Family-Friendly Itinerary in Maharashtra

1. Sunday, October 1: Mumbai
   10 minutes (2.1 miles) from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus

   Start your day exploring the iconic Gateway of India and take a boat ride to Elephanta Caves. In the afternoon, visit the Nehru Science Centre for interactive exhibits. End your day with a relaxing family dinner at Pizza by the Bay.

   • Gateway of India: ₹100, 2 hours
   • Elephanta Caves Boat Ride: ₹200, 4 hours
   • Nehru Science Centre: ₹50, 2 hours
   • Dinner at Pizza by the Bay: ₹800, 1.5 hours
2. Monday, October 2: Lonavala
   2 hours (64 miles) from Mumbai

   Spend your morning exploring the scenic beauty of Lonavala. Visit the Rajmachi Point for breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys. In the afternoon, enjoy a fun-filled time at Della Adventure Park. End the day with a visit to the Karla Caves, ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves.

   • Rajmachi Point: ₹50, 2 hours
   • Della Adventure Park: ₹1500, 4 hours
   • Karla Caves: ₹100, 2 hours
3. Tuesday, October 3: Pune
   1 hour 30 minutes (74 miles) from Lonavala

   Start your day with a visit to the Aga Khan Palace, a historic landmark. Explore the Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum to see a vast collection of Indian artifacts. In the evening, enjoy a cultural performance at Shaniwar Wada and savor traditional Maharashtrian cuisine for dinner.

   • Aga Khan Palace: ₹50, 2 hours
   • Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum: ₹100, 2 hours
   • Shaniwar Wada Cultural Performance: ₹200, 3 hours
   • Dinner at a Maharashtrian restaurant: ₹800, 1.5 hours
4. Wednesday, October 4: Mahabaleshwar
   3 hours 30 minutes (121 miles) from Pune

   Start your day with a visit to the famous Mapro Garden, known for its strawberry produce. Enjoy a scenic boat ride on Venna Lake and savor delicious local snacks. In the evening, take a stroll along the scenic Wilson Point and witness a beautiful sunset.

   • Mapro Garden: ₹100, 2 hours
   • Venna Lake Boat Ride: ₹200, 2 hours
   • Snacks at local stalls: ₹300, 1 hour
   • Wilson Point: Free, 1 hour
5. Thursday, October 5: Aurangabad
   7 hours (243 miles) from Mahabaleshwar

   Start your day with a visit to the magnificent Bibi Ka Maqbara, often compared to the Taj Mahal. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Ajanta and Ellora Caves, showcasing ancient rock-cut Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu temples. End your day with a traditional Maharashtrian thali dinner.

   • Bibi Ka Maqbara: ₹50, 2 hours
   • Ajanta Caves: ₹500, 4 hours
   • Ellora Caves: ₹500, 4 hours
   • Dinner at a Maharashtrian thali restaurant: ₹800, 1.5 hours
6. Friday, October 6: Nashik
   5 hours 30 minutes (179 miles) from Aurangabad

   Visit the famous Sula Vineyards and indulge in wine tasting. Explore the ancient Trimbakeshwar Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. Enjoy a scenic boat ride on the Godavari River. In the evening, relax at the Pandavleni Caves and witness the beautiful sunset.

   • Sula Vineyards: ₹500, 2 hours
   • Trimbakeshwar Temple: Free, 1 hour
   • Boat ride on Godavari River: ₹200, 1.5 hours
   • Pandavleni Caves: Free, 1 hour
7. Saturday, October 7: Mumbai
   3 hours 30 minutes (97 miles) from Nashik

   Explore the vibrant markets of Crawford Market and Colaba Causeway for shopping. Visit the Taraporewala Aquarium, the oldest aquarium in India. Enjoy a leisurely walk along Marine Drive and witness the stunning skyline of Mumbai. End your day with a delightful dinner at a local restaurant.

   • Crawford Market: Free, 2 hours
   • Taraporewala Aquarium: ₹100, 1.5 hours
   • Walk along Marine Drive: Free, 1 hour
   • Dinner at a local restaurant: ₹800, 1.5 hours

Recommendations

If you have extra time, consider visiting the Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Mumbai for a nature escape. You can also plan a day trip to the hill station of Matheran, known for its toy train ride and scenic viewpoints. To make the most of your money, try local street food and explore local markets for unique souvenirs.