As one of the largest states in India, Maharashtra extends from the sea on its west, past the hilly Western Ghats and into the volcanic formations of the Deccan plateau. The diversity of its landscape has thrown up a number of spots which are accessible, yet lonely, picturesque yet steeped in culture.

A few hours drive from the hustle of Mumbai takes you either along the Konkan coast, or into the Sahyadris, as the Western Ghats are known. The drive along the Konkan coast is delightful, taking you past the swaying palms and the sea on one side and the forested hills on the other. Here is where some of India's best beaches lie - Ganapatiphule, Murud, Vengurla Malvan, Tarkarli, Shriwardhan - Harihareshwar and Velneshwar, to name a few, each with its special backdrop. The Janjira Fort is an island fort, built off Murud to fend off enemies before they reached the mainland.

Into the Sahyadris, there are sights galore for the nature lover, and the ancient Buddhist caves that spring up along the way add to the intrigue. Mahabaleshwar, Matheran, and the Panhala Hills are frequented by tourists, yet remain secluded and beautiful, you can select it as honeymoon places. Here you'll be tempted to trek through the forests and the pathways, and explore the ruins of many a fort that rise abruptly from the ground.

In fact, the celebrated Ajanta Caves were discovered by a group of British officers in the 19th century, after being buried under debris for almost 2000 years. The 30 Ajanta caves have sculptures carved by monks who lived and preached there between 200 BC and 650 BC. The stone panels tell stories from India's fables related to incarnations of Buddha, and have perfectly crafted images of flying nymphs, a preaching Buddha and the like.

Ellora is a series of 34 caves with elaborately crafted entrances, and fine interiors representing the Hindu, Jain and Buddhist religions. The temples have been etched out of a solid piece of rock, and carry themes from the Puranas, ancient Hindu texts in tourism in Maharashtra. Both Ajanta and Ellora can be accessed from Aurangabad which has air, road and rail facilities.

Duration: 05 Nights/ 06 Days

Destinations: Mumbai - Mahabaleshwar - Panchgani

Day 01: Mumbai/ Elephanta Caves

Arrival in Mumbai and transfer to hotel. After refreshing, proceed for a tour to Elephanta Island. Here are located the world famous Elephanta Caves carved out of rocks. The island is thickly covered with palm, tamarind and mango trees.

Overnight at hotel in Mumbai.

Day 02: Mumbai

A full day Mumbai Darshan.

Places to visit: Mahalaxmi Temple, Hanging Garden, Kamla Nehru Park, Boot House, Girgaon Chowpatty, Nehru Planetarium, Gateway of India, Jogger’s Park, Juhu Beach etc.

Day 03& 04: Mahabaleshwar

On the third day of your honeymoon trip in Maharashtra, proceed to Mahabaleshwar. Distance between Mahabaleshwar is 250kms approx and it takes around 5 hrs to there. Spend two days of your honeymoon trip in the romantic ambience of Mahabaleshwar.

Mahabalshwar is a marvelous hill station located in the state of Maharashtra in India. Mahabaleshwar is the favorite weekend destination for Mumbaites and other Maharashtrians as it is away from the hustle and bustle. Landscape of Mahabaleshwar consists of flat-topped ghats, dense forests and lush green valley.

Places to visit in Mahabaleshwar: Echo Point, Mapro Garden, Strawberry Garden, Kates Point, Needle Point and Hunter Point,Mount Malcolm, Catholic Church, Mahabaleshwar club, Morarji Castle, Pratapgad Fort, Lodwick Point, Elphinstone Point, Dhobi waterfall, Krishna and Mahabaleshwar Temples, Lingmala waterfall, view point of the five rivers-Krishana, Koyana, Savitri, Veena and Gayatri.

Overnight at hotel in Mahabaleshwar.

Day 05: Excursion trip to Panchgani

After breakfast leave for a full day trip to Panchgani, a hill resort 19 kms from Mahabaleshwar.

Panchgani hill station is so called as it is surrounded by five hills. Panchgani is a well known hill station in Maharashtra famous for trekking and other adventure activities. Table Land-flat mountain top and berry farms of Panchgani are fascinating.

Overnight at hotel in Mahabaleshwar.

Day 06: Mahabaleshwar- Mumbai

Transfer to Mumbai airport/railway station for your onward journey. Tour concludes.