Shoestring Budget Road Trip in Maharashtra - December 2024

Day 1: Explore Mumbai

Mumbai, India

7:30 AM

Breakfast at Cafe Madras

Start your day with a delicious South Indian breakfast, including idlis and filter coffee.
Take a local train or taxi to Matunga.
INR 200, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit Gateway of India

Enjoy the iconic view of the Gateway of India and take photos of this architectural marvel.
Take a taxi or catch a bus to Colaba.
Free, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Explore Colaba Causeway

Stroll down the bustling Causeway, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy the vibrant street life.
Walk from the Gateway.
Free, 2 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Bademiya

Savor their famous kebabs and rolls, a local favorite.
Take a taxi back to Colaba.
INR 400, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Travel to Lonavala

Catch a local train or bus to Lonavala, the beautiful hill station.
Take the train from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus.
INR 100, 1.5 hours

4:00 PM

Check-in at Budget Hotel

Choose a budget-friendly homestay or hotel to relax and freshen up.
Near the railway station.
INR 600, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Visit Tiger’s Leap

Witness stunning views from this vantage point known for its picturesque sunset.
Local taxi or rickshaw available.
INR 300 (transport), 2 hours

7:30 PM

Dinner at Local Dhaba

Enjoy a homely Indian meal with daal, rice, and bhaji.
Find a dhaba on the main road.
INR 250, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Lonavala to Mahabaleshwar

Mahabaleshwar, India

7:30 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a light breakfast of bread and butter with tea.
At your hotel.
INR 150, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Mahabaleshwar

Travel by local taxi or shared cab to Mahabaleshwar.
Book a local taxi from Lonavala.
INR 700 (shared), 2.5 hours

11:30 AM

Check-in at Budget Hotel

Settle in at a budget hotel in Mahabaleshwar.
Near the market.
INR 600, 1 hour

12:30 PM

Lunch at Aaram Vada Pav

Taste the famous vada pav, a must-have snack in Maharashtra.
Short walk to the market.
INR 175, 45 minutes

2:00 PM

Visit Venna Lake

Enjoy paddle boating or simply take a leisurely walk around the lake.
Take a shared auto rickshaw.
INR 300 (boat rental), 2 hours

4:30 PM

Visit Mapro Garden

Explore the beautiful strawberry fields and indulge in some fresh strawberry dessert.
Take a local taxi.
INR 350 (transport), 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at Mahabaleshwar

Enjoy a hearty thali featuring local Maharashtrian cuisine.
Choose a hotel restaurant.
INR 400, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Explore Panchgani

Panchgani, India

7:30 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fill up with a healthy breakfast of poha and chai.
At your accommodation.
INR 150, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Panchgani

A short journey by local taxi to the scenic hill station of Panchgani.
Hire a local taxi.
INR 300, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Visit Table Land

Marvel at the expansive plateau offering breathtaking views.
Enter the plateau area.
INR 20 (entry), 1.5 hours

11:30 AM

Attraction at Parsi Point

Enjoy panoramic views of the Krishna Valley from this scenic spot.
Local transport or walking distance.
Free, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Lunch at Local Restaurant

Relish some local chickpea curry with steamed rice.
Near the market.
INR 250, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Visit Strawberry Farms

Explore local strawberry farms and learn about the farming process.
Book a farm tour or wander around.
INR 100, 2 hours

4:30 PM

Return to Mahabaleshwar

Head back to Mahabaleshwar for the evening.
Shared taxi back.
INR 300, 1 hour

6:00 PM

Dinner at Hotel

Enjoy local dishes, perhaps some fresh strawberry shake.
At your hotel.
INR 300, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Return to Mumbai

Mumbai, India

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a light morning meal of toast and jam.
In your hotel.
INR 150, 30 minutes

7:30 AM

Checkout and Head to Bus Stand

Prepare for your return journey to Mumbai.
Local taxi to bus stand.
INR 200, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Travel to Mumbai

Catch a bus from Mahabaleshwar to Mumbai, back to the city.
Book a ticket at the bus stand.
INR 500, 3 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Graduate Restaurant

Savor a delicious thali with unlimited servings.
In Byculla, near the railway station.
INR 400, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Visit Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site and enjoy its architecture.
Train or taxi to CST.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:30 PM

Shopping at Colaba Causeway

Pick up souvenirs and enjoy the last bits of shopping before you leave.
Head back to Colaba.
Free to INR 1000 (depends on shopping), 1.5 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at Swati Snacks

End your trip with a delightful Indian fast food experience.
In Vile Parle.
INR 500, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability