14 Days Maharashtra Caves & Temple Tour

Ajanta Ellora, Shirdi & Western Ghats Hill Stations

UNESCO Rock-Cut Caves, Sacred Temple Towns, Deccan Heritage Cities & Hill Retreats on a Private 14-Day Journey

Day-by-Day Itinerary – 14 Days Maharashtra Caves & Temple Tour

• Day 1: Arrival in Mumbai – Arrive in Mumbai, a city shaped by centuries of maritime trade, colonial influence and modern commerce. After hotel check-in, the day is kept light for rest. In the evening, a walk along Marine Drive or through Colaba gives a first impression of the city’s coastal rhythm, where history and daily life blend into the Arabian Sea breeze. Overnight in Mumbai.
• Day 2: Mumbai to Lonavala (approx. 85 km / 2.5–3.5 hrs) – After breakfast, drive into the Western Ghats, a recognised biodiversity hotspot. The route shifts quickly from urban density to winding ghats, tunnels and forested hills. Lonavala offers viewpoints such as Tiger Point, valleys fed by monsoon streams and historic forts that once guarded trade routes between the coast and the Deccan plateau. Overnight in Lonavala.
• Day 3: Lonavala to Matheran (approx. 60 km / 2–3 hrs plus transfer) – After breakfast, continue to Matheran, one of India’s rare vehicle-free hill stations. No private vehicles are allowed beyond the entry gate, so you continue by toy train, shared taxi and on foot. The day unfolds slowly on forest trails and at viewpoints such as Panorama Point, in a quiet setting where even short walks feel immersive. Overnight in Matheran.
• Day 4: Matheran to Nashik (approx. 170 km / 4.5–5.5 hrs) – After breakfast, travel to Nashik, a city deeply linked to Hindu mythology and the Ramayana. Visit the Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga, one of the twelve sacred Shiva shrines. Later, explore the surrounding vineyards, which have made Nashik India’s key wine region, a contrast between ancient spirituality and modern agriculture. Overnight in Nashik.
• Day 5: Nashik to Shirdi (approx. 90 km / 2–2.5 hrs) – After breakfast, drive to Shirdi, one of India’s most visited pilgrimage towns, dedicated to Sai Baba. Devotional movement continues throughout the day as pilgrims arrive from across India. Evening darshan and the temple surroundings give a sense of living faith rather than historic monuments alone. Overnight in Shirdi.
• Day 6: Shirdi to Aurangabad (approx. 110 km / 2.5–3 hrs) – After breakfast, continue to Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar), shaped by the Mughal and Deccan Sultanate eras. Visit Bibi Ka Maqbara, the “Taj of the Deccan”, and Panchakki, a 17th-century water mill powered by underground channels and linked to Sufi learning. Overnight in Aurangabad.
• Day 7: Ajanta Caves – UNESCO Buddhist Masterpieces (approx. 105 km / 2.5–3 hrs each way) – After an early breakfast, visit the Ajanta Caves, carved between the 2nd century BCE and the 6th century CE. Buddhist murals, sculptures and monastic halls depict the life of the Buddha, ancient trade routes and royal patronage. The visit is slow-paced, as each cave reveals a different artistic and spiritual layer. Overnight in Aurangabad.
• Day 8: Daulatabad Fort & Ellora Caves (approx. 30–40 km / 1 hr) – After breakfast, drive first to Daulatabad Fort, known for its hilltop defences and medieval military design. Continue to the Ellora Caves, where Hindu, Buddhist and Jain monuments are carved into a single basalt cliff system. The Kailasa Temple stands out as a monolithic engineering achievement. Overnight in Aurangabad.
• Day 9: Aurangabad to Pune (approx. 235 km / 5–6 hrs) – After breakfast, drive to Pune, historically linked with the Maratha Empire and Peshwa rule. Visit Shaniwar Wada, once the political centre of the Peshwas, and the Aga Khan Palace, where Mahatma Gandhi was held during the freedom movement. Overnight in Pune.
• Day 10: Pune Exploration – Caves, Culture & Modern Identity – After breakfast, visit the Pataleshwar Cave Temple, an 8th-century rock-cut shrine carved from a single basalt rock. Later, explore Koregaon Park and Pune’s café culture, which reflect the city’s mix of spirituality, youth culture and education. Overnight in Pune.
• Day 11: Pune to Mahabaleshwar (approx. 120–130 km / 3–4 hrs) – After breakfast, drive to Mahabaleshwar, a colonial-era hill station surrounded by dense forest and strawberry farms. The scenic ghat road brings valley views and gradually cooler mountain air. Overnight in Mahabaleshwar.
• Day 12: Mahabaleshwar Sightseeing – Lakes & Viewpoints – After breakfast, visit Venna Lake, Arthur’s Seat and Mapro Garden. The area combines British-era hill station planning with Western Ghats biodiversity, for relaxed sightseeing with wide valley views and forest landscapes. Overnight in Mahabaleshwar.
• Day 13: Mahabaleshwar to Mumbai (approx. 260 km / 5–6 hrs) – After breakfast, drive back to Mumbai. On arrival, revisit Marine Drive or the Gateway of India for a final coastal glimpse of the city’s heritage and skyline. Overnight in Mumbai.
• Day 14: Departure from Mumbai – After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward journey, ending a route that links Maharashtra’s caves, temples, hill stations and historic cities.

Please Note: Distances and driving times are approximate and may vary with road conditions, traffic, weather (especially the monsoon in the hills), local events and temple queues. Entry timings for caves, temples and monuments are set by the authorities and may change without notice. Ajanta Caves are closed on Mondays and Ellora Caves on Tuesdays, so we avoid arrival dates that clash with these closures. Ajanta, Ellora and Daulatabad involve moderate walking and steps.

Inclusions – 14 Days Maharashtra Caves & Temple Tour

• 13 nights’ accommodation in carefully selected hotels across the cities, pilgrimage towns and hill stations
• Daily breakfast throughout the 14-day itinerary
• Private air-conditioned vehicle with experienced chauffeur for all transfers and sightseeing
• Guided sightseeing at the major caves, temples, forts and heritage sites
• Entry assistance for monuments and UNESCO-listed attractions, as per the itinerary
• Airport and railway station transfers on arrival and departure
• Local expert support and on-ground coordination

Not Included

• International flights and Indian visa fees
• Monument entrance fees, unless confirmed in your final quote
• Matheran toy train, shared taxi or horse-ride charges and vineyard tasting fees, unless confirmed in your final quote
• Meals other than breakfast, drinks and personal expenses
• Camera or video fees at monuments, and tips for guides and drivers
• Travel insurance, which we strongly recommend

Tour Customisation – Maharashtra Caves & Temple Tour

• Upgrade to heritage, boutique or luxury hotels
• Add an extra night in Mumbai for a boat trip to the Elephanta Caves
• Include specialist guides for history, architecture or photography
• Extend to the Konkan coast or add Goa with our Mumbai, Ajanta Ellora & Goa tour
• Prefer a shorter route? See our 12-day Best of Maharashtra tour or the 6-day Mumbai Ajanta Ellora tour
• Adjust the pace for families, senior travellers or a longer leisure stay, and browse all Mumbai, Ajanta & Ellora tours

Best Time to Visit – Maharashtra Caves & Temple Tour

• October to March: The best season for comfortable sightseeing at the caves, temples and hill stations, and for the strawberry season in Mahabaleshwar.
• July to September: The monsoon makes the Western Ghats lush and scenic, but heavy rain can slow travel and hill station sightseeing, and the Matheran toy train may not run.
• April to June: Hot in Aurangabad and Nashik, so we plan early-morning sightseeing. Mahabaleshwar and Matheran offer a cooler break.

For a wider view of India’s seasons, see our guide to the best time to visit India.

FAQs – Maharashtra Caves & Temple Tour

• Q: Are Ajanta and Ellora included?
  A: Yes. Both UNESCO-listed cave complexes are key highlights, with a day for each from Aurangabad.
• Q: Which days are the caves closed?
  A: Ajanta Caves are closed on Mondays and Ellora Caves on Tuesdays. We plan your day order around these closures when we tailor your dates.
• Q: Are the Elephanta Caves included?
  A: Not in the standard route. They can be added with an extra night in Mumbai. The caves are closed on Mondays.
• Q: How is this different from your Best of Maharashtra tour?
  A: This 14-day tour is built around caves and temples and adds two nights in Mahabaleshwar. Our 12-day Best of Maharashtra tour is a shorter circuit ending in Pune and Mumbai.
• Q: Is this tour suitable for older travellers?
  A: Yes. The itinerary is moderate and can be adjusted for comfort and less walking.
• Q: Are guides included?
  A: Yes. Local expert guides are included at the major heritage and cultural sites.
• Q: Can the itinerary be customised?
  A: Yes. It can be adjusted for duration, interests and travel style. Our India travel guide is a good starting point if you are still planning.

Why Choose Premium India Tour – Maharashtra Caves & Temple Tour

• Jaipur-based travel specialists with local expertise since 2010
• Well-planned routes combining UNESCO caves, temple towns and hill stations
• Private transport, reliable logistics and carefully selected stays
• Experienced local guides who give historical and spiritual context at each site
• Flexible, tailor-made itineraries designed for comfort and meaningful travel