Maha Travel

Sample routes

Maharashtra itineraries, day by day

Four routes you can adapt. Each assumes public transport or a hired car where noted. Check closing days for the caves and Elephanta before fixing your dates.

Mumbai long weekend (3 days)

  1. Day 1

    South Mumbai on foot

    Gateway of India, Colaba, the Fort district and Kala Ghoda. Afternoon at CSMT and Crawford Market. Sunset on Marine Drive.

  2. Day 2

    Elephanta and the old city

    Morning ferry to Elephanta Caves (not on a Monday). Back by mid-afternoon for Banganga Tank on Malabar Hill and dinner in an Irani café or seafood restaurant.

  3. Day 3

    Suburbs and trains

    Ride a midday local train to Bandra. Walk the old lanes and Bandstand, then head north for Juhu beach in the evening.

Caves and the Deccan (6 days)

  1. Day 1

    Mumbai to Lonavala

    Train up the Bhor Ghat. Afternoon at Karla caves; overnight in Lonavala.

  2. Day 2

    Bhaja and Lohagad

    Morning at Bhaja caves and the climb to Lohagad. Continue to Pune by train in the evening.

  3. Day 3

    Pune

    Shaniwar Wada, the old city and an early evening drive to Sinhagad if you have time.

  4. Day 4

    To Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

    Road or rail to the city. Evening at Bibi Ka Maqbara.

  5. Day 5

    Ellora (not a Tuesday)

    Full day at Ellora, with Daulatabad Fort and Grishneshwar Temple on the way back.

  6. Day 6

    Ajanta (not a Monday)

    Early start for the long drive to Ajanta. Return to the city, or continue by train toward Mumbai or Jalgaon.

Arrange days 5 and 6 so you avoid Ellora on a Tuesday and Ajanta on a Monday. Swap them if needed.

Konkan coast (7 days, dry season)

  1. Day 1

    Mumbai to Alibag

    Ferry from Mumbai to Mandwa, then on to Alibag. Kolaba fort at low tide, if tides allow.

  2. Day 2

    Kashid and Murud

    Drive south along the coast. Boat to Murud-Janjira fort from Rajapuri.

  3. Day 3

    Shrivardhan and Harihareshwar

    Quiet beaches and the Harihareshwar temple walk.

  4. Day 4

    Ganpatipule

    A long drive or a train hop to Ratnagiri, then the beach temple at Ganpatipule.

  5. Day 5

    Ratnagiri

    Ratnadurg fort and Thibaw Palace. Mango orchards in season.

  6. Day 6

    Malvan

    Train to Kudal or Kankavli, then road to Malvan. Boat to Sindhudurg fort.

  7. Day 7

    Tarkarli and onward

    Morning at Tarkarli or Devbagh, then on toward Goa or back north on the Konkan Railway.

The grand loop (14 days)

  1. Day 1-3

    Mumbai

    Follow the Mumbai weekend above.

  2. Day 4-5

    Lonavala

    Caves and a fort trek in the hills.

  3. Day 6-7

    Pune and Sinhagad

    The old city, then Sinhagad at sunrise.

  4. Day 8-9

    Mahabaleshwar

    Viewpoints, Panchgani and Pratapgad fort.

  5. Day 10-12

    Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

    Ellora, Ajanta and Daulatabad, checking closing days. A long transfer from Mahabaleshwar; break it in Pune if needed.

  6. Day 13-14

    Back to Mumbai

    Train to Mumbai and a final day for shopping and food.

Adapting these routes

  • In the monsoon: drop the Konkan beach days and sea forts; add Malshej Ghat, Bhandardara or the Kaas plateau. See the monsoon guide.
  • In summer: spend more time in the hills and start sightseeing at dawn.
  • With less time: fly between Mumbai and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar rather than going by road.

Transport details are in getting around.