4-Day Monsoon Adventure in India Beyond Kerala

Day 1: Mumbai Arrival & Sightseeing

Mumbai, India on July 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Nutcracker

Start your day with a hearty breakfast of continental and global breakfast dishes at this cozy, rain-friendly café, open from 8am to 11:30am.
INR700, 1h

9:30am

Visit the Gateway of India

Marvel at this iconic monument on the waterfront built during the British Raj, best visited early morning to avoid crowds and experience the monsoon breeze.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Explore Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya

Dive into Mumbai’s rich heritage and art at this museum featuring collections of ancient artifacts and Indian history.
INR85, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Britannia & Co. Restaurant

Relish local Parsi cuisine with famous dishes like Berry Pulav in this historic and rainy-season-welcoming spot, open until 4pm.
INR1000, 1h

3:00pm

Walk on Marine Drive

Enjoy a scenic stroll on this six-kilometer bay-front promenade, perfect to appreciate monsoon views of the Arabian Sea under cloudy skies.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Visit the Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum

Learn about Gandhi’s life and legacy at this inspiring museum that houses photographs, books, and artifacts, open until 6pm.
INR7, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Trishna

Feast on Mumbai’s famous seafood delicacies, especially during monsoon, at Trishna, open till 11pm.
INR1500, 1.5h

Day 2: Lonavala Nature & Monsoon Beauty

Lonavala, Maharashtra on July 11, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast at hotel in Lonavala

Start your day with a wholesome breakfast offering local Maharashtrian and continental options, ideal before a day of monsoon treks.
INR500, 1h

8:30am

Trek to Rajmachi Fort

Experience an adventurous trek through lush greenery to the historic Rajmachi Fort, perfect for monsoon lovers who enjoy nature’s full bloom and waterfalls.
Free, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Kinara Village Dhaba

Enjoy authentic North Indian cuisine in an inviting village-style setting, ideal to relax and shelter from monsoon rains.
INR700, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Bushy Dam and Waterfalls

Relax by the scenic Bushy Dam and nearby waterfalls where the monsoon season amplifies the beauty, open all day.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Explore Lonavala Market

Stroll through the vibrant local market known for chikki (sweet brittle) and other local specialties, great for rainy day shopping.
Depends on purchases, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at German Bakery

Enjoy cozy monsoon dinner options including baked goods, pasta, and good coffee in a warm ambiance open till 10pm.
INR600, 1.5h

Day 3: Pune Cultural & Heritage Tour

Pune, Maharashtra on July 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Vohuman Café

Begin with a classic Mumbai-Pune breakfast at this popular bustling café serving eggs, toast and chai, open from 7am.
INR300, 1h

9:30am

Visit Aga Khan Palace

Explore this historical palace which played an important role in the Indian freedom movement; the gardens are lush during monsoon, open 9:15am - 5:30pm.
INR25, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Malaka Spice

Indulge in flavorful Indo-Asian fusion dishes suitable for rainy-day dining, open till 3pm.
INR1000, 1h

2:00pm

Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum

Discover an extraordinary private collection of Indian artifacts displaying daily life, art, and crafts, open till 6pm except Tuesdays.
INR50, 1.5h

4:00pm

Walk in Shaniwar Wada Fort

Visit the ruins of this 18th-century fort near the city center, atmospheric especially during monsoon afternoons, open till 6pm.
INR25, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Good Bowl

Enjoy wholesome, healthy bowls and comfort food with vegetarian options in a casual ambiance, open till 10pm.
INR700, 1.5h

Day 4: Aurangabad Caves & Ajanta Excursion

Aurangabad, Maharashtra on July 13, 2025

6:30am

Early breakfast at hotel

Fuel up early with a full breakfast to prepare for a day trip to the Ajanta caves and surrounding sites, a monsoon delight with greenery and less heat.
INR400, 1h

7:30am

Drive to Ajanta Caves

Travel approximately 2.5 hours to the UNESCO World Heritage Ajanta Cave complex, where ancient Buddhist rock-cut temples open from 9am to 5:30pm await you.
INR250, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at a local restaurant near Ajanta

Enjoy regional cuisine at nearby restaurants serving simple Maharashtrian food, perfect for a mid-day break.
INR600, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Aurangabad Caves

Explore the 7th-8th century rock-cut Buddhist caves near Aurangabad, a shorter but fascinating experience, open till 5pm.
INR50, 1.5h

4:00pm

Return to Aurangabad

Drive back for a relaxing evening after a culturally rich day.
Included, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Highway Gomantak

Have a final traditional Maharashtrian seafood dinner at this popular local restaurant, open till 10pm.
INR800, 1.5h