Amazing Maharashtra Tour

After breakfast, your day will begin with a visit to the popular attractions of Mumbai. Delight in the sightseeing of the Gateway of India which is one of India's most unique landmarks. The colossal structure overlooks the Mumbai harbor and welcomes everybody entering in the city of Mumbai by sea. It is a major tourist attraction for visitors who arrive in India for the first time.

From there, head towards the Prince of Wales Museum which is an impressive structure and is regarded to be one of the heritage buildings in the city. The facade of the museum is a sight to behold in itself and sits in the midst of an expansive green garden. Decorated with splendid stones and lattice work, the architecture of the Prince of Wales Museum is an amalgamation of Indian, Mughal and British engineering styles. Inside the museum, there are almost 50,000 of some of the most gorgeous artifacts that relate to the rich and diverse history of India.

The next attraction of the day is 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.

Later in the evening visit the famous beaches like Juhu Beach. Not a typical swimming and bathing beach, it is best visited on weekend afternoons and evenings, when it comes alive with children's rides, carnival-like amusements and food stands. This is where you can find some of the tastiest eateries, watch the enthralling sunset and have a gala time with the fun activities, etc.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

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.

On day 4 of the Amazing Maharashtra Tour, eat the sumptuous breakfast and 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.