mumbai is well connected to all the cities of Maharashtra by bus. Intra city bus services are also very good. The premier hotels in the south of the city, are Taj Mahal Hotel and Taj Mahal Intercontinental (Tel: 22-2023366) near the Gateway of India, Ambassador Hotel (Tel: 2040004, Fax: 2040004), Ritz Hotel (Tel: 220141), Oberoi Towers (Tel: 2024343) and Hotel President (Tel: 2150808). Near the airport there is the Centaur Hotel (Tel: 22-61126660), Hotel Airport Plaza (Tel: 6123390), Hotel Airport International (Tel: 6122883) and Leela Kempinski (Tel: 6363636, Fax: 8360606). Along Juhu beach, the good hotels include, Hotel Sun-n-sand (Tel: 22-6201811), Hotel Sea Princess (Tel: 6122661), Holiday Inn (Tel: 6204444) and Ramada Inn Palm (Tel: 6112323). Contact Government of India Tourist Office123 Maharishi Karve Road, Churchgate, Mumbai (Tel: 22-291585) Extension Office at International Airport (Tel: 6325331) and domestic terminal (Tel: 6149200) Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation Hutments, Madame Cama Road, Mumbai Ajanta and Ellora Caves. The State of Maharashtra is home to the enchanting Ajanta and Ellora group of caves. The cave shrines were all cut out of rock, by hand, and rank amongst some of the most outstanding specimens of ancient Indian architectural heritage. The 34 caves at Ellora and the 29 caves at Ajanta, were hidden from the public eye, till they were accidentally rediscovered in the 19th century. Ajanta Caves/Ellora/Festival/How to Get There/Where to Stay/Contact It was only in the 19th century, that the Ajanta group of caves, lying deep within the Sahyadri hills, cut into the curved mountain side, above the Waghora river, were discovered. A group of British officers on a tiger hunt, stumbled on these ancient works of art. They depict the story of Buddhism, spanning the periofrom 200 BC to 650 The 29 c built as secluded retreats of the Buddhist monks, who taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas, the ancient seats of learning, and nerve-centres of the Buddhist cultural movement. Using simple tools like hammer and chisel, the monks carved out the impressive figures adorning the walls of these structures. Exquisite wall - paintings and sculptures speak volumes of the India of yore. Many of the caves house panels depicting stories from the Jatakas, a rich mine of tales of the several incarnations of the Buddha. Images of nymphs and princesses amongst others, are also elaborately portrayed Cave 1 houses some of the most well-preserved wall paintings which include two great Boddhisattvas, Padmapani and Avalokiteshvara. Caves 2 , 16 and 17 also contain amazing paintings, while Caves 1, 4, 17, 19, 24 and 26 boast of some of the most divine sculptures. The flying apsara, of Cave 17, and the image of Buddha preaching in Cave 17, are a couple of unforgettable works of art. The Ajanta caves and the treasures they house, are a landmark in the overall development of Buddhism as such The Ellora caves, 34 in number, are carved into the sides of a basaltic hill, 30 kms from Aurangabad. The finest specimens of cave - temple architecture, they house elaborate facades and exquisitely adorned interiors. These structures representing the three faiths of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism, were carved during the 350 AD to 700 AD period. The 12 caves to the south are Buddhist, the 17 in the centre dedicated to Hinduism, and the 5 caves to the north are Jain. The sculpture in the Buddhist caves accurately convey the nobility, grace and serenity inherent in the Buddha. Caves 6 and 10 house images from the Buddhist and Hindu faith, under the same roof, the latter dedicated to Vishwakarma, the patron saint of Indian craftsmen. The Vishvakarma cave is both a Chaitya and a Vihara, with a seated Buddha placed in the stupa. Its two-storeyed structure sports a colourful pageant of dwarfs, dancing and making music.The Kailasa temple in Cave 16 is an architectural wonder, the entire structure having been carved out of a monolith, the process taking over a century to finish. This mountain-abode of Lord Shiva, is in all probability, the world's largest monolith, the gateway, pavilion, assembly hall, sanctum and tower, all hewn out of a single rock. What is amazing about it is the fact, that unlike other temple structures which are built base onwards, the sculptor or architect involved here, started carving from the very top and the sides. Gigantic, though it is, it remains one of the most delicate and intricate ancient works of art. The Dumar Lena cave resembles the famous cave-temple at Elephanta, and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Jain caves are about a mile away from the Kailasa temple, amongst which Cave 32, houses a beautiful shrine adorned with fine carvings of a lotus flower on the roof, and a yakshi on a lion under a mango - tree, while Caves 32 and 34 contain grand statues of Parasnath. The other Jain caves sport the images of Tirthankaras, and one of them, also, has a seated figure of Mahavira. These cave shrines are memorable for their invaluable contribution to the enormous wealth of Indian heritage Festival Every year in the third week of March, M.T.D.C. organises the Ellora Festival of Classical Dance and Music at the caves. By air: Aurangabad (99 km from Ajanta and 30 km from Ellora), is the ideal base to visit Ajanta and Ellora, is directly linked to Delhi, Udaipur, Jaipur and Mumbai. Aurangabad is directly linked to Mumbai and Pune. Jalgaon, a railhead on the Central Railways line, is 59 km from Ajanta.By road: State buses run from Mumbai, Pune, Ahmednagar, Jalgaon, Shirdi, Nasik, Dhule, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Indore and Bijapur to Aurangabad, and from Jalgaon to Ajanta. Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (M.T.D.C.) operates conducted tours from Mumbai to Aurangabad. The M.T.D.C. Holiday Resort near Aurangabad railway station, the Ajanta Travellers Lodge at the caves and the M T D C Holiday Resort at Fardapur (about 4 km from Aurangabad) apart from regular hotels in nearby areas, provide satisfactory accommodation. Government of India Tourist Office, Krishna Vilas, Station Road, Maha. Tel: 81217 Aurangabad MTDC Holiday Resort, Station Road, Aurangabad - 431001. Elephanta Caves10 km north east of Apollo Bunder, lies the island of Elephanta, the glorious abode of Lord Shiva. The island is famous for its great cave shrine, excavated in the sixth century, dating back to the period, when the island was known as Gharapuri, the Fortress City. With the arrival of the Portuguese, the island was renamed Elephanta, after the huge carved elephant, they found at the place where they landed. The cave temple, which is the pride of Elephanta, sprawled over an area of approximately 5000 square metres, is reacheby climbing a flight of more than 100 steps, to the top of a hill. Inside the temple, is a large pillared hall with rows of columns, that appear to hold up the roof of the cave. Cross beams complete the illusion of a ceiling. One's attention is immediately drawn to the series of marvellous sculptured panels, nine in all, which are set like tableaux on the walls. Little is known about the architects and sculptors, who worked on this gem of ancient architecture. What is almost tangible is their intense faith, which seems to create an energy field in the cave premises. Each of the panel captures the volatility of Shiva's essentially paradoxic nature, and the magical interplay of light and shade, only intensifies the overall effect. The plan of the temple is symmetrical, with the important focal points worked out in a geometrical mandala - the mystic design that represents an energy At the western end of the cave is the very centre of Elephanta, the resting-place of the 'linga', the simplest form, encompassing the essence of creative power, in which Shiva is worshipped as the Lord of fertility and procreation. The four entrances to the shrine are flanked by large guardian figures, 'dwarpalas.' As one enters the cave, on the right, is the panel depicting Nataraja, Shiva as the cosmic dancer. Though a little disfigured by the Portugeuse, the panel is still remarkable in its vivid portrayal of the Destroyer. , Shiva Tandava, the embodiment of cosmic energy accompanied by thundering drums and the wrathful fire. Ravana Anugraha, Shiva crushing Ravana with his toe, as the latter in an attempt to demonstrate his might, vainly tries to lift Mount Kailasa. Shiva, destroyer of enemies triumphs eternally over the forces of evil. Andhakasuravadha impaling the demon of darkness, Andhaka, with his trident, while the panel on the rear wall of the shrine captures the divine union of Shiva and Parvati in marriage. Kalyanasundara is Shiva the gentle loving god, with his beautiful consort by his side. Yet another panel portrays Gangadharan, Shiva receiving the descending river Ganga, and holding her fast in his matted locks, thus, preventing the flooding of the world. To the west, a sculpture shows the god as Ardhanarishwara, Shiva and Shakti, male and female, the simultaneous experience of longing and union, desire and satisfaction. The famous +ADw-i+AD4-Maheshamurti+ADw-/i+AD4- lies deep, in the inner recesses of the cave. Mysterious, impassive, the eternal Shiva emerging out of the mountain - Maheshwara, Mahadeva, Sadashiva - Shiva in whom all paradoxes reside, conflicts are resolved+ADs- the supreme Lord, the eternal. Despite the wanton desecration of these fine sculptures by the Portugeuse, the nuances of emotions captured in the panels still possess the power to mesmerise the observer. The Elephanta Festival comes in the month of February, when the island bursts in a colourful explosion of dance and music. Eminent artistes perform outside the caves, under the open sky. When To Visit November to March is the ideal time to visit the island. Regular launch services from the Gatewof India take touristo thCaves throughout the year, except during the monsoon season.Contact Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation Express Towers, 9th Floor, Nariman Point Mumbai - 400021 Tel : 2026713, 2027762, 2027784