Maharashtra Magic
Maharashtra, located in western India, is a diverse and dynamic state known for its vibrant culture, bustling cities, and rich history. Mumbai, the financial capital of India, serves as the state capital and is a global hub of commerce, entertainment, and Bollywood. Maharashtra is renowned for its iconic landmarks, including the Gateway of India, Elephanta Caves, and Ajanta and Ellora Caves, which are UNESCO World Heritage sites showcasing ancient rock-cut temples and sculptures. The state is also home to the vibrant city of Pune, known for its educational institutions, cultural heritage, and thriving IT industry. Maharashtra boasts a rich cultural tapestry, with festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, and Gudi Padwa celebrated with great enthusiasm. Marathi is the official language of Maharashtra, reflecting its cultural identity, but the state is also home to a diverse mix of languages and communities. The cuisine of Maharashtra is diverse and flavorful, featuring dishes like vada pav, pav bhaji, and puran poli. Additionally, Maharashtra is blessed with natural beauty, including the picturesque hill stations of Lonavala, Mahabaleshwar, and Matheran, as well as pristine beaches along the Konkan coast. Overall, Maharashtra offers a blend of modernity, tradition, and natural splendor, making it a captivating destination for tourists, business travelers, and culture enthusiasts alike.
Travel Plan
7 Days
Day 1: Arrival in Mumbai
- Arrival: Pickup from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport or Mumbai Central Railway Station.
- Transfer to Hotel: Check into your hotel in Mumbai.
- Local Exploration: Visit the Gateway of India, Marine Drive, and Chowpatty Beach.
- Dinner: Enjoy street food at Juhu Beach.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Mumbai.
Day 2: Mumbai City Tour
- Elephanta Caves: Take a ferry ride to Elephanta Island and explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Prince of Wales Museum: Visit the museum to admire its art and historical artifacts.
- Dhobi Ghat: Witness the world's largest outdoor laundry.
- Shopping: Explore Colaba Causeway for souvenirs and handicrafts.
- Dinner: Taste authentic Maharashtrian cuisine at a local restaurant.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Mumbai.
Day 3: Nashik
- Travel to Nashik: Journey to Nashik, known for its temples and vineyards.
- Trimbakeshwar Temple: Visit the ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Sula Vineyards: Enjoy wine tasting and a tour of the vineyard.
- Local Cuisine: Taste local Maharashtrian dishes for dinner.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Nashik.
Day 4: Aurangabad
- Travel to Aurangabad: Journey to Aurangabad, known for its historical monuments.
- Ellora Caves: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site with its magnificent rock-cut temples and monasteries.
- Bibi Ka Maqbara: Visit the mausoleum built in memory of Aurangzeb's wife.
- Local Cuisine: Taste Hyderabadi cuisine influenced by the Nizams.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Aurangabad.
Day 5: Ajanta Caves
- Ajanta Caves Excursion: Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its Buddhist cave temples and paintings.
- Exploration: Spend the day exploring the intricate carvings and paintings depicting Buddhist art and culture.
- Dinner: Taste local delicacies in Aurangabad.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Aurangabad.
Day 6: Pune
- Travel to Pune: Journey to Pune, the cultural capital of Maharashtra.
- Shaniwar Wada: Explore the historic fortification and palace.
- Aga Khan Palace: Visit the historic landmark known for its association with Mahatma Gandhi.
- Shopping: Explore local markets for handicrafts and souvenirs.
- Dinner: Taste authentic Maharashtrian Thali.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Pune.
Day 7: Mumbai Departure
- Return to Mumbai: Travel back to Mumbai.
- Leisure Time: Spend the day shopping or exploring any missed attractions.
- Drop-off: Transfer to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport or Mumbai Central Railway Station for departure.
14 Days
Day 1: Arrival in Mumbai
- Arrival: Pickup from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport or Mumbai Central Railway Station.
- Transfer to Hotel: Check into your hotel in Mumbai.
- Local Exploration: Visit the Gateway of India, Marine Drive, and Juhu Beach.
- Dinner: Enjoy street food at Chowpatty Beach.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Mumbai.
Day 2: Mumbai City Tour
- Elephanta Caves: Take a ferry ride to Elephanta Island and explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Prince of Wales Museum: Visit the museum to admire its art and historical artifacts.
- Dhobi Ghat: Witness the world's largest outdoor laundry.
- Shopping: Explore Colaba Causeway for souvenirs and handicrafts.
- Dinner: Taste authentic Maharashtrian cuisine.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Mumbai.
Day 3: Nashik
- Travel to Nashik: Journey to Nashik, known for its temples and vineyards.
- Trimbakeshwar Temple: Visit the ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Sula Vineyards: Enjoy wine tasting and a tour of the vineyard.
- Local Cuisine: Taste local Maharashtrian dishes for dinner.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Nashik.
Day 4: Shirdi
- Travel to Shirdi: Journey to Shirdi, the holy town known for the Sai Baba Temple.
- Sai Baba Temple: Visit the revered temple dedicated to Sai Baba.
- Shani Shingnapur: Explore the village known for its open-air temple dedicated to Lord Shani.
- Local Cuisine: Taste traditional Maharashtrian food.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Shirdi.
Day 5: Aurangabad
- Travel to Aurangabad: Journey to Aurangabad, known for its historical monuments.
- Ellora Caves: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site with its magnificent rock-cut temples and monasteries.
- Bibi Ka Maqbara: Visit the mausoleum built in memory of Aurangzeb's wife.
- Local Cuisine: Taste Hyderabadi cuisine influenced by the Nizams.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Aurangabad.
Day 6: Ajanta Caves
- Ajanta Caves Excursion: Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its Buddhist cave temples and paintings.
- Exploration: Spend the day exploring the intricate carvings and paintings depicting Buddhist art and culture.
- Dinner: Taste local delicacies in Aurangabad.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Aurangabad.
Day 7: Lonavala
- Travel to Lonavala: Journey to the hill station known for its scenic beauty.
- Bhaja Caves: Explore the ancient Buddhist caves.
- Trekking: Enjoy trekking at Duke's Nose or Tiger's Leap.
- Local Cuisine: Taste famous Lonavala chikkis.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Lonavala.
Day 8: Pune
- Travel to Pune: Journey to Pune, the cultural capital of Maharashtra.
- Shaniwar Wada: Explore the historic fortification and palace.
- Aga Khan Palace: Visit the historic landmark known for its association with Mahatma Gandhi.
- Shopping: Explore local markets for handicrafts and souvenirs.
- Dinner: Taste authentic Maharashtrian Thali.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Pune.
Day 9: Mahabaleshwar
- Travel to Mahabaleshwar: Journey to the picturesque hill station.
- Pratapgarh Fort: Visit the historic fort offering panoramic views.
- Venna Lake: Enjoy boating and scenic views.
- Local Cuisine: Taste strawberries and cream, a local delicacy.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Mahabaleshwar.
Day 10: Panchgani
- Panchgani Exploration: Visit Table Land, Sydney Point, and Parsi Point for breathtaking views.
- Mapro Garden: Taste various fruit-based products and enjoy the scenic beauty.
- Dinner: Taste local cuisine in Panchgani.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Panchgani.
Day 11: Kolhapur
- Travel to Kolhapur: Journey to Kolhapur, known for its temples and culinary delights.
- Mahalaxmi Temple: Visit the sacred temple dedicated to Goddess Mahalaxmi.
- New Palace Museum: Explore the museum showcasing artifacts and historical items.
- Local Cuisine: Taste Kolhapuri cuisine known for its spicy flavors.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Kolhapur.
Day 12: Ratnagiri
- Travel to Ratnagiri: Journey to Ratnagiri, known for its beaches and historical sites.
- Ganapatipule Beach: Relax on the pristine beach and visit the Ganpati Temple.
- Ratnagiri Fort: Explore the historic fort offering scenic views.
- Local Cuisine: Taste seafood delicacies.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Ratnagiri.
Day 13: Ganpatipule
- Ganpatipule Exploration: Spend the day exploring the beach town and its attractions.
- Jaigad Fort: Visit the historic fort overlooking the Arabian Sea.
- Local Cuisine: Taste Konkani dishes.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Ganpatipule.
Day 14: Return to Mumbai
- Return to Mumbai: Travel back to Mumbai.
- Leisure Time: Spend the day shopping or exploring any missed attractions.
- Drop-off: Transfer to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport or Mumbai Central Railway Station for departure.
21 Days
Day 1-3: Mumbai
Day 1: Arrival in Mumbai
- Pickup from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport or Mumbai Central Railway Station.
- Transfer to Hotel: Check into your hotel in Mumbai.
- Local Exploration: Visit the Gateway of India, Marine Drive, and Juhu Beach.
- Dinner: Enjoy street food at Chowpatty Beach.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Mumbai.
Day 2: Mumbai City Tour
- Elephanta Caves: Take a ferry ride to Elephanta Island and explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Prince of Wales Museum: Visit the museum to admire its art and historical artifacts.
- Dhobi Ghat: Witness the world's largest outdoor laundry.
- Shopping: Explore Colaba Causeway for souvenirs and handicrafts.
- Dinner: Taste authentic Maharashtrian cuisine.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Mumbai.
Day 3: Mumbai Sightseeing
- Siddhivinayak Temple: Visit the famous temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha.
- Haji Ali Dargah: Explore the iconic mosque and tomb.
- Bollywood Tour: Visit Film City or take a Bollywood studio tour.
- Dinner: Enjoy seafood at a local restaurant.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Mumbai.
Day 4-6: Nashik and Shirdi
Day 4: Nashik
- Travel to Nashik: Journey to Nashik, known for its temples and vineyards.
- Trimbakeshwar Temple: Visit the ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Sula Vineyards: Enjoy wine tasting and a tour of the vineyard.
- Local Cuisine: Taste local Maharashtrian dishes for dinner.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Nashik.
Day 5: Shirdi
- Travel to Shirdi: Journey to Shirdi, the holy town known for the Sai Baba Temple.
- Sai Baba Temple: Visit the revered temple dedicated to Sai Baba.
- Shani Shingnapur: Explore the village known for its open-air temple dedicated to Lord Shani.
- Local Cuisine: Taste traditional Maharashtrian food.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Shirdi.
Day 6: Aurangabad
- Travel to Aurangabad: Journey to Aurangabad, known for its historical monuments.
- Ellora Caves: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site with its magnificent rock-cut temples and monasteries.
- Bibi Ka Maqbara: Visit the mausoleum built in memory of Aurangzeb's wife.
- Local Cuisine: Taste Hyderabadi cuisine influenced by the Nizams.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Aurangabad.
Day 7-10: Ajanta and Ellora Caves, and Pune
Day 7: Ajanta Caves
- Ajanta Caves Excursion: Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its Buddhist cave temples and paintings.
- Exploration: Spend the day exploring the intricate carvings and paintings depicting Buddhist art and culture.
- Dinner: Taste local delicacies in Aurangabad.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Aurangabad.
Day 8: Ellora Caves
- Ellora Caves: Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rock-cut architecture.
- Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple: Visit the ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Local Cuisine: Taste local delicacies for dinner.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Aurangabad.
Day 9: Pune
- Travel to Pune: Journey to Pune, the cultural capital of Maharashtra.
- Shaniwar Wada: Explore the historic fortification and palace.
- Aga Khan Palace: Visit the historic landmark known for its association with Mahatma Gandhi.
- Shopping: Explore local markets for handicrafts and souvenirs.
- Dinner: Taste authentic Maharashtrian Thali.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Pune.
Day 10: Pune Sightseeing
- Sinhagad Fort: Visit the historic fort located on a hilltop.
- Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum: Explore the museum showcasing a vast collection of artifacts.
- Osho Ashram: Visit the spiritual center and meditation resort.
- Dinner: Enjoy local Pune cuisine.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Pune.
Day 11-14: Mahabaleshwar and Kolhapur
Day 11: Mahabaleshwar
- Travel to Mahabaleshwar: Journey to the picturesque hill station.
- Pratapgarh Fort: Visit the historic fort offering panoramic views.
- Venna Lake: Enjoy boating and scenic views.
- Local Cuisine: Taste famous Mahabaleshwar strawberries and cream.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Mahabaleshwar.
Day 12: Panchgani
- Panchgani Exploration: Visit Table Land, Sydney Point, and Parsi Point for breathtaking views.
- Mapro Garden: Taste various fruit-based products and enjoy the scenic beauty.
- Dinner: Taste local cuisine in Panchgani.
- Accommodation: Overnight
stay in Mahabaleshwar.
Day 13: Kolhapur
- Travel to Kolhapur: Journey to Kolhapur, known for its historical and cultural heritage.
- Mahalaxmi Temple: Visit the ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Mahalaxmi.
- New Palace Museum: Explore the museum showcasing artifacts and memorabilia.
- Local Cuisine: Taste Kolhapuri cuisine known for its spicy flavors.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Kolhapur.
Day 14: Kolhapur Sightseeing
- Panhala Fort: Explore the historic fort known for its strategic location.
- Rankala Lake: Enjoy boating and leisure time by the lake.
- Shopping: Explore local markets for Kolhapuri sandals and jewelry.
- Dinner: Taste local delicacies.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Kolhapur.
Day 15-18: Goa
Day 15: Travel to Goa
- Travel to Goa: Journey to Goa, known for its beaches and Portuguese heritage.
- Beach Time: Relax and unwind at the beach.
- Local Cuisine: Taste Goan seafood delicacies.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Goa.
Day 16-17: Goa Beaches and Sightseeing
- Beach Hopping: Explore popular beaches like Calangute, Baga, and Anjuna.
- Old Goa: Visit historical sites like Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral.
- Water Sports: Enjoy water sports activities like parasailing and jet skiing.
- Nightlife: Experience the vibrant nightlife of Goa.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Goa.
Day 18: Dudhsagar Waterfalls
- Dudhsagar Waterfalls Excursion: Visit the majestic waterfall located in the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Trekking: Enjoy a trek to reach the waterfall.
- Wildlife Safari: Explore the sanctuary and spot diverse flora and fauna.
- Dinner: Taste Goan cuisine.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Goa.
Day 19-21: Return to Mumbai
Day 19: Return to Mumbai
- Travel to Mumbai: Journey back to Mumbai.
- Leisure Time: Spend the day shopping or exploring any missed attractions.
- Dinner: Taste Mumbai street food.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Mumbai.
Day 20: Mumbai City Tour
- Bollywood Tour: Visit Film City or take a Bollywood studio tour.
- Shopping: Explore local markets for souvenirs.
- Farewell Dinner: Enjoy a farewell dinner.
- Accommodation: Overnight stay in Mumbai.
Day 21: Departure
- Departure: Drop-off at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport or Mumbai Central Railway Station for departure.