Exploring Maharashtra in July 2023

1. Day 1: Gateway of India
   30 minutes (11.5 km) from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport

   Morning: Start the day at the iconic Gateway of India, a historic monument that overlooks the Arabian Sea. Take a ferry ride to Elephanta Caves and marvel at the ancient rock-cut temples.

   Afternoon: Head to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, a UNESCO World Heritage site and admire its Victorian Gothic architecture. Visit the Municipal Corporation Building, also known as the BMC headquarters, for its colonial architecture and take a break at the Oval Maidan, one of the largest parks in Mumbai.

   Evening: End the day with a visit to Marine Drive, also known as the Queen's Necklace, and watch the sunset while strolling along the promenade.

2. Day 2: Lonavala and Khandala
   1 hour 45 minutes (80 km) from Mumbai

   Morning: Head to Lonavala and hike to the Rajmachi Point, a scenic viewpoint that offers breathtaking views of the Sahyadri Mountains.

   Afternoon: Enjoy a traditional Maharashtrian lunch at any of the local restaurants in Lonavala. Visit the Karla Caves, a complex of ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves that date back to the 2nd century BC.

   Evening: Drive to Khandala and visit the Bhushi Dam, a popular picnic spot where you can enjoy the scenic views and cool off in the waterfall.

3. Day 3: Shirdi
   4 hours (240 km) from Mumbai

   Morning: Start the day early and visit the Sai Baba Temple in Shirdi, one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in India.

   Afternoon: Explore the Wet n Joy Water Park and enjoy the thrilling rides and water activities.

   Evening: Visit the Dixit Wada Museum, a historical site that was once the residence of the Dixit family and showcases the life and teachings of Sai Baba.

Recommendations

If you have time, consider taking a day trip to the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site that features ancient Buddhist, Hindu and Jain rock-cut temples dating back to the 2nd century BCE. For a unique experience, visit the Lavasa city, a planned hill station that offers beautiful views and a range of outdoor activities like trekking, mountain biking and kayaking. To maximize your fun, try the local street food like Vada Pav, Pav Bhaji and Bhel Puri.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Gateway of India (2-3 hours, free entry)
• Elephanta Caves (3-4 hours, INR 250 for Indian nationals, INR 1000 for foreign nationals)
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (1-2 hours, free entry)
• Municipal Corporation Building (30 minutes - 1 hour, free entry)
• Oval Maidan (1-2 hours, free entry)
• Marine Drive (1-2 hours, free entry)
• Rajmachi Point (2-3 hours, free entry)
• Karla Caves (2-3 hours, INR 20 for Indian nationals, INR 250 for foreign nationals)
• Bhushi Dam (1-2 hours, free entry)
• Sai Baba Temple (2-3 hours, free entry)
• Wet n Joy Water Park (3-4 hours, INR 800 for adults, INR 600 for children)
• Dixit Wada Museum (1-2 hours, INR 20 for Indian nationals, INR 100 for foreign nationals)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 2140-2540 per person (excluding transportation, accommodation and food expenses)

Check out https://booking.tp.st/VhZsadPo to book your hotels and flights.