Currency: Indian Rupees

Official languages: Marathi

The present state of Maharashtra came into being on 1 May 1960 as a Marathi speaking state according to Linguistic state reorganization with Congress party's Yashwantrao Chavan being the first chief minister of the state. The name Maharashtra is believed to be originated from rathi, which means chariot driver. Maharashtra entered the recorded history in the 2nd century BC, with the construction of its first Buddhist caves. ... 1680 to 1707 is known as the period of instability in the history of Maharashtra.

It has a long history of Marathi saints of Varakari religious movement, such as Dnyaneshwar, Namdev, Chokhamela, Eknath and Tukaram which forms the one of bases of the culture of Maharashtra or Marathi culture. Maharashtra is famous for its caves, and rock-cut architecture as in Ajanta Ellora Caves that is also one of the UNESCO as World Heritage Site. Some of the temples in Maharashtra are over 1000 years old.

Maharashtra has typical monsoon climate, with hot, rainy and cold weather seasons. Tropical conditions prevail all over the state, and even the hill stations are not that cold. Temperature varies between 22°C-39°C during this season. Rainy: Rainfall starts normally in the first week of June.

Citizens of most countries, including the United States, need a visa to visit India which should be arranged in advance. Full details can be found at The Government of India website (http://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/). Citizens of Nepal and Bhutan do not need a visa, while some nationalities may get them upon arrival.

For getting around in cities like Mumbai, you could hop on to a suburban train that runs from one end of the city to the other through the Western, Central and Harbour lines. Mumbai's BEST buses and local trains are the most efficient means of local transport.

Before you leave on your holiday, there are at least four health-related things you should do. Please check the handbook for specifics, but for now, here’s the short list:

Step 1: Check with the CDC for their recommendations for the countries you’ll be visiting.

Step 2: Have a medical checkup with your doctor.

Step 3: Pick up any necessary medications, both prescription and over-the-counter.

Step 4: Have a dental and/or eye checkup. (Recommended, but less important than steps 1-3.)

We recommend avoiding packing any plastic bags in your luggage before flying to Kenya. You should also remove any items purchased at departure airports from their bags before boarding. Double check your luggage before disembarking in Kenya and leave any plastic bags on the plane.

Do see Gandhi’s home Mani Mahal.

Do take a ferry across the harbour to Elephanta Island.

Do visit ‘Chor Bazaar ‘ (Thieves Market).

Do take time to shop at The Oberoi shopping centre and all the shops at Kala Ghoda and the Silver Market.

Do see the delivery centre for the famous lunch box deliveries.

DONT attempt to self drive.

Don’t try to do too much in a day as the traffic is daunting.