6 winter journeys through Maharashtra

Welcome a fresh season of cold breeze from the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea

As the days grow shorter, Maharashtra welcomes a fresh season of adventure. The winter season in Maharashtra sweeps in with a cold breeze from the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, making the mornings cosy and evenings frosty. Thanks to its unique geography, ‘the land of forts’ offers a surprising number of destinations for winter getaways. Whether you’re the kind of traveller who seeks adventure in the wild, quiet moments by the sea, or a walk through history, Maharashtra in winter has a place just for you.

Todoba Andhari Tiger Reserve

Situated in the picturesque district of Chandrapur, Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is Maharashtra’s oldest and most celebrated wildlife sanctuary. The winter season, from November to February, is the best time to visit the reserve, as the air is cool, safaris are comfortable, and wildlife sightings are at their peak. If you’re lucky, a majestic tiger might emerge from the mist, moving with silent authority through the wilderness. Along with tigers, the park teems with peacocks, langurs, leopards, sloth bears, deer, and hundreds of bird species that fill the air with music.

Chikhaldara

Chikhaldara in winter is nothing short of a fairytale. Tucked away in the Satpura ranges in Amravati district, it is the only coffee-growing hill station of Maharashtra. The hill station offers panoramic views of deep valleys through its viewpoints, especially when the sun dips behind the horizon, painting the sky in shades every Instagrammer waits for. With the Melghat Tiger Reserve close by and winter fog weaving through the coffee plantations, Chikhaldara becomes a perfect retreat for nature lovers and solitude seekers.

Kunkeshwar

If you prefer coastal calm over mountain chill, Kunkeshwar in the Sindhudurg district is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Despite welcoming countless visitors, Kunkeshwar remain pristine, standing as a rare gem among travellers. The coastal village, located in the Sindhudurg district, is known as the “Kashi of the South Konkan”, famous for its ancient Shiva temple perched right next to the Arabian Sea. Beyond its religious significance, Kunkeshwar also charms visitors with its hearty Konkan-style fish thali and the simplicity of life by the sea.

Tarkarli

Just a short drive from Kunkeshwar lies Tarkarli, a coastal paradise in the Sindhudurg district that looks like it belongs in a postcard. The weather in winter is just perfect — neither too hot nor too cold, making it ideal for both relaxation and adventure. It’s the kind of place where the sea is so clear that you can see right down to the ocean floor, making it a popular destination for snorkelling and scuba diving. The engineering marvel of Sindhudurg fort and a serene boat ride on the Karli River add another layer of charm to the Tarkarli trip.

Ajanta Ellora Caves

When it comes to artistic grandeur, only a few places in the world can rival the Ajanta and Ellora caves of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. The winter months are the best time to visit these UNESCO-recognised caves, as the cooler weather makes climbing and walking through the vast complex more comfortable. The Ajanta Caves are adorned with exquisite paintings that narrate the life of Buddha, while the Ellora Caves leave you awestruck with several monumental complexes, especially the Kailasa Temple, an entire mountain carved from a single rock.

Panhala

Panhala is a popular hill station in Maharashtra, situated high above the plains near the Kolhapur district. The hill station offers breathtaking views of the valley below and haunting echoes of Maratha legends. Once a stronghold of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Panhala fort is now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site as part of the ‘Maratha Military Landscapes of India.’ The hidden Andhar Bavadi, along with the surrounding hills and trails, make it a haven for trekkers and photographers.

So pack your jackets, charge your gadgets, and set off this winter. The winter gems of Maharashtra are waiting to tell you their stories, one unforgettable journey at a time.