Day 1

Arrival in Mumbai

• Morning:
  • Arrive in Mumbai, India’s financial capital, and check in to your hotel.
  • Start your day with a visit to the iconic Gateway of India and take a ferry to Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient rock-cut sculptures.
• Afternoon:
  • Return to Mumbai and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Colaba.
  • Visit the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (formerly Prince of Wales Museum) to get an insight into the art, history, and culture of India.
• Evening:
  • Stroll along Marine Drive and watch the sunset at Chowpatty Beach.
  • Dinner at a famous Mumbai eatery like Leopold Café or Bademiya for some authentic Mumbai flavors.
  • Overnight stay in Mumbai.

Day 2

Explore Mumbai

• Morning:
  • Visit the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST), another UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its stunning Victorian Gothic architecture.
  • Explore Dhobi Ghat, the world’s largest open-air laundry.
• Afternoon:
  • Head to Siddhivinayak Temple to seek blessings from Lord Ganesha.
  • Visit Haji Ali Dargah, a mosque located on an islet in the Arabian Sea.
• Evening:
  • Experience Mumbai’s nightlife in Bandra or Lower Parel with a visit to a trendy bar or live music venue.
  • Overnight stay in Mumbai.

day 3

Mumbai to Aurangabad

• Morning:
  • Early morning flight or train to Aurangabad (1 hour by flight, 6-7 hours by train).
  • Check in to your hotel.
• Afternoon:
  • Visit Bibi Ka Maqbara, often called the “Taj of the Deccan.”
  • Explore the Panchakki, a historic water mill and the Aurangabad Caves, which offer a beautiful blend of Buddhist architecture.
• Evening:
  • Leisurely evening at your hotel or explore the local market for Paithani sarees.
  • Overnight stay in Aurangabad.

day 4

Ajanta Caves

• Morning:
  • Day trip to the Ajanta Caves (2-hour drive from Aurangabad), another UNESCO World Heritage Site. These ancient rock-cut caves are famous for their exquisite Buddhist murals and sculptures.
• Afternoon:
  • Explore the caves and enjoy a packed lunch amid the serene surroundings.
• Evening:
  • Return to Aurangabad and relax at your hotel.
  • Overnight stay in Aurangabad.

day 5

Ellora Caves and Daulatabad Fort

• Morning:
  • Visit the Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases a mix of Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain rock-cut temples, including the stunning Kailasa Temple.
• Afternoon:
  • Head to the nearby Daulatabad Fort, known for its robust defense mechanisms and panoramic views.
  • Visit Ghrishneshwar Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
• Evening:
  • Return to Aurangabad and enjoy a traditional Maharashtrian dinner.
  • Overnight stay in Aurangabad.

day 6

Aurangabad to Nashik

• Morning:
  • Drive to Nashik (4-hour drive), the city known for its vineyards and religious significance.
  • Check in to your hotel.
• Afternoon:
  • Visit the Trimbakeshwar Temple, one of the most revered Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
  • Explore the Pandavleni Caves, ancient rock-cut caves dating back to the 3rd century BC.
• Evening:
  • Visit a local vineyard, such as Sula Vineyards, for a tour and wine tasting.
  • Overnight stay in Nashik.

day 7

Nashik to Shirdi and Shani Shingnapur

• Morning:
  • Drive to Shirdi (2-hour drive) to visit the famous Sai Baba Temple.
• Afternoon:
  • Proceed to Shani Shingnapur (1-hour drive from Shirdi), a village known for its temple dedicated to Lord Shani.
• Evening:
  • Return to Nashik.
  • Overnight stay in Nashik.

day 8

Nashik to Pune

• Morning:
  • Drive to Pune (5-hour drive), Maharashtra’s cultural capital.
  • Check in to your hotel.
• Afternoon:
  • Visit Shaniwar Wada, the historic fortification of the Peshwas.
  • Explore the Aga Khan Palace, a significant monument in India’s freedom struggle.
• Evening:
  • Stroll around Koregaon Park and enjoy dinner at a popular eatery like German Bakery.
  • Overnight stay in Pune.

day 9

Pune to Mahabaleshwar

• Morning:
  • Drive to Mahabaleshwar (3-hour drive), a beautiful hill station in the Western Ghats.
  • Check in to your hotel.
• Afternoon:
  • Visit Arthur’s Seat for panoramic views of the valleys.
  • Explore Venna Lake for boating and a peaceful time.
• Evening:
  • Enjoy a walk in the Mapro Garden and try some fresh strawberry-based products.
  • Overnight stay in Mahabaleshwar.

day 10

Mahabaleshwar to Tadoba

• Morning:
  • Visit Pratapgad Fort, a historic fort offering stunning views of the surrounding hills.
  • After a leisurely breakfast, drive back to Pune.
• Afternoon/Evening:
  • Take an evening flight from Pune to Nagpur (1 hour 20 minutes).
  • Upon arrival, transfer to Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (3-hour drive).
  • Check in to a jungle lodge or resort near the reserve.
  • Overnight stay at Tadoba.

day 11

Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve

• Morning:
  • Embark on an early morning jungle safari in the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve. Keep your eyes peeled for tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and a variety of bird species.
• Afternoon:
  • Relax at your lodge after lunch.
  • Visit the local tribal villages or take a nature walk.
• Evening:
  • Go for an evening safari to experience the forest in different light conditions.
  • Overnight stay at Tadoba.

day 12

Departure from Nagpur

• Morning:
  • After a leisurely breakfast, check out from your lodge and drive back to Nagpur.
• Afternoon:
  • Explore Nagpur, visiting the Deekshabhoomi, where Dr. B.R. Ambedkar embraced Buddhism, or the Nagpur Central Museum.
  • Enjoy some local Maharashtrian snacks like Saoji cuisine before heading to the airport.
• Evening:
  • Board your flight back home or to your next destination, concluding your 12-day journey through Maharashtra.

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