Maharashtra is home to a remarkable array of UNESCO World Heritage Sites that showcase its rich cultural, historical, and architectural significance. Among the most renowned are the Elephanta Caves, a collection of stunning rock-cut temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on Elephanta Island near Mumbai. The Ajanta Caves, celebrated for their exquisite frescoes and sculptures dating back to the 2nd century BCE, offer a glimpse into ancient Buddhist art and monastic life. Another notable site is the Ellora Caves, where intricately carved Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain temples coexist, reflecting the region’s religious harmony and artistic excellence. The Victorian Gothic and Art Deco ensemble in Mumbai stands as a testament to the city’s colonial heritage, featuring iconic buildings that blend Western architectural styles with local influences. Each of these sites not only highlights Maharashtra’s historical and cultural diversity but also serves as a testament to the artistic prowess and spiritual richness that have shaped the state over centuries. Visitors to these heritage sites can immerse themselves in the stories and legacies of a bygone era, making Maharashtra a treasure trove for history and culture enthusiasts.
CHHATRAPATI SHIVAJI MAHARAJ TERMINUS
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) is located in Mumbai on the Western Part of India touching the shores of the Arabian Sea. Imposing, lively, and bustling with people, this grand train station stands as the city’s most lavish Gothic structure and a symbol of colonial-era India. The railway terminus was originally named Victoria Terminus in honor of Queen Victoria on Golden Jubilee Day in 1887, marking fifty years of her reign. In 1996, it was renamed Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus to honor the founder of the Maratha Empire, and since 2017, it has been known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus.
History and Architecture
Designed by F. W. Stevens, this building spans 2.85 hectares. Constructed over ten years starting in 1878, it is considered one of the finest functional railway stations globally, serving over three million commuters daily. This property showcases an exceptional blend of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture and Indian traditional themes. Its striking stone dome, turrets, pointed arches, and unique ground plan resemble traditional Indian palace architecture. The building is a prime example of cultural fusion, where British architects collaborated with Indian craftsmen to create a distinctive style unique to Mumbai. As the first terminus station in the subcontinent, it symbolized the nation’s economic prosperity.
What To See
This heritage structure is renowned for its magnificent stone dome, cantilevered staircase, ornamental turrets, elegant columns, pointed arches, high vaulted ceilings, and a variety of decorative sculptures and carvings. The grand frontage is adorned with numerous embellishments, including statuary, gargoyles, allegorical grotesques holding standards and battle-axes, and relief busts representing various Indian castes and communities. Bas-reliefs of the ten directors of the old Great Indian Peninsula Railway Company (GIPR) are prominently displayed on the façade. The entrance gates to Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus) feature two columns topped with a lion (symbolizing the United Kingdom) and a tiger (symbolizing India), along with tympana depicting peacocks.
Guided tours are available which will take you through the spectacular interiors and give you a glimpse into the history of this iconic building.
How to Reach
By Road: Mumbai – 20 km.
By Air: Mumbai Airport – 20 km.
THE VICTORIAN GOTHIC AND ART DECO ENSEMBLES OF MUMBAI
The Victorian Gothic and Art Deco ensembles of Mumbai, dating from the 19th and 20th centuries, were added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 2018. Approximately 94 buildings, connected by the historic Oval Maidan, stand along the sea. Notable structures include the Old Secretariat (1857-74), Bombay High Court (1878), University Library and Convention Hall (1874-78), David Sassoon Library (1870), Public Works Department Office (1872), Watson’s Hotel (1869), and Elphinstone College (1888).
History and Architecture
Two waves of urban development in Mumbai during the 19th and 20th centuries transformed the city from a fortified trading outpost to India’s premier city. The first wave in the 1880s saw the construction of Victorian Gothic public buildings and the creation of the Oval Maidan.
The second wave, the Backbay Reclamation Scheme in the early 20th century, allowed Bombay to expand westward with Art Deco residential, commercial, and entertainment buildings, as well as the creation of the Marine Drive seafront.
The Victorian collection of grand public buildings in Mumbai developed an Indo-Gothic style, merging Gothic revival elements with Indian features and incorporating adaptations like balconies and verandas to suit the local climate. Mumbai’s Art Deco structures, including iconic cinema halls and apartment buildings, combined Indian design with Art Deco motifs, creating a distinctive style known as Indo-Deco, which influenced the entire Indian subcontinent.
What To See
The Oval Maidan presents a striking array of Victorian Gothic buildings on its eastern side and an equally impressive collection of Art Deco structures on its western side, reflecting Mumbai’s evolution leading up to India’s independence in 1947. This combination of Victorian Gothic and Art Deco architecture maintains a high level of visual, spatial, and planning integrity, with the Rajabai Clock Tower as a prominent visual highlight and the Oval Maidan serving as a central unifying element. The area remains a well-preserved example of planned urban development, though the surrounding settings are susceptible to urban development pressures.
How To Reach
By Road: Mumbai – 24 km.
By Air: Mumbai Airport – 21 km.
The best way to explore Mumbai’s Victorian Gothic and Art Deco buildings is to start at CST (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus) and take a walking tour. Here’s a suggested itinerary:
- CST (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus)
- Eros Cinema (2.3 km from CST)
- Empress Court (2.1 km from CST)
- High Court (2.2 km from CST)
- Rajabai Clock Tower (2.1 km from CST)
- David Sassoon Library (2.5 km from CST)
- Elphinstone College (2.4 km from CST)
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (formerly Prince of Wales Museum) – (1.8 km from CST)
ELEPHANTA CAVES
The Elephanta Caves, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, are situated on Elephanta Island, also known as Gharapuri, just a short distance from Mumbai. This island is renowned for its collection of cave temples dedicated to the Hindu and Buddhist Gods. Elephanta Caves are a popular destination for day trips from Mumbai and are a must-visit for those who appreciate history and art.
History and Architecture
The Elephanta Caves are situated on Elephanta Island, which comprises two hillocks divided by a narrow valley. The Elephanta Caves, renowned for their ancient rock-cut architecture, feature elaborate wall carvings and sculptures. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in the early 1980s, these caves are perched on a hillock and showcase rock art that dates back to the mid-5th and 6th centuries. The most notable of these is Cave 1, which is 39 meters deep from the entrance to the back. Architecturally, this cave on the western hill bears similarities to the Dumar Lena cave at Ellora in India.
Dominating the entrance of Cave 1 is the impressive 7-meter-high sculpture of “Sadashiva.” This piece depicts three aspects of Shiva: the Creator, the Preserver, and the Destroyer. The left side represents Aghora or Bhairava, the central face depicts Taptapurusha or Mahadeva, and the right side shows Vamadeva or Uma. Other notable sculptures in the cave depicting different forms of Lord Shiva include representations of Nataraja, Yogishvara, Andhakasuravadha, Ardhanarishwara, Kalyanasundaramurti, Gangadharamurti, and Ravanaanugrahamurti, each distinguished by their form, theme, and execution.
The Elephanta caves are maintained as monolithic temples, featuring a sanctum (garbhagriha), a courtyard (mandapa), and various rock-cut architectural elements and sculptures.
Things to See/Do
In addition to the caves, Elephanta Island contains archaeological remnants dating back to the 2nd century BC, including stupas found on the eastern side of the hillock, and artifacts from the Portuguese era, such as a cannon situated at the island’s summit. Spanning 10 to 15 square kilometers, Elephanta island is covered with lush greenery, including mango, tamarind, and palm trees. It’s an ideal spot for a weekend getaway, offering both trekking and picnic opportunities.
How to Reach
By Road: Mumbai – 25 km to Gateway of India
By Train: Nearest railway station – Mumbai (3 km) to Gateway of India
By Air: Mumbai Airport – 22 km to Gateway of India
By Ferry: Take a ferry from the Gateway of India – 1 km.
AJANTA & ELLORA CAVES
AJANTA CAVES
Located about 107 km from Aurangabad, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ajanta Caves are a famous cluster of 29 rock-cut cave monuments dating from the 2nd century BCE to around 480 CE. These ancient Buddhist temples and monasteries are celebrated for their remarkable murals, regarded as some of the finest examples of Indian art. In 1983, the caves were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
History and Architecture
The paintings and sculptures at Ajanta, regarded as masterpieces of Buddhist religious art, have significantly influenced the art world. The caves are carved into a vertical cliff overlooking the Waghora River and are accessible via rock-cut staircases.
The Ajanta Caves represent a remarkable achievement in ancient Buddhist rock-cut architecture. They offer a rare glimpse into the art, architecture, painting, and socio-cultural, religious, and political history of their time.
Carved from solid basalt rock, the caves feature intricately designed interiors with pillars, arches, and stupas. The chaitya halls, intended for worship and ceremonies, are characterized by their horseshoe-shaped apses (arch) and high vaulted ceilings. The viharas, or monasteries, include a series of cells, courtyards, and meditation halls.
What To See
The rock-hewn caves at Ajanta are either chaityas (shrines), chapels or prayer halls, or viharas (monasteries) or residential cells. Caves 9 and 10 at Ajanta are chaityas, featuring some of the earliest known paintings in India. Caves 19, 26, and 29 are also chaityas from the Mahayana period, while the remaining caves are viharas. Ajanta’s art includes styles from the Gandhara and Mathura schools of the Kushana period, the Sarnath school of the Gupta period, and the Amaravati school from the late Satavahana and Ikshvaku periods.
The paintings at Ajanta depict the life of Lord Buddha, including his past lives and the Jataka tales. The caves are categorized into two main phases: the early Buddhist caves (2nd century BCE to 1st century CE) and the Mahayana caves (5th century CE).
ELLORA CAVES
Situated in the Deccan Plateau of Maharashtra, the Ellora Caves are a remarkable testament to ancient India’s artistic brilliance and spiritual depth. Carved into a 2-kilometer-long basalt cliff, these 34 rock-cut caves date back to the 6th to 10th centuries CE and exemplify a harmonious convergence of three major religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. The Ellora Caves were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and are currently maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
History and Architecture
Ellora vividly revives the ancient Indian civilization with its continuous sequence of monuments spanning from AD 600 to 1000. The site is a remarkable artistic achievement and a testament to human creative genius. The rock-cut architecture at Ellora unfolded in three distinct phases:
Buddhist Caves (Caves 1–12): Excavated between the 5th and 8th centuries, these caves reflect the Mahayana Buddhist philosophy prevalent in the region.
Hindu Caves (Caves 13–29): Including the renowned Kailasa temple (Cave 16), these were created between the 7th and 10th centuries during the Brahmanical period.
Jain Caves (Caves 30–34): The final phase of excavation, from the 9th to the 12th centuries, showcases the influence of Jain philosophy.
What to See
Carved between the 6th and 7th centuries CE, the Buddhist caves at Ellora are mostly viharas (monasteries). Cave 5 is known for its long hall and two central benches, likely used for group recitations of Buddhist sutras. Cave 10 (Vishvakarma) features a large Buddha image in front of the stupa and a rock-cut balcony. Caves 11 and 12 (Don Taal and Teen Taal) are three-story caves that showcase intricate Buddhist monastic architecture. Excavated during the rule of the Kalachuri, Chalukya, and Rashtrakuta dynasties, the Hindu caves are rich in sculptures, some of which still bear traces of original paint. Cave 14 is adorned with panels of Hindu deities. Cave 16 (Kailasa) is a monolithic structure resembling a multi-storeyed temple complex with life-size elephant statues, victory pillars, and sculpted side walls. Cave 21 (Rameshwar) is decorated with images of Ganga and Yamuna. Cave 29 (Sita ki Nahani) is unique in elevation and plan, reminiscent of the great cave at Elephanta, with impressive statues. Caves 30 to 34 are Jain caves, with Cave 32 (Indra Sabha) being the most notable. Though unfinished, it features elaborate pillars, large sculptural panels, and ceiling paintings. The Jain caves at Ellora have the largest number of wall paintings on their extant ceilings.
How to Reach
Since the Ajanta and Ellora caves are located (approximately 30km apart) it is best to visit both the caves in the same trip.
By Air: Aurangabad Airport – 99 km from Ajanta and 30 km from Ellora
By Train: Nearest railway stations – Aurangabad (115 km from Ajanta and 33 km from Ellora); Jalgaon (75 km from Ajanta)
WESTERN GHATS
The Western Ghats, a mountain range running parallel to India’s western coast, is recognized as one of the world’s eight most significant biodiversity hotspots. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012, the Western Ghats extend through Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.
History and Architecture to be replaced by What to See
The Western Ghats boast an extraordinary variety of plant and animal species, many of which are unique to this region. Beyond its ecological importance, the Western Ghats hold cultural significance, housing numerous ancient temples and pilgrimage sites. Serving as a crucial natural resource, the Western Ghats play an essential role in sustaining the ecological balance of the area. The Western Ghats are renowned for their exceptional biodiversity and high level of endemism. Recognized as one of the world’s eight most critical biodiversity hotspots, this mountain range hosts some of the finest examples of non-equatorial tropical evergreen forests globally. The region is home to at least 325 species listed as globally threatened by the IUCN Red List. Among these, there are 229 plant species, 31 mammal species, 15 bird species, 43 amphibian species, 5 reptile species, and 1 fish species.
The Western Ghats are segmented into various hill ranges, including the Sahyadris, Nilgiris, Anaimalai Hills, and Cardamom Hills. The Sahyadri range in Maharashtra features numerous hill stations such as Matheran, Mahabaleshwar, and Panchgani. In Maharashtra, “ghats” refer to mountain passes, renowned for their winding roads, stunning scenery, and breathtaking vistas. These ghats are popular among road trippers, trekkers, and nature enthusiasts. They often traverse dense forests, meander past waterfalls, and provide panoramic views of valleys and the surrounding landscapes.
How to Reach
By Road: Driving is one of the best ways to explore the Western Ghats from Mumbai or Pune, providing flexibility and the ability to stop at various scenic spots along the way.
Route options:
- Bhor Ghat (Khandala Ghat) –Mumbai – 76 km; Pune – 74 km.
- Malshej Ghat: Mumbai – 147km; Pune – 129 km.
- Tamhini Ghat: Mumbai – 161 km; Pune – 53 km.
- Amboli Ghat: Mumbai – 495 km; Pune – 353 km; Goa – 117 km.
- Varandha Ghat: Mumbai – 199 km; Pune – 101 km.
- Kasara Ghat: Mumbai – 107 km; Pune – 215 km; Igatpuri – 18 km.
- Kumbharli Ghat: Mumbai – 107 km; Pune – 213 km; Satara – 102 km, Ratnagiri – 106 km.
- Kashedi Ghat: Mumbai – 203 km; Pune – 146 km.
- Amba Ghat: Mumbai – 347 km; Pune – 243 km; Ratnagiri – 59 km.
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