5 Best Places to Visit in November in Maharashtra

November is the month when Maharashtra finally feels like a place you want to travel in. The monsoon is gone, the hills are still green, the heat of summer is far away, and the mornings have a light chill. Roads are in better shape, viewpoints are clear, and Diwali holidays give most families and offices a few free days to plan a trip.

If you are in Pune and wondering where to go this month, this guide covers the five places we recommend most often. These are the trips our drivers run every November, so the advice below comes from real journeys and not from a brochure. For each place you will find what to see, how far it is from Pune, how long to plan, and which vehicle suits your group.

Why November Is a Good Month to Travel in Maharashtra

A few simple reasons explain why November is so popular.

• Comfortable weather. Days are warm but not harsh, and evenings in hill areas turn pleasantly cool.
• Clear views. With the rains over, valleys, forts and viewpoints are far less covered in mist than in July or August.
• Safer roads. Ghat sections are easier to drive than in heavy rain, which makes long family trips less stressful.
• Holiday time. Diwali and the weeks around it give many people extra days off, so group and family travel picks up.

One honest warning: the Diwali week and the weekends in November are busy. Hotels fill up, and good vehicles get booked quickly. If you are travelling then, plan early.

1. Mahabaleshwar: Cool Mornings and Valley Views

Distance from Pune: about 120 km, usually 3 to 3.5 hours
Ideal duration: 2 days and 1 night

Mahabaleshwar is the most loved hill station near Pune, and November is among the nicest times to visit. The air is fresh, the sky is usually clear and the mornings feel properly cool. It is also a good time for families with children and elders, because you can walk around without getting drenched or sweaty.

What to see and do

• Arthur’s Seat and Wilson Point: Two of the best viewpoints for valley views, especially in the morning.
• Elephant’s Head Point: A rock formation with a dramatic drop and a good photo spot.
• Venna Lake: Boating, snacks and a relaxed evening walk.
• Pratapgad Fort: A historic fort a short drive from the town, important to Maharashtra’s history and worth a half day.
• Local markets: Strawberry and mulberry products, jams, crush and chikki. Strawberries are more of a winter fruit, so you may find them from the end of November, but availability changes every year.

Travel tip: Leave Pune before 7:00 AM on weekends to beat the traffic near Wai and Panchgani. A night stay is better than a day trip, because the sunrise and early morning viewpoints are the real reward.

For groups, our Force Urbania on rent in Mahabaleshwar explains the trip in more detail, including vehicle options and the usual route.

2. Lonavala and Khandala: The Easiest Escape From Pune

Distance from Pune: about 65 km, around 1.5 to 2 hours
Ideal duration: 1 day or a relaxed weekend

If you only have a free Saturday or Sunday, Lonavala is the simplest answer. It is close, easy to plan and offers a lot for every age group. In November the hills are still green from the monsoon, though the waterfalls will be thinner than they were in the rainy season. What you get instead is cleaner air, better visibility and far less slipperiness at the viewpoints.

What to see and do

• Tiger’s Point (Lion’s Point): Popular for sunset and valley views.
• Karla and Bhaja Caves: Ancient rock cut Buddhist caves, ideal for people who enjoy history and photography.
• Lohagad Fort: An easy trek for beginners, and a good morning plan for friends and families with older kids.
• Bhushi Dam and Pavana Lake area: Good for a quiet evening, though water levels and conditions change through the month.
• Chikki and fudge shops: A Lonavala trip always includes a stop here.

Travel tip: Weekends in November can be crowded around Tiger’s Point and the Old Mumbai Pune Highway. Go on a weekday if you can, or start very early.

If you are travelling as a larger family, a tempo traveller on rent in Pune keeps everyone together and avoids the headache of parking multiple cars. You can also check our dedicated page for Force Urbania on rent in Lonavala.

3. Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad): Ajanta and Ellora Caves

Distance from Pune: about 235 km, usually 5 to 5.5 hours
Ideal duration: 2 to 3 days

November is the start of the best season for cave exploration. These are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and walking through them is far more pleasant in cool weather than in the heat of May or the humidity of July.

What to see and do

• Ellora Caves: About 30 km from the city. The famous Kailasa Temple, carved from a single rock, is the highlight, and you will need at least 3 to 4 hours here.
• Ajanta Caves: Around 100 km from the city, known for ancient Buddhist paintings and sculptures. Plan a full day for it.
• Daulatabad Fort: A massive hill fort with a winding, dark passage and strong views from the top.
• Bibi Ka Maqbara: Often called the Taj of the Deccan, and a good evening stop.
• Grishneshwar Temple: One of the twelve jyotirlingas, close to Ellora.

Travel tip: Ajanta is usually closed on Mondays, and Ellora is usually closed on Tuesdays. Always check the current schedule before fixing your dates, because closing days can change. Spending one night in the city and one more near the caves makes the trip much less rushed.

Because this is a longer drive, comfort matters. Our Force Urbania on rent in Aurangabad covers the route, and for bigger groups you can look at our bus on rent in Pune options.

4. Nashik and Trimbakeshwar: Temples, Hills and Vineyards

Distance from Pune: about 210 km, around 4.5 to 5 hours
Ideal duration: 2 days

Nashik is a perfect mix of faith, nature and a modern, relaxed city feel. In November the weather is good for temple visits, river ghats and open air sightseeing, and the nearby hills look especially fresh.

What to see and do

• Trimbakeshwar Temple: One of the twelve jyotirlingas and the source point of the Godavari. Queues can be long on weekends and festival days, so go early.
• Panchavati and Ramkund: A holy area on the Godavari with temples linked to the Ramayana.
• Kalaram Temple: A well known black stone temple in Panchavati.
• Pandavleni Caves: Ancient Buddhist caves on a hill, with a short climb and good views over the city.
• Vineyards around Nashik: Many offer tours and tastings, and visiting in the pleasant weather of November is far more enjoyable than in summer. Check opening times before you go, because rules and timings vary.
• Brahmagiri Hill: For those who enjoy a bit of trekking and sunrise views.

Travel tip: Combine temple visits in the morning and keep the afternoon free for the caves or vineyards. If you are travelling with senior citizens, plan Trimbakeshwar on a weekday.

You can read more on our Force Urbania on rent in Nashik page.

5. Shirdi and Shani Shingnapur: A Peaceful Pilgrimage Trip

Distance from Pune: about 185 km, around 4 to 5 hours
Ideal duration: 1 night and 2 days, or a long single day

November is a popular month for pilgrimage, and Shirdi sees steady crowds because of Diwali holidays and the cooler weather. It works well for families, elders and groups who want a simple, spiritual trip without heavy travel planning.

What to see and do

• Sai Baba Samadhi Mandir: The main darshan, which can have long queues, especially on Thursdays, weekends and festival days.
• Dwarkamai and Chavadi: Places closely connected with Sai Baba’s life in Shirdi.
• Lendi Baug: A peaceful garden area in the town.
• Shani Shingnapur: A well known temple a short drive from Shirdi, which many groups add to the same trip.

Travel tip: Start from Pune around 4:30 or 5:00 AM if you want to do darshan the same day without a rush. If you have senior citizens, an overnight stay is far more comfortable.

For a full cost and planning breakdown, read our Pune to Shirdi group trip guide, or look at our Force Urbania on rent in Shirdi page.

Bonus Idea: Ashtavinayak Darshan in November

If your group is more interested in a spiritual circuit, November is also a lovely month for the Ashtavinayak yatra. The roads are dry, the weather is comfortable and the temples are easier to enjoy than in the rainy season. Our Ashtavinayak darshan by tempo traveller guide has the full route and an itinerary you can follow.

How to Choose the Right Vehicle for Your November Trip

Picking the right vehicle can make or break a family trip. Here is a simple way to decide.

• Up to 4 people: A sedan like a Swift Dzire or Etios from our car rental in Pune fleet is enough. Rates start at ₹13 per km.
• 5 to 6 people: An Ertiga or Innova Crysta gives better space and comfort for longer drives.
• 7 to 9 people: A Tata Winger on rent in Pune is a good middle option.
• 10 to 16 people: A Force Urbania on rent in Pune gives premium comfort, push back seats and good luggage space. Our current rates are ₹32 per km for the 13 seater and ₹33 per km for the 16 seater.
• 17 to 20 people: A tempo traveller is the usual choice.
• More than 20 people: A bus makes the most sense for school groups, society trips and large families.

A small tip from experience: never fill a vehicle to its full seating count on a multi day trip. Keep two or three seats free for luggage, shopping and anyone who wants to stretch out.

Quick Planning Tips for a November Trip

• Book early. The Diwali week, long weekends and the last weekend of November are the busiest. Book your vehicle 7 to 10 days ahead.
• Carry light layers. Hill areas like Mahabaleshwar turn cool in the evening and early morning.
• Start early. Leaving Pune by 6:00 AM makes a huge difference on weekend traffic.
• Check opening days. Caves, forts and some museums have weekly closing days, so confirm before you travel.
• Keep a buffer. Festival crowds can slow down temple darshan, so avoid squeezing in too many places in one day.
• Ask for the full price. Confirm the kilometre limit, toll, parking, driver allowance and night halt charges before you book.

You can also read our terms and conditions and cancellation and refund policy before paying an advance.

Why Travel With Shelke Travels?

• More than 30 years of experience in group and family travel from Pune
• Verified drivers who know Maharashtra’s highways and ghat roads
• Well maintained, clean and GPS enabled vehicles
• A clear quote before you book, so you know what you will pay
• A real person to talk to on the phone, 24/7

You can find more route guides and travel tips on our travel blog.

Plan Your November Trip With Us

November is short and busy, so the best trips are the ones that are planned early. Pick your destination, decide your group size and let us handle the vehicle and driver while you enjoy the journey. Call +91 84840 68364 or send your trip details on our booking page and we will send you a clear quote.

Frequently Asked Questions