5-Day Itinerary for Maharashtra in July 2023

1. Day 1: Gateway of India
   30 minutes (12.2 km) from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport

   Start your day with the iconic Gateway of India. Built in 1924, this Indo-Saracenic arch monument is an ideal spot for a photoshoot and offers a glimpse of the Arabian Sea. Afterward, explore the iconic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel and take a ferry to Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to explore the ancient rock-cut cave temples. Spend the evening at the Colaba Causeway, a vibrant local marketplace known for street food, souvenirs and clothing.

2. Day 2: Shirdi Sai Baba Shrine
   4 hours 15 minutes (244 km) from Colaba Causeway

   Visit the famous Shirdi Sai Baba Shrine, one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in India. Seek blessings from the saint, explore the temple museum and take a dip in the holy Shirdi Sai Baba Teerth. Later, enjoy a delicious lunch at the nearby Sai Baba Prasadalaya. In the afternoon, visit the Wet N Joy Water Park and enjoy thrilling water slides, wave pools and lazy rivers.

3. Day 3: Ajanta and Ellora Caves
   6 hours 40 minutes (326 km) from Wet N Joy Water Park

   Embark on a day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Ajanta and Ellora Caves, world-renowned for their rock-cut Buddhist, Hindu and Jain temples and monasteries. Take a guided tour to learn about the history and significance of these ancient wonders. Spend the evening at the Aurangabad Caves, a lesser-known but equally beautiful set of rock-cut caves.

4. Day 4: Shaniwar Wada and Aga Khan Palace
   5 hours 30 minutes (296 km) from Aurangabad Caves

   Start your day with a visit to Shaniwar Wada, the 18th-century palace of the Peshwas, which was destroyed in a fire in 1828 but still stands as a historical landmark in Pune. Afterward, explore the Aga Khan Palace, a beautiful 19th-century palace with Italian arches and sprawling gardens, which became a prison for Mahatma Gandhi and his wife during India's struggle for independence. End your day with a visit to the Koregaon Park area, known for its upscale shopping and dining options.

5. Day 5: Lonavala and Khandala
   2 hours 30 minutes (67.5 km) from Koregaon Park

   Take a day trip to Lonavala and Khandala, two scenic hill stations in the Western Ghats. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Sahyadri Mountains, visit the Bhaja and Karla Caves, and take a dip in the refreshing waters of the Kune Falls. Sample local snacks like chikki and vada pav, and shop for souvenirs at the Lonavala Bazaar.

Recommendations

If you have more time, consider visiting the scenic beaches of Alibaug or the historical forts of Raigad and Janjira. For adventure seekers, trek to the top of Kalsubai Peak, the highest peak in Maharashtra. To maximize your fun, book a local tour guide to learn more about the history and culture of the region.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Gateway of India (2 hours, free)
• Taj Mahal Palace Hotel (1 hour, free)
• Elephanta Caves (4 hours, 1,000 INR)
• Colaba Causeway (3 hours, 500 INR)
• Shirdi Sai Baba Shrine (5 hours, free)
• Sai Baba Prasadalaya (1 hour, 100 INR)
• Wet N Joy Water Park (4 hours, 1,200 INR)
• Ajanta and Ellora Caves (8 hours, 500 INR)
• Aurangabad Caves (2 hours, 200 INR)
• Shaniwar Wada (2 hours, 200 INR)
• Aga Khan Palace (2 hours, 200 INR)
• Lonavala and Khandala (8 hours, 1,000 INR)
• Total Estimated Costs (35 hours, 3,500 INR)