Mumbai, Matheran, Lonavala and Mahabaleshwar

Days 1 to 2: Mumbai

2 nights · Easy · Maharashtra's capital on the Arabian Sea, with colonial landmarks, sea promenades and rock-cut caves.

Day 1: Mumbai

• Start early at the Gateway of India before the crowds.
• Walk about 1 km to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) and spend two hours there.
• Continue to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) to see the building from outside.
• Take a taxi to Marine Drive for sunset and street food at Girgaum Chowpatty.

Day 2: Mumbai

• Take a morning ferry from the Gateway of India to the Elephanta Caves (not on a Monday).
• Spend about two hours at the caves and return by early afternoon.
• Check the tide, then take a taxi to Haji Ali Dargah and walk the causeway at low tide.
• Return to Marine Drive in the evening to see the lights.

Getting here from Mumbai: Train to Neral, about 1.5 to 2 hours, then the toy train or taxi. About 75 km by road.

Day 3: Matheran

1 night · Moderate · A car-free hill station above Neral, reached on foot, on horseback or by the narrow-gauge toy train.

Day 3: Matheran

• Train from Mumbai CSMT to Neral, then the toy train or a shared taxi to Dasturi Naka.
• Walk or ride in to the bazaar and check in.
• Charlotte Lake and Louisa Point in the afternoon.
• Sunset from Porcupine Point, then chikki in the bazaar.

Getting here from Matheran: Road, about 1.5 to 2 hours. About 45 km by road.

Day 4: Lonavala and Khandala

1 night · Easy · Twin Sahyadri hill towns between Mumbai and Pune, known for monsoon views, old caves and forts.

Day 4: Lonavala and Khandala

• Morning at Rajmachi Point in Khandala.
• Visit Bhushi Dam.
• Drive on to Tiger's Leap.
• End at Lion's Point for the sunset.
• Shop for chikki and fudge in town.

Getting here from Lonavala and Khandala: Road via Pune, about 4 to 4.5 hours. About 180 km by road.

Days 5 to 7: Mahabaleshwar

2 nights · Easy · A Western Ghats hill station known for valley viewpoints, Venna Lake and strawberries.

Day 5: Arrival day

• Travel from Lonavala and Khandala to Mahabaleshwar (about 4 to 4.5 hours).
• Visit Mapro Garden on the Panchgani road.
• Evening boating at Venna Lake.
• Walk the market for strawberries and cream.

Day 6: Mahabaleshwar

• Sunrise at Wilson Point.
• See Lingmala Waterfall.
• Drive to Mahabaleshwar Temple in Old Mahabaleshwar.
• Afternoon at Arthur's Seat.
• Sunset at Elephant's Head Point.

Day 7: Mahabaleshwar

• Morning drive to Pratapgad Fort.
• Climb to the top and see the ramparts.
• Return to town for lunch and depart.