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

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

Woodwork, ceramics and stonework in India

The old carvings of woods of the houses or the temple, those are refourbis, are usually available for the reasonable prices, survived so sometimes. Furniture is made from heavy wood, in order to carry with you, can be a true affair and is particularly good in the mountain ranges

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,

Contacts for disabled travelers in India

Contacts for disabled travelers Britain and Ireland Can Be Done 7-11 Kensington High St, London W8 5NP ® 020/8907 2400. Specialist tour operators for the disabled. Carefree Holidays 64 Florence Rd, Northampton NN1 4NA © 01604/634301. Specialist tour operators for the disabled. Holiday Care Service 2nd Floor, Imperial Buildings, Victoria

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);

Cigarettes in India

Indian cigarettes, such as Wills, Gold Flake, Four Square and Charms, are OK once you get used to them, and hardly break the bank (Rs10-30 per pack), but if you find them too rough, stock up on imported brands such as Marlboro and Benson and Hedges, or some rolling tobacco,

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

Time Zone in India

India is all in one time zone: GMT+5hr 30min. This makes it 5hr 30min ahead of London, 1Ohr 30min ahead of New York, 13hr 30min ahead of LA, 4hr 30min behind Sydney and 6hr 30min behind NZ; however, summer time in those places will vary the difference by an hour.

History of Princely State Rajasthan

The history of India dates back almost five thousand years, and Rajasthan plays a crucial and unique role, especially with regard to the development of Indian culture. Its impressive story reaches through a heroic past. Its extravagant splashes of bright hues against the desert landscape and the purity of its

Textiles and clothing in India

Silk is usually a good buy in India, provided you make sure it is the real thing (the old test was to see whether it was possible to pull the whole garment straight through a wedding ring; however, some synthetics apparently go through too, so burn a thread and sniff