Maharashtra is famous for its variety of tourist destinations spread across the entire expanse of the state, including sea shores, sandy beaches, forts, religious sites and hill stations. It acts like a nirvana for tourists, blooming with endless sightseeing and touring spots; spread out across the entire state and offers a breather for tired souls from the mundane city life.
Blessed with lush greenery, serene forests and valleys, hillocks, caves, waterfalls and clean environment for which tourists rush to the hill station. After arriving in at Lonavala and checking in at the hotel, tourists can visit Pawna, Bhushi and Tungarli Lakes or man made reservoirs and Ryewood Park famous for its scenic beauty. Bhushi Lake and Dam is famous for the seasonal and showering waterfall during rainy season, extremely popular as a picnic destination. Also visit Shingroba Temple sandwiched between Khandala and Khopoli.
The next day can be spent traveling to Duke’s Nose for trekking and rock climbing activities as well as Kamshet village in Lonavala for availing paragliding activities. Later in the day, tourists can visit Karla and Bhaja caves, located at a distance of 11 kilometers from Lonavala to observe the amazing rock cut cave temples or formations created during 2nd Century BC. An exquisite example of Buddhist sculpture dating back to Chaityas, these rock cut temples should not be given a miss at any cost. Tourists should also pay a visit to Ekvira Temple located near Karla caves and on the way back tour Rajmachi Park also known as Shivaji Park.
The trip comes to an end with a drop at the local railway station or airport in Pune or drive back to Mumbai in a hired car or buses that ply regularly on this route.
Best travel itineraries in Maharashtra
Itinerary for a Trip to Lonavala
Located in the Sahyadri range in the Western Ghats, Lonavala is a hill station in Pune district of Maharashtra and is popular among tourists and locals as the ‘Jewel of the Sahyadri’. Accessible from both Mumbai and Pune which are located 96 and 64 kilometers away respectively, Lonavala located off Pune – Mumbai Highway can be toured in two days time or over the weekend. The cost estimate of Lonavala trip is around INR 5500 but may vary. The tour package includes complimentary breakfast, pick and drop and accommodation.Blessed with lush greenery, serene forests and valleys, hillocks, caves, waterfalls and clean environment for which tourists rush to the hill station. After arriving in at Lonavala and checking in at the hotel, tourists can visit Pawna, Bhushi and Tungarli Lakes or man made reservoirs and Ryewood Park famous for its scenic beauty. Bhushi Lake and Dam is famous for the seasonal and showering waterfall during rainy season, extremely popular as a picnic destination. Also visit Shingroba Temple sandwiched between Khandala and Khopoli.
The next day can be spent traveling to Duke’s Nose for trekking and rock climbing activities as well as Kamshet village in Lonavala for availing paragliding activities. Later in the day, tourists can visit Karla and Bhaja caves, located at a distance of 11 kilometers from Lonavala to observe the amazing rock cut cave temples or formations created during 2nd Century BC. An exquisite example of Buddhist sculpture dating back to Chaityas, these rock cut temples should not be given a miss at any cost. Tourists should also pay a visit to Ekvira Temple located near Karla caves and on the way back tour Rajmachi Park also known as Shivaji Park.
The trip comes to an end with a drop at the local railway station or airport in Pune or drive back to Mumbai in a hired car or buses that ply regularly on this route.
Itinerary for a Trip to Matheran
An escapade to Matheran over the weekend might not be a bad idea at all. For those who desperately need a break from routine life and hassles at work, Matheran is a paradise in the form of a hill station. Nestled in the Western Ghats region of Raigad district in Maharashtra, Matheran is an eco responsive area and surrounded in lush greenery, barely a 2 hours drive from Mumbai. Both Pune and Mumbai, located 120 and 90 kilometres from Matheran are access points for reaching the hill station nicknamed forest on the brow. The entire region can be toured over a weekend and the cost estimate is around INR 4500-5000. Accommodation is not an issue as there are several good hotels, resorts and guesthouses.
Matheran can be accessed from Mumbai Airport and Matheran Railway Station at Neral which is connected to Mumbai’s CST station. Equally accessible via road, Matheran lies on Panvel Expressway off Mumbai-Pune Highway. Hence upon reaching the exotic hill station and soaking in the cool and fresh air, tourists are advised to head out to visit Charlotte Lake, barely 2 kilometres from the town and a marvellous site shrouded in greenery and flanked by crimson mountain ranges in the backdrop. Next visit the famous Pisharnath Mahadev Temple located adjacent to the lake. The scenic view of Matheran from the temple top housing the idol of Lord Shiva is amazing. While returning do not forget to visit Echo Point.
Reserve the next day for visiting all the 28 lookout points or observatories in Matheran offering stupendous view of the entire mountain range of Western Ghats and the hill station and the valley below. A horse ride or simply walking is best to observe the bounty of nature and the greenery. Some of the popular points are Rambagh Point, Khandala Point, Monkey Point, Panorama Point, Alexander Point, One Tree Hill Point, Hart Point, Celia Point, Belvedere Point, Porcupine Point, Lords Point, Little and Big Chowk Point, Louisa and Maira Point, Madhavji Garden and Point. Panorama Point offers the best view of the neighbourhood and an ideal place to watch the sun rise over the mountains. Hart Point is famous for offering view of Mumbai by night.
For adventure buffs, Matheran is also famous for paragliding activities between September and June and the charges vary between INR 1500-2500. However, the best time to capture the real essence of Matheran is during monsoon when the hill station is engulfed in a blanket of green and imparts a pristine charm everywhere.
Itinerary for Mahabaleshwar and Ganapatipule Trip
Ganapatipule village for example situated along the coastline of Maharashtra in Ratnagiri district is famous for its white beach, water sports and the Swayambhu Ganapati Temple, a self oriented form of Lord Ganesha. The idol is popular for being seated on white sand or Pule and carved out of copper atop a lion. Similarly, Mahabaleshwar in Western part of Maharashtra is the most attractive and scenic hill station and erstwhile summer capital of Bombay Province during the British rule.
Nestled in the Western Ghats, amidst dense greenery of the valleys, Mahabaleshwar hill station is famous for tourist spots, waterfalls, amazing view of sunsets and sunrises and is an ideal tourist retreat accessible from both Pune and Mumbai. The trip can be completed within a span of six days time and the package comprises of complimentary breakfast, car pick and drops, conveyance and accommodation as well as sightseeing. The cost estimate may vary between INR 23,999 - 47999 considering a person’s demand for luxury and comfort.
The trip can commence from Mumbai and proceed to Ganapatipule and after check in at the hotel, take a tour of Swayambhu Ganapati Temple and later stroll along Ganapatipule beach. The next day is reserved for a road trip to Ratnagiri through Arrey Warrey and enjoying the panorama fanning out along the coastline and meandering through fishing villages. Later visit Bhatye Creek and Beach, Bhagwati Fort and Temple and return to Ganapatipule. The next day after breakfast continue on a journey towards Mahabaleshwar and spend the rest of the day idling away after check in at the hotel.
The following day tourists can go for an outing at Pratapgad Fort and on the fifth day tour Panchgani, Mahabaleshwar Temple, Eco Point, Arthur Point, strawberry farms, Table Point, Parsi Point and visit Venna Lake for boating in the lake. The journey comes to an end on the sixth day upon return from Mahabaleshwar and tourists are dropped off at Mumbai or Pune railway station or airport.
Itinerary of a Trip to Pune
Pune, dubbed as the 7the largest city in India is a blend of modern and old cultures, an assortment . Once the seat of erstwhile Peshwa rulers, Pune thrived as a city and now it is the modern IT hub. However, there are innumerable sightseeing points in and around Pune. Dubbed as the cultural capital of Maharashtra, Pune has been witness to several pacts and birthplace of eminent personalities. Said to exist since 847 AD, Pune at the junction of Mutha and Mula Rivers, is filled with historical sites, monuments, museums. Nandi Mandapa, Chatursinghi Temple are the popular tourist destinations in Pune. The tour of Pune can be completed in 4 days time and might vary between INR 15999-17999.
The trip comprises of pick and drops at Pune railway station and airport, accommodation, conveyance and complimentary breakfast. Upon reaching Pune tourists are transported to the hotel and after rest, visit Peshwa Palace or Shanivar Wada built by Maratha Shivaji Raje Bhonsle. Next is a visit to Dagadhusheth Halwai Ganapati Temple established in 1893 and a holy shrine where Tilak, the freedom fighter also paid his respect. This is followed by a trip to Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum consisting of exotic collection of artifacts and antiques and also the Mastani Mahal. The last leg of the journey is a visit to Saras Baug, built by Nanasaheb Peshwa in 18th century and also houses a Ganapati Temple and Ganesh Murthi Museum built by Madhav Rao Peshwa.
The following day can be spent visiting Parvati Hill, famous for trekking and visiting Parvati Hill Temple, housing idols of Goddess Parvati, Lord Vishnu, Karthikeya, Ganesha and Devateshwar. The visit can be followed by trips to Osho Ashram, Vikrambaug Wada and Bund Garden at the confluence of Mula and Mutha Rivers. Trips to Shirgaon Sai Temple and Science Park can be conducted the following day.
The last day of the trip can be spent visiting Katraj Snake Park, Aga Khan Palace, Konark Park, Mahatma Phule Wada, Tribal Museum, Pataleshwar Caves and Shinde Chattri. The trip comes to an end with a drop at the railway station or airport.
Itinerary of Ajanta Ellora Tour
Aurangabad in the state of Maharashtra is famous for the epic and majestic Ajanta and Ellora Caves also famous for the Kailash temple or the abode of Shiva. The rock cut caves and Buddhist monasteries are situated on a hill amounting 34 in number and are situated at a distance of 30 kilometres and 105 kilometers respectively from the city centre of Aurangabad. Package tours are conducted throughout the year to Ajanta and Ellora, easily accessible from Mumbai, Maharashtra’s state capital and the tour concludes in a span of 5-6 days. Although December to January is the peak season, yet summer months also don’t fall idle. The cost estimate for a tour of Ajanta Ellora might start from INR 12,642 and vary according to individual preferences.
The journey begins with a pick up from Mumbai airport and drops at the earmarked hotel or resort and later visit the ISKCON Temple in Mumbai for viewing the murals and frescoes depicting the life of Lord Krishna and visit later Juhu Chowpatty. The next day begins with a local sightseeing of Mumbai comprising a ferry ride to Elephanta Caves, visit to Gateway of India, Mani Bhawan, Maharashtra State Assembly, Dhobi Ghat, Hanging Garden, Taraporewala Aquarium, Prince of Wales Museum and Marine Drive.
The following day tourists are transported to Mumbai airport to board a flight to Aurangabad and after relaxing a bit are taken for a local tour of the city starting with Bibi ka Maqbara, a replica of Taj Mahal created by Azam Shah in 1678 in loving memory of his mother and the queen of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, Begum Rabia- ud -Durani. Next is the Pani Chakki, a 17th century water mill created by Malik Ambar, the architect who designed Aurangabad.
The next day is reserved for a visit to the famous Ellora caves; a world heritage site housing a total of 34 monasteries and temples which were created between 600 -1000 AD. Especially, the Kailash temple with immaculate and ornate architectural rendering and the 32nd cave containing a Yakshi sculpture are amazing with frescos on the ceilings of the caves. The caves might have been creations ranging between 350 -700 AD as well combining 3 cultures of Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism of which 5 caves are dedicated to Jainism, 12 to Buddhism and 17 to Hinduism. It is to be noted that Ellora caves are closed for the public on Tuesdays. The tour concludes with a visit to Daulatabad fort .
Ajanta Caves situated on the Sahyadri mountain range were excavated around 19th century by a few British personnel are to be visited the next day. The 30 rock cut caves situated at a distance of 105 kilometers from the city are a magnificent sight to behold. Dubbed as world heritage site, the caves discovered in 19th century are situated along an abyss on top of which is a stream which drops down into the abyss creating a waterfall. The caves which took 600 years to build are expected to have been established between 200 BC and 650 AD. Example of the finest forms of Mahayana era, the Chaityas and Viharas created by Buddhist artisans. Frescos and murals from Buddha’s life are abundant on the walls of the caves in Ajanta. Ajanta Caves are closed from public viewing on Mondays.
The trip comes to an end with a flight back to Mumbai the next day and tourists can head for their individual destinations from there. The tour offers pick up and drops, conveyance along with accommodation and complimentary breakfast.
Itinerary of Ashtavinayak Temple Tour
Package tours are not only conducted for popular tourist destinations but also for holy sites and pilgrimages. Very much like the Shirdi tour of Sai Baba’s temple, a tour of Ashtavinayak is also conducted by several tour operators. The duration of the tour spans three days and includes pick and drop to and from the airport and railway station in Mumbai or Pune, complimentary breakfast and conveyance. The tour touches on all the holy sites included in the region commencing with a pick up from Mumbai airport or railway station and transferring tourists to a hotel. The trip might cost around INR 12500 and might vary according to preferences.The journey continues with a trip to Mahad village in Raigarh district in Konkan terrain of Maharashtra to visit the famous Vardha Vinayak Ganesh Temple. The temple which was established in 1892 houses the idol of Lord Ganesha who grants all wishes of the devotees and pilgrims through his blessings. An earthen lamp or Nandadeep has been lit in the temple since its inception and never extinguished.
Post visiting the Vardha Vinayak Temple, tourists and devotees carry on their pilgrimage towards Pali village where Ballaleshwara Ganesh Temple is situated and is popular among the Ashtavinayak lingams. Dressed as a Brahmin priest, Ballaleshwara Ganesh temple is located in Sudhagad district of Raigad and placed between Amba River and Sarasgad Fort. The last visit for the day is reserved for a trip to Ranjangaon Maha Ganapati Temple where Lord Ganesha is depicted with 8,10 and 12 arms. Also known as Tripurarivade Mahaganapati, the temple is revered as Lord Shiva appealed to Ganesha to defeat the demon Tripurasur. The journey concludes for the day with an overnight stay at a hotel in Pune.
The following day, devotees continue their journey to Chintamani Vinayak Temple in Theur village in Haveli subdivision of Pune district in Maharashtra to seek peace and blessings from the idol. It is believed that Lord Brahma also sought the blessings of Lord Ganesha in this avatar from which the place earned its name.
Next destination is Siddhivinayak at Siddhitek in Ahmedanagar district and located on the banks of River Bhima in Karjat subdivision of Maharashtra. It is believed that Lord Vishnu received siddhi or attainment here. The last spot is Moreshwar Temple in Morgaon village on the banks of Karha River in Pune district of Maharashtra.
The last leg of the journey continues the next day with a trip to Ozar where Lord Vigneshwara form of Ganesh is worshipped as a slayer of Vignashura and get rid of all obstructions. The tour comes to an end with a visit to Girijatmaj Vinayak Temple atop a mountain in Lenyadri village in Pune district. Ashtavinayak statue of Lord Ganesh is worshipped as Parvati’s son atop Lekhan Parvat. Later devotees are transported back to the local railway station or airport in Mumbai and head for their individual destinations.
Explore more about the Ashtvinayak Yatra here
Itinerary of Mumbai and Goa Tour
Planning for a relaxing holiday comprising of a tour of Mumbai and Goa, punched in together? Well, the entire trip might last for 6 days touching on all the tourist hotspots in these two destinations. traveling to and from Mumbai airport or returning from the airport in Goa is available for tourists. Several tour operators offer this exotic package tour of Mumbai and Goa exclusively for all those who want to savor in all the tourist spots in a span of few days. The tour comprises visits to Prince of Wales Museum, Elephanta Caves, Gateway of India, Marine Drive and Juhu Beach, Hanging Gardens, Aguada Fort, Anjuna Beach, Chapora Fort, Basilica de Bom Jesus Church and Ancestral Church Museum in Goa and Mumbai.The tour begins from a pick up at Mumbai airport and drop at the hotel by an escort and tourists are encouraged to relax the entire day and do a recce of the neighboring areas to catch a glimpse of the lifestyle of maximum city. The following day begins with a ferry ride from Gateway of India to Elephanta caves, located 9 kilometers at sea on an island and the rock carved creations and frescos inside the caves are breathtaking; especially the Mahesh Murti cave where the rock cut formation of Shiva as destroyer, creator and protector of the universe is a sight to behold. Upon returning back to the city, tourists are taken on a sightseeing of the tourist spots in Mumbai like Hanging Gardens, Juhu Beach, Prince of Wales Museum, Gateway of India and a stroll along Marine Drive.
The following day tourists are boarded on a train to Goa from Mumbai railway station and upon reaching Goa are ushered into a hotel and advised to stroll around idly for rest of the day. The next day begins with sightseeing of Chapora Fort, Aguada Fort, Anjuna Beach, Ancestral Goa Museum, Colva Beach, Baga Beach, Basilica de Bom Jesus, Church of our Lady of the Rosary and Convent of St. Francis Assisi. Next, tourists are transported to Panjim, the erstwhile capital of Old Goa and later transferred to the local market to shop for spices and nuts and souvenirs. The following day tourists are taken for an evening ride on a cruise along the Mondovi River flowing through Panjim. They are also treated to Goan Folk dance and other performances post which they are transferred to their hotel.
The tours concludes the following day with a pick up and drop at the airport at Goa from where tourists can board flights for their individual destinations. The tour package includes accommodation and complimentary breakfast varying from INR 8999- INR 29,999.
Suggestions for a few tour operators who conduct this tour
Thomas Cook Holidays
Ph no: 1800 2099 100
www.thomascook.in
Mercury Travels
Ph no: 1800 266 2345
[email protected]