Bordering on the Indian Ocean in the west, Maharashtra occupies the western and central areas of the subcontinent and extends over the Sahyadri Mountains. The to-and-fro of people caused the state's present cosmopolitan character. At the same time, however, it has been able to keep up its typical Maharashtrian spirit -not in the least because of the various Marathi tribes that still prevail in the region.

Thriving Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay) is the state?s capital and one of India?s biggest cities. It?s a dynamic metropolitan city that has a lot to offer to its visitors. There are plenty of museums to visit, interesting sights to see, such as the Gateway of India, and a lovely promenade along the sea to take a stroll and a sparkling nightlife. Mumbai, or Bollywood, is also the cradle of the Indian film industry. Better known as ?Bollywood?, it produces nearly as many films as its American equivalent. Don?t forget to pay a visit to the Elephanta Island with its impressive Hindu caves.

When you?ve had it with the crowded big city, its might be an idea to set off for Mahabaleshwar. This hill station offers fresh air, impressive views of the surroundings and some excellent walking trails, not only to travellers from around the world but also to the inhabitants of Mumbai and Pune, a young and cosmopolitan city.

Aurangabad is a pleasant town to spend some time. It is known for its mausoleum of Aurangazeb?s wife, Bibi ka Maqbara. Besides that, it serves as a good operation-base for exploration of the Daytrips. The Ajanta caves are even older than the ones at Ellora and one can see astonishing carvings and the predecessors of the frescoes.

The Konkan region is indeed one of the most exciting parts of the state of Maharashtra. The serene natural character of the region along with a large number of unexplored beaches offer a wonderful travelling experience. If you enjoy the landscape, you are in for an exciting trip.

India Travel Destination Guide

Bus Service for Getting Around Delhi

Private deluxe buses are faster and more comfortable than state buses, usually depart from near the Ramakrishna Mission at the end of Main Bazaar, Paharganj, but some pick up passengers at hotels. Delhi is at the centre of an extensive bus network covering much of north India's neighbouring states. The

Telephones calls from and in India

Telephones in India Calling from hotels is usually more expensive. Both national and international calls are dialled direct. To call abroad, dial the international access code (00), the code for the country you want - 1 for the USA. Privately run phone services with international direct dialling facilities are very

Airline Services from Delhi

Airline Services Flights can be taken from Delhi Domestic Airport The various airlines that operate in India are: Indian Airlines (Govt. Operated) Jet Airways (Privately Runned) Air Sahara (Privately Runned) Air Deccan (Privately Runned) Spice Jet (Privately Runned) Kingfisher (Privately Runned) Delhi to: Agra (INDIAN AIRLINES 4 weekly; 35min); Ahmedabad (INDIAN AIRLINES, JET AIRWAYS 3-5 daily; 1 hr 25min);

Little Andaman island

This island has a beautiful beach at Butler Bay, a waterfall and plantation of oil palms. Apart from this there are several sandy beaches all along the coastline of the island. The break water at Hut Bay offers an excellent view to the tourists. Little Andaman is the vegetable

Ramnagar Beach

This beach is situated on Diglipur Island in the Andamans. Ramnagar Beach is a beautiful stretch of palm-fringed sand. Embark on the daily boat cruise from Mayabunder or twice-weekly from Port Blair to enjoy a holiday at Ramnagar Beach. These unspoilt beaches and will appeal to every beach enthusiast and

Photographing in India

Keep in mind to ask before directing your camera to all that could be considered "strategic", including airports and anything military, but even with the bridges, the stations and the principal roads. The film of camera, sold with the average Western prices, is largely available in India (but check the

Hospitals in Delhi

Following is the list of major Hospitals in Delhi with their Phone Numbers AIIMS 91 - 11 - 2686 4851 Bansal Hospital & Res. Ctr. (P) Ltd. 91 - 11 - 2326 1072 Bara Hindu Rao Hospital 91 - 11 - 2291 9706 91 - 11 - 2291 9562 Batra Hospital & Medical Res.

Indian embassies outside

Indian embassies Australia High Commission; 3-5 Moonah Place, Yarralumla, Canberra, ACT 2600® 02/6273 3999, © 62731308,® hicanb@ozemail.com.au. Consulates; Level 27,25 Bligh St, Level 27, Sydney, NSW 2000® 02/9223 9500,® 9223 9246,® indianc@enternet.com.au; 15 Munro St, Coburg, Melbourne, Vic 3058® 03/9384 0141, ® 9384 1609. Honorary Consulates; Level 1, Terrace Hotel, 195

Embassies & consulates in New Delhi

Embassies & consulates in New Delhi Afghanistan 5/50 F, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi-21 Algeria B-3/61, Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi-29 Angola C-17, Malcha Marg, New Delhi-21 Argentine B-8/9, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi-57 Armenia B, 8/2, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi-57 Austria EP-13,Chandragupta Marg,Chanakyapuri, New Delhi-21 Belgium 50-N, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi-21 Belize B-8/14, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi-57 Benin 43-A, Okhla Industrial Estate, New Delhi-20 Bhutan Chandergupta Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi-21 Brazil 8, Aurangzeb Road,

Safety & Security

Rajasthan is a peaceful state and its people are friendly and well meaning. This piece of an advice is meant to caution but you should not be paranoid otherwise you miss knowing about the very vibrant people and culture of Rajasthan. Like anywhere else, reasonable caution is your best weapon