6-Day Family Friendly Road Trip Itinerary to Maharashtra Jyotirlingas

Day 1: Explore Mumbai

Mumbai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Madras

Start your journey with traditional South Indian breakfast at Cafe Madras, known for its filter coffee and idlis.
Head over to Cafe Madras, located in Matunga.
INR 800, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Gateway of India

Post breakfast, visit the iconic Gateway of India for photographs and to soak in the historic ambiance.
Drive to the Gateway of India; it’s a 30-minute drive from Matunga.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Boat Ride to Elephanta Caves

Take a ferry from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Island and explore the ancient rock-cut temples.
Ferries are available right at the Gateway of India.
INR 300, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Britannia & Co.

Savor Parsi cuisine at the famous Britannia & Co., known for its Berry Pulao and caramel custard.
Drive to Fort area, around 30 minutes from the ferry point.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Explore Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus

Marvel at the stunning architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, a perfect piece for family photos.
It's a 10-minute drive from Britannia & Co.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Visit Marine Drive

Enjoy a leisurely stroll along Marine Drive as the sun sets over the Arabian Sea.
Drive to Marine Drive, which will take about 15 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Mahesh Lunch Home

Finish your day with seafood delicacies at Mahesh Lunch Home, famous for its butter garlic crab.
Head over to Juhu, approximately a 20-minute drive.
INR 1600, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Nashik Temples

Nashik, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Kesar

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast buffet at Hotel Kesar before you begin your journey to Nashik.
Drive to Hotel Kesar, 30 minutes from Mumbai.
INR 900, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Nashik

Start your road trip from Mumbai to Nashik, known as the wine capital of India.
Take the NH160 highway north toward Nashik.
Cost of petrol, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Vasudev Adiga's

Enjoy a traditional South Indian lunch at Vasudev Adiga’s, known for delicious dosas and thalis.
It's a popular stop with good reviews, near Nashik.
INR 800, 1 hour

2:00PM

Visit Panchavati

Head to Panchavati and explore the sacred sites including the Kalaram Temple and Saptashrungi.
Drive towards Panchavati, about 20 minutes from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Wine Tasting at Sula Vineyards

Take the family for a fun wine tasting at Sula Vineyards, where kids can enjoy grape juice.
It's a 30-minute drive from Panchavati.
INR 500 (for tasting; kids free), 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Return to Nashik City

Head back to Nashik city and find a nice place for dinner.
Drive back to Nashik, around 15-20 minutes.
Cost of petrol, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at Barbeque Nation

Enjoy a family-friendly buffet dinner with a variety of grilled options at Barbeque Nation.
Located in the city center of Nashik.
INR 2000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Aurangabad Heritage

Aurangabad, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Aaswad Restaurant

Indulge in a traditional Maharashtra breakfast of poha and misal pav at Aaswad Restaurant.
Drive approximately 15 minutes in Nashik to reach.
INR 700, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Aurangabad

Set off for Aurangabad, home of the Ajanta and Ellora Caves.
Take NH 160 and then the AH 47 route; travel time is about 3 hours.
Cost of petrol, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Hotel Noor Mahal

Savor Mughlai cuisine for lunch at Hotel Noor Mahal, particularly their biryani and kebabs.
A popular dining option located within Aurangabad.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Ajanta Caves

Visit Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves.
Drive approximately 2 hours to the Ajanta Caves.
INR 600, 3 hours

5:30PM

Drive back to Aurangabad

Return to Aurangabad city from Ajanta Caves.
Drive back is about 2 hours.
Cost of petrol, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at The Spice Route

End your day with a delicious Indian meal at The Spice Route known for its ambience.
Located conveniently in Aurangabad.
INR 1500, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Shirdi Pilgrimage

Shirdi, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Greenfield

Start your day with a filling breakfast at Hotel Greenfield before heading to Shirdi.
Drive approximately 15 minutes from Aurangabad to reach.
INR 600, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Shirdi

Take the short drive to Shirdi, which is famous for the Sai Baba Temple.
It's about a 2-hour drive to Shirdi via the Ahmednagar route.
Cost of petrol, 2 hours

11:30AM

Visit Sai Baba Temple

Explore the serene atmosphere at the Sai Baba Temple and participate in the aarti.
The temple is located centrally in Shirdi.
Free, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Shirdi Bhojanalay

Enjoy a hygienic, vegetarian thali at Shirdi Bhojanalay close to the temple.
A short walk from the temple.
INR 700, 1 hour

2:30PM

Relax in Shirdi

Take some time to relax and reflect or shop for souvenirs around the temple area.
Walk around the temple area.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Drive to Vaijnath

Embark on another short drive to reach the Jyotirlinga at Vaijnath.
It's approximately a 30-minute drive to Vaijnath.
Cost of petrol, 30 minutes

5:00PM

Visit Vaijnath Temple

Offer prayers and view the beautiful architecture at the Vaijnath Jyotirlinga temple.
It's situated clearly marked near the town.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Hotel Vaijnath

Dine at Hotel Vaijnath boasting local dishes and a family-friendly ambiance.
Located near the Vaijnath Temple.
INR 1000, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Vaijnath to Mumbai

Mumbai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Vaijnath Restaurant

Enjoy breakfast at Hotel Vaijnath with dishes like upma and chutney.
In the same hotel, making it convenient.
INR 600, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive back to Mumbai

Start your return trip to Mumbai, taking in the rural landscape.
Routes back via Ahmednagar and then to Mumbai.
Cost of petrol, 4 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Highway King

Stop for lunch at the popular Highway King known for its roadside dhaba-style meals.
Located conveniently along the highway.
INR 900, 1 hour

2:30PM

Continue Drive to Mumbai

Complete the rest of the journey back home, refreshing with family music or podcasts.
Continuing along the NH60 route.
Cost of petrol, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Arrive in Mumbai

Welcome back to Mumbai; freshen up and unwind from the journey.
Arrive safely back at your accommodation.
Free, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Cafe Madras

Enjoy the familiar taste of South Indian cuisine for your final dinner in Mumbai.
Drive back to Matunga, around 30 minutes.
INR 1200, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Relax and Reflect

Mumbai, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Treat yourself to breakfast at your hotel, fueling up for a day of relaxation.
Enjoy the breakfast buffet at your hotel.
INR 600, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Sanjay Gandhi National Park

Take the family for a nature walk and visit the Kanheri Caves in Sanjay Gandhi National Park.
Drive to the park, roughly 30 minutes from the city.
INR 100 (entry fee), 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Picnic Lunch

Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch amidst nature in the park.
Find a suitable area for your picnic.
INR 500 (for snacks), 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Global Vipassana Pagoda

Explore the magnificent Global Vipassana Pagoda, a symbol of peace and meditation.
Drive about 30 minutes from the park to reach it.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Relax at Juhu Beach

End your trip with some leisure time at Juhu Beach; enjoy the sunset and maybe try some local snacks.
Drive to Juhu Beach, taking around 30 minutes.
Free (snacks extra), 2 hours

5:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Hakkasan

Celebrate the end of your road trip with a sumptuous dinner at the renowned Hakkasan.
Located in Bandra, a 30-minute drive from the beach.
INR 3000, 1.5 hours
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