Tourism and Heritage

About Tourism and Heritage

Maharashtra has recognised tourism as a major thrust area for economic growth in the state. The Budget 2002-03 for Tourism and Investment Incentive Package 1999 gives clear indications that the GoM realises the potential of tourism for wealth creation and employment generation. In 2001, Maharashtra received the highest numbers of international tourists and emerged as India’s second most used port of entry. At the same time in the domestic tourist arrivals, the state ranked fourth amongst other Indian states. The Travel and Tourism Industry including transport, storage & communication, trade, hotels and restaurants accounted for around 20-22 per cent of the GSDP and 3.5 per cent of the state’s employment. The government’s promotion and development initiatives to harness Maharashtra tourism potential reflect the state’s commitment to this industry.

In Maharashtra, the three world heritage sites located in the Sahyadri Mountain Range are the Ajanta and Ellora caves (Aurangabad) which were built more than 2000 years ago and the Elephanta caves (Mumbai) built more than 1300 years ago. The Konkan coast consists of scenic beaches like Ganpatipule and Guhaghar. Other fascinating tourist spots include the Bassein fort, Gateway of India, Afghan Church and the University with the Rajabai clock tower, the shrine of Haji Ali, Bibi Ka Makbara. Daulatabad, near Aurangabad, has an impressive medieval fortress on a pyramidshaped hill. In it’s the capital city of Mumbai, few of the main beaches are Alibaug, Aksa, Chowpaty, Erangal, Gorai, Juhu, Madh, Marve, Elephanta, Manori and Versova. Nashik on the banks of river Godavari is one of the ancient holy cities consisting of temples built in the 11th century by the Chalukyas.

Paradoxically however, along with the growing recognition of the importance of Travel & Tourism by the GoM, there seems to be a lack of appreciation of its scope, complexity and dynamism. This industry works beyond the local boundaries at a global level bringing together diverse industries and stakeholders. It encompasses the development of other areas of economic activity, as well as growth in the social and environmental context. Figure 1.11 shows the World heritage sites (3), National parks (5) and sanctuaries (35) in Maharashtra. The number within circle represents the number of sanctuaries in the corresponding region (MFD, 2005).

Mumbai’s CSIA is the second most utilised international airport in India catering to 26 per cent of foreign tourists, after Delhi. The government of Maharashtra realises that out of the 1.08 million tourists visiting
Maharashtra, only 5-6 per cent of foreign tourists move on to other tourist destinations in the state. Out of the total tourists visiting tourist destinations in Maharashtra, only 10-12 per cent are of foreign origin and
not many of the 26 per cent of all foreign tourists who enter the country through Mumbai, spend time or money in the State. Maharashtra’s share in total domestic tourist arrivals in India is 3.6 per cent. Out of
the total tourist visiting Maharashtra, about 15-20 per cent from other Indian states. The majority in Maharashtra contains domestic tourists from within the state. Figure 1.12 indicates the total number of tourist arrivals between 1997-2000.

Major national and international hotel chains – including Taj, Oberoi, Le Méridien, Best Western, Hyatt and ITC have already established hotels and resorts in the state. The latest year for which a detailed breakdown of hotel accommodation supply is available is 2000.

The role of tour operators in Maharashtra has been limited. According to statistics available till 2000, there were 24 tourist transport operators, 78 travel agents and 24 tour operators approved by the Ministry
of Tourism in Maharashtra. International tour operators like Cox and Kings, Thomas Cook and national leading operators like Sita Travels, Raj Travels, Raja Rani tours have offices in Mumbai, though they
mostly cater to outbound market and national market. Niche tour operators for Maharashtra are very local and offer basic packages for travelling to religious and heritage destinations here. Recently, with a view to
increase the role of the private sector, a joint task force, focusing on private-public sector partnership, is being set up with major industry players and other stakeholders as members, to act as advisors to the state government with regard to tourism development activities

The WTO, WTTC, IH&RA amongst others, have taken a keen interest in harnessing its use in tourism. The National Action Plan for Tourism has identified 21 travel circuits, 12 destinations and 33 pilgrim centres which include destinations/places of tourism potential in remote/hilly areas for intensive development through the joint efforts of Central and State Governments and the private sector in order to strengthen infrastructure facilities. From Maharashtra, the travel circuit of Raigad Fort -Janjira Fort-Kuda Caves, Sirivardhan, Harihareshwar, Sindhudurg, the destination of Ajanta-Ellora (Aurangabad) and Pilgrim Centres of Shirdi, Nanded and Jyotiba have been identified. The government has played a central role in tourism for Maharashtra, while that of the private sector has been more than supportive.

In Maharashtra, the primary government agency responsible for the growth and development of tourism is Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), which since its inception is working to boost the
tourism industry in the state undertaken with the main thrust, to market Maharashtra as a premier global tourism destination, thereby generating employment and enhancing productivity through tourism, the
award-winning promotion campaign - ‘Maharashtra…Unlimited’, has been created by MTDC to highlight the unlimited potential of the state.

It has also commissioned many master plans for various regions of Maharashtra such as Sindhudurg, Vidarbha, Ajanta-Ellora, and other forts. MTDC’s budget outlay for tourism has increased ten-fold as compared to its previous budget. Its present budget of Rs. 101 crores has been segregated as – Rs. 55 crores has been allocated for Ajanta Ellora, Rs. 12 crores for Ashta Vinayak, Rs. 5 crores for the Konkan Riviera, Rs. 5 crores for wildlife and eco-tourism in the Vidarbha region and Rs. 10 crores for Shivneri. In addition, Rs. 7.95 crores has been sanctioned purely for publicity and promotion, a seven-fold increase over last year.

Major Tourism Projects
Ajanta -Ellora Project
Impressed by the successful completion of phase-I project on conservation and development of world heritage sites, Ajanta and Ellora, assisted by Japan Bank of International Cooperation (JBIC), the Bank
has approved assistance for phase-II of this project. This phase of the project focuses on integrated development of infrastructure around the site and expected to be completed by the end of June 2008. The details of work on Ajanta-Ellora Development Project Phase-II are given in Table below

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Best time to visit Tourism and Heritage

October to March offers the most pleasant weather across Maharashtra for travel.

How to reach Tourism and Heritage

Tourism and Heritage is accessible by road and public transport from major cities in Maharashtra.

Timings & opening hours

Timings vary by location. Check local information for specific opening hours.

Entry fee & tickets

Fees vary by location. Check with local information for current rates.

Duration needed

1–2 hours, depending on the specific attraction.

Location info

Tourism and Heritage is located in Maharashtra, accessible from major cities like Mumbai and Pune..

Safety tips

Follow standard safety practices. Keep emergency contact numbers handy. Stay hydrated and carry necessary supplies.

Things to carry

Water bottle, comfortable shoes, camera, sunscreen, and a hat.

Nearby visiting places

Nearby tourist attractions depending on the specific location in Maharashtra.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest airport: depends on location. Nearest railway station: the nearest station on the Indian Railways network. Accessible by road.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, and Vi all provide excellent coverage across Maharashtra’s cities (Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur) and major tourist areas. 4G is reliable along highways and in most towns. Coverage may be weaker in deep forest areas of Tadoba, Melghat, and certain ghat sections. Free Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels and cafes.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Maharashtrian cuisine — missal pav, vada pav, puran poli, and local thalis — is widely available.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Accommodation is available in the nearest town or city. MTDC resorts, budget hotels, and mid-range options are widely available.

History of Tourism and Heritage

This attraction represents the diverse tourism offerings of Maharashtra.

Things to do at Tourism and Heritage

Explore the destination and its surroundings, taking in the unique experiences it offers visitors.

Things to visit & highlights

Explore the unique features and attractions that this destination offers in Maharashtra.

Climate & weather

Maharashtra has a diverse climate spanning coastal Konkan, the Western Ghats, and the interior Deccan plateau. Winter (November–February) is the best time to visit: temperatures range from 12°C to 30°C depending on region. Summer (March–June) is hot, with interior areas reaching 40°C+ while hill stations (Mahabaleshwar, Lonavala) remain pleasant. The monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rainfall to the coast and ghats but transforms the landscape into lush green. October–November is pleasant post-monsoon.

Helpline & emergency contacts

Police: 100. Ambulance: 108. Tourist Helpline: 1364. Nearest hospital: available in the nearest town.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available in the nearest town or on the approach road to Tourism and Heritage. It is advisable to fill fuel before heading to remote areas, especially hill forts and wildlife sanctuaries.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to visit Tourism and Heritage? October to March offers the most pleasant weather across Maharashtra for travel.

How do I reach Tourism and Heritage? Tourism and Heritage is accessible by road from major cities in Maharashtra. Check local transport options for specific directions.

Are there accommodation options nearby? Accommodation options ranging from budget to mid-range are available in the nearest town or city.

Quick facts

• Location: Maharashtra
• Best time to visit: November to February for pleasant weather
• Ideal duration: Varies based on travel itinerary
• Access: Well-connected by air, rail, and road networks
• Accommodation: Multiple options from budget to luxury available

Map & location view

• Destination: Tourism and Heritage
• State: Maharashtra, India
• Region: tourist region of Maharashtra
• How to reach: Accessible by road from nearby towns and cities. Local transport options include buses and taxis.
• Google Maps: Search for “Tourism and Heritage, Maharashtra” on Google Maps for precise directions and navigation.

Photo gallery of Tourism and Heritage

Photos coming soon. In the meantime, you can find images of Tourism and Heritage on popular travel photography sites and social media.

Video gallery

Videos coming soon. Search for “Tourism and Heritage” on YouTube for travel vlogs and documentaries.