7 Lesser Known Destinations In Maharashtra For Your Next Trip!

Looking for a next place to travel? Instead of looking at exotic international destinations, take a moment and divulge into what our very own state has to offer. There's a little bit of History, mountains and beaches. For those feeling adventurous, here are 7 lesser known places in Maharashtra that need to make it on your travel list.

Panhala

Panhala is a city-cum-hill station located on the outskirts of Kolhapur. Deemed as the smallest city in Maharashtra, this small town has a rich history that dates back to the rule of Shivaji. While there, star attractions like - Panhala fort, which carries a rich heritage and is the largest of all the Deccan forts. The Sajja Kothi – that roughly translates to a Punishment Cell – is easily the most intriguing part of the fort from where Shivaji was famed to make a momentous escape are good options to site see. Panhala is an ideal place for trekking. A charming place with a peaceful, pollution free, and scenic atmosphere, Panhala is a good place to run off from the congestion of the concrete jungles.
Getting there: Panhala is easily accessible via all modes of transport be it air, rail or road.

Sandhan Valley

Known as the valley of suspense or the valley of shadows, this canyon is set against the backdrop of the Sahyadri range. The water carved valley is 200 ft deep and about 1.5 km long. Sandhan Valley is located on the western side of the beautiful Bhandardara region, near Samrad village. A naturally sculptured geological formation, the sides of the canyon are so narrow that even sunlight makes brief appearances; hence, its name the Valley of Shadows. Thrill-seekers who don’t mind getting wet will enjoy wading in cool creek waters that can range from calf-deep to chest-deep. Navigating slippery boulders and narrow walled crevices is also a little tricky but definitely lots of fun!
Getting there: It’s a five-and-a-half hour drive, approx 200 kilometres from Mumbai and Pune.

Chikhaldara

This gorgeous hill station perched in the North West of Maharashtra is riddled with history as it appears in the Mahabharata where Bheema killed the villainous Keechaka then threw him into the valley. It thus came to be known as Keechakadara—or now known as Chikhaldara. The only region in Maharashtra that cultivates coffee, this green belt is known for its coffee plantation. Chikhaldara is full of deep valleys, and these valleys are full of velvet mist and majestic trees making it a popular summer retreat. Don’t forget to visit the Melghat Tiger Project which is home to 80 tigers amongst other animals like panthers, sloths and sambars. The Pandit Nehru Botanical Gardens is also a great place for sightseeing. The climate is always breezy and walking on the clouds often becomes a reality.  The best time to visit is either during the monsoons or winters. 
Getting there: Easily accessible via all modes of transport be it air, rail or road. 

Morachi Chincholi

As the name suggests, this village of peacocks is also often called a village of tamarind trees. Odd, I know. Located in rural Maharashtra, this village showcases an ideal village with bullock cart rides, tractors, bird watching and hurda parties. The national bird enjoys a special status here. The peacocks are not just protected, but also revered - so much so that this is one place where its numbers have steadily increased over the years. It is said that during the Peshwa dynasty many tamarind trees were planted and these attracted peafowls. Now, one can find around 2500 peafowls in this region. Dil mange mor (Sorry, we had too) Best time to visit is during the monsoon and early onset of winters. 
Getting there: It’s a 2-hour drive, approx 55 kilometres from Pune and a 4-hour drive from Mumbai.

Nighoj Potholes

Located about 90 kilometres away from Pune, Nighoj Potholes is famous for the naturally created potholes on the riverbed of the Kukadi River. Experts from all over the world come here every year to study the phenomenon of their formation. It’s spread over two to three kilometres. Look out for colonies of Swifts that nest in these overhanging rocks, but hush, the birds fly off at the slightest sound. The best time to visit would be winter or summer when there is not much water in the river.
Getting there:  It’s a 2 and a half hour drive, approx 73 kilometres from Pune and a 5-hour drive, approx 227 kilometres from Mumbai.

Bhigwan 

Bhigwan is a tiny rugged town on the border of Pune and Solapur district. Shallow backwater of Ujani dam has developed a very good wetland based ecosystem which attracts many local as well as migratory birds in winter. In short, it’s famous for bird watching. A boat ride through the waters of the Dam will take you into the routine life of these winter visitors. Mayureshwar Wildlife Sanctuary consists of dry deciduous scrub forest with interspersed grasslands. Spread over 5 kilometres, it protects many mammals such as Chinkara, Hyena, Wolf and Indian fox. It is also popular for grassland birds like ducks, herons, flamingos, and egrets.  It is a favourite spot for migratory birds, with more than 230 species found here. 
Getting there: It’s roughly a two-hour drive, approx 102 kilometres away from Pune. Mumbai peeps, it’s a 5-hour drive and about 250 kilometres.

Harihareshwar

A town in Raigad, Harihareshwar lies in the Konkan region and is surrounded by lush green forests on one side and pristine beaches on the other. It is also surrounded by 4 hills, namely- Brahmadri, Pushpadri, Harshinachal and Harihar. Harihareshwar is famous for the Harihareshwar temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, the reason behind the label of Deoghar – the House of God. It is at this very point that the mighty river Savitri meets the Arabian Sea. Untouched by commercialism, the beaches are clean making it perfect for a quick day trip. 
Getting there: From Pune, it’s a five-hour drive, approx 170 kilometres. If you’re travelling from Mumbai, it’ll take you about 5 hours, approx 200 kilometres.