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Coastal & Cuisine Tour of Maharashtra
Mumbai – Chiplun – Ganpatipule – Malvan – Kolhapur.
WHEN
September To May
PRICE
From CAD 200 per night
excluding flight tickets
HOW LONG
06 nights
DAY 01
Arrival in Mumbai – Gateway to the Konkan
Arrive at Mumbai International Airport, where our representative will be waiting to greet you. After a warm welcome, you will be assisted with your transfer to the hotel. During the drive, you'll be introduced to your driver and handed your complete travel kit.
The rest of the day is at leisure to unwind after your journey. You may relax at the hotel or explore the vibrant neighbourhood nearby.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Mumbai.
DAY 02
Mumbai to Chiplun – Into the Heart of Konkan
Start your day with an early breakfast and set out on a scenic drive to Chiplun (no photos available), a quaint town nestled in the lush Sahyadri hills, along the Konkan coast. Known for its rivers, forts, and spice plantations, Chiplun offers a refreshing retreat into nature and history.
Upon arrival, check into your pre-booked hotel and enjoy a leisurely lunch.
In the afternoon, visit the historic Gowalkot (Govindgad) Fort, dramatically perched on a hill overlooking the Vashishti River. Surrounded by the river on three sides and once protected by a deep moat on the fourth, the fort played a key strategic role in defending the Chiplun port.
Overnight stay at your hotel in Chiplun.
DAY 03
Chiplun to Ganpatipule – Serene Shores and Sacred Legends
After a delightful breakfast, embark on a picturesque 2-hour drive to Ganpatipule, a coastal paradise along the Konkan Coast known for its untouched beauty and spiritual significance.
On arrival, check into your pre-booked hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax and soak in the tranquil charm of Ganpatipule Beach, one of the cleanest and most scenic beaches in Maharashtra. The golden sands and turquoise waters offer the perfect setting for sunbathing or simply watching the waves roll in. While the sea appears inviting, swimming is not advisable due to rocky patches beneath the surface.
In the evening, visit the sacred Swayambhu Ganpati Temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesha. This ancient shrine, over 400 years old, houses a naturally formed (swayambhu) idol believed to have been discovered over 1600 years ago. Uniquely, the deity faces west—towards the Arabian Sea—earning it the title of ‘Paschim Dwar Dewata’, one of the eight revered Ashta Ganpati temples in India.
Nestled at the base of a hill, the temple invites devotees to perform ‘pradakshina’, a ritual circumambulation of the hill, symbolizing reverence and devotion.
Spend some time strolling through the charming local markets for souvenirs and local sweets.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Ganpatipule.
DAY 04
Ganpatipule to Malvan – Dive into Marine Wonders
Post breakfast, continue your coastal journey with a scenic drive to Malvan, a hidden gem along the southernmost tip of Maharashtra’s Konkan belt. Upon arrival, check into your pre-booked hotel and prepare for an exciting day of marine adventure.
Malvan is home to the Malvan Marine Sanctuary, the only marine sanctuary in Maharashtra, spread across 29.22 sq. km. A haven for marine biodiversity, the sanctuary teems with coral reefs, mangroves, sea anemones, pearl oysters, seaweed, molluscs, and over 27 species of fish.
This is the perfect place to try S.C.U.B.A diving and snorkelling, offering a rare chance to witness the vibrant underwater world of the Arabian Sea. Certified instructors and safe diving protocols make this a thrilling yet accessible experience for beginners and seasoned divers alike.
In addition to its aquatic treasures, the sanctuary is dotted with golden beaches and casuarina plantations, ideal for peaceful walks after your underwater adventures.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Malvan.
DAY 05
The Maritime Legacy of Sindhudurg – Forts and Flavours
After an early breakfast, set out on an exciting excursion to the Sindhudurg Fort, an architectural marvel that proudly stands guard over the Arabian Sea.
To reach this formidable sea fort, board a safety boat from Malvan. The scenic 15-minute ride weaves through the narrow channel between Padmagad and Dhontara islands, setting the stage for a journey back in time. Guides are available at the jetty to lead you through the historical secrets and stories etched into the walls of this grand monument.
Spread across 48 acres, the fort boasts 3 km-long ramparts, rising 30 feet high and 12 feet thick, designed to thwart even the most determined invaders. Over 4,000 mounds of iron were used in its construction, and the ingenious design includes a hidden main entrance, cleverly camouflaged to deceive enemies.
A walk through the fort is a deep dive into Maratha maritime history, echoing with tales of courage, naval prowess, and strategic brilliance. The structure remains a protected heritage site today and stands as one of India’s greatest coastal defenses.
Return to Malvan and enjoy a relaxed afternoon at leisure. You may choose to unwind by the beach or explore the coastal town at your own pace.
In the evening, treat your palate to Malvan’s famed cuisine—a tantalizing fusion of Konkani and Maharashtrian flavours. Dishes like Malvani fish curry, Kombdi Vade, and Solkadhi are a must-try for food enthusiasts.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Malvan.
DAY 06
Royal Heritage and Spicy Flavours of Kolhapur
After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a 5-hour drive to Kolhapur, a vibrant city often referred to as the "Sugar Bowl of India". Renowned for its prosperity, Kolhapur is a blend of royal heritage, economic dynamism, and deep-rooted traditions. With the highest per capita ownership of Mercedes cars among India’s II-tier cities, thriving textile and sugar industries, and a celebrated education hub, Kolhapur pulses with energy. But above all, it is cherished for two distinct icons: its fiery cuisine and handcrafted leather footwear.
Upon arrival, check into your pre-booked hotel and unwind.
In the afternoon, dive into the city’s regal past with a visit to the New Palace and the Chhatrapati Shahu Museum, an architectural gem built in 1884. Designed by Major Charles Mant, the palace beautifully blends Jain, Hindu (from Gujarat and Rajasthan), and local Rajwada architectural styles. The palace’s ground floor houses a museum displaying royal artifacts—costumes, jewellery, silver elephant saddles, traditional weaponry, and personal memorabilia, including a letter from the British Viceroy.
The Shahaji Chhatrapati Museum, located within the palace, holds an eclectic collection from the Maharaja’s personal possessions—guns, hunting trophies, garments, and decorative items—offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into the royal lifestyle.
As evening approaches, pay homage at the Mahalaxmi Temple, one of Maharashtra’s most revered shrines. Built in black stone, its architecture is a visual feast of horizontal mouldings, vertical offsets, and masterfully sculpted walls that depict deities, dancers, musicians, and mythological scenes. Although the temple's superstructures (shikharas) were added in the 19th century, the sanctum retains its ancient spiritual aura.
The evening is yours to explore Kolhapur’s bustling bazaars. If you're a fan of authentic Indian footwear, this is your chance to pick up a pair of the world-famous Kolhapuri chappals—elegant, handcrafted, and timeless.
Cap the day with a delicious local dinner at Dehati Restaurant, located near Ayodhya Park. A favourite among locals, this restaurant is known for its spicy Kolhapuri thalis, especially the non-vegetarian specialties like mutton sukka and tambda-rassa. The hearty flavours and aromatic spices here will leave your taste buds tingling.
Overnight stay in Kolhapur.
DAY 07
Panhala’s Echoes of Valor & Departure
After breakfast, set out for a day steeped in history and natural charm with a visit to the majestic Panhala Fort, located about 20 km from Kolhapur. Perched at an altitude of 977 meters, Panhala isn’t just a hill station—it’s a living chronicle of the Maratha Empire’s resilience and glory.
Built between 1178–1209 AD, Panhala Fort is the largest of the Deccan forts, standing as a silent sentinel over centuries of warfare, strategy, and statesmanship. The fort’s sprawling ramparts and bastions still whisper tales of Shivaji Maharaj, who once used this fort as a strategic base. The surrounding landscape is a canvas of rolling green hills, crisp air, and sweeping vistas, making it a serene escape from the bustle of city life.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a nature lover, Panhala’s blend of ancient architecture and lush tranquillity offers a perfect farewell to your journey through Maharashtra’s cultural and coastal treasures.
Later in the afternoon, begin your drive to Pune or Mumbai, depending on your onward travel plans. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the airport or railway station for your flight or train back home.