A 7-Day Itinerary for Exploring Maharashtra in September 2023

1. Day 1: Mumbai
   Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus
   15 minutes (4.2 km) from Mumbai Airport

   Visit the iconic Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Check out the Gateway of India, an iconic landmark and a must-visit place in Mumbai. End the day at Marine Drive.

2. Day 2: Lonavala
   Karla Caves
   1 hour 35 minutes (63.6 km) from Marine Drive

   Start the day with a visit to the ancient Karla Caves, a complex of ancient Indian Buddhist rock-cut caves. Enjoy the scenic drive to Lonavala and witness the panoramic views of the Sahyadri mountain ranges. Visit the Lonavala Lake and end the day with some hot chocolate at Maganlal Chikki Center.

3. Day 3: Mahabaleshwar
   Mapro Garden
   2 hours 30 minutes (120 km) from Lonavala

   Explore the scenic hill station of Mahabaleshwar. Visit the Mapro Garden, famous for its strawberry produce and delicious milkshakes. Take a scenic drive towards the Arthur's Seat, a popular viewpoint, and end the day with a visit to Panch Ganga Temple.

4. Day 4: Pune
   Shaniwar Wada
   1 hour 40 minutes (70 km) from Mahabaleshwar

   Begin the day with a visit to the Shaniwar Wada, a historical palace built by the Peshwas. Visit the iconic Osho International Meditation Resort, and soak in the tranquility. End the day with a visit to Aga Khan Palace, a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi.

5. Day 5: Nashik
   Sula Vineyards
   4 hours 30 minutes (235 km) from Pune

   Explore the historic city of Nashik. Visit the iconic Sula Vineyards, witness the wine-making process, and indulge in wine-tasting. Take a panoramic drive to Trimbakeshwar Temple, a popular Hindu pilgrimage site, and witness the beautiful Western Ghats. End the day with a visit to the Pandavleni Caves.

6. Day 6: Aurangabad
   Bibi Ka Maqbara
   5 hours 10 minutes (335 km) from Nashik

   Explore the historic city of Aurangabad. Visit the iconic Bibi Ka Maqbara, a beautiful mausoleum and a must-visit place in Aurangabad. Take a visit to the ancient Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and witness the ancient Indian rock-cut architecture. End the day with a visit to Daulatabad Fort.

7. Day 7: Ajanta Caves
   Ajanta Caves
   3 hours 30 minutes (100 km) from Aurangabad

   Visit the iconic Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and witness the ancient Indian rock-cut architecture. Take a visit to the ancient Kailasanatha Temple, another popular ancient temple, and end the day with a visit to the Aurangabad Caves.

Recommendations

Other local attractions to explore are the Maharashtra beaches, wildlife reserves, hill stations, and forts. Side trips include Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, Ajanta and Ellora Caves, and Lonar Crater. To maximize your fun, plan your itinerary ahead of time and book your tickets in advance.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (1 hour, Free)
• Karla Caves (2 hours, INR 200)
• Mapro Garden (2 hours, Free)
• Shaniwar Wada (2 hours, INR 25)
• Sula Vineyards (3 hours, INR 600)
• Bibi Ka Maqbara (2 hours, INR 25)
• Ajanta Caves (3 hours, INR 500)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 1,375