After breakfast, embark on an excursion to the UNESCO-listed Elephanta Caves, reached by a scenic boat ride across the harbor. These 6th-century rock-cut caves are dedicated to Lord Shiva and house the magnificent three-headed Maheshmurti sculpture. Returning to the mainland, visit the Gateway of India, Mumbai’s most iconic landmark, and drive along Marine Drive for panoramic coastal views. Explore the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, one of India’s leading museums housed in an impressive domed building, and wander through the Kala Ghoda art precinct with its galleries and colonial charm. A stop at Dhobi Ghat, the city’s fascinating open-air laundry, rounds off the day. Overnight in Mumbai.

This morning, drive to Nashik, an ancient city known for its spiritual sites and vineyards. After check-in, visit the Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, an exquisitely carved black-stone shrine built by the Peshwas, believed to mark the origin point of the sacred Godavari River. Spend time at the holy Kusavarta Kund, the symbolic birthplace of the river, and explore the surrounding Brahmagiri Fort and Gangadwar, both steeped in mythology and natural beauty. Overnight stay in Nashik.

Following breakfast, begin the day at Panchavati, where sacred sites linked to Lord Rama include Ramkund, Kalaram Temple, Sita Gufa, and Sundarnarayan Temple. Visit the ISKCON temple and the ancient Pandavleni Buddhist caves before driving to Shirdi, the town forever associated with the saint Sai Baba. Pay homage at Samadhi Mandir, Dwarkamai Mosque, and spend some peaceful time in Lendi Garden. Later, continue to Aurangabad for hotel check-in and overnight stay.

After breakfast, set out to explore the famed Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain monuments coexist in magnificent rock-cut artistry. Marvel at the Kailasa Temple, the largest monolithic structure in the world. Just nearby lies the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, the last of the twelve Jyotirlingas, built in red basalt and adorned with intricate carvings. Continue to Daulatabad Fort, a medieval marvel of military engineering, and later visit Bibi ka Maqbara, often called the “Taj of the Deccan.” End the day with visits to Panchakki, a 17th-century water-powered mill, and the lesser-known Aurangabad Caves before returning to the hotel. Overnight in Aurangabad.

Today’s drive takes you through the lush Sahyadri mountain ranges towards Bhimashankar. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and later visit the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple, a revered 13th-century shrine surrounded by the dense Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary. The temple’s setting amidst thick forests makes it both spiritually uplifting and scenically striking. If time permits, enjoy an optional trek through forest trails, keeping an eye out for the Indian Giant Squirrel, the sanctuary’s mascot. Overnight stay in Bhimashankar.

After breakfast, drive towards Mumbai with en route stops at some of the Western Ghats’ finest treasures. Visit the Karla Caves, home to one of the largest Buddhist prayer halls in India, followed by the nearby Bhaja Caves with their chaityas, viharas, and ancient stupas. Continue to Lohagad Fort, a hilltop stronghold offering panoramic views, and optionally stop at Bhushi Dam for a short walk in the tranquil monsoon setting. Arrive in Mumbai by evening, check in at your hotel, and rest after a full day of exploration. Overnight in Mumbai.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before spending some free time shopping for souvenirs or relaxing depending on your flight schedule. Later, transfer to the airport for your onward journey, bringing to a close a journey filled with devotion, heritage, and the natural beauty of Maharashtra.