7-Day Maharashtra Itinerary in July 2023

1. Day 1: Mumbai
   Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport to Colaba (1 hour, 16 km)

   Start your day at the Gateway of India, then head to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. In the afternoon, visit Elephanta Caves, then end your day at the Marine Drive for a stunning sunset.

2. Day 2: Pune
   Mumbai to Pune (2.5 hours, 150 km)

   Visit the Aga Khan Palace, then head to the Shaniwar Wada Fort. After lunch, explore the Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, then visit the Pataleshwar Cave Temple.

3. Day 3: Nashik
   Pune to Nashik (4 hours, 211 km)

   Start your day with a visit to the Sula Vineyards and taste some of the best wines in the region. In the afternoon, visit the Trimbakeshwar Temple, then head to the Pandavleni Caves for a scenic hike.

4. Day 4: Aurangabad
   Nashik to Aurangabad (6 hours, 364 km)

   Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Ajanta Caves and Ellora Caves. These magnificent caves are carved out of rock and date back to the 2nd century BCE. End your day at the Bibi Ka Maqbara, also known as the mini Taj Mahal.

5. Day 5: Lonavala
   Aurangabad to Lonavala (4.5 hours, 245 km)

   Head to the Karla Caves, which are the largest rock-cut cave temples in India. Then, explore the Bhaja Caves, which are believed to be some of the oldest Buddhist caves in India. End your day with a visit to the Rajmachi Fort.

6. Day 6: Mahabaleshwar
   Lonavala to Mahabaleshwar (3.5 hours, 177 km)

   Visit the stunning Pratapgad Fort and then head to the Mapro Garden to taste some delicious strawberry ice cream. In the afternoon, explore the Venna Lake and take a boat ride. End your day with a visit to the Lingmala Waterfall.

7. Day 7: Mumbai
   Mahabaleshwar to Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (4.5 hours, 263 km)

   Start your day with a visit to the Haji Ali Dargah, a mosque and tomb located in the middle of the sea. Then, visit the Nehru Science Centre for an interactive experience. In the evening, explore the Bandra-Worli Sea Link and end your day with a visit to the Juhu Beach.

Recommendations

Consider visiting the Malshej Ghat for its stunning views and Bhandardara for its serene beauty. If you have more time, plan a side trip to Goa to enjoy its beautiful beaches and Portuguese architecture. Be sure to try the local cuisines, including the vada pav and pav bhaji. To maximize your fun, hire a local guide who can take you to the off-beaten tracks and help you explore the local culture.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Gateway of India (2 hours, INR 40)
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (1 hour, INR 10)
• Elephanta Caves (3 hours, INR 600)
• Marine Drive (2 hours, Free)
• Aga Khan Palace (2 hours, INR 30)
• Shaniwar Wada Fort (2 hours, INR 25)
• Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum (2.5 hours, INR 100)
• Pataleshwar Cave Temple (1 hour, INR 5)
• Sula Vineyards (3 hours, INR 1500)
• Trimbakeshwar Temple (2 hours, Free)
• Pandavleni Caves (2 hours, INR 20)
• Ajanta Caves (3 hours, INR 500)
• Ellora Caves (3 hours, INR 600)
• Bibi Ka Maqbara (2 hours, INR 30)
• Karla Caves (2 hours, INR 200)
• Bhaja Caves (2 hours, INR 20)
• Rajmachi Fort (2 hours, Free)
• Pratapgad Fort (2 hours, INR 20)
• Mapro Garden (1 hour, INR 50)
• Venna Lake (2 hours, INR 200)
• Lingmala Waterfall (1 hour, INR 5)
• Haji Ali Dargah (1 hour, Free)
• Nehru Science Centre (2 hours, INR 60)
• Bandra-Worli Sea Link (1 hour, Free)
• Juhu Beach (2 hours, Free)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 3430