About Maharashtra
Located in the western part of India, Maharashtra is the third largest state in the country. The state covers an area of 3,07,577 sq. Km. Maharashtra shares its borders with the states of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Karnataka, Goa. The Maharashtra map provides a clear view of the state's location, boundaries and major geographical features.
For administrative reasons, Maharashtra's 36 districts are organised into six revenue divisions: Konkan, Pune, Nashik, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Amravati, and Nagpur. There is a long history of district-level planning statutory organisations in the state. In rural Maharashtra, 34 Zilla Parishads, 351 Panchayat Samitis, and 27,782 Village Panchayats are in charge of local self-governance. A Maharashtra map also helps users understand the state's administrative divisions and the location of its districts.
The state which is home to one of the largest film industries of the world, i.e. Bollywood, one of India's leading industrial and economically important states.
History of Maharashtra
Maharashtra's great past is determined by successive generations of influential administrations and cultural movements that moulded the character of this state. Archaeological discoveries reveal Maharashtra as a region with a long and rich history, with evidence of early settlements, trade and cultural activity dating back to ancient times. The region was ruled by several important dynasties, including the Satavahanas, Vakatakas, Rashtrakutas and Yadavas, whose rule contributed significantly to the development of the Deccan. The Maharashtra map can be useful for understanding the geographical setting of these historical regions and important centres.
The influence of Islam began with the Delhi Sultanate in the medieval period, followed by the Bahmani Sultanate and later Deccan Sultanates that ruled parts of Maharashtra. Under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the Maratha Empire would grow into a new challenge even to the Mughals. The influence of Marathi spread across India under Mughal pressure. Successors to Shivaji continued his legacy, but the empire reached its peaks under the Peshwas who managed the empire until the 19th century.
Post-independence, Maharashtra was united as one entity under one state in 1960 by the Bombay Reorganization Act, 1960 when its historic journey came to a conclusion and converted to a modern entity. That blend of dynastic rule and resistance and cultural heritage defines Maharashtra's dynamic past and lasting legacy.
Following independence, the Bombay State was created adding some small princely states in Deccan and Kolhapur to the erstwhile Bombay Presidency. The Deccan States and Kolhapur were also included in the new state, but in 1960, the Bombay State was divided into Maharashtra and Gujarat. Maharashtra came into existence on 1 May 1960.
Places to Visit in Maharashtra
Maharashtra has very diverse attractions of its own. The major attractions of the capital itself, Mumbai, are Gateway of India, Marine Drive, and Elephanta Caves. There exists Aga Khan Palace, Shaniwar Wada in Pune, where all the culture and history are personified. The hill stations will include Lonavala, Khandala, and Mahabaleshwar, featuring lush landscapes offering breathtaking views. In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar alone, stand the UNESCO-listed caves of Ajanta and Ellora, famous for ancient rock-cut temples. Wildlife buffs should visit Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve. For spirituality, Shirdi, Nashik's Trimbakeshwar Temple, and Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai attract pilgrims, making it a treasure trove of nature, history, and spirituality.
National Highways
Several national and state highways pass through Maharashtra, connecting the state with major cities, ports, industrial centres and neighbouring states. Maharashtra has an extensive National Highway network, including major routes such as NH-44, NH-47, NH-48, NH-52, NH-53, NH-60, NH-61, NH-63, NH-65, NH-66, NH-150, NH-160, NH-161, NH-166, NH-347A, NH-348, NH-353C, NH-361, NH-548, NH-753 and NH-848.
NH-44 is an important north-south corridor passing through eastern Maharashtra, while NH-48 provides a major road connection between Mumbai, Pune and southern India. NH-53 is an important east-west route through the Vidarbha region, NH-65 connects Pune and Solapur with areas towards Telangana, and NH-66 runs along the Konkan coast. Other National Highways and their spur routes connect Maharashtra's cities, industrial areas, agricultural regions, ports and neighbouring states.
The National Highway network in Maharashtra continues to expand and undergo changes through new declarations, renumbering and development projects. Therefore, the highway numbers and routes may be updated periodically according to notifications issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). Using a Maharashtra map can help travellers locate these major tourist attractions and plan routes across the state.
Best Time to Visit
Maharashtra is best visited between the months of October and March, during which time all the loveliness of weather conditions with cool comfort, makes the region ideal for city tours, hill stations, and ancient landmarks. This is the scenic period to visit Mumbai and Pune, coastal regions, as well as hill stations like Mahabaleshwar and Lonavala, as the temperatures are relatively mild, making them very refreshing. The monsoon months June to September are seasonally rich in verdure but heavy rainfalls can restrict outdoor activity and even traveling, particularly in coastal areas or regions where hills abound.
How to Reach
By Air
: Maharashtra is home to a plethora of airports, both local and international, making it an ideal destination for air travellers. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, Pune Airport, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Airport, Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Airport in Nanded, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in Nagpur, and Shirdi Airport are among the important airports serving the state. Major flights go to and from these airports, linking Maharashtra to other regions of India and the world.By Rail
: Being home to the headquarters of Central Railway, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus is regarded as one of the major railway terminals in Maharashtra. Pune, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, and Bengaluru, and many other cities in the nation are connected to this railway station. Major railway stations in Nashik, Nagpur, Kolhapur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Amravati and other major cities are well-known for their connection. To go where you're going, just hail a taxi from here.By Road
: Roads also link the Indian state of Maharashtra to other urban areas. The cities of Delhi, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, Jaipur, and Ahmedabad are accessible by road. There are also easily accessible bus routes that go intrastate and interstate. One of two parties owns these buses: the government or private companies. The Maharashtra map can help road travellers identify major cities, highways and routes connecting the state with neighbouring regions.Maharashtra State Information (as per maharashtra map) | |
|---|---|
| Capital | Mumbai |
| Date of formation | 1. May. 1960 |
| Governor | Jishnu Dev Varma |
| Chief Minister | Shri Devendra Fadnavis |
| Tourist attractions | Gateway of India, Murud-Janjira Fort, Elephanta Caves, Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves, Mahabaleshwar and Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve |
| Festivals | Makar Sankranti, Ganesh Chaturthi |
| Major dance and music forms | Lavani, Dhangari Gaja, Tamasha, Powada and Vasudev |
| Arts and crafts | Warli paintings, Paithani saris, Himroo and Mashru fabrics, Kolhapuri handicrafts and Sawantwadi wooden crafts |
| Languages | Marathi, English, Hindi |
| Area | 307,577 km2 |
| Population (Census 2011) | 112,372,972 |
| Rivers | Godavari, Krishna, Bhima, Tapi, Wardha, Wainganga, Penganga, Panchganga, Mula and Pravara |
| Forests and wildlife sanctuaries | Pench National Park, Tadoba National Park, Navegaon National Park, Gugamal National Park, Chandoli National Park, Sanjay Gandhi National Park and several wildlife sanctuaries and tiger reserves |
| State animal | Indian Giant Squirrel (Shekru) |
| State bird | Yellow-footed green pigeon (Hariyal) |
| State flower | Jarul |
| State tree | Mango |
| Major crops | Sugarcane, cotton, soybean, jowar, rice, wheat, pulses, bajra and oranges |
| Factoids | Gharapuri, also known as Elephanta Island, near Mumbai, is home to the famous Elephanta Caves, a group of historic rock-cut caves. |
| Historic Inhabitants of Mumbai | Kolis were among the first residents of the archipelago or arc of seven islands that later became Mumbai. |
| No. of Districts | 36 |
FAQs
1. What is the capital of Maharashtra?
Mumbai is the capital of Maharashtra. It is also India's financial and commercial hub and is home to major institutions, industries, ports and the Hindi film industry.
2. How many districts are there in Maharashtra?
Maharashtra has 36 districts, which are organised into six revenue divisions: Konkan, Nashik, Pune, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Amravati and Nagpur. The Maharashtra map provides a useful visual reference for locating these districts and divisions.
3. What is the area of Maharashtra?
Maharashtra covers an area of approximately 307,577 square kilometres. It is one of India's largest states by geographical area.
4. What is the population of Maharashtra?
According to the 2011 Census, Maharashtra had a population of 112,374,000 (about 11.24 crore). The state's projected population was about 12.93 crore as of March 1, 2026, according to Maharashtra's Directorate of Economics and Statistics.
5. Who is the Chief Minister and Governor of Maharashtra?
As of 2026, Devendra Fadnavis is the Chief Minister of Maharashtra and Jishnu Dev Varma is the Governor of Maharashtra. The Maharashtra government's official website lists both among the state's current constitutional and political leadership.
6. What is Maharashtra famous for?
Maharashtra is famous for its historic forts, Mumbai, Bollywood, Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Elephanta Caves, hill stations, beaches, pilgrimage centres, wildlife reserves and rich Marathi culture. The state is also one of India's most industrialised and economically important states.
7. Which are the major tourist places in Maharashtra?
Some of the most popular tourist places in Maharashtra include Mumbai, Pune, Mahabaleshwar, Lonavala, Matheran, Nashik, Shirdi, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves, Elephanta Caves, Murud-Janjira Fort and Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve. Maharashtra's tourism offerings span heritage, beaches, hill stations, pilgrimage, culture and wildlife.
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Last Updated on: November 13, 2026