Maharashtra is no longer just the commercial hotspot it is famed to be. Breathtaking sights of sheer beauty mark the length and breadth of this beautiful state-the imposing Sahyadris, with their steep hair-raising cliffs, sprightly waterfalls,snaking their way through ridges, mist shrouded forests which are the home of many exotic animals, are the diverse elements which make up this slate.

Hoping to exploit this natural bounty, the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation has sprung into action in a big way.

Firstly about their rock climbing and trekking programmes at Karia. The Karia mountains, probably dating back to 160 BC, harbour the largest cluster of Chaitya caves. Their sheer rock faces provide the appropriate terrain for a rock climber to reach up to the white, fluffy clouds.

There is good news for water sports lovers too. The MTDC has introduced water sports at various lakes, areas near irrigation dams and the coastline. Imagine the rush of water and white foam coming up as you kayak or wind-sunin these clean waters. Aqua sports no longer need be the preserve of a privileged few as the Panshet Aqua Sports Centre has opened its doors to the public.

Located just 40 kms. from Pune, all you need to take with you on this fulfilled holiday, is your swimsuit!

If you need a spell of peace and solitude and are trying to escape the polluted air of the city, Kihim beach with its clean, unpolluted sands is the answer. Just 120 kms. from Bombay the beauty of the deep, aquamarine sea is indeed a soothing sight. Amidst the thick, dense coconut groves on the beach, tents have been put up by the MTDC to lure holiday-goers, who are weary of the concrete and crowds.

Another popular getaway could be Bhandardara. Nestling amidst an amphitheatre of hills it is one of the largest and probably one of the most beautiful lakes in the country, formed by damming the waters of the Pravara river. The placid blue waters stretch out for miles and miles on end. You can interperse this serene introspection by going off on long treks around the surrounding hills-To Ratangadh, a favourite fort of Shivaji, or Kalsubai, the highest peak in Maharashtra, to the sprightly Randha falls or to Amriteshwar, a 1200-year-old temple. The choice is yours.

For some tourists a holiday would mean discovering India, unfolding a compelling mystique of a country. And here again Maharashtra's turbulent history has left behind a plethora of monuments.

The magic of the Ajanta, Ellora and the Elephanta caves is unquestionable as are the scores efforts, some in ruins, but which still stand strong and majestic. As you enter these forts whispers from the past can be heard. Like the famous Murud-Janjira fort in Murud (which is known for its beautiful sea beaches and the fishing activities of the Koli tribals, inhabitating the area). Or rambling through the deserted fortifications of Raigad.

Traditionally Maharashtra is known for its rich collection of wildlife-both flora and fauna. The forests abound in varied vegetational types which make for extremely scenic landscapes. Seen amidst this are the tiger, bison, blackbuck, wild buffalo, chinkara. sambar, the flying squirrel and the like. In the enchanting sylvan beauty of the woodlands and greenery of Melghat, in the Arnravali district, roams the tiger, and it is here that a greater part of Project Tiger is being implemented. In the heart of the luxuriant teak forests of Dhakna-Kolkaz is the Melghat Tiger Reserve, where panthers, bison, sambar, chilal and the flying squirrel are familiar sights. The MTDC have ambitious plans to begin jungle safaris into these areas-A treat for wildlife enthusiasts, to see these wild animals in their natural surroundings.

Another wildlife sanctuary which is known for its verdant hills and dales, where the fauna offers a mesmerising blaze of colours, is the Nagzira Wild Life Sanctuary. Ambling around in these idyllic environs is the sloth bear, tiger, four horned antelope, the blue-bull, chital, barking deer, bison and the panther. Besides these sanctuaries are alive with the chirruping of the colourful and varied birds.

There are many more types of birds than animals in Maharashtra, like the bulbul, shama, cuckoo, parakeet, drongoes, wagtails, flycatchers, purple sunbirds, grey jungle fowl, the great Indian Bustard and above all the beautiful peacock. The great Indian Bustard, which is an endangered species, is an ostrich-like bird, found in the Ahmednagar and Sholapur districts. It is known for its royal gait and is a fast runner.

The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is a roast for ornithologists and so is the Kamala Bird Sanctuary which is the home of winged birds like the golden oriole. A graceful visitor to this state is the flamingo, which breeds in the Rann of Kutch. These hordes of birds, which look like swans when they are floating in the water, come to roost in Malshej Ghat.

Maharashtra has four National Parks, the most beautiful of them being the Tadoba and Nawagaon National Parks. The Nawagaon lake greatly enhances the beauty of the surroundings. There is an interesting legend about this lake, which was built by Kolu Patel Koli. His shrine is built on top of one of the peaks surrounding the lake. The peaks surrounding the lake are known as the sal bahini or the seven sisters, who are supposed to have helped Kolu to build the lake. The wildlife here includes the sacred nilgai and the diminutive large-eyed chinkara.

The Tadoba National Park has migratory ducks visiting its lake, and also swarms with crocodiles. The rest houses are ideal for nature lovers as it commands a lovely view of the lake and the distant green hills beyond.

All this and much more is what Maharashtra has to offer for an action-packed vacation.