Maharashtra is India's second-most populous state and a powerhouse of culture, history, and natural beauty. Home to the bustling metropolis of Mumbai, ancient UNESCO World Heritage cave complexes at Ajanta and Ellora, majestic Sahyadri mountain forts, and pristine Konkan coastline beaches, Maharashtra offers an extraordinary diversity of experiences for every type of traveler.
Maharashtra is generally a safe destination for travelers, with millions of domestic and international visitors each year. Normal urban caution is advised in Mumbai and Pune, while specific rural areas require additional awareness.
Current safety advisory
Moderate
The US State Department rates India as Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution). Maharashtra's major cities and tourist destinations are generally safe. Eastern Maharashtra near the Naxalite-affected Gadchiroli region requires government caution advisories. Exercise standard urban precautions in Mumbai.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased caution in India due to crime and terrorism. Avoid travel to within 10 km of India-Pakistan border in Rajasthan and Punjab. Eastern Maharashtra (Gadchiroli district) has historical Naxalite activity.
Standard Caution
Exercise normal precautions in Maharashtra's major cities and tourist sites. Be alert to petty crime in crowded areas.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Use Ola or Uber for all taxi transportation — these apps provide driver tracking, fixed fares, and trip sharing for safety
Agree on auto-rickshaw fares before boarding in cities where meters are unreliable (Aurangabad, Nashik, smaller towns)
Keep photocopies of your passport and visa stored separately from originals
Avoid eastern Maharashtra border regions near Chandrapur and Gadchiroli without proper research due to historical Naxal activity
Dress modestly when visiting temples, mosques, and religious sites — carry a dupatta (scarf) for head covering
Mumbai's local trains during rush hour (8-10 AM, 6-9 PM) are extremely crowded; be vigilant of pickpockets
Do not accept food or drinks from strangers on trains or buses — drugging for theft does occasionally occur
Women should use 'ladies-only' carriages on Mumbai local trains and 'women-only' MSRTC buses where available
Avoid isolated beaches, parks, or ghats after dark, especially for solo female travelers
Be wary of common tourist scams: fake gem dealers, overpriced 'official' tour guides, inflated taxi fares at airports
Drink only bottled or filtered water across all of Maharashtra; tap water is not safe for travelers
Download an offline map (Maps.me or Google Maps offline) before traveling to rural areas with poor connectivity
Keep emergency contacts saved in your phone including your country's embassy, local police (100), and medical (108)
When trekking in the Sahyadri mountains, always inform your accommodation of your itinerary and expected return time
Carry adequate medications and a basic first aid kit when visiting national parks or remote areas
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Taxi overcharging at airports
Unofficial taxis at Mumbai and Pune airports charge inflated rates, sometimes 5x the metered price
How to avoid: Use Ola/Uber from the official app pickup zones outside arrivals, or use the official prepaid taxi counters inside the terminal
Fake tour guides
People posing as official guides at Ajanta, Ellora, and Elephanta caves overcharge and provide misinformation
How to avoid: Hire ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) certified guides at the official guide counters at site entrances
Gem and textile scams
Shopkeepers in Mumbai tourist areas convince travelers to buy 'investment gems' or textiles to resell abroad at inflated prices
How to avoid: Never buy gems or crafts as investments; only buy what you want to keep and can inspect yourself
Overpriced auto-rickshaws
In Aurangabad and Nashik, auto-rickshaw drivers quote fixed rates far above normal for tourists
How to avoid: Ask your hotel for the approximate fare beforehand, use Ola auto where available, or insist on the meter
Fake charitable donations
People approach tourists claiming to collect for orphanages or temples, showing printed receipts
How to avoid: Never donate to street solicitors; if you want to donate, give directly to registered organizations
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- Recommended: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus, and MMR. Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from an endemic country. Malaria prophylaxis advised for Tadoba and Pench forest areas.
- Water
- Tap water is NOT safe to drink across Maharashtra. Use bottled water (mineral water widely available) or filtered water at reputable hotels.
- Food
- Eat at well-regarded establishments; avoid raw salads in budget establishments. Street food from busy stalls is generally safe as food is freshly cooked.
- Facilities
- Mumbai and Pune have world-class private hospitals (Lilavati, Breach Candy, Kokilaben in Mumbai; Ruby Hall Clinic, KEM Hospital in Pune). Travel insurance with medical coverage is strongly recommended.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Maharashtra is generally safe for solo travelers. Mumbai is one of India's safest large cities with a 24/7 active street presence. Use standard urban caution, travel in well-lit areas after dark, and inform accommodations of your plans when trekking or traveling to remote areas.
Female travellers
Female travelers should exercise standard precautions. Use women-only carriages on Mumbai local trains. Avoid traveling alone in autos at night in smaller cities. Mumbai's tourist areas like Colaba are generally safe for women. Consider using the Nirbhaya Squad app (Mumbai tourist police) for assistance.
Families
Maharashtra is a family-friendly destination with good facilities at major attractions. Keep children close in crowded markets and train stations. Child-safe medical care is available at major hospitals in Mumbai and Pune.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Consensual same-sex relationships were decriminalized in India in 2018. Mumbai has a visible and active LGBTQ+ community. However, public displays of affection between same-sex couples may attract unwanted attention in conservative areas. Pune's Koregaon Park neighborhood is generally accepting. Be more discreet in smaller towns and religious sites.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 100
- Medical
- 108 (ambulance)
- Fire
- 101
- Tourist Police
- +91-22-2261-4949 (Mumbai Tourism Police Helpline)
- Embassy
- Contact your country's consulate in Mumbai (most countries have Mumbai consulates)