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

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,

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.

Brass and copperware in India

Buying gemstones can be something of a minefield; scams abound, and you would be most unwise to even consider buying gems for resale or as an investment without a basic knowledge of the trade. . Jaipur is a major centre for gems (and con tricks), while Hyderabad specializes in sorting

Information for Women travellers

India is not a country that provides huge obstacles to women travellers petty Indian streets are almost without exception male-dominated - something that may take a bit of getting used to, particularly when you find yourself subjected to incessant staring, whistling and name calling. This can usually be stopped by ignoring

International Airlines Offices in New Delhi

Internation Airlines with thier office addresses: Aeroflot, Tolstoy House, 15-17 Tolstoy Marg; Air Canada, 1st floor, ALPs Building, 56 Janpath 0014; Air France, 7 Atma Ram Mansion, Scindia House, Connaught Place; Air India, Jeevan Bharati Building, opposite Palika Bazaar, Connaught Place; Air Lanka, Room 1, Hotel Janpath, Janpath Air Ukraine, C-37,

Metalware and jewellery in India

The south is one major area for metalware in India (dancing Shivas, : known as Nataraj, are a favourite here -check out the quality in the palace art gallery ! at Thanjavur), the Himalayas another, Dokra, j a speciality of West Bengal and Orissa, uses this very same lost-wax technique

Bus Services from Delhi

Following are the details of Bus servies from delhi to various states. Only state buses DTC(Delhi Transport Corpotration) are included in this summary; To Rajasthan DTC provides good services for Rajasthan. But in case you are not able to find the bus for rajasthan, then you can take the buses from Dhaula Kuan.

Charities in India

Here are just some of the charities that accept voluntary workers: Denjong Padma Choeling Academy c/0 Sonam Yongda, Pemayengtse Gompa, West Sikkim 737 113 ©03595/50760 & 50141 The academy, with around 200 orphans and destitute children, relies on donations and welcomes voluntary teachers. Sikkim is a restricted area, so you will have

Radhnagar Beach

Radhanagar Beaches in Havelock are pristine, unspoilt beaches and will appeal to every beach enthusiast and nature lover who want to enjoy his beach holiday at a pristine loc. A 5 hour-long journey by boat from Phoenix Bay Jetty, Port Blair brings you to Havelock Island — "The island campers

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