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Mystical Maharashtra: A Sacred Tour of Shiva Temples and Ancient Wonders

0/5
Duration

10 Nights / 11 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English

Overview

Embark on a transformative journey with “Mystical Maharashtra: A Sacred Tour of Shiva Temples and Ancient Wonders.” This immersive tour takes you through Maharashtra’s revered Shiva temples, including the sacred Trimbakeshwar and Bhimashankar, renowned for their spiritual significance and architectural grandeur. Experience the awe-inspiring Ajanta and Ellora Caves, where ancient Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain artistry comes to life in rock-cut wonders. Discover historical gems like the majestic Daulatabad Fort and the serene Hazur Sahib Gurudwara, each steeped in rich cultural heritage. Traverse lush landscapes and historic sites, blending spiritual exploration with cultural insights. This journey offers a profound connection to Maharashtra’s divine and historical treasures.

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 46.3%
2 Discount on 3-person group 3 3 47.5%
3 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 52.5%
4 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 54.4%
5 Discount on 6-person group 6 6 58.2%
6 Discount on 7-person group 7 7 58.8%
7 Discount on 8-person group 8 8 63.0%

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Mumbai

On arrival at Mumbai airport, you will receive assistance and be transferred to your hotel. Check-in time is 12 PM, giving you some free time to relax and engage in personal activities. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Mumbai

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Begin your day with a visit to the Elephant Caves on Elephanta Island, known for their rock-cut Hindu sculptures, including the majestic Trimurti, a massive representation of the three-headed Shiva. (Note: The caves are closed on Mondays.) Explore CST (Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus), an architectural gem blending Victorian Gothic and Indian styles, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major railway hub. Visit the Prince of Wales Museum (now Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya), featuring a diverse collection of artifacts, including sculptures, manuscripts, and historical relics from India’s past. Discover Mani Bhawan, a museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, located in the house where he stayed during his visits to Mumbai, showcasing his personal items, photographs, and documents. Witness the Dhobi Ghat, an open-air laundromat where traditional laundry methods are employed, offering a vibrant view of Mumbai’s daily life. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3: Mumbai - Nashik (170kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Nashik and check in at your hotel. Visit Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, a revered shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, famous for its sacredness and elaborate architectural design, featuring three lingams representing Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Explore Brahmagiri Fort, situated on a hill providing panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, and gain insight into the historical significance of Nashik. Visit Gangadwar, a serene site near the Trimbakeshwar Temple where the Godavari River is believed to have originated, offering a tranquil spot for reflection and spiritual rituals. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4: Nashik - Aurangabad (170kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit the Panchavati Temple Complex, including the Kalaram Temple, dedicated to Lord Rama, and the Saptashrungi Devi Temple, both significant pilgrimage sites with rich histories. Explore Ram Kund, a sacred water tank associated with various rituals and believed to have been used by Lord Rama during his exile. Visit Sita Gufaa, a cave associated with Sita, the wife of Lord Rama, where she is believed to have stayed during her exile, offering a historical and spiritual connection to the epic Ramayana. Drive to Aurangabad, stopping en route at Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, an important pilgrimage site dedicated to Sai Baba, renowned for his teachings of love and compassion. Arrive in Aurangabad and check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 5: Aurangabad - Ajanta (210kms round)

Breakfast at the hotel. Embark on a full-day excursion to the Ajanta Caves, a collection of 30 rock-cut Buddhist caves dating from the 2nd century BCE to about 480 CE. The caves are famous for their intricate murals and sculptures depicting the life of Buddha and various Jataka tales. Return to Aurangabad in the evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 6: Aurangabad

Breakfast at the hotel. Visit Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site comprising 34 monasteries and temples carved into volcanic rock, representing Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions from 600 to 1000 AD. The caves are known for their impressive architecture and intricate carvings. Explore Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, a sacred site renowned for its architectural beauty and historical significance, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Discover Daulatabad Fort, an imposing fortress known for its strategic defenses and historical importance, providing insights into the region's medieval history. Visit Bibi ka Maqbara, a mausoleum built by Aurangzeb’s son, which bears resemblance to the Taj Mahal and is often referred to as the "Taj of the Deccan." Explore Panchakki, a historical water mill showcasing medieval engineering techniques used for grinding grain, and visit Aurangabad Caves, ancient rock-cut caves featuring intricate sculptures and religious themes. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 7: Aurangabad - Nanded (265kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Nanded, with a stop at Aundha Nagnath (Nageshwaram Temple), a 13th-century shrine built by the Seuna dynasty, known for its architectural grandeur and historical significance. Arrive in Nanded and check in at the hotel. Visit Hazur Sahib Gurudwara, one of the five Takhts in Sikhism, revered for its spiritual importance and historical connection to Guru Gobind Singh Ji. The gurudwara is a significant pilgrimage site for Sikhs. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 8: Nanded - Ahmednagar (325kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Ahmednagar, visiting Shree Vaijnath Temple, a historic temple surrounded by strong walls, featuring a courtyard and corridors that highlight medieval architecture. Arrive in Ahmednagar and check in at the hotel. Explore Ahmednagar Fort, a historic fortification with impressive architecture and a rich history, offering insights into the region's past. Enjoy some free time for relaxation. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 9: Ahmednagar - Bhimashankar (170kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Bhimashankar and check in at your hotel. Visit Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple, located in the Sahyadri Hills, renowned for its ancient Naga-style architecture and serene environment. The temple is a significant pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shiva. Optionally, trek through Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its diverse flora and fauna, including the Indian Giant Squirrel, offering a chance to experience the region's natural beauty and wildlife. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10: Bhimashankar - Mumbai (200kms)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Mumbai, stopping at Karla Caves and Bhaja Caves, ancient Buddhist shrines dating back to 160 BC. The caves feature rock-cut rooms, prayer halls, and a large stupa, showcasing early Buddhist architecture and artistry. Explore Lohagad Fort, a historic fort with strong fortifications and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, ideal for history enthusiasts and hikers. Visit Bhushi Dam, a popular spot near Lonavala known for its cascading water and scenic surroundings, providing a great place for relaxation and picnicking. Continue your drive to Mumbai and check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11: Mumbai - Departure

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule for your onward journey.

Included/Excluded

  • Assistance on arrival at airport.
  • 11 Nights' accommodation in 4-star hotels.
  • Daily breakfast and meal as per day plan.
  • 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 flight tickets.
  • 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 10 nights accommodation

4 Star Hotels
Mumbai x 3 nights: Fariyas Hotel/ The Gordon House
Nashik x 1 night: Regenta Resort Soma Village/ Hotel Express Inn
Aurangabad x 3 nights: Lemon Tree Hotel
Nanded x 1 night: Gurudwara Sarai/ NRI Complex
Ahmednagar x 1 night: Iris Premiere Hotel/ Hotel Raj Palace
Bhimashankar x 1 night: Neelam Hills Resort/ Blue Mormon Jungle Holiday Resort

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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