The state of Maharashtra is one of the largest in India. Most of  the state stand on the high Deccan plateau which stretches East some 800 km. from the Western Ghats. Historically this was the main center for the Maratha Empire, which defied the Mughals for a long time and which under the fearless rule of Shivaji, had a large part of Central India as its domain. Maharashtra's many inland and coastal forts are a legacy of Shivaji and, to a lesser extent, the Portuguese. Mumbai the capital of Maharashtra is also the financial capital of India. Mumbai has number of landmarks which are worth a visit. Kamla Nehru Park, Hanging Gardens situated on the slopes of Malabar Hill offering a panoramic view of Marine Drive, Chowpatty Beach, Prince of Wales Museum, Mani Bhawan, Dhobi Ghat, Gateway of India & drive through the Crawford Market, Marine Drive & Flora Fountain. Aarey Milk Colony is the largest dairy farm in Asia. From the observation pavilion you can see the process of pasteurisation and bottling of milk. Aarey meets most of the milk needs of Mumbai. Across the Bombay harbour is the world famous 1200 years old Elephanta Caves, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The famous sculpture signifying the trinity of the Creator, the Preserver & the Destroyer is located here. Situated 42 kms from Bombay, the Kanheri Caves are more than 100 in number and built by Buddhist monks between 100 BC. and 50 AD. at the beginning of rock-cut architectureOther places of interest in the state include the Ajantha and Ellora caves. Ellora Caves encompasses 34 rock cut shrines representing Buddhist, Hindu and Jain art dating from the 4th to 9th century AD. The most remarkable among them is the Kailash Temple, meant to be a replica of Lord Shiva's celestial abode - Kailash is the best example of Rock cut architecture and an engineering marvel.
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