5-Day Itinerary for Sahyadri in November 2023

1. Day 1: Explore the Caves of Ajanta
   2 hours (103 km) from Aurangabad Airport

   Start your day by exploring the Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These 30 rock-cut caves are known for their exquisite wall paintings and sculptures, dating back to the 2nd century BC. Spend the afternoon exploring the nearby village of Ajanta before heading back to Aurangabad for dinner at Kream n Kruste, a popular bakery and cafe.

2. Day 2: Trek to Harishchandragad
   2 hours 45 minutes (92 km) from Aurangabad

   Get an early start and head to Harishchandragad, a hill fort and popular trekking destination. The trek takes around 6-7 hours, but the views from the top are worth it. Pack a lunch and plenty of water for the hike. After the trek, head to the nearby town of Junnar for dinner at Swami Veg Restaurant, known for its delicious vegetarian food.

3. Day 3: Waterfall Hopping at Thoseghar
   2 hours 20 minutes (87 km) from Junnar

   Spend the day exploring Thoseghar Waterfalls, a series of waterfalls cascading down the Sahyadri Mountains. Pack a picnic lunch and spend the day hopping from one waterfall to another. Head to Satara for dinner at Shree Yash Thali, a popular restaurant serving traditional Maharashtrian thalis.

4. Day 4: Visit the Hill Forts of Raigad and Pratapgad
   2 hours 10 minutes (106 km) from Satara

   Visit the hill forts of Raigad and Pratapgad, both of which played a significant role in Maratha history. Start with Raigad, a capital of the Maratha Empire and home to Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's throne. After lunch at Blue Sky Restaurant, head to Pratapgad, known for the historic battle fought there in 1659. Return to Satara for dinner at Shabree, a popular restaurant serving Indian and Chinese cuisine.

5. Day 5: Relax at Mahabaleshwar
   1 hour 20 minutes (54 km) from Satara

   Spend your last day relaxing in Mahabaleshwar, a popular hill station known for its stunning views and strawberry farms. Visit the several viewpoints, including Arthur's Seat and Elephant's Head Point, before enjoying a leisurely lunch at The Grapevine, a restaurant serving Indian and Continental cuisine. After lunch, head to Panchgani, another hill station nearby, for a visit to Table Land, Asia's second-largest mountain plateau, before returning to Satara for your final dinner.

Recommendations

If you have an extra day, consider visiting the hill station of Lonavala, known for its scenic beauty and historic forts. For a unique experience, try hot air ballooning over the Sahyadri Mountains. To maximize your fun, pack comfortable shoes and clothing, sunscreen, and plenty of water for all your outdoor activities.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Ajanta Caves (4 hours, ₹500)
• Harishchandragad Trek (10 hours, free)
• Thoseghar Waterfalls (8 hours, ₹50)
• Raigad and Pratapgad Forts (8 hours, ₹200)
• Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani (8 hours, ₹500)
• Total Estimated Costs: ₹1,250

To check hotel and flight prices, visit https://booking.tp.st/VhZsadPo.