A Family-Friendly 3-Day Itinerary for Mumbai and Pune in July 2023

1. Day 1: Gateway of India
   10 minutes (3.5 km) from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Mumbai

   In the morning, head to the iconic Gateway of India, built in 1924 to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Mumbai. Take a ferry ride to the nearby Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that contains ancient rock-cut temples and sculptures dating back to the 5th century. In the afternoon, visit the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, a museum showcasing Indian art, history, and culture. End the day with a stroll on Marine Drive and catch the sunset at the Chowpatty Beach.

2. Day 2: Shaniwar Wada and Parvati Hill
   3 hours (150 km) from Mumbai

   In the morning, drive to Shaniwar Wada, a historic fortification in Pune built in 1732 by the Peshwas. Explore the ruins of the fort and watch the light and sound show that depicts the glory of the Maratha Empire. In the afternoon, visit the Parvati Hill, a hillock that offers panoramic views of Pune. Climb the 103 steps to reach the Parvati Temple, dedicated to the goddess Parvati. End the day with a walk through the lively Koregaon Park and indulge in some street food.

3. Day 3: EsselWorld and Imagica Theme Park
   3 hours (120 km) from Pune

   In the morning, drive to EsselWorld, a popular amusement park in Mumbai that has a variety of rides, attractions, and food options. In the afternoon, visit the Imagica Theme Park, another popular amusement park that offers a wide range of rides, water slides, and live entertainment. End the day with some shopping at the Phoenix Market City, a mall that has a plethora of international and Indian brands.

Recommendations

Consider taking a day trip to Lonavala, a hill station located between Mumbai and Pune. The place is known for its scenic beauty, waterfalls, and caves. You can also visit the Aga Khan Palace in Pune, a historic palace that served as a prison for Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba Gandhi during the Indian independence movement. Don't forget to try the local cuisine, such as vada pav, misal pav, and bhelpuri. To maximize your fun, plan your itinerary well in advance, book tickets for attractions online, and avoid visiting during weekends or holidays.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Gateway of India (3 hours, free entry)
• Elephanta Caves (5 hours, INR 900 for ferry and entry fee)
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (2 hours, INR 500 for entry fee)
• Shaniwar Wada (2 hours, INR 25 for entry fee)
• Parvati Hill (2 hours, free entry)
• EsselWorld (6 hours, INR 900 for entry fee)
• Imagica Theme Park (6 hours, INR 1500 for entry fee)
• Phoenix Market City (2 hours, variable costs for shopping and food)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 3825

Check out https://booking.tp.st/VhZsadPo to check hotel and flight prices for your trip to Mumbai and Pune.