Maharashtra Sacred Caves and Adventure Tour

01 Day: Arrival Mumbai

Welcome to the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport Mumbai assistance on arrival, our representative assists and escorts you by a/c car and transfer to the pre-booked hotel. After check in, you will be given all the required documents related to your tour plan; he will explain all your queries about the entire tour plan. If you are arriving by early flight, after relaxation you can take a walk to have a glance of the city, visiting local markets and restaurants. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Mumbai is a cluster of Seven Islands and derives its name from Mumba Devi, the patron goddess of the koli fisher folk, its oldest inhabitants. Mumbai pulsates with activity. It is a city that is disciplined by nos time frame neither day nor night. It is also the country's financial powerhouse, the nation's industrial heartland, and its economic nerve center. Dazzling shopping arcades, exciting sport activity, nightclubs & discotheques, theatre & music, gourmet restaurants and interesting sightseeing.

02 Day: Mumbai

Today morning after breakfast take a sightseeing tour of Mumbai city, firstly visit to Gateway of India and cruise by motorboats to Elephanta Caves - ancient rock cut caves dedicated to Lord Shiva. Later cruise back Gate Way of India. And sightseeing continue visiting Prince of Wales Museum- A heritage museum exhibits ancient artifacts. Parliament house- (From outside), Nariman Point- Commercial Hub, Marine Drive- a most beautiful laid boulevards of the city. Dhobhi Ghat- a famous open air laundry, Mani Bhawan- Known also Gandhi Bhawan. Later return to the hotel. If time permits visit to Bandra and Juhu area where bollywood celebrity houses are located like Shahrukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan etc, (can be seen from outside). In the evening, visit Iskcon Temple: dedicated to Lord Krishna, The architectural splendour of the ISKCON Temple is adorned with murals and sculptures. After visit return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Note: Elephanta Caves and Prince of Wales museum are closed on every Monday.

03 Day: Mumbai – Aurangabad (By Air)

After breakfast check out of the hotel and drive to the airport to board the flight for Aurangabad. On arrival, transfer into hotel. After refreshment take sightseeing tour of Aurangabad, visit to Bibi ka Maqbara Built by Azam Shah in 1678, the Bibi ka Maqbara is a son's loving tribute to his mother. Panchakki - which literally means 'Water Mill' by Malik Ambar in 1695. An artificial waterfall has been created near the mill, through which this water is discharged on to the wheel to power the flourmill and grind grain for the pilgrims. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Aurangabad: Malik Ambar, the Prime Minister of Murtaza Nizam Shah II, founded the city of Aurangabad in 1610 A.D, on the site of a village, Khirki. When Fateh Khan, Malik Ambar's son succeeded the throne in 1626, he named the city 'Fatehpur'. In 1653, when Aurangzeb became the Viceroy of the Deccan, he made it his capital, and renamed it Aurangabad. Maurya rule heralded the advent of Buddhism in the state of Maharashtra. The earliest caves at Ajanta and Pithalkora were excavated in the 2nd century BC, during the Satvahana era.

04 Day: Aurangabad – Ajanta (Excursion 105 kms: 2 hrs)

After early breakfast take an excursion to the famous Ajanta caves. Ajanta is one of the few historical and architectural marvels of India. Recognized as the World Heritage Site today, it was discovered during the 19th century by a group of British officers who were on a tiger hunt. Later if time permit you may opt to visit Jami Masjid, Bharatmata Mandir, Elephant Tank and 'Chini Mahal' or Chinese Palace are the important monuments inside the fort. Khuldabad ("Heavenly Abode"), Many historical figures are buried here including Aurangzeb, the last major Mughal emperor. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Note: The Ajanta Caves are closed to public on all Monday.

Ajanta: It was only in the 19th century, that the Ajanta group of caves, lying deep within the Sahyadri hills, cut into the curved mountain side, above the Waghora river, were discovered. A group of British officers on a tiger hunt, stumbled on these ancient works of art. They depict the story of Buddhism, spanning the period from 200 BC to 650 AD. The 29 caves were built as secluded retreats of the Buddhist monks, who taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas, the ancient seats of learning, and nerve - centres of the Buddhist cultural movement

05 Day: Aurangabad – Ellora (Excursion 40 kms: 1 hr)

After early breakfast take an excursion to Ellora, one of the highly visited World heritage sites of India. It houses 34 monasteries and temples with some exclusive uninterrupted sequence of monuments that date back from 600 to 1000 AD. The temples of Ellora are dedicated to Brahmanism, Jainism, and Buddhism. It also has some of the excellent stonework depicting the legends related to Lord Shiva. After lunch (on your own) take a short sightseeing tour of visiting: Daulatabad also known as Devagiri, is a town which includes the Devagiri-Daulatabad fort It is a 14th-century fort city in Maharashtra state of India, about 16 kilometers northwest of Aurangabad. Chand Minar in Daulatabad, situated about 15 km from Aurangabad, is an outstanding example of Islamic art. Ala-ud-din Bahmani built this minaret in 1445 to celebrate his occupation of the area. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Note: The Ellora caves are closed to public on all Tuesday.

Ellora: The Ellora caves, 34 in number, are carved into the sides of a basaltic hill, 30 kms from Aurangabad. The finest specimens of cave - temple architecture, they house elaborate facades and exquisitely adorned interiors. These structures representing the three faiths of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism, were carved during the 350 AD to 700 AD period. The 12 caves to the south are Buddhist, the 17 in the centre dedicated to Hinduism, and the 5 caves to the north are Jain.

06 Day: Aurangabad – Shirdi – Bhandardara (210 kms: 6 hrs)

Today after an early breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Bhandardara, enroute visit one of holiest temple in Maharashtra, “The Temple of Sai Baba of Shirdi". After darshan proceed to Bhandardara. On arrival, transfer to the resort for overnight stay.

Shirdi is a small village in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, a hustling pilgrimage center of India. Here devotees throng from all over the world. This small town was the home of pious saint Sai Baba, he came to this town when he was 16 years old and he lived around 50 years over here. His wholly mission was to upliftment of the poor and suffering people. He is believed to be a personification of lord Shiva. Sai Baba left for heavenly abode in 1918 and his Holy Samadhi is worshiped by lacs of tourists visit to Shirdi for prayers and rituals.

07 Day: Bhandardara

After breakfast the day is free for trekking, visit to Konkan Kada, a unique formation in the Sahyadris. The surrounding grandeur and beauty of the plains and the mountains, leaves one absolutely spellbound. For those who seek a bit of action, Bhandardara provides plenty of opportunity for small treks and hikes. The most interesting is the small trek to Ratangad fort. Ratanwadi is at the foothills of Ratangad. You can visit an ancient Shiva temple at Ratanwadi. Ratangad is an interesting fortress, situated at the edge of ghats with numerous water cisterns and caves. It also commands an excellent view all around and is said to be the favorite fort of Chatrapati Shivaji. In the evening take a boat ride at Bhandardara Lake that was formed when the Wilson dam was built on Parvara River. The lake sits in midst of dense greenery and offers picture perfect scenery with hills encircling the lake. Overnight stay at the resort.

Bhandardara is located at a distance of 70 km from Nashik. It is a small and peaceful area. This hill station is popular for fun loving and picnic lovers. Radha Falls, a deep valley, a clean and large Arthur Lake, a historical Ratangadh Fort, an ancient temple - Amritheshwar Temple, a peaceful Agasti Rishi Ashram, Wilson Dam also known as Bhandardara Dam, and Viewpoints are the important destinations at Bhandarda. It also has a trekking destination - Mount Kalusubai.

08 Day: Bhandardara

After breakfast visit to Randha Falls, falls near Bhandardara is enchanting during monsoons. The water from the dam overflows into a deep gorge creating a spectacular sight. More adventurous ones can plan a trek to Kalsubai Mountain. There is certain amount of thrill in climbing Maharashtra’s tallest peak. It is an interesting climb that can be accomplished in three to four hours. It is extremely enjoyable in the early part of the monsoon or at the fag end of the monsoons. After visit return to the resort for overnight stay.

09 Day: Bhandardara – Mumbai (165 kms: 4 hrs)

After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to Mumbai, on arrival transfer to the hotel, day is free for shopping and individual activities, Mumbai is bipolar - air-conditioned and hassle free or street-market and lots of fun. But whichever way you look at it, in many ways, Mumbai is shopping paradise. Visit Cross Road, West End, Fashion Street, which is in main Mumbai city and Linking Road at Bandra in western Suburban is one of the famous markets for everything. And there are numbers of malls in the western suburban: In orbit Mall and Infinity Mall and other shops in Juhu and other places. Optionally you can do the shopping in famous markets and shops include Dadar, Fort, Colaba Causeway, Cottage Industries, and Handloom Emporiums amongst many others. After visit return to the hotel for overnight stay.

10 Day: Mumbai – Hometown (By Air)

After breakfast check out the hotel and drive to the Mumbai airport to board the schedule flight for Hometown/onwards journey. On departure tour conclude with the happy memories.