Exploring Maharashtra in 6 Days

1. Day 1: Mumbai
   Approximately 18 km from Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai

   Start your Maharashtra journey in Bollywood’s capital, Mumbai. Explore the Gateway of India, one of the most famous landmarks in the city, and take a boat ride to Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy the sunset view at Marine Drive, Mumbai’s iconic promenade.

2. Day 2: Lonavala
   Approximately 83 km (2 hours) from Mumbai

   Spend a day in Lonavala, a hill station known for its scenic beauty. Visit the Karla Caves, a group of ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves, and the Bhaja Caves, another group of rock-cut caves. Make your way to the Kune Falls, the 14th highest waterfall in India, and end your day with a sunset view from the Rajmachi Point.

3. Day 3: Pune
   Approximately 66 km (1.5 hours) from Lonavala

   Travel to Pune, the second-largest city in Maharashtra. Visit the Aga Khan Palace, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba Gandhi. Explore the Shaniwar Wada Fort, a historical palace fortification, and the Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum, showcasing a vast collection of Indian artifacts. Shop for souvenirs at the vibrant FC Road market.

4. Day 4: Nashik
   Approximately 210 km (4 hours) from Pune

   Take a road trip to Nashik, a city on the banks of the Godavari river known for its vineyards and wine tasting. Attend the evening Ganga Aarti at the holy Trimbakeshwar Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. Visit the Pandavleni Caves, a group of 24 Buddhist rock-cut caves, and explore the historic Muktidham Temple.

5. Day 5: Aurangabad
   Approximately 204 km (4 hours) from Nashik

   Travel to Aurangabad, a city with deep cultural roots. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Ajanta and Ellora Caves, known for their elaborate rock-cut sculptures and paintings. Explore the Bibi Ka Maqbara, a beautiful mausoleum reminiscent of the iconic Taj Mahal, and the Aurangabad Caves, a group of 12 Buddhist rock-cut caves.

6. Day 6: Mahabaleshwar
   Approximately 254 km (5 hours) from Aurangabad

   End your Maharashtra journey in Mahabaleshwar, a picturesque hill station known for its beautiful valleys, cascading waterfalls, and strawberry farms. Take a scenic trek to the Arthur’s Seat and Echo Point, both offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visit the ancient Mahabaleshwar Temple and shop for souvenirs at the street markets.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Gateway of India (1-2 hours, free entry)
• Elephanta Caves (2-3 hours, INR 250 for Indian nationals, INR 1000 for foreign visitors)
• Karla Caves (2-3 hours, INR 20 for Indian nationals, INR 100 for foreign visitors)
• Bhaja Caves (2-3 hours, INR 20 for Indian nationals, INR 100 for foreign visitors)
• Kune Falls (1-2 hours, free entry)
• Aga Khan Palace (1-2 hours, INR 10 for Indian nationals, INR 100 for foreign visitors)
• Shaniwar Wada Fort (1-2 hours, INR 25 for Indian nationals, INR 300 for foreign visitors)
• Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum (2-3 hours, INR 50 for Indian nationals, INR 200 for foreign visitors)
• Trimbakeshwar Temple (2-3 hours, free entry)
• Pandavleni Caves (1-2 hours, INR 20 for Indian nationals, INR 100 for foreign visitors)
• Muktidham Temple (1-2 hours, free entry)
• Ajanta Caves (2-3 hours, INR 70 for Indian nationals, INR 600 for foreign visitors)
• Ellora Caves (2-3 hours, INR 40 for Indian nationals, INR 600 for foreign visitors)
• Bibi Ka Maqbara (1-2 hours, INR 15 for Indian nationals, INR 200 for foreign visitors)
• Aurangabad Caves (1-2 hours, INR 20 for Indian nationals, INR 100 for foreign visitors)
• Arthur's Seat (1-2 hours, INR 50 for Indian nationals, INR 100 for foreign visitors)
• Echo Point (1-2 hours, free entry)
• Mahabaleshwar Temple (1-2 hours, free entry)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 1730-3035 per person

Useful Tips

If you have more time, include a detour to the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve for a wildlife safari or a Goa beach trip. If you have less time, cut a day from Aurangabad and skip Nashik altogether. Ensure you check opening and closing times for places before you plan your itinerary.