Located in the northern center of peninsular India, Maharashtra is one of the most industrialised states of India. Occupying the western and central parts of the country and extending over the Sahyadri mountains; Maharashtra runs along a vast stretch of 720 km of the Arabian sea coast providing it a beautiful backdrop. The third largest state and the second most literate state in the country, according to 1991 census, Maharashtra houses several most developed cities of the country. Mumbai the state capital, is the largest metropolis in India and also its financial capital. Along with its numerous memories of glorious past, Mumbai is also home to various world renowned industries, which plays a crucial role in India's economy. Pune is the second largest city of Maharashtra and was home for a long time to the Maratha leader, Shivaji. The city of Aurangabad is known for its medieval monuments and cultural heritage. It was also the seat of the Mughal Empire for a short span. The importance of Aurangabad is great, owing to its proximity to the world heritage sites of Ajanta and Ellora. Travel to Maharashtra an capture these bewildering sights, rare to find elsewhere.