December 2025 Maharashtra Heritage & Wine Tour

Day 1: Arrival & Pune Exploration (Dec 22)

Morning: Arrive at Pune Airport and check into your booked Airbnb. Freshen up and enjoy a light breakfast at a local café.

Afternoon: Take a leisurely walk around the historic Shaniwar Wada fort and visit the nearby Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum to get a taste of Maharashtrian culture.

Evening: Dine at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the city and relax for the night, preparing for the early start to Ajanta.

Day 2: Ajanta Caves (Dec 23)

Morning: Depart early for the Ajanta Caves (≈2 h drive). Upon arrival, begin exploring the UNESCO‑listed rock‑cut monasteries and admire the ancient murals.

Afternoon: Continue the tour, focusing on the most famous caves such as Cave 1, Cave 17, and Cave 26, and enjoy a packed lunch with a view of the river.

Evening: Return to Pune, stop at a local dhaba for a hearty dinner, and unwind at your Airbnb.

Day 3: Ellora Caves (Dec 24)

Morning: Drive to the Ellora Caves (≈1 h 30 min). Begin with the massive Rudra (Cave 16) and the intricate Jain caves.

Afternoon: Visit the Buddhist caves, especially Cave 10 (Vishvakarma), and enjoy a light snack at the site’s café.

Evening: Head back to Pune for a festive dinner, celebrating the holiday season.

Day 4: Nashik & Sula Vineyards (Dec 25)

Morning: Travel to Nashik (≈3 h drive). Start with a visit to the historic Trimbakeshwar Temple for a cultural immersion.

Afternoon: Tour the renowned Sula Vineyards, enjoy a guided wine tasting, and have a gourmet lunch overlooking the vineyards.

Evening: Explore the bustling Nashik City Market before returning to Pune for a relaxed night.

Day 5: Shirdi Pilgrimage (Dec 26)

Morning: Depart for Shirdi (≈2 h 30 min). Arrive at the Shri Sai Baba Temple and partake in the early morning Aarti.

Afternoon: Explore the surrounding attractions such as the Dwarkamai and Shri Sai Heritage Museum, followed by a simple vegetarian lunch.

Evening: Return to Pune, enjoy a quiet dinner, and pack for departure.

Day 6: Departure (Dec 27)

Morning: Have a leisurely breakfast at a local café and take a short stroll around Khadakwasla Lake for final memories.

Afternoon: Check out of your Airbnb and head to Pune Airport for your flight home.

Evening: Safe travels!

Time and Cost Estimates

• Ajanta Caves – 5 hours total; Entry & guide: ₹250 per person
• Ellora Caves – 4 hours total; Entry & guide: ₹200 per person
• Sula Vineyards – 3 hours total; Tour & tasting: ₹1,500 per person
• Trimbakeshwar Temple – 2 hours; Donation: ₹50 per person
• Shri Sai Baba Temple (Shirdi) – 4 hours; Entry: free, Aarti donation: ₹100 per person
• Local meals & snacks – Approx. ₹1,200 per person for 6 days
• Transportation (car hire & fuel) – Approx. ₹5,000 total
• Total Estimated Cost – ₹9,800 per person

Tips

To extend the trip, consider adding a day in Mahabaleshwar for scenic hills and strawberry farms, or a night in Alibag for a beach escape. If you need to shorten the itinerary, combine Day 4 and Day 5 by visiting Shirdi in the morning and Sula Vineyards in the afternoon of the same day, then depart on Day 5 instead of Day 6.