Tours · IND-22

13-Day Empires of the Sahyadri: Marine Forts, Cave Temples & Meteorite Crater

Mumbai · Elephanta · Alibaug · Murud · Mahad · Raigad · Lonavala · Pune · Nashik · Daulatabad · Khuldabad · Aurangabad · Ellora · Ajanta · Lonar

Duration13 Days, 12 Nights

PaceModerate pace

Best timeOct–Feb

Journey typeDeccan & Rock-Cut Heritage

PricePrivate quotation in 24 h

The journey

Sea forts, Shivaji's citadel, the Ajanta and Ellora caves and Lonar's meteorite crater across thirteen days of Maharashtra.

Unites coastal island sea forts, Shivaji's Maratha mountain capital, UNESCO rock-cut cave complexes, and the rare geological Lonar crater into an expansive Sahyadri odyssey. Comfortable rhythm with time at each site.

Highlights

Murud-Janjira Sea Fort & Raigad Maratha Mountain Citadel.
UNESCO Ajanta & Ellora Caves (Kailash Temple).
Lonar Meteorite Crater Lake & Chalukya-era temple ruins.
Daulatabad Fort, Elephanta Caves, and Bibi Ka Maqbara.

Route and day by day

Schematic route, not to scale.

Day 1Arrival in Mumbai

City landmarks and colonial architecture tour. Overnight in Mumbai.

Day 2Elephanta Caves & Konkan Coast Drive

Morning ferry to UNESCO Elephanta Caves. Drive south along the Konkan coast to Murud (approx. 4–5 hours; Alibaug is an alternative base). Overnight in Murud.

Day 3Murud-Janjira Marine Fort

Sailboat to unconquered Murud-Janjira Sea Fort (boats typically do not run in the monsoon); explore 50-ft walls, concealed main entrance, freshwater springs. Drive to Mahad (approx. 2.5 hours). Overnight in Mahad.

Day 4Raigad Maratha Capital to Lonavala

Ropeway ascent to Raigad Fort plateau (King's Durbar, Takmak Tok execution point). Afternoon drive to Lonavala (approx. 4 hours). Overnight in Lonavala.

Day 5Lonavala Caves & Forts

Tour Karla/Bhaja rock-cut monasteries and Lohagad Fort defenses. Overnight in Lonavala.

Day 6Lonavala to Pune

Tour Shaniwar Wada, Pataleshwar Cave, and Aga Khan Palace. Overnight in Pune.

Day 7Pune to Nashik

Tour Pandavleni Caves and Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga. Overnight in Nashik.

Day 8Nashik to Aurangabad via Daulatabad Fort

Daulatabad Fort defenses and Khuldabad. Overnight in Aurangabad.

Day 9Ellora Caves & Kailasa Temple

Tour Ellora Caves (Kailasa Temple) and Bibi Ka Maqbara. Overnight in Aurangabad.

Day 10Ajanta Caves Excursion

Full day exploring Ajanta monastery gorge and ancient murals. Overnight in Aurangabad.

Day 11Aurangabad to Lonar Meteorite Crater

Drive to Lonar Crater. Trek down into Pleistocene meteorite crater lake and explore crumbling Chalukya temples. Overnight in Lonar / Jalna.

Day 12Morning at Lonar & Return to Aurangabad

Morning rim birdwatching and crater exploration. Afternoon return drive to Aurangabad. Overnight in Aurangabad.

Day 13Departure

Transfer to Aurangabad Airport/Station (onward travel not included).

Best time to visit

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Best Fair Avoid

Best time: Oct–Feb. Also good: Mar.

October to February is cool and ideal for the caves and forts. The monsoon (June to September) turns the Sahyadri green but can disrupt boats to the sea forts and some cave visits. Murud-Janjira boat services typically stop during the monsoon.

What is included

Included

Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver
Licensed guide (English or Russian)
Monument entry fees
Hotels (12 nights)

Not included

Flights
Meals unless stated
Tips and personal expenses
Travel insurance

Indicative; your personal quotation confirms exactly what is included.

Good to know

Elephanta and Ajanta are closed on Mondays; Ellora is closed on Tuesdays.
Murud-Janjira boat services typically stop during the monsoon (about June–September).