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From Mumbai to Maheshwar: A Cultural Odyssey

0/5
Duration

14 Nights / 15 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English

Overview

Embark on the From Mumbai to Maheshwar: A Cultural Odyssey tour, a captivating journey through Maharashtra’s rich heritage and sacred sites. Begin in vibrant Mumbai, where you’ll explore iconic landmarks like Marine Drive, Elephanta Caves, and the Gateway of India. Travel to Nashik to experience its revered temples and sacred ghats. Discover the spiritual heart of Shirdi and delve into the historical grandeur of Aurangabad with its exquisite caves and fortresses. Venture through Burhanpur’s Mughal fortifications and Asirgarh’s strategic stronghold before arriving in Maheshwar. This immersive tour weaves together ancient temples, historic forts, and spiritual landmarks, offering a profound glimpse into India’s diverse cultural tapestry.

Highlights

  • This is a private tour/activity only for your group.
  • Enhanced cleaning/ traveler safety.
  • In-depth cultural experience.
  • Flexible sightseeing & stopover.
  • Most travelers can participate.

Bulk discount (by Percent)

Bulk discount adult
# Discount group From adult To adult Value
1 Discount on 2-person group 2 2 45.8%
2 Discount on 3-person group 3 3 46.2%
3 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 52.6%
4 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 54.0%
5 Discount on 6-person group 6 6 57.8%
7 Discount on 7-person group 7 7 58.0%
8 Discount on 8-person group 8 8 62.2%

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Mumbai

Arrive at Mumbai airport and meet with our office executive for assistance. Transfer to the hotel (check-in time is 12:00 PM; early check-in is subject to room availability). Spend the rest of the day at leisure, exploring local markets and dining options. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Mumbai

Breakfast at the hotel. Begin your day with a visit to Marine Drive, a 3.6 km long boulevard along the Arabian Sea. Known as the ‘Queen’s Necklace’ due to the string of streetlights that sparkle like diamonds at night, it offers a stunning view of the sea and city skyline. From the Gateway of India, take a motorboat to Elephanta Caves, a network of ancient rock-cut temples on Elephanta Island. These caves, dating from the 5th to 8th centuries, are renowned for their impressive sculptures of Hindu deities, including the colossal Trimurti, a 20-foot statue of the three-headed Shiva. Return to the Gateway of India, a grand archway built in 1924 to commemorate King George V and Queen Mary’s visit. This historic landmark overlooks the Arabian Sea and is an iconic symbol of Mumbai. Admire the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST), a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its Victorian Gothic architecture. The station, completed in 1887, is a masterpiece of design. Witness the bustling activity at Dhobi Ghat, an open-air laundry where Mumbai’s dhobis (washermen) wash clothes. The sight of colorful clothes drying in the sun is a vibrant spectacle. Explore the Prince of Wales Museum (closed on Mondays), which houses a rich collection of ancient artifacts, sculptures, and paintings. Its Indo-Saracenic architecture is as impressive as its exhibits. Visit Mani Bhawan, a historic building where Mahatma Gandhi stayed during his visits to Mumbai. The museum displays memorabilia related to Gandhi’s life and the Indian independence movement. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3: Mumbai – Nashik (170kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Nashik, a city renowned for its religious significance and vineyards. Visit the Trimbakeshwar Temple, an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This sacred site is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, featuring intricate carvings and sculptures, and is situated near the Brahmagiri hills, believed to be the origin of the Godavari River. Explore Brahmagiri Fort and Gangadwar, a sacred bathing ghat where devotees take holy dips. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4: Nashik – Shirdi - Aurangabad (170kms/)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Shirdi, a significant pilgrimage site dedicated to Sai Baba, a revered spiritual leader. Visit the Sai Baba Temple, the central shrine of Shirdi, where Sai Baba’s mortal remains are enshrined. Explore the Dwarkamai Mosque and other sites associated with Sai Baba’s life. On the way to Aurangabad, visit Panchavati in Nashik, a sacred area associated with the Hindu epic Ramayana, known for its temples and the scenic banks of the Godavari River. See Muktidham Temple and ISKCON Nashik, dedicated to various Hindu deities and Lord Krishna, respectively. Continue to Aurangabad and check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 5: Aurangabad – Ellora (36kms one way)

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Grishneshwar Temple, a Jyotirlinga shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva with intricate carvings and historical significance. Explore Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring 34 monasteries and temples carved into volcanic rock. The site showcases Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist temples, with notable caves such as the Kailasa Temple, renowned for its colossal rock-cut architecture. Discover Daulatabad Fort, a 12th-century fort known for its formidable defenses and strategic location, featuring structures like the Chand Minar and the Baradari. Admire Bibi ka Maqbara, often called the "mini Taj Mahal," built by Aurangzeb’s son as a mausoleum for his mother. The structure, resembling the Taj Mahal, is surrounded by beautiful gardens. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 6: Aurangabad – Ajanta - Burhanpur (220kmsx)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Burhanpur, with a visit to Ajanta Caves en route. Discover Ajanta Caves, a series of 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave temples featuring exquisite frescoes and sculptures dating from the 2nd century BC to the 6th century AD. The caves are renowned for their detailed paintings depicting Buddhist narratives and the life of the Buddha. Continue to Burhanpur and check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 7: Burhanpur – Asirgarh - Omkareshwar - Maheshwar (175kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Explore Badshahi Qila, a Mughal fort with impressive ramparts, intricate carvings, and a significant historical role. Visit Dargah-e-Hakimi, a revered shrine for Muslim pilgrims with a serene ambiance and historical significance. Admire Jama Masjid, known for its grand minarets, detailed carvings, and expansive prayer hall. Proceed to Asirgarh Fort, an ancient fort with strategic military importance and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Drive to Maheshwar, a town known for its historic fort and beautiful ghats along the Narmada River. Check in at the hotel in Maheshwar and unwind. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 8: Maheshwar - Mandu - Indore (125km)

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Maheshwar Fort, a historic fortress overlooking the Narmada River with ornate architecture and significant historical relics, surrounded by beautiful ghats and temples. Drive to Mandu, an ancient fort city known for its Afghan architecture and historical monuments. Explore Mandu’s architectural marvels, including Hoshang Shah’s Tomb, the first marble building in India, and Jahaz Mahal, a palace surrounded by water, giving it the appearance of a ship floating on a lake. Visit the Rani Roopmati’s Pavilion, an elegant structure offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, and the Hindola Mahal, known for its sloping walls and intricate carvings. Discover the Jahaz Mahal, a magnificent palace built on the shores of a lake, and the Echo Mahal, famous for its unique acoustics and historical significance. Drive to Indore and check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 9: Indore - Mahakaleshwar - Bhopal (255kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, an important Jyotirlinga shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple features a self-manifested lingam and elaborate rituals. Explore other significant sights in Ujjain, including the Kal Bhairav Temple, dedicated to the fierce form of Shiva, and the Ram Ghat, an important ghat on the banks of the Shipra River where devotees gather for religious rituals. Continue to Bhopal and check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10: Bhopal - Bhimbetka & Bhojpur (45kms one way)

Breakfast at the hotel. Explore Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient rock paintings and evidence of early human habitation. The caves feature prehistoric art that provides insights into early human lives. Visit Bhojpur, known for its massive Shiva linga carved from a single rock, and the unfinished Bhojeshwar Temple, a grand complex with remarkable architectural features. Tour Bhopal, including Jama Masjid, Moti Masjid, and Taj ul Masajid, each notable for its architectural elegance and historical significance. Explore Bharat Bhawan, an arts center showcasing traditional and contemporary art. Enjoy a serene boat ride on Upper Lake, a picturesque water body surrounded by greenery with scenic views of the city. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11: Bhopal excursion to Sanchi & Udayagiri (50kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Sanchi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stupas, monasteries, and pillars. The Sanchi Stupa, built in the 3rd century BC by Emperor Ashoka, is a significant Buddhist monument with beautifully carved gateways. Explore Udayagiri Caves, a group of rock-cut caves dating from the 4th and 5th centuries AD, featuring intricate carvings and sculptures related to Hinduism and Jainism. Return to Bhopal and check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 12: Bhopal - Agra (Satabdi Train 1515/ 2111hrs)

Breakfast at hotel, visit the Bhoj Wetland consists of two lakes located in the city of Bhopal. The two lakes are the Bhojtal and the Lower Lake manmade reservoir. A total of more than 20,000 birds are observed annually. Bhoj Wetland was recognized as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention of 1971 in 2002. The Upper Lake acts as the lifeline of the city supplying 40% of its potable water. White storks, black-necked storks, bar-headed geese, spoonbills, etc., that have been rare sightings in the past, have started appearing. A recent phenomenon is the gathering of 100-120 sarus cranes in the lake. The largest bird of India, the sarus crane (Grus antigone) is known for its size, majestic flight and lifetime pairing.

Later transfer to Bhopal railway station to board train for Agra. On arrival at Agra railway station assistance and transfer to hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 13: Agra - Delhi (210kms)

Sunrise visit Taj Mahal an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the bank of the Yamuna river commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his favorite wife Mumtaz Mahal, it also houses the tomb of Shah Jahan himself.

Return to your hotel for breakfast then visit Agra Fort the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty until 1638, when the capital was shifted from Agra to Delhi. Itmad-ud-Daula Tomb a Mughal mausoleum commissioned by Nur Jahan, the wife of Jahangir, for her father Mirza Ghiyas Beg.

Afternoon drive to Delhi, check in at hotel. Rest time free and easy to relax. Overnight at hotel.

Day 14: Delhi

Breakfast at hotel, city tour of Delhi. Visit landmark of Old Delhi which include Red Fort the residence of the Mughal emperor for nearly 200 years until 1857. Jama Masjid one of the largest mosques in the world, built by Shah Jahan. Cycle Rickshaw ride in Chandni chowk & Khari Baoli Spice Market a busy shopping area with markets full of spices, dried fruit, silver jewelry and vivid saris, while the narrow side streets are crowded with tiny shops selling essential oils, stationery and traditional Indian sweets. Raj Gath the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi where he was cremated after his assassination.

In New Delhi visit Humayun Tomb the first garden-tomb in Indian subcontinent and an early example of Mughal architecture commissioned by Humayun's first wife Empress Bega Begum in 1569-70. Qutab Minar a 73-metres tall minaret that forms part of the Qutb complex a fine examples of Afghan architecture. Lotus Temple a Baháʼí House of Worship notable for its flowerlike shape open to all, regardless of religion. Drive thrugh VVIP areas passing President House, Parliament & India Gate etc.

Rest time free and easy to relax and personal activities. Overnight at hotel.

Day 15: Delhi - Departure (flight)

Breakfast at hotel. As per flight schedule transfer to airport to board flight for onward destination.

Included/Excluded

  • Assistance on arrival at airport.
  • 14 Nights' accommodation in 4-star hotels.
  • Daily breakfast at hotels.
  • Train Ticket from Bhopal to Agra in AC Chair Car
  • Private air-conditioned deluxe car for airport transfer, sightseeing and excursion as per program.
  • English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per program.
  • Monument entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Bottled drinking water in car.
  • Government taxes.
  • Any air fare
  • Camera charges at monuments.
  • Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc.
  • Gratuities & optional activities.
  • Anything not mentioned in inclusions.

Tour's Location

FAQs

What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?

Hotels used or similar for 14 nights accommodation

4 Star Hotels
Mumbai x 2 nights: Fariyas Hotel/ The Gordon House
Nashik x 1 night: Regenta Resort Soma Village/ Hotel Express Inn
Aurangabad x 2 nights: Lemon Tree Hotel
Burhanpur x 1 night: MPT Tapti Retreat/ Hotel Grand Shivam
Maheshwar x 1 night: MPT Narmada Resort/ Aamantran At Fort Maheshwar
Indore x 1 night: Lemon Tree Hotel/ Effotel by Sayaji Indore
Bhopal x 3 nights: Noor Us Sabha Palace/ Sayaji Bhopal
Agra x 1 night: Radisson Hotel/ Holiday Inn
Delhi x 2 nights: The Hans/ The Royal Plaza

Can travelers upgrade the accommodation to 5-star hotels?

Yes, travelers can upgrade the accommodation to 5-star hotels by paying the supplement. Please send inquiry for same from the booking page to get the price quote.

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