Maharashtra Culture and Spiritual 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 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. It offers visitors a heady mix of all this and more.

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 – Nashik (105 kms: 4 hrs)

Today after breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Nashik, on arrival transfer to the hotel, after refreshment explore the holy city visiting; the ornamental Sunder Narayan Temple is rich in carvings and domed porticoes. The Kapaleeswara Temple, Rameshwar or Naro Shankar Temple with its white marble structure is the richest and the most elaborate., Balaji Temple built on the confluence of the Godavari and the Saraswati (a mythical river that flows underground) houses copper images of Balaji, Kala Ram Temple, the city's holiest temple with black stone deities of Rama, Sita and Lakshman, Ram Kund (pool) said to have been used by Rama and Sita during their exile. Its holy water is believed to provide moksha (liberation of the soul). More interestingly, the water has the ability to dissolve bones and the remains of famous Indians have ended up here. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Nashik: A delightful town, usually bustling with fervent crowds, Nashik is a classic mélange of the past and the present. It paves way to many fascinating forts and royally graceful temples that possess an aura of exuberance. This part of the terra firma is more than a dream destination for zealous lovers of glorious travel. It plays abode to most of the industries located in Maharashtra, including the Security Printing Press of the government, the nation's currency printer. The core of commerce and trade, it was earlier the country's largest market arena.

04 Day: Nashik – Trimbakeshwar – Shirdi (110 kms: 2 - 3 hrs)

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive to Shirdi, enroute stop over at Trimbakeshwar (30 kms from Nashik) is famous for the Trimbakeshwar Temple and as the source of the Godavari River. Trimbakeshwar enshrines one of the 12 jyotirlingas dedicated to Shiva and this one is considered to be the main jyotirlinga. After darshan and prayers continue drive to Shirdi, upon arrival transfer to the hotel. After relaxation, visit one of holiest temple in Maharashtra, “The Temple of Sai Baba of Shirdi". Spend your day at the sacred atmosphere of Shirdi. Roam around in the spiritual atmosphere. Overnight stay at hotel.

Trimbakeshwar is a religious center having one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The extraordinary feature of the Jyotirlinga located here is its three faces embodying Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Rudra. The Lingas are covered by a jeweled crown which is placed over the Gold Mask of Tridev (Brahma Vishnu Mahesh). The crown is said to be from the age of Pandavs and consists of diamonds, emeralds, and many precious stones.

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.

05 Day: Shirdi – Shani Shingnapur – Aurangabad (160 kms: 4 hrs)

Today an early morning attend the morning Aarti at Sai Baba Temple, one of holiest temple in Maharashtra, “The Temple of Sai Baba of Shirdi". Spend your morning at the sacred atmosphere of Shirdi. Afterwards return to the hotel for breakfast, after breakfast check out and take an excursion to Shanisinghnapur 70 kms from Shirdi, after performing pooja and rituals to Lord Shani; this is one of the most popular places of God Shani, this is one of unique town where all the houses are kept without any lock, because no one can stole anything because of blessing of Lord Shani. After sightseeing drive to Aurangabad, on arrival transfer to the hotel for overnight stay.

Shanisinghnapur: is a village that is the holy seat Lord Shani. Another important pilgrim spot near to Shirdi, Here the devotees themselves can perform pooja and abhishek on any day at Shari Shaneshvar tirtha. Amavasya or the no moon day, which falls on a Saturday, is considered to be most auspicious. On such a day lakhs of devotees from all corners of the country come to receive blessings of Shri Shanidev. On every Shani Amavasya a yatra is held with great fanfare. One unique quality about this village is that there are no doorframes or locks in any of the houses. It is said that it's because of Lord Shani's blessings that there is no fear of crime in the village.

06 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 - centers of the Buddhist cultural movement

07 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. Also visit to Bibi ka Maqbara Built by Azam Shah in 1678, the Bibi ka Maqbara is a son's loving tribute to his mother, Begum Rabia Durrani, the Queen of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Overnight stay at the hotel.

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.

08 Day: Aurangabad – Pune (235 kms: 6 hrs)

After breakfast, check out the hotel and drive to Pune, on arrival transfer to the hotel. After relaxation takes a sightseeing tour of Pune , visit Osho ashram, the undoubted highlight of the city. Also visit certain historic sites of the city like the Raja Kelkar, with an enthralling collection of artifacts' from the Mughal and Maratha period. Agha Khan Palace built by Aga Khan III, in the year 1892 to provide employment to the people of the nearby areas, who were hit by famine. The Tribal Museum, which showcases the culture of Maharashtra's tribal communities. Shaniwar Wada served as the seat of power for Peshwa rulers of the Maratha Empire, if time permits than visit The Parvati Temples, located on top of a hillock is one of the oldest heritage structures of Pune and offers a panoramic view of the city. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Pune: Located in Sahyadri hills near the west coast of India, Pune is a fascinating city with a healthy climate all year around. The city was one of the pivotal bases of the 17th century great Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji, who was born at the Shivneri Fort here. Pune became the seat of the enterprising Peshwas, under whom Maratha power rose into a major political force. The Peshwas were renowned patrons of the arts and in their time, enriched the city with temples, gardens and educational institutions. It was here that Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak introduced the principle of Swadeshi during the Freedom Movement.

09 Day: Pune – Murud Janjira (185 kms: 5 hrs)

Today morning after breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Murud Janjira, on arrival transfer to the beach resort. After relaxation you may opt to visit Murud Beach, it is said that this beach is one of the popular beaches of Maharashtra which offers a pleasant environment for tourists visiting at this place. The rest of the day to enjoy the beach activities, you can also enjoy horse riding, horse carts on the beach. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

10 Day: Murud Janjira

Today morning after breakfast you can take sightseeing tour of city visiting Garambi Falls; very popular attraction of this place which is bounded by forests and is famous for its rapidly falling water. Nawab Palace; is one of the popular historic places which is located at a distance of 6 Kms from Murud Janjira and is also known as Ahmedganj Palace. You can also visit Kasa Fort; this fort was made by Shivaji Maharaj, the ruler of Maratha. Janjira fort; it is an historical destination; Janjira fort is situated in the region of Raigad and is a huge fort of 16th century. It is bounded by the impressive Arabian Sea from the all sides of the fort and is the major attraction of Murud Janjira. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Murud Janjira, is a picturesque beach and historical destinations of Maharashtra, one time capital of the former state of Janjira, the Marathi corruption of the Arabic jazirah meaning an island. Though the whole area was once called Janjira, the name truly referred to the mighty island fortress in the sea. The pride of Murud Janjira, Janjira Fort, was once the stronghold of the Abyssinian Sidis who played an important part in the history of the city of Bombay, in the later part of the 17th century. A stone carving at the main entrance of the Fort depicts six elephants trapped by a single tiger - a symbol of the bravery of the Sidis. Once the fort boasted of five hundred canons, today a handful is left, still intact and able to tell their story.

11 Day: Murud Janjira – Mumbai (160 kms: 3 - 4 hrs)

Early morning check out the hotel and drive to the 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. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

12 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.