Duration
11 Nights - 12 DaysDestinations
Mumbai - Lonavala, Khandala & Matheran - Nasik - Shirdi - Aurangabad (Ellora & Ajanta Caves) - Pune - MumbaiDesign Your Private Tour
12 Days Best of Maharashtra Tour
Mumbai, Ajanta Ellora Caves & Hill Stations Journey
Explore Mumbai, Ajanta Ellora Caves, Shirdi & Western Ghats on a 12-day private Maharashtra journey
Explore Mumbai’s historic districts, visit UNESCO-listed cave complexes like Ajanta and Ellora, and experience heritage cities shaped by Maratha, Mughal, and British influences. Hill stations such as Mahabaleshwar, Lonavala, or Matheran bring cooler weather, forested valleys, and scenic viewpoints that contrast beautifully with the region’s urban energy.
The tour also introduces travelers to Maharashtra’s rich food culture, from Mumbai street snacks and coastal seafood to traditional Maharashtrian thalis served in local restaurants. Seasonal travel changes the experience completely — monsoon months transform the Western Ghats into lush green landscapes with waterfalls, while winter offers clearer skies and comfortable sightseeing conditions.
Designed as a private and flexible experience, this Maharashtra tour combines culture, landscapes, architecture, and local experiences without rushing between destinations, making it ideal for travelers looking for a deeper and more relaxed exploration of western India.
Tour Snapshot – Best of Maharashtra
- Duration: 11 Nights / 12 Days
- Destinations: Mumbai • Lonavala - Khandala • Pune • Matheran • Nashik • Shirdi • Aurangabad
- Tour Style: Heritage, Hill Stations & Cultural Exploration
- Ideal For: Couples, families, nature lovers & cultural travelers
- Travel: Private chauffeur-driven vehicle with guided sightseeing
- Experiences: Western Ghats drives, cave temples, hill retreats & local cuisine
Highlights – Best of Maharashtra Tour
- Explore Mumbai’s colonial districts, sea-facing promenades & local markets
- Scenic Western Ghats drives through Lonavala, Khandala & Matheran
- Visit UNESCO-listed Ajanta & Ellora Cave complexes
- Experience spiritual heritage at Shirdi Sai Baba Temple
- Discover Pune’s Maratha history, culture & old city charm
- Enjoy regional Maharashtrian cuisine, hill station cafés & local food experiences
Maharashtra in 12 Days: Heritage, Hills, Pilgrimage & Ancient Caves Journey
Day 1: Arrival in Mumbai – Gateway to India – Upon arrival in Mumbai, transfer to your hotel and settle in after breakfast or your morning arrival. The day is kept light to adjust to the coastal pace of India’s busiest metropolis. In the evening, take a relaxed walk along Marine Drive, where locals gather as the sun sets over the Arabian Sea. Colaba’s colonial streets, old cafés, and street food stalls offer a soft introduction to the city’s layered culture of British-era architecture, modern commerce, and everyday street life.
Day 2: Mumbai Heritage Tour & Elephanta Caves Excursion – After breakfast, begin a full-day exploration of Mumbai’s historic core. Visit the Gateway of India, followed by the UNESCO-listed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, a living example of Victorian Gothic architecture still functioning as a railway hub. Continue to Haji Ali Dargah, set dramatically in the Arabian Sea. Later, take a ferry ride from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Island (approx. 1 hour each way), best experienced between November and March when sea conditions are calmer. Explore the Elephanta Caves, known for their 1,500-year-old rock-cut sculptures dedicated to Lord Shiva. Return to Mumbai by evening and enjoy dinner at a seaside restaurant or local seafood eatery.
Day 3: Mumbai to Lonavala & Khandala (Approx. 85 km / 2.5–3.5 hrs drive) – After breakfast, drive out of Mumbai into the Western Ghats, where the city slowly gives way to tunnels, green valleys, and mist-covered hills. Lonavala and Khandala are classic monsoon hill escapes, known for waterfalls, viewpoints, and ancient forts like Lohagad. Stop at roadside dhabas for local snacks such as vada pav and chikki. The journey itself is as rewarding as the destination, especially during or just after monsoon when the entire landscape turns lush and green.
Day 4: Lonavala to Matheran (Approx. 60 km / 2–3 hrs + transfer) – After breakfast, proceed towards Matheran, one of Asia’s few vehicle-free hill stations. From the base point, continue by toy train, shared jeep, or a short trek, as no private vehicles are allowed beyond the entry gate. The rest of the day is spent walking through forest trails and viewpoints such as Panorama Point and Echo Point. The experience here is slow and refreshing, with cool air, dense greenery, and minimal commercialization compared to other hill stations.
Day 5: Matheran to Nashik (Approx. 170 km / 4.5–5.5 hrs drive) – After breakfast, descend from the hills and travel towards Nashik, a city where spirituality and vineyards exist side by side. On arrival, visit the sacred Trimbakeshwar Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, best visited early in the day to avoid queues. Later, explore the region’s vineyards, where guided tours explain the wine-making process and offer tastings in a calm rural setting surrounded by rolling farmland.
Day 6: Nashik to Shirdi (Approx. 90 km / 2–2.5 hrs drive) – After breakfast, take a short drive to Shirdi, one of India’s most important pilgrimage towns dedicated to Sai Baba. The temple complex follows a structured flow, so darshan is best planned early in the day. Expect steady crowds and a devotional atmosphere throughout. After completing the visit, the remainder of the day is at leisure to rest or explore nearby spiritual sites.
Day 7: Shirdi to Aurangabad (Approx. 110 km / 2.5–3 hrs drive) – After breakfast, continue towards Aurangabad, a historic Deccan city shaped by Mughal and Sultanate influences. On arrival, visit Bibi Ka Maqbara, often called the “Mini Taj Mahal,” especially beautiful in the late afternoon light. Later, explore Panchakki, a 17th-century water mill powered by underground channels and associated with Sufi heritage, offering insight into early engineering systems of the region.
Day 8: Aurangabad – Ellora Caves Excursion (Approx. 30 km / 45–60 min one way) – After breakfast, drive to the UNESCO-listed Ellora Caves, a vast complex of rock-cut temples representing Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions. The highlight is the Kailasa Temple, carved from a single rock and considered one of India’s greatest architectural achievements. Expect several hours of walking, so comfortable footwear and water are essential. Return to Aurangabad by evening.
Day 9: Aurangabad – Ajanta Caves Excursion (Approx. 100 km / 2.5–3 hrs one way) – After breakfast, proceed to the Ajanta Caves, set in a horseshoe-shaped cliff above a river gorge. These 2,000-year-old Buddhist caves are famous for their murals depicting the life of Buddha and ancient trade-era society. Lighting inside is intentionally low to preserve the artwork, making the experience quieter and more reflective. Return to Aurangabad by evening.
Day 10: Aurangabad to Pune (Approx. 235 km / 5–6 hrs drive) – After breakfast, drive to Pune, a city that blends Maratha history with modern urban culture. On arrival, visit Shaniwar Wada, once the seat of the Peshwas, followed by a relaxed evening in Koregaon Park or a traditional Maharashtrian dining experience. Pune feels more contemporary compared to earlier heritage-heavy destinations.
Day 11: Pune City Exploration – After breakfast, explore Pune’s cultural landmarks including Aga Khan Palace, Pataleshwar Cave Temple, and local markets known for snacks, textiles, and everyday Maharashtrian life. The city offers a balance of history, education hubs, and café culture, making it ideal for a slower-paced day before returning to Mumbai.
Day 12: Pune to Mumbai Departure (Approx. 150 km / 3–4 hrs drive) – After breakfast, drive back to Mumbai via the expressway. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a final stop at Marine Drive or a quick city café visit. Transfer to the airport for onward journey, marking the end of a diverse Maharashtra circuit covering coastline, hills, temples, and ancient cave architecture.
What’s Included in Your Maharashtra Journey
This itinerary is designed as a fully supported travel experience across Maharashtra, covering long road journeys, heritage sightseeing, and hill station stays. The idea is to keep logistics simple so you can focus on the places, not the planning.
- Comfortable handpicked hotels and heritage-style stays across cities, hills, and temple towns
- Private transfers and guided sightseeing throughout the journey, including airport or railway station pick-ups and drop-offs
- Daily breakfast included, with select meals planned in key destinations for smoother travel days
- Entry assistance and guided visits for major attractions including UNESCO sites like Ajanta and Ellora Caves
Flexible Customization Options
Maharashtra is a diverse state, and most travelers prefer adjusting the pace based on interest. This route can easily be tailored depending on whether you want more nature, spirituality, or heritage focus.
- Add vineyard experiences and wine tastings in Nashik for a slower, rural landscape break
- Extend the journey toward Konkan coastal towns for beaches and seafood experiences
- Include curated heritage walks, local food trails, or cultural workshops in Pune
- Upgrade or extend stays in Lonavala, Khandala, or Matheran for a deeper hill station experience
Best Time to Travel in Maharashtra
The most comfortable season for this circuit is October to March, when temperatures are pleasant for sightseeing, walking tours, and long drives. Hill stations like Lonavala and Matheran are especially enjoyable during and just after the monsoon, when the Western Ghats turn lush green. Summers can be warm in inland regions like Aurangabad and Nashik, so early morning sightseeing is recommended during that period.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Shirdi included in this itinerary?
Yes, the journey includes a visit to Shirdi for darshan at the Sai Baba Temple, typically planned as a structured half-day stop. - Are Ajanta and Ellora Caves covered?
Yes, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites are included with dedicated day trips from Aurangabad, allowing enough time to explore properly. - Can the hill station stays be modified?
Yes, stays in Lonavala, Khandala, or Matheran can be extended or upgraded depending on your travel pace and comfort preference.
Why This Maharashtra Route Works Well
This itinerary is designed around real travel flow — not just destinations on a map. It connects coastal Mumbai, the Western Ghats, pilgrimage towns, and ancient cave architecture in a logical route that minimizes backtracking. The experience moves gradually from modern city life to hill stations, then into deep historical landscapes and finally back into urban culture, giving a complete picture of Maharashtra’s diversity in one circuit.