6 Epic UNESCO Sites in Maharashtra You Must See Today

Think UNESCO sites are only in faraway countries or boring history books? Some of the most amazing places are right here in Maharashtra. You’ll find huge caves that were carved out by hand and even a train station that looks just like a palace. These places are filled with beauty, history, and incredible stories. You feel the culture come alive when you visit them. In this guide, we’ll show you where they are, what to see, and why they’re truly special.


Ellora, It’s not just some old caves. Ellora is a 1,500 year old time capsule where Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain philosophies co exist in stone peacefully and side by side. There is no borders, no boundaries Just pure devotion carved into rock. The Kailasa Temple, built by scooping downward into a single rock cliff, no bricks, no glue, no joints. A full multi storied temple sculpted from one slab of volcanic rock. It’s the kind of thing that humbles engineers even today. And these caves weren’t just built to look impressive. They actually served as monasteries, temples or schools and a whole world carved right into the rock where people could live, pray, and learn.

• Maharashtra is the closest city and it's30 km from Aurangabad
• It opens from morning 6:00 AM to evening 6:00 PM and closed on Tuesdays
• For Indians it's ₹40 ,₹600 for foreigners.
• Cave 16 Kailasa Temple it’s the crown jewel which is carved from a single rock.
• November to February is the best time to visit Ellora Caves

People call Ajanta timeless Because it kind of is timeless. These caves aren't just rock cut shelters they’re hand painted windows into a world that existed over 2,000 years ago, and they’ve somehow survived monsoons, colonizers, and clueless tourists. There are 30 caves, carved in a horseshoe shape along a cliffside all created by Buddhist monks between 2nd century BCE and 6th century CE. But the real magic there is The murals which are Still visible and still glowing in places. These were painted with natural dyes no synthetic anything and they show scenes from the Jataka tales, royal processions, grief, love, and war. It’s basically a graphic novel carved in stone and brushed into life long before comics were a thing. This place wasn’t just a monastery. It was a refuge. A sanctuary where monks meditated and artists told stories.

• This is deep inside the Sahyadri hills.
• It opens at 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and closed on monday.
• Entry Fee is ₹40 for Indian, ₹600 for foreigners .
• Cave 1 and Cave 2 have the most clearest preserved murals.
• November to February the best time for visit.

So…The Elephanta Caves are a short ferry ride from Mumbai’s chaos but when you land it feels like you’ve stepped back 1,300 years. The Elephanta Caves are a set of rock cut temples carved into a small island in the middle of the sea. There is a massive sculpture of Lord Shiva with three heads, each showing a different mood creation, protection, and destruction. It’s very quiet and powerful. And here’s the crazy part no one really knows who made them. There’s no solid record, just these massive, mystical artworks sitting there, surviving Portuguese bullets, weather, and time. It’s not that huge as Ellora but it's different specially if you go early.

• It's 11 km from Mumbai at Elephanta Island.
• Boats run from morning till evening every 30 minutes.
• The caves are open from 9:30 am to 5:30pm and closed on Mondays.
• ₹40 for Indian citizens, ₹600 for foreign nationals.
• Cave 1 is the main attraction with the Trimurti and other carvings depicting Shiva in various forms.

CSMT isn’t just where local trains pull in and out it’s a full blown architectural piece. It has stone arches, stained glass windows and such big lion statues, domes, and spires all in the middle of Mumbai. It was built when the British were still ruling India in 1887 . The style of it is Victorian Gothic Revival so it looks more like a cathedral. It’s not just for show. Over 3 million people use this station every day, hopping on and off crowded locals, rushing past all that history without even noticing. And still it all flows, beauty and chaos side by side. This was designed by a British architect named Frederick William Stevens, but if you look closely, you’ll spot Indian details too, peacocks, monkeys, and local stonework. Even the roof has ribbed domes and high turrets like a medieval castle. It’s weird, beautiful, and somehow still practical.

• It's Right in South Mumbai opposite the BMC headquarters.
• Early morning on Sundays is the best time.
• Free to see from outside but entry inside the heritage areas may need permission.
• The main facade and central dome with stained glass, carvings, and British Indian details.
• The CSMT Heritage Gallery (inside) if you’re into railway history and old photographs.

The Western Ghats in Maharashtra aren’t just hills with greenery and they're ancient, sacred, alive. Think moss covered rocks, clouds curling through trees, frogs you’ve never heard of, and rivers that feed half the state. It doesn’t shout. It just is and that’s what makes it powerful. UNESCO care because these hills are that important. The Western Ghats are one of the world's eight hottest hotspots of biodiversity meaning thousands of plants, insects, birds, and animals live here and nowhere else on Earth. If this place disappears, so do they. Maharashtra’s part of the Ghats has some incredible places like the Kaas Plateau which turns into a valley of wildflowers for just a few weeks every year. Indigenous tribes farmers and forest dwellers have lived here alongside nature for centuries. The way they live is one of the reasons why the balance with nature still survives in this area.

• It's find in Western Maharashtra visit places like Kaas Plateau and Malshej Ghat.
• Monsoon is best for waterfalls. October to February is great time to visit.
• Some spots charge ₹30 ₹150. Many ghats are free.
• Lush nature, rare plants, clean air, and ancient forests are the main beauty.
• Tiny frogs, glowing mushrooms, and hidden scenic stops are the most famous spots.

UNESCO sites in Maharashtra are places that make you feel something. Walking through Ajanta or Ellora is so rich it feels like walking into the rich past. The Western Ghats feels like stepping into another world and you don’t need to travel far or to spend big amount to see this sites beauty as it's Right here in Maharashtra, we’ve got ancient caves carved by hand, a train station that looks like a palace, and green hills that come alive with rain. These UNESCO sites are full of stories, colors, and life. Whether you’re a first time traveler or a local, these places have something to show you.

1. Is this possible to visit all this in one trip?
   No, as they are spread across the state
2. Are these places safe for solo travelers?
   Yes, generally safe stick to daylight hours and popular routes.
3. Which is the oldest UNESCO site in Maharashtra?
   Ajanta Caves is over 2,000 years old.
4. Are photographs allowed at these sites?
   Yes, but flash and tripods are often restricted inside the monuments.