Maharashtra in 7 Days: A Practical Itinerary

Seven days in Maharashtra is enough for a rich, varied trip: one night in Mumbai, two in Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) for the Ajanta and Ellora caves, and three or four on the Konkan coast or in the Sahyadri hills around Mahabaleshwar. Fly between Mumbai and Aurangabad to save time, check the caves' closing days, and choose coast or hills depending on the season.

Maharashtra combines one of India's great UNESCO sites with a quiet coastline and green hills, but its highlights are spread out. This itinerary covers the route with realistic travel times, explains what to cut and offers variations for families, couples and travellers with parents.

The route at a glance

Day 1: Mumbai

Spend your first day in South Mumbai: the Gateway of India and Taj Mahal Palace hotel façade, the art galleries and cafés of Kala Ghoda, the Gothic buildings around Fort and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. End with a walk along Marine Drive at sunset and dinner at an Irani café or a Maharashtrian thali restaurant.

Days 2–4: Aurangabad, Ellora and Ajanta

Fly to Aurangabad in the morning and visit Bibi Ka Maqbara, sometimes called the "Taj of the Deccan", and the lesser-known Aurangabad Caves. On day three, visit Ellora, where 34 caves span Buddhist, Hindu and Jain traditions; the Kailasa Temple, carved from a single rock, is one of India's architectural wonders. Add Daulatabad Fort and the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga temple. On day four, drive about two and a half hours to Ajanta, whose Buddhist caves hold some of India's oldest surviving murals, and fly back to Mumbai in the evening.

Days 5–7: The Konkan coast

Drive south from Mumbai or take a ferry from the Gateway of India to Mandwa for Alibaug. Continue to Kashid's white-sand beach and spend the afternoon relaxing. On day six, take a sailboat to the island fortress of Murud-Janjira, one of India's most impressive sea forts, and walk through coastal villages. Return to Mumbai on day seven; with an early start, you can visit the rock-cut Elephanta Caves (closed on Mondays) before your flight.

Variation: Mahabaleshwar and the hills

In the monsoon or summer, replace the coast with three nights in Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani: viewpoints over the Sahyadri ranges, strawberry farms (in season), Pratapgad Fort and the Kaas Plateau's wildflowers in September. Close to Mumbai, our Nature Nurture babymoon at Oleander Farms, Karjat offers a calm, short-transfer alternative.

Where to stay

Food along the route

Try vada pav, misal pav and Parsi café classics in Mumbai, naan qalia and Maharashtrian thalis in Aurangabad, and Konkani and Malvani dishes with coconut and kokum on the coast. Vegetarians will find solkadhi, puran poli and coconut curries easily.

Why this order works

Starting in Mumbai gives you an easy first day, the caves come next while energy is high, and the coast or hills provide a relaxing finish close to Mumbai's airport. Flying to and from Aurangabad saves two long road days. Our Timeless Wonders of Maharashtra follows a similar heritage route.

Keep one afternoon unscheduled on the coast for a long seafood or thali lunch and a walk on the beach.

Before you book

Check the cave closing days against your dates first, then fix flights to Aurangabad. If you are travelling in the monsoon, swap the Konkan coast for the hills, as the sea is unsafe for swimming and some coastal roads can be slow in heavy rain. For Diwali, Christmas and long weekends, book coastal and hill resorts well in advance.

If it rains

Mumbai has excellent indoor options: the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya museum, the Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum and the city's many Irani cafés. In Aurangabad, the Ellora caves offer shelter, and Bibi Ka Maqbara is beautiful under cloudy skies.

Hire a licensed guide at both Ajanta and Ellora. The caves span several centuries and three religious traditions, and a good guide explains the carving techniques, the stories in the murals and how the Kailasa Temple was cut from the rock from the top down.

What to cut if you are short on time

• Four days: Mumbai (1) and Aurangabad (2), with Ajanta and Ellora.
• Five days: add one night at Alibaug.

Variations for families and parents

For families with older parents, Ellora's main caves are close to the road, and Ajanta has shuttle buses and palanquin services. Children enjoy the sea forts and Matheran's toy train. Choose beaches with lifeguards.

For couples

Couples can choose a boutique beach stay in Alibaug or a villa near Mahabaleshwar, with sunset viewpoints and slow mornings.

Timing this route

October to March is best for caves and coast; the monsoon suits the hills. See our month-by-month Maharashtra guide.

Budget levers

• Take the train between Mumbai and Aurangabad instead of flying.
• Use the ferry to Mandwa instead of driving to Alibaug.
• Stay in Konkan homestays for home-cooked Malvani food.
• Travel midweek to avoid weekend crowds from Mumbai and Pune.

With an extra day

Add Nashik for its vineyards and the Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga, or spend two nights at Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve via Nagpur for a wildlife finish. In September, the Kaas Plateau near Satara blooms with wildflowers.

Packing for this route

• Light cotton clothing and comfortable walking shoes for the caves.
• A hat, sunscreen and water for Ajanta and Ellora.
• Swimwear for the coast, and rain gear in the monsoon.
• Modest clothing for temples.

For the full planning overview, see our Maharashtra trip planning guide. With one named planner and WhatsApp support throughout, your flights, drivers and stays are arranged around cave closures and weather.

Your questions, answered

Is 7 days enough for Maharashtra?

Seven days is enough for Mumbai, Ajanta and Ellora, and one more region such as the Konkan coast or the Sahyadri hills around Mahabaleshwar.

How do you get from Mumbai to Aurangabad?

Fly from Mumbai to Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar) in about an hour, or take a fast train in around six to seven hours. Driving takes roughly six to seven hours.

Which days are Ajanta and Ellora closed?

Ajanta is closed on Mondays and Ellora on Tuesdays. Plan your Aurangabad days around these closures.

Is the Konkan coast good for families?

Yes. Beaches such as Kashid and Tarkarli are calmer than many in Goa, and sea forts like Murud-Janjira fascinate children. Avoid swimming during the monsoon.