THE NEW ERA OF INDIAN TOURISM
Maharashtra
THE LATEST ENDEAVOURS
“In these turbulent times, where we nd ourselves con ned in our living spaces, I have realised how important it is to ful l the urge of travelling,” writes Aaditya Uddhav ackeray, Cabinet Minister of Tourism and Environment, Government of Maharashtra, in his travelogue on World Tourism Day that is held on September 27.
While the world gradually opens up its borders, slowly resurrecting the economy, Maharashtra Government has been seamlessly working towards widening the horizons of tourism in the state. e 29-year old Tourism Minister, Aaditya ackeray, can be accredited for the same. Under his leadership, the Maharashtra tourism department has sent at least ve major policy decisions to the state cabinet since the advent of the pandemic, all of which have been approved.
is includes the Beach Shack Policy which will encourage locals living on the coastline of Maharashtra to open beach shacks that would serve as local hangouts/ eateries for tourists. ey would much resemble the famed shacks of Goa that have become synonymous with a Goan holiday. e policy also allows local companies to o er water sports to travellers on Maharashtra’s coastline, elevating the beachside experience of the state.
e government has also passed the Agri-Tourism Policy that will facilitate homestay in farms and encourage villages to open their lands to tourists who want to engage in organic lifestyle experiences like strawberry picking and mango plucking.
In addition, keeping up with the trend of road-trips that has gained momentum recently, the tourism department in association with Motohom (Moving hotels on Wheels) launched caravan services. “Flagged o MTDC and Motohom’s caravan vehicles for those who love their holidays in the outdoors and independently. Inviting those who want to spend their “me time” in the wilderness, exploring the beauty of Maharashtra,” said ackeray in a Tweet following the launch. is move has signi cantly simpli ed local travel for travellers who not only wish to maintain a level of safety during their trips but also explore Maharashtra through a di erent lens.
e next move capitalises on India’s fervour for cricket; and the Maharashtra Government plans to position Mumbai as the heart of this sport in the country. e department will be working with the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) to give all cricket fans a unique guided tour experience at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Along with the stadium experience tour, ackeray also plans to open a museum of “Indian Cricket emanating from Mumbai.”
Sindhudurg, with its beautiful coastline; Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, a wildlife sanctuary; and the beach town of Alibaug, Maharashtra’s very own “Hamptons”— are also on top of the list for this tourism makeover. e department has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Taj Group, to develop
ve-star tourism centres in Sindhudurg and Tadoba. Simplifying travel between Mumbai and Alibaug, the department has relaunched the Ro-Ro car ferry service that
rst started back in March 2020 but had stopped following the pandemic. is service allows travellers to drive into the ferry that transports them in their own vehicles to Alibaug in 60 minutes.
“at’s only the beginning. Our department is working 24/7 to ensure that Maharashtra shines on the tourism map of India soon, creating jobs and revenue for the state,” said the minister in one of his Tweets.
SUMMITS, SUNSETS AND CITY LIFE
From concrete jungles like Mumbai and Pune to beachside locales of Sindhudurg and Alibaug; from treks to the picturesque summits of the Sahyadri hills to the vineyards of Nashik — Maharashtra can be pegged as the one-stop-shop for tourism in India. If you are keen to explore the state in depth, here’s what you should have on your list.
Explore Maharashtra’s rich maritime history in Sindhudurg, at its sea forts that date back to the 12th century. Visit Suvarnadurg, literally translating to the “Golden Fort” to transport yourself to the era of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who conquered the fort from his enemies in 1660. ere are also a few dive spots at this coastal town that allow you to scuba dive alongside the marine diversity of the state.
You could also plan a trip to Maharashtra’s oldest and largest national park, Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve that reopened for eco-tourism from October, a er being closed due to the virus. Tadoba is home to a sizable population of the Bengal tiger, along with Indian leopards, sloth bears, striped hyenas and jungle cats.
Big cities like Mumbai and Pune need no introduction, and if you’re travelling to these metropolises for a avour of the “city lifestyle”, check into one of the many ve-star hotels for a staycation experience.
e concierge teams at the hotels would be happy to dra itineraries for you depending
Maharashtra Government has been seamlessly working towards widening the horizons of tourism
on your preferences. From architecture to colonial style pubs, both of Maharashtra’s nancial hubs have much to o er. From waterfalls to mist- lled mountain peaks, the Sahyadri hills of Maharashtra are lined with spots that satiate the nature lovers’ quest for exploration. Some of the trekking routes we recommend are — Rajmachi Fort, Kalsubai Peak, Peb Fort and Torna Fort treks. Climb to the top of these forts for glorious vistas of mountains, while being serenaded by majestic birdsong that echoes through the hills.
For wine connoisseurs, Nashik may be the closest alternative to the vineyards of Tuscany and Champagne in India. Sula and York are some of the Nashik-based Indian wine companies that not only o er tours of their lush vineyards but also house resorts that blend the indulgence of the grape with a relaxing stay.