Taj Mahal Agra

West India Travel Guide

West India is a land of distinct cultures, lifestyles, landscapes and history. What does a wanderer truly desire? Is it just a vacation? Or is it a need to get lost, and be found? The western part of India is blessed with scenic views, long coastlines, magnificent religious centres and a truck-load of hospitality, making it one of the most popular travel destinations in India.

About Western India Tourism

From the hippie culture of Goa to the vibrant and responsible outlook of Gujarat, a tour to this part of India will lead you to a worthy spot at every corner. The hustle life of the financial capital of the country, Mumbai to the laid-back journey to the union territories of Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli, each day of your vacation will be like a day spent in heaven!

presents a West India Travel Guide to make your travel plans convenient :

Popular Hill Stations to Visit in Western India

panchgani

Panchgani

A summer retreat for the British once, Panchgani is bestowed with colonial-era cottages, lush green woods, clean air and a cool ambience.

mahabaleshwar

Mahabaleshwar

Gifted with one of the few evergreen forests in India, Mahabaleshwar is a paradise for all nature enthusiasts.

lonavala

Lonavala

A romantic escape from the chaotic city life, Lonavala is one of the most visited hill stations of the western India. Green meadows, clean air and picturesque views leave you spell-bound with nature.

matheran

Matheran

Matheran is an alluring hill town situated among the Western Ghats in Maharashtra. Riding a toy train with lush green hills and meadows around you leaves you in a state of relaxation.

Karjat

Karjat

Famous for getting shot in the Oscar-winning movie- Slumdog Millionaire, Karjat is a quaint hill town with exceptional natural beauty.

Khandala

Khandala

Set amidst the mighty Western Ghats, this little hill station is just the right place for an escape to a beautiful and peaceful town.

Panhala

Panhala

Panhala is an important part of the glorifying history of the Marathas. Having been the capital of the Marathas for a short period, this hill town is filled with anecdotes about the great Maratha leader, Shivaji.

saputara

Saputara

Located in the beautiful state of Gujarat, Saputara is an ideal destination to escape the hustle of city life.

Popular Wildlife Attractions in Western India

Gir National Park

Gir National Park

Land of the Asiatic lions, Gir National Park is one of the most protected wildlife habitats. Gir Forest in Gujarat is home to various species of fauna and flora such as Indian leopards, sloth bears, blue bulls, sambar among many others.

Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary

Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary

A huge lush green habitat nestled amidst the Western Ghats, this wildlife sanctuary was formed to protect Maharashtra’s national animal, the Giant Indian Squirrel. Wildlife and nature enthusiasts have this sanctuary on their bucket-list.

Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary

Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary

Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary shelters many endangered species of animals such as tigers, panthers, palm civet and flying squirrels among many others.

Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary

Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary

Located near the Palanpur district of Gujarat, Jessore Sanctuary is an ideal habitat for sloth bears who prefer to live alone.

Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary

Tipeshwar Wildlife Sanctuary

Nestled in the Pandharkawada district of Maharashtra, this wildlife habitat is home to a large variety of flora and fauna such as tigers, panthers, blackbuck and small Indian civet cat among many others.

Popular Heritage Destinations to Visit in Western India

Aurangabad

Aurangabad

Ajanta and Ellora Caves are perfect example of artistic brilliance. The intricately carved set of 29 caves, Ajanta is among the best examples of Buddhist architecture.

Patan

Patan

Located in the former capital of Gujarat, Patan, is the architectural brilliance and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Rani ki Vav.

Elephanta Island

Elephanta Island

Elephanta Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They are a set of cave temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.

mumbai

Mumbai

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus formerly known as Victoria Terminus is a historic train terminal located in Mumbai. It has earned its place in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It was designed by a well-known engineer, Frederick William Stevens.

goa

Goa

The famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Goa, collectively known as the Churches and Convents of Goa, are the reason this state is called ‘Rome of the Orient’.

Popular Beaches in Western India

Calangute Beach

Calangute Beach, Goa

Popularly known as the Queen of Beaches, Calangute Beach is the biggest and most popular beach in Goa. From the scenic beaches to the vibrant markets, it has a lot to offer to every type of travelers.

Nagoa Beach, Diu

Nagoa Beach, Diu

Located in the Bucharwada village, Nagoa beach is a beautiful white beach away from the bustling city life. It is an ideal place to rejuvenate oneself with the swaying palm trees, white sands and orange sunsets.

Somnath Beach, Gujarat

Somnath Beach, Gujarat

Somnath Beach offers sparkling waves and a long stretch of sand. People come here for a romantic touch to watch the sky change colors during sunsets.

Dwarka Beach, Gujarat

Dwarka Beach, Gujarat

Situated along the Arabian coast, it is one of the most popular beaches in Gujarat. The beach offers palm trees swaying in the cool winds, turquoise waters, white sands and romantic sunsets.

Juhu Beach, Maharashtra

Juhu Beach, Maharashtra

Situated on the shore of the Arabian Sea, Juhu Beach is the most attractive tourist spot in Mumbai. It is also a popular filming destination for the Indian cinema.

Popular Religious Sites to Visit in Western India

Shirdi

Shirdi

One of the most pious sites in India, Shirdi is a shrine dedicated to ‘Sai Baba', one of the greatest saints to have walked on Earth. He resided in this small town for 50 years and more.

Ashtavinayak Temples

Ashtavinayak Temples

A group of eight temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the term refers to a pilgrimage to the eight Hindu temples. Each temple has its own legend. It is believed that you should visit the first temple again after completing the Ashtavinayak yatra.

Somnath Temple

Somnath Temple

First of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva, Somnath Temple is an important religious site in Gujarat. Reconstructed many times by several Islamic invaders, the temple is built in the Chalukya style of architecture.

Haji Ali Mosque

Haji Ali Mosque

Located on an island away from the Mumbai Harbour, there is a legend on how the famous mosque came into existence. It is believed that the famous saint, Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari was traveling to Mecca when he passed away.

Basilica of Bom Jesus

Basilica of Bom Jesus

Located in Old Goa, the church is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The church is home to the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier.

Popular Adventure Activities to Do in Western India

Skydiving in Gujarat

Skydiving in Gujarat

The lakeside city of Deesa in Gujarat offers the thrilling opportunity of skydiving. This is the reason why adventure enthusiasts are rushing over to Gujarat.

Paragliding in Maharashtra

Paragliding in Maharashtra

Cities like Kamshet, Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar offer paragliding opportunities to travelers. Flying over the picturesque hills of Western Ghats and enjoying the view from thousands of feet above the ground thrills adventurers.

River Rafting in Gujarat

River Rafting in Gujarat

One of the most exciting adventure activities in Gujarat, the rafting stretch from Gadbole Gate to Suryakund offers thrilling rapids that attract adventurers to Gujarat.

Water Adventure in Goa

Water Adventure in Goa

Goa is an abode of water sports activities in the country. Apart from its scenic beaches, it is known for crazy water activities such as parasailing, kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling and many others.