Maharashtra Tour Packages for December 2026: Best Places, Itinerary, Prices & Travel Tips
Maharashtra is a diverse travel destination offering vibrant cities, peaceful hill stations, historic forts, ancient caves, spiritual destinations and beautiful coastal landscapes. December is a great time to explore many parts of the state, with generally pleasant conditions for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Whether you are planning a family holiday, a romantic getaway, a weekend escape or a pilgrimage, Maharashtra tour packages for December 2026 can be customised to suit different interests and budgets.
From Mumbai’s famous waterfront to the scenic hills of Mahabaleshwar, the green landscapes of Lonavala and the architectural wonders of Ajanta and Ellora, there is plenty to discover.
In this guide, you will find the best places to visit, suggested itineraries, estimated tour costs, travel tips and answers to common questions about planning a Maharashtra holiday.
Why Visit Maharashtra in December 2026?
December is suitable for exploring many of Maharashtra’s cities, hill stations and heritage attractions. The weather varies by destination, but cooler conditions in the hills and relatively comfortable sightseeing weather in many cities make it a popular travel period.
Department of Tourism Maharashtra
Reasons to plan a trip include:
- Pleasant sightseeing: Explore cities, monuments and local markets.
- Hill station holidays: Enjoy scenic views in Mahabaleshwar and Lonavala.
- Heritage experiences: Discover historic forts, temples and rock-cut caves.
- Spiritual journeys: Visit Shirdi and other important religious destinations.
- Beach getaways: Explore the Konkan coast and destinations such as Alibaug.
- Family-friendly travel: Combine sightseeing, nature, culture and relaxation in one trip.
Best Places to Visit in Maharashtra in December
1. Mumbai – The City of Dreams
Mumbai is an excellent starting point for a Maharashtra holiday. The city is famous for its waterfront, colonial-era architecture, lively markets, entertainment and food culture.
Top places to visit:
- Gateway of India
- Marine Drive
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus
- Elephanta Caves, subject to ferry operations
- Juhu Beach
- Colaba Causeway
Spend time exploring Mumbai’s landmarks, trying local street food and enjoying the city’s evening atmosphere.
2. Mahabaleshwar – A Beautiful Hill Station
Mahabaleshwar is known for its forested hills, scenic viewpoints, lakes and strawberry-related attractions. It is a good option for couples, families and travellers looking for a relaxing hill station holiday.
Department of Tourism Maharashtra
Top places to visit:
- Venna Lake
- Wilson Point
- Arthur’s Seat
- Elephant’s Head Point
- Mapro Garden
- Pratapgad Fort
December can be a pleasant time for sightseeing and enjoying the cool hill station weather. Check local opening times and road conditions before travelling to individual viewpoints.
3. Lonavala and Khandala – A Weekend Escape
Lonavala and Khandala are popular hill getaways, particularly for visitors travelling from Mumbai and Pune. The region features green valleys, rocky landscapes, caves and scenic viewpoints.
Top places to visit:
- Tiger’s Leap
- Bhushi Dam area, subject to access and seasonal conditions
- Karla Caves
- Bhaja Caves
- Rajmachi viewpoints
- Khandala viewpoints
These destinations work well for short holidays, family trips and weekend packages. December landscapes may be drier than during the monsoon, but the surrounding hills still offer attractive views.
4. Pune – Culture, History and Food
Pune combines historic attractions, temples, museums and a lively dining scene. It can be included in a longer Maharashtra itinerary or visited as a city break.
Top places to visit:
- Shaniwar Wada
- Aga Khan Palace
- Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple
- Sinhagad Fort
- Local cafés and shopping areas
Pune also works as a convenient base for exploring nearby attractions, depending on the duration of your trip.
5. Nashik – Temples, Ghats and Vineyards
Nashik is known for its religious significance, the Godavari River and vineyards around the city.
Top places to visit:
- Trimbakeshwar Temple
- Panchavati
- Ramkund
- Sula Vineyards, subject to visitor arrangements
- Pandavleni Caves
Nashik can be a good addition to a spiritual, cultural or leisure itinerary. Travellers planning a pilgrimage should confirm temple timings and any special arrangements for their dates.
6. Shirdi – A Spiritual Journey
Shirdi is one of Maharashtra’s best-known pilgrimage destinations and attracts devotees visiting the Sai Baba Temple.
Top experiences:
- Visit Shri Sai Baba Samadhi Mandir.
- Explore Dwarkamai.
- Visit Chavadi.
- Plan a visit to nearby Shani Shingnapur if time permits.
A one- or two-night stay can suit travellers who want to focus on Shirdi, while longer itineraries can combine it with Nashik or other destinations.
7. Ajanta and Ellora Caves – Ancient Heritage
The Ajanta and Ellora Caves are major highlights for history and architecture enthusiasts. Ajanta is renowned for its Buddhist paintings and rock-cut monuments, while Ellora features Buddhist, Hindu and Jain monuments, including the remarkable Kailasa Temple. Both are recognised UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Highlights include:
- Ancient cave architecture
- Sculptures and historic artwork
- Kailasa Temple at Ellora
- Cultural and archaeological experiences
Allow adequate time for these sites. Ajanta and Ellora are separate excursions, so it is usually better to plan them across different days rather than rushing through both.
8. Alibaug – A Relaxing Coastal Holiday
Alibaug is a popular coastal destination for travellers looking for beaches and a slower pace.
Places and experiences to consider:
- Alibaug Beach
- Kolaba Fort, depending on tide and access
- Local seafood and coastal cuisine
- Nearby beaches and village areas
Check ferry schedules if travelling by sea and confirm road transfers before finalising your hotel arrangements.
Suggested Maharashtra Tour Itineraries
These sample itineraries can be adapted according to your arrival city, travel dates and preferred pace.
Option 1: Maharashtra Tour Package – 4 Nights / 5 Days
Suggested route: Mumbai – Lonavala – Pune
1: Arrival in Mumbai
Arrive in Mumbai, check in to your hotel and visit the Gateway of India and Marine Drive, depending on arrival time.
2: Mumbai Sightseeing
Explore selected city attractions, local markets and other landmarks. Return to your hotel.
3: Mumbai to Lonavala
Transfer to Lonavala and explore accessible viewpoints and nearby attractions.
4: Lonavala to Pune
Travel to Pune and visit selected historical or cultural attractions.
5: Departure
Check out and transfer to the airport or railway station for your onward journey.
Option 2: Maharashtra Hill Station Tour – 5 Nights / 6 Days
Suggested route: Pune – Mahabaleshwar – Panchgani – Lonavala
1: Arrive in Pune and check in to your hotel.
2: Explore Pune’s main sightseeing attractions.
3: Travel to Mahabaleshwar and enjoy the hill station scenery.
4: Visit selected viewpoints, Venna Lake and Mapro Garden.
5: Travel towards Lonavala and explore the surrounding hills.
6: Complete any remaining sightseeing and depart.
Option 3: Maharashtra Heritage and Pilgrimage Tour – 6 Nights / 7 Days
Suggested route: Nashik – Shirdi – Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
1: Arrive in Nashik and check in.
2: Visit selected temples and local attractions in Nashik.
3: Travel to Shirdi and visit Sai Baba Temple, subject to darshan arrangements.
4: Continue to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
5: Explore the Ellora Caves and nearby heritage attractions.
6: Visit Ajanta Caves as a separate day excursion.
7: Check out and depart.
This route involves substantial road travel. Confirm drive times, attraction opening days and the location of your hotel before booking.
Maharashtra Tour Package Prices for December 2026
Your total holiday cost depends on the destinations, hotel category, room occupancy, transport, meals and travel dates.
The following prices are indicative estimates per person for land arrangements, not confirmed live quotations.
| Tour package | Estimated cost per person |
|---|---|
| 3 Nights / 4 Days | ₹7,000–₹13,000 |
| 4 Nights / 5 Days | ₹9,000–₹17,000 |
| 5 Nights / 6 Days | ₹12,000–₹22,000 |
| 6 Nights / 7 Days | ₹15,000–₹28,000 |
These estimates assume standard accommodation and shared costs for a suitable group or occupancy arrangement. Actual prices may be higher for premium hotels, private vehicles, peak dates or complex multi-city routes.
What May Be Included?
- Hotel accommodation
- Breakfast, and dinner if specified
- Airport or railway station transfers
- Sightseeing transport for the agreed itinerary
- Driver allowance, tolls and parking where included in the quotation
What May Cost Extra?
- Flights and train tickets
- Entry fees and guided tours
- Special activities and boating
- Meals not listed in the package
- Personal expenses
- Additional nights or itinerary changes
Request a written quotation with clear inclusions, exclusions, cancellation terms and applicable taxes before confirming your trip.
Travel Tips for Maharashtra in December
- Book early: Christmas and New Year dates can increase demand for hotels and transport.
- Choose the right route: Maharashtra is a large state. Avoid combining distant destinations into an overly rushed itinerary.
- Pack layers: Hill stations may feel considerably cooler than coastal cities, particularly in the morning and evening.
- Check opening days: Heritage sites and religious attractions may have specific operating hours or weekly closures.
- Plan road transfers realistically: Account for traffic, breaks and the distance between destinations.
- Confirm transport details: For coastal destinations, verify ferry availability and local access conditions.
- Check your package inclusions: Confirm meals, room type, sightseeing transport, entrance fees and additional charges before paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is December a good time to visit Maharashtra?
Yes. December is generally a good time to explore cities, heritage attractions and hill stations in Maharashtra. Conditions vary by destination, so plan according to the places you want to visit.
2. How many days are enough for a Maharashtra tour?
Four to six nights can suit a focused itinerary covering Mumbai, Lonavala, Pune or Mahabaleshwar. A heritage or pilgrimage circuit may need six or seven nights, depending on travel distances.
3. What is the estimated cost of a Maharashtra tour package?
A land package may cost approximately ₹9,000–₹17,000 per person for 4 nights and 5 days. The final amount depends on hotel category, occupancy, transport and the selected route.
4. Which are the best places to visit in Maharashtra with family?
Mumbai, Mahabaleshwar, Lonavala, Pune, Shirdi and selected heritage destinations can all work well for families. Choose a route with manageable travel times and activities suited to your group.
5. Can I visit Mumbai and Mahabaleshwar in one trip?
Yes. They can be combined in a multi-day itinerary, but you should allow enough time for road transfers and sightseeing rather than planning both destinations in a hurry.
6. Are Ajanta and Ellora Caves worth visiting?
Yes. They are excellent choices for travellers interested in history, architecture, sculptures and ancient Indian art. Plan separate excursions and check opening days before departure.
7. Can I customise a Maharashtra tour package?
Yes. A tour can be planned around your dates, arrival city, budget, preferred hotel category and interests, including family sightseeing, hill stations, heritage visits or pilgrimage.
Plan Your Maharashtra Holiday for December 2026
Maharashtra offers a wide variety of holiday experiences, from Mumbai’s energetic streets and the peaceful hills of Mahabaleshwar to Lonavala’s scenic landscapes, Shirdi’s spiritual atmosphere and the extraordinary heritage of Ajanta and Ellora.
The best itinerary depends on how many days you have and which destinations matter most to you. Compare routes, accommodation options and inclusions before making your booking.
Start planning your December 2026 Maharashtra holiday with an itinerary tailored to your budget, travel dates and interests.
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