With this Maharashtra tour itinerary from Holidayonsale, you can plan a visit to remarkable sites like Mumbai, Khandala, Lonavla, Mahabaleshwar and Alibaug.
Spend your holidays in the tranquil beaches and scenic hills of Maharashtra with your family, friends, or beloved partner; explore the beauty, history, and culture of the land of Marathas with them.
Upon arrival at the Mumbai Airport/Railway Station, get transferred to your pre-booked hotel.
Post-check-in at the hotel, get freshen up and then set out to explore Mumbai, famed as the ‘CITY OF DREAMS’. Firstly, you will visit the GATEWAY OF INDIA. Located on the southern part of the city, the Gateway offers a beautiful view of the Arabian Sea. In addition to the view, this magnificent structure was constructed in yellow basalt stone. Furthermore, its Indo-Saracenic style architecture, intricate latticework and 26 meters high archway which is joined with four turrets make this attraction a popular among history buffs, tourists and photographers.
Thereafter, visit the PRINCE OF WALES MUSEUM. The museum which is also known as ‘Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya’ is considered as one of the most prominent museums in India.
This museum which displays a myriad of collection of ancient artifacts, artworks and sculptures of the country, offers remarkable glimpses of India’s glory and rich past. Besides, currently, the museum has several new galleries which exhibit the artworks of Hindu God Krishna along with textiles and Indian traditional costumes.
Visit the MARINE DRIVE, also famed as the ‘Queen’s Necklace’, the place caters to the need of all kind of travelers. The 3.6-km long boulevard consists of a C-shaped six-lane concrete road along the coast. A promenade runs parallel to the road. You can enjoy the spectacular views of the beach when it lights up at night. From there, you will be taken to COLABA CAUSEWAY MARKET, a bustling area which is packed with retro-bars, street stalls, markets and many more. This place is popular for crystals, jewellery, handicrafts, brass items, clothing, books, and incense. This is the one place which always seems like a carnival all year round.
Continue your Mumbai tour by visiting GIRGAON CHOWPATTY and HANGING GARDENS, also called as Pherozeshah Mehta Gardens, the attractive terrace gardens are famous for a massive shoe house built in the center. The garden along with the shoe house and is very popular amongst children. The garden flaunts a few nice modernist touches.
This is followed by a trip to HAJI-ALI-DARGAH. The sacred site is a great tourist attraction and a world-famous pilgrimage for the Muslims. The sculptured and elegant whitewashed structure of the Dargah showcases the brilliant work of the Indo-Islamic style of architecture. The Dargah attracts about 10-15 thousand people daily.
Then take the blessings of Lord Ganesha at one of Mumbai’s holiest places, SHREE SIDDHIVINAYAK TEMPLE, one of the richest temples in India with the inner roof of its sanctum being plated with gold.
In the evening, visit JUHU BEACH. The beach is famous for its long stretch and a variety of street foods. Later, come back to the hotel for an overnight stay.
After breakfast, day at leisure to explore Mumbai on your own
You have an option of visiting Elephanta Caves and/or Filmcity
ADD ON OPTINAL TOUR TO ELEPHANTA CAVES OR FILMCITY TOUR
OPTION 1: You could take a ferry ride to Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ferry ride will enable you to take a great view of Mumbai’s coastline and Elephanta caves. At a distance of 17 km from Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Elephanta Caves are a network of sculpted caves located on Elephanta Island or Gharapuri in Mumbai Harbour. The Caves, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site, is Mumbai’s oldest historic site. The caves are known for beautiful Hindu temples and sculptures.
OPTION 2: Mumbai is home to the second-largest movie industry in the world, Bollywood. Catch a movie shoot; take a tour of Film City’s studios in Goregaon. You will be taken to a live shoot, where you can observe the nuances involved in acting—the take and retakes that the directors calls for, or the beauty with which the actors immediately don the character of the role and deliver mind-blowing performances. However, this would depend on whether any shoot is taking place during the days of your visit.
Have your breakfast and head to Lonavala. You stop by at Khandala which is a famous hill station. It is home to some of the vantage spots such as the Sunset point and RAJMACHI FORT – a prominent landmark that watches over some of the most breathtakingly beautiful and wide sceneries of the region. The complex contains two forts that are separately situated at the Shrivardhan and Manaranjan Peaks. KUNE FALLS is another attraction here. It is a 3-tiered waterfall situated in the dramatic valley. The waterfall is surrounded by the Tamhini Ghat mountain pass.
When you reach Lonavala and check in at the hotel. After resting for a while, move out to explore Lonavala. A part of the Sahyadri hills, Lonavala offers an alluring and bewitching experience amidst nature’s bounty. It is surrounded by thick forests, waterfalls, dam and lakes. Lonavala is a must-visit destination if you are a nature lover and want a soulful trip. You can also visit the BHAJA CAVES which are reckoned as the oldest caves in India and date back all the way to 160 B.C. The Bhaja caves are a cluster of 22 rock-cut caves which are said to have been existing from the times of Hinayana phase of Buddhism, which is of 2nd to 1st century BC.
KARLA CAVE is the largest Hinayana Buddhist chaitya (temple) in India. Travel back in time on this trip to ancient Indian rock-cut caves with the best rock-cut architecture of all times. The ancient caves are protected as the Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India. KORIGAD FORT is also a good scenic place to visit.
It has steps all the way to the top. The lakes at the top of the fort are awesome as they are quite big. Anyone can visit this place as it’s quite easy. Also, it’s a great place for trekking. Return to the hotel and stay overnight.
After breakfast leave for Mahabaleshwar. Renowned for its rivers, superb cascades and majestic peaks, Mahabaleshwar outstands amongst the rest of the places to visit. It is also famous for its strawberries. Well-known for its charming beauty and the attractive strawberry farms, the hill town consists of ancient temples, boarding schools, trimmed and lush thick forest, waterfalls, hills, valleys. The place is undeniably among the most sought-after weekend getaways from Mumbai. Charming views, enticing valleys, serene lakes and a refreshing delight for your taste buds summarize this nature’s gift at its best.
After the check-in formalities leave for the sightseeing of the attractions. Visit the alluring spots such as ARTHUR’S SEAT. It is the most popular place in Mahabaleshwar. Although it is popularly called as the ‘Queen of Points’, the place was originally called as MADHI MAHAAL. The 1470m tall Arthur’s Seat is known for floating of light objects. If you throw things like a bottle cap into the valley, it floats up due to air pressure.
BABINGTON POINT is the next attraction included in the itinerary. This captivating site offers a panoramic view of luxuriant greenery and beautiful landscape of the valley. What fascinates tourists the most is its meandering pathway that is adorned with several species of plants and trees. It is considered perfect for nature lovers, bird watchers, adventure enthusiasts, and peace seekers. To admire breathtaking natural views and tranquil ambiance, a visit to this viewpoint is a must.
After this, visit the Sunset point. It is one of the most popular points in Mahabaleshwar. Also popularly known as Mumbai Point or Bombay Point, the place has a large open space with a bandstand. An ideal place for a late noon picnic, the Mumbai Point is the point from where people watch the sun setting over the valleys.
Call it a day at MORARJI CASTLE, a historical place built in the old colonial style. The place is a must-visit if you are fond of history. Also, you will get a good view of the Konkan region from here.
Head back to the hotel for an overnight stay.
After breakfast, get ready for a drive to Alibaug. It is a very popular weekend getaway and has earned itself the name of ‘mini-Goa’, owing to the high tourist footfall all year round. Steeped in rich colonial past, Alibaug is a quaint little town located about 110 kilometers from Mumbai. The place is replete with sandy beaches, clean unpolluted air and plenty of forts and temples. In spite of being a small town, the places make sure that there will be no shortage of activities to do.
On reaching Alibaug, check in at the hotel, freshen up and then head for sightseeing. Visit some of the famous forts like the KHANDERI FORT. It was constructed on a small island. There are two popular attractions in the fort which are a temple devoted to Lord Vitthal and a Tomb of Daud Pir. Towards the north of the fort at about fifty yards, there is a wooden-roofed temple where Lord Vitthal is worshipped.
Next, take a tour of KOLABA FORT. An old military fortification, the Kolaba Fort is surrounded by waters of the Arabian Sea from all sides, Kolaba Fort or Alibaug Fort is one of the most important tourist attractions. You can reach Alibaug by foot during low tides, but during high tides, a boat must be hired. The walk is quiet and scenic as the area is scarcely populated with only a few beachgoers here and there.
This is followed by a trip to UNDHERI FORT. It is a wonderful site overlooking the Arabian Sea. Inside the fort, one can see the iron cannons with cartwheels which are barely seen in Maharashtra. Views of the sea from different corners of the fort are breathtaking. From there, head towards KIHIM BEACH. Bestowed with swaying coconut trees and featuring pollution free green atmosphere, the Kihim Beach is famous for a variety of reasons. The place boasts of extraordinary beauty and picturesque scenes. It is the perfect place for nature lovers to come and relax in the lap of nature. Photographers can have a fun-filled time while clicking some of the fantastic shots.
The last attraction of the day is the AKSHI BEACH. If you’re looking forward to getting lost in a serene place then Akshi Beach is the right place for. The calm waters hit the shore fringed with palm and coconut trees. The sight makes this place an absolute delight. It is one of the cleaner beaches in India.
Return to the hotel and stay overnight.
This day marks the end of your memorable tour. After the breakfast leave for the Mumbai airport and board the flight for your onward journey.
