Relaxing 7-Day Itinerary for Maharashtra in December 2023

1. Day 1: Mumbai
   Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport
   Morning: Arrive at the airport and check in to your hotel. Spend the morning relaxing and getting acclimated to your surroundings.
   Afternoon: Visit the Gateway of India, a stunning monument overlooking the Arabian Sea. Take a boat ride to Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to see ancient cave temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.
   Evening: Stroll along Marine Drive, known as the Queen's Necklace, to watch the sunset over the sea. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
2. Day 2: Pune
   150 km (93 miles) from Mumbai
   Morning: Drive to Pune and check in to your hotel. Visit the Aga Khan Palace, a historical landmark where Mahatma Gandhi was imprisoned during India's freedom struggle.
   Afternoon: Spend the afternoon at Osho Ashram, a spiritual retreat with beautiful gardens and tranquil meditation centres.
   Evening: Explore the lively Koregaon Park neighbourhood, filled with trendy restaurants and cafes.
3. Day 3: Lonavala
   66 km (41 miles) from Pune
   Morning: Drive to Lonavala and check in to your hotel. Visit the Karla Caves, a complex of ancient Buddhist shrines that date back to the 2nd century BC.
   Afternoon: Enjoy a scenic hike in the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to see stunning waterfalls and lush greenery.
   Evening: Relax in your hotel and enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
4. Day 4: Nashik
   200 km (124 miles) from Lonavala
   Morning: Drive to Nashik and check in to your hotel. Visit the Sula Vineyards, a beautiful winery with excellent wine tasting experiences.
   Afternoon: Visit the Trimbakeshwar Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
   Evening: Take a walk along the Godavari River and enjoy the beautiful sunset.
5. Day 5: Shirdi
   87 km (54 miles) from Nashik
   Morning: Drive to Shirdi and check in to your hotel. Visit the Sai Baba Temple, a famous pilgrimage site dedicated to the Indian saint Sai Baba.
   Afternoon: Explore the Shri Saibaba Sansthan Temple, a beautiful complex of shrines and prayer halls. Take a walk in the peaceful Lendi Garden.
   Evening: Attend the aarti ceremony at the temple, a beautiful ritual of offering prayers and lighting candles.
6. Day 6: Aurangabad
   144 km (89 miles) from Shirdi
   Morning: Drive to Aurangabad and check in to your hotel. Visit the Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to see ancient Buddhist cave temples with stunning paintings and sculptures.
   Afternoon: Visit the Ellora Caves, another UNESCO World Heritage site, to see a complex of Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist shrines carved out of rock.
   Evening: Explore the bustling Aurangabad bazaar to shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs.
7. Day 7: Mumbai
   335 km (208 miles) from Aurangabad
   Morning: Fly back to Mumbai and spend the morning at leisure.
   Afternoon: Visit the iconic Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the busiest railway stations in India. Take a tour of the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, a luxurious heritage hotel with stunning architecture and history.
   Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant and reflect on your relaxing trip to Maharashtra.

Recommendations

Other attractions worth visiting include the Elephanta Caves, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya Museum, the Bhaja Caves, and the Ajanta and Ellora Festivals. Side trips to the Konkan Coast and the hill stations of Mahabaleshwar and Matheran are also highly recommended. To maximize your fun, consider booking a spa treatment or yoga class, or taking a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Maharashtrian dishes. Don't forget to try the local street food, such as vada pav and pav bhaji, and shop for beautiful sarees and jewellery.