Maharashtra accommodation from AU$183

Maharashtra covers a huge area of Western India and this means the region has two things in abundance—diversity and variety. With history, modernity, nature, a coastline and a couple of UNESCO World Heritage sites thrown in for good measure you can be sure you will capture the essence of India when travelling through the region.

Maharashtra is especially famous for two particular attractions, the incredible cave temples at Ellora and Ajanta. Both of these are UNESCO listed and it is not hard to understand why. The temples and structures at Ellora and Ajanta have been carved into the natural rocks and cliff faces of the region and the precision, skill, and beauty is absolutely astounding. In Ellora there are 34 caves which date back to 600 AD and include temples dedicated to Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. Ajanta dates back even further and also includes precious paintings and sculptures considered to be Buddhist masterpieces. Easily two of the most amazing places in India, paying a visit should be top of your list when staying in one of our Maharashtra hotels.

The popularity of Ellora and Ajanta can overshadow the rest of the region but there is so much more to discover. At the opposite end to the history of the temple caves is the modernised city of Pune. Known for its expanding businesses and universities, the city also has a thriving nightlife which is worth sampling. If you came to India to avoid modernisation and explore its spiritual and cultural past, a trip to Nasik might be more up your alley. Nasik is loaded with temples and is closely linked with the epic Hindu story Ramayana.

Using our hotels in Maharashtra as a base, exploring the Konkan coast is great for an escape to palm fringed beaches without excessive tourism. Alternatively staying in one of our Mumbai hotels will let you take in the bustling capital of the region.