7-Day Itinerary for Maharashtra in July 2023

1. Day 1: Gateway of India
   30 minutes (12 km) from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus

   Start your day by visiting the iconic Gateway of India, a must-see attraction when in Mumbai. Enjoy a boat ride to Elephanta Caves to explore the beautiful ancient rock-cut caves. In the evening, visit the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya Museum and learn about the history of Maharashtra.

2. Day 2: Lonavala
   1 hour 50 minutes (82 km) from Mumbai

   Take a day trip to Lonavala, a scenic hill station known for its lush greenery and waterfalls. Visit the Karla and Bhaja caves, which are some of the oldest Buddhist shrines in India. Enjoy a refreshing swim at the Kune falls and end the day with a hot cup of tea and some delicious chikki, a local sweet snack.

3. Day 3: Shirdi
   4 hours 30 minutes (241 km) from Lonavala

   Take a spiritual journey to Shirdi, the home of one of India's most revered saints, Sai Baba. Visit the Sai Baba Temple and attend the aarti ceremony, a Hindu ritual of worship. Spend the day exploring the town and its spiritual atmosphere.

4. Day 4: Ajanta and Ellora Caves
   6 hours 20 minutes (360 km) from Shirdi

   Visit the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These 30 rock-cut Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu temples are considered some of the finest examples of Indian rock-cut architecture. Spend the day exploring the caves and admiring the intricate carvings and paintings.

5. Day 5: Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve
   10 hours (581 km) from Ajanta and Ellora Caves

   Embark on a wildlife safari at Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, which is home to tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and various species of birds. Spend the day exploring the reserve and soaking in the beauty of nature.

6. Day 6: Mahabaleshwar
   9 hours (488 km) from Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve

   Visit Mahabaleshwar, a hill station known for its panoramic views and strawberry farms. Take a stroll through the town's colonial-era architecture and visit the famous Mahabaleshwar Temple. Enjoy a horse ride to Arthur's Seat and end the day with a romantic sunset at Wilson Point.

7. Day 7: Marine Drive
   4 hours 20 minutes (220 km) from Mahabaleshwar

   End your trip by visiting Marine Drive, one of the most famous waterfront promenades in India. Take a stroll along the Arabian Sea and enjoy the sea breeze. In the evening, visit the nearby Chowpatty Beach and indulge in some delicious street food.

Recommendations

Don't miss out on the street food in Mumbai, especially vada pav and pav bhaji. Visit the Siddhivinayak Temple and Haji Ali Dargah in Mumbai for a spiritual experience. Consider taking a day trip to the hill station of Matheran for a peaceful retreat.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Elephanta Caves boat ride (2 hours, INR 200)
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya Museum (2 hours, INR 500)
• Karla and Bhaja caves (3 hours, INR 300)
• Kune falls (1 hour, free)
• Ajanta and Ellora Caves (6 hours, INR 500)
• Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve safari (6 hours, INR 2000)
• Horse ride to Arthur's Seat (1 hour, INR 500)

Total Estimated Costs: INR 4000