7-Day Maharashtra Exploration: Pune to Cultural and Natural Wonders

Day 1: Pune City Discovery

Pune, India on May 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Vohuman Cafe

Start your day with a traditional Pune breakfast at Vohuman Cafe, famous for its bun maska and chai.
INR200, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Aga Khan Palace

Explore the historical Aga Khan Palace, significant for its association with Mahatma Gandhi; open from 8am to 6pm.
INR30, 1h30m

11:30am

Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum

Discover a remarkable collection of Indian artifacts that showcase Maharashtra's heritage; open 10am to 5:30pm.
INR50, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Shabree Restaurant

Savor authentic Maharashtrian thali at Shabree, serving traditional dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
INR500, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Parvati Hill Temple

Climb Parvati Hill to visit the ancient temple and enjoy panoramic views of Pune city; open till 7pm.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Relax at Osho Garden

Unwind in the serene Osho Garden, a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll and meditation.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Malaka Spice

Enjoy a variety of Pan-Asian cuisine in a vibrant garden setting at Malaka Spice.
INR800, 1h30m
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Day 2: Lonavala and Khandala Hills

Lonavala, India on May 17, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Lonavala

Depart from Pune to Lonavala early morning; the drive takes approximately 1.5 hours.
INR0, 1h30m

8:30am

Breakfast at German Bakery

Enjoy freshly baked pastries and coffee at Lonavala’s famous German Bakery.
INR300, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Tiger’s Leap

Experience stunning panoramic views of the Western Ghats from Tiger’s Leap viewpoint; open all day.
Free, 1h0m

11:00am

Bhushi Dam

Relax near the water at Bhushi Dam; popular for its scenic beauty especially during monsoon season.
Free, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Sunny Da Dhaba

Taste rustic North Indian and Maharashtrian cuisine at this popular roadside eatery in Lonavala.
INR400, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Rajmachi Fort

Trek to Rajmachi Fort, an ancient fort providing breathtaking views of surrounding hills; moderate trek duration.
Free, 3h0m

6:00pm

Drive to Khandala and check-in

Short drive to nearby Khandala and check into your hotel for overnight stay.
INR0, 0h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Krishna Heaven

Enjoy authentic Maharashtrian and North Indian cuisine at Hotel Krishna Heaven’s restaurant.
INR600, 1h0m
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Day 3: Matheran Hill Station

Matheran, India on May 18, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Matheran

Drive from Khandala to Matheran, a vehicle-free hill station about 1 hour away.
INR0, 1h0m

8:30am

Breakfast at Panorama Point Cafe

Enjoy breakfast with spectacular views at Panorama Point Cafe; open from 7am onwards.
INR350, 1h0m

9:30am

Matheran Toy Train Ride

Experience a nostalgic ride on the heritage toy train, offering scenic views; runs from 8am to 5pm.
INR100, 1h0m

11:00am

Explore Charlotte Lake and Louisa Point

Walk to Charlotte Lake for serene natural beauty followed by Louisa Point for panoramic vistas.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Matheran Eco Cafe

Dine at the Eco Cafe serving fresh local dishes in a relaxed environment.
INR400, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit One Tree Hill Point

Visit One Tree Hill, one of Matheran’s highest points with spectacular sunset views.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return to Khandala

Drive back to Khandala for overnight stay.
INR0, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Krishna Heaven

Another delicious meal at Hotel Krishna Heaven, perfect after a day of walking.
INR600, 1h0m
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Day 4: Mumbai City Tour

Mumbai, India on May 19, 2025

7:30am

Travel from Khandala to Mumbai

Depart early to Mumbai, the financial capital, approximately 2 hours drive.
INR0, 2h0m

10:00am

Breakfast at The Nutcracker

Start with a hearty breakfast at The Nutcracker, known for its all-day breakfast menu; opens 8am.
INR500, 1h0m

11:00am

Visit Gateway of India

Explore the iconic Gateway of India, a prime tourist spot overlooking the Arabian Sea; visit any time.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya

Explore Mumbai’s premier museum with art, history, and culture; open 10am to 6pm.
INR85, 1h30m

2:00pm

Lunch at Leopold Cafe

Enjoy diverse Indo-European cuisine at the historic Leopold Cafe in Colaba.
INR700, 1h0m

3:30pm

Explore Marine Drive and Chowpatty Beach

Relax along Marine Drive promenade and visit Chowpatty Beach for sunset views; open all day.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Bungalow 9

Dine in style at Bungalow 9 offering eclectic global cuisine in Mumbai’s Bandra area.
INR1000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Elephanta Island & Colaba

Mumbai, India on May 20, 2025

8:00am

Ferry to Elephanta Island

Catch the ferry from Gateway of India to Elephanta Island, famous for its rock-cut caves; ferry runs 9am to 3pm.
INR150, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore Elephanta Caves

Visit UNESCO World Heritage site Elephanta Caves, ancient rock temples dedicated to Lord Shiva; open 9am-5pm.
INR40, 2h0m

12:00pm

Return Ferry to Mumbai

Take the ferry back to Mumbai in the early afternoon.
INR150, 1h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Cafe Excelsior

Enjoy a meal at Cafe Excelsior in Colaba, known for seafood and local delicacies.
INR600, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Colaba Causeway

Shop and explore the vibrant street markets at Colaba Causeway for souvenirs and local handicrafts.
Variable, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Table

Experience fine dining at The Table, featuring innovative global cuisine in a chic setting.
INR1200, 1h30m
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Day 6: Aurangabad and Ajanta Caves

Aurangabad, India on May 21, 2025

6:00am

Fly/train to Aurangabad

Early morning flight or train from Mumbai to Aurangabad; approx 1 hour flight or 6 hours train.
INR2000 (flight approx), 1h0m

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a light breakfast at your hotel in Aurangabad after arrival.
INR300, 0h30m

9:00am

Visit Ajanta Caves

Explore the amazing Ajanta rock-cut caves with ancient Buddhist artwork; site open 9am to 5pm.
INR50, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Highway Restaurant

Have a traditional Maharashtrian lunch at Highway Restaurant near Ajanta caves.
INR400, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Bibi Ka Maqbara

Visit the beautiful Bibi Ka Maqbara in Aurangabad, known as the Taj of the Deccan; open till 6pm.
INR50, 1h0m

4:00pm

Aurangabad Caves

Explore the Aurangabad rock-cut caves nearby, fewer tourists and rich in history.
INR30, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Barbeque Ville

Enjoy a lavish barbeque dinner featuring grilled specialties in Aurangabad.
INR700, 1h30m
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Day 7: Return to Pune

Pune, India on May 22, 2025

7:00am

Travel back to Pune

Departure from Aurangabad to Pune via flight or train; approximately 1 hour by flight.
INR2000, 1h0m

9:00am

Breakfast at Hotel Sayaji Pune

Have a sumptuous breakfast at Hotel Sayaji, Pune, to relax after travel before sightseeing.
INR400, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Shaniwar Wada Fort

Explore the historic Shaniwar Wada Fort, a key landmark in Pune; open 9am to 6pm.
INR25, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Malaka Spice Pune

End your trip with a delightful lunch at Malaka Spice featuring Pan-Asian delights in Pune.
INR700, 1h0m

2:00pm

Departure / Relax

Depending on your onward travel plans, relax or start preparations for departure from Pune.
Variable, Variable
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