Maharashtra

Maharashtra is a large and economically important state. Most tourists travel from Mumbai to the south to bask on it's beaches of Goa and Pune. The world heritage listed caves temples of Ajanta and Ellora.

The Konkan coast is a narrow strip of land between the Western Ghats and Arabian Sea. This region has deserted beaches, abandoned forts and isolated fishing villages. It is know for it's avocadoes, pomfret (a type of fish) and the wonderful Alphonso mangoes. The opening of the railway from Goa made this region more accessible.

Dont's:
When visiting mosques or temples shorts or sleeveless tops are not to be worn. Smoking and the holding of hands, the touching of carvings or statues and the touching of someone's head is not permitted. Removal of shoes prior to entry. These apply to both men and women. In some mosques you will be required to cover your head.

Never point the soles of your feet to another person or statue.

The right hand should be used for all occassions. The left is considered dirty.

When swimming nudity is not allowed, even in remote areas. Women should wear a sarong if they are in public view.

Some animals are considered sacred, please check with local authorities.

Extreme climate, warm inland from April to mid-June falling to almost freezing at night in winter, between November and February. Summers are hot with monsoons between June and September. The climate is pleasant between October and March, blast-furnace hot between April and June, and dripping with humidity between July and September.

Required clothing: Lightweight cottons and linens in summer with warmer clothes in winter and on cooler evenings. Waterproofing is essential during monsoons. Monsoon rains occur in most regions in summer between June and September.