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Tour Programme  
 

 

Maharashtra Tours  
   
Best of Maharashtra Tour

Mumbai - Lonavala - Matheran - Nasik - Shirdi - Aurangabad
Ajanta - Ellora - Pune - Mumbai

11 Nights - 12 Days

 
   
 

01 Day: Arrival Mumbai
Meeting and assistance on arrival at the airport, our representative welcome and escort you by a private car and transfer to the hotel, whilst the room keys and check-in is organized, our representative would hand over the documents and brief the tour programme to you. Overnight at the hotel.

Mumbai is a cluster of Seven Islands and derives its name from Mumbadevi, the patron goddess of the koli fisher folk, its oldest inhabitants. Mumbai pulsates with activity. It is a city that is disciplined by no 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 Mumbai
After breakfast takes a sight seeing tour of Mumbai, drive to Gateway of India and from here cruise by motorboats to Elephanta Caves. A flight of 100 steps takes you to the top of the hill where it is set. The caves houses large pillars that seem to hold the ceiling which is made of cross beams. The picturesque presentations of the 9 marvelous sculptured panels, set on the walls are awe-inspiring. The most famous of the panels is the Trimurthi, or triple-headed Shiva, where the God is depicted as the destroyer, the preserver and the creator. Later in the afternoon cruise back to Gateway of India, one can have lunch at the Taj Hotel or other several good Restaurants like Leopold & Mondegar serving continental cuisines. Later visit Prince of Wales Museum, Parliament House, Marine Drive, Jain Temple, Hanging Gardens, Return back to the hotel for overnight stay.

Note: Elephanta Caves & Prince of Wales Museum are closed on every Monday.

03 Day: Mumbai – Lonavala (120 kms: 4 hrs)
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to Lonavala, The Ultimate Tourist Destination. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. After rest and relaxation evening is free to enjoy the local weather of the hill station. Overnight at the hotel.

Lonavala: is a Hill station in Maharashtra. Also known as the jewel of the Sahyadri Mountains. This Hill Station is also a popular Health Resort in the western ranges on the Sahyadri, It Is situated on a height of 625 mtrs. above sea level and is a popular gateway from Mumbai and Pune. It also serves as a starting point for tourists interested in visiting the famous, ancient Buddhist rock cut caves of Bhaja and Karla, which are located near this hill station.

04 Day: Lonavala
After breakfast take a sightseeing tour of Lonavala visiting the famous, ancient Buddhist rock cut caves of Karla & Bhaja Caves. Then visit the famous Bhushi Dam, the most visited place of Lonavala during monsoons. Rest of the evening is free for relaxation and to enjoy the various facilities at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

05 Day: Lonavala – Matheran (108 kms: 3 hrs)
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to Matheran. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Later take a sightseeing tour of Matheran visiting the famous Echo Point, Charlotte Lake, Alexander Point, King George Point, Monkey Point, Honeymoon Hill, Lords Point, One-tree Hill. In the evening visit the Sunset/Porcupine Point, this point is famous for its views of the setting sun. This point offer views of a dark forest below. Overnight at the hotel.

Matheran is an undulating hilltop cloaked in shady trees , that sprawls languidly at an altitude of 800 m. The journey involves an adventurous two-hour ascent in a toy train, with food and drink vendors and monkeys jumping on and off as the valley glides by sedately. Alternatively, a tough 11 km hike through thick and shady forests or a winding car drive can get you there just as well. Matheran's cliffs, with incredibely steep drops to the plains below, create stunning viewing points. These panoramic vistas, by day or by night, leave you feeling light headed. On a clear night you can even see the lights of Mumbai from Hart Point. In fact, all of Matheran is a series of such quixotically named points that are popular if isolated site for picnics and fireside revelry at night. Charlotte Lake, the Panther's Caves and Paymaster Park are Leisure, especially for children.

06 Day: Matheran – Nasik (100 kms: 3 hrs)
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to Nashik. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Later explore the holy city visiting; the ornamental Sunder Narayan Temple is rich in carvings and domed porticoes. the Kapaleeswara Temple, 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. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Nasik: A delightful town, usually bustling with fervent crowds, Nasik 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.

07 Day: Nasik – Shirdi (95 kms: 2 hrs)
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to Shirdi. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Later proceed to "The Temple of Sai Baba of Shirdi". Spend your day at the sacred atmosphere of Shirdi. Roam around in the spiritual atmosphere. Overnight at the hotel.

Shirdi is that mystical magical town near the holy city of Nasik, close to Mumbai. This hallowed town exudes such intense devotion, that even the casual visitor is bound to be charged with fervour. Shirdi was the abode of the saint Sai Baba, who lived here for eighty years - and died here over eighty years ago. It is said that Sai Baba himself calls his devotees to Shirdi and that his blessings can heal even the deepest wound. Pilgrims throng for a brief "darshan" at Samadhi Mandir, the shrine of Sai Baba where his mortal remains were interred. Next to the shrine is the peaceful Masjid where Sai Baba spent most of his life. The sacred fire called "dhuni" still burns here and its ash or "udhi" is smeared on devotees. The Chavadi is a small building where Sai Baba used to spend every alternate night.

08 Day: Shirdi – Aurangabad (130 kms: 4 hrs)
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to Aurangabad. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. After relaxation take a sightseeing tour of Aurangabad visiting 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. Standing spectacularly on the lawns of the landscaped garden with ponds, fountains and water channels, the white marbled monument rises majestically in an intentional bid to copy and rival the world famous Taj Mahal of Agra and Panchakki - An engineering feat of the time is the Panchakki, or the water mill built by Malik Ambar in 1695. The water, channeled from a spring on a distant hill was used to power the flourmill and grind grain for the pilgrims. Rest of the evening is free to enjoy city atmosphere. Overnight at the hotel.

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. Paithan, then known as Pratishthana, was an important trade centre at the time Aurangabad, 400 kms from Mumbai, is linked by air too. Spectacular rock cut caves and cave paintings exist at two nearby places, Ajanta and Ellora.

09 Day: Aurangabad – Ajanta (105 kms: 2 hrs)
After breakfast for excursion to 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. The Ajanta group of caves, located deep within the Sahyadri hills above the Waghora, depicts the story of Buddhism that prevailed here during 200 BC to 650 AD. Ajanta’s wondrous cave temples are cut into the rocky sides of a dramatic crescent-shaped gorge, at the head of which is a waterfall that drops over the mountain rim in a series of seven steps to a pool far below –deep inside the mountain are the Buddhist chaitya – vihara prayer and monastery caves. They cover a span of 800 years where under the royal patronage of ruling dynasties, professional artists helped Buddhist monks to create magnificent murals narrating the story of Buddha in his cycle of incarnations, while simultaneously creating a painted record of the panorama of life in ancient India. Etched and painted in mineral dyes, the paintings have a languorous stylized beauty and magical eloquence. Overnight at the hotel.

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.

Note: The Ajanta Caves are closed to public on all Monday and Ellora caves on Tuesday.

10 Day: Aurangabad – Ellora – Pune (226 kms: 6 hrs)
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to Pune. Enroute take a sight seeing tour of 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. A particular interest are the architectural marvel of the monolithic Kailasa Temple, the Buddhist Vishvakarma Chaitya and Vihara, the famous Jain cave number 32 famous for a magnificent Yakshi statue and ceiling paintings. It also has some of the excellent stonework depicting the legends related to Lord Shiva. Later drive to Pune. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

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.

Note: The Ajanta Caves are closed to public on all Monday and Ellora caves on Tuesday.

11 Day: Pune
After breakfast, take sightseeing tour of the city visiting Lal Deval (Synagogue) The red-brick-and-stone structure built in the English Gothic style, The Osho International Commune is in Koregaon Park, attracting thousands of foreigners wishing to take part in the meditation courses organized by the Ashram. Aga Khan Palace True to its name this place boasts of Italianate arches and spacious lawns, Shindyanchi Chhatri, amongst the architectural prides of Pune, the memorial to the great warrior Mahadji Shinde, Pataleshwar Cave Temples lies in the heart of the city, at Shivaji Nagar . This 8th century rock-cut temple, hewn from a massive single rock, has huge pillars, a Shiva shrine and a Nandi bull. Kesari Wada, Museum of Arthropoda, museum of Natural History. Vishrambaug Wada was a three storied mansion of the Peshwas. Kirti Mandir - a museum of historical glory with antique material. Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum is housed in a quaint Rajasthani-style building, Saras Baug. After visit 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 basesof 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.Today Pune is one of the leading metros in India, with the Film and Television Institute of India and National Defence Academy based here

12 Day: Pune – Mumbai (170 kms: 4 hrs) – Hometown (By Air)
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and drive to Mumbai. On arrival transfer to the airport to board your flight to hometown. Tour concludes here with happy memories.

 
   
 
   

Important Note:

1. Customized Tour:
Above tour programme can be customized, as per the preference by the guest in terms of arrival dates, departure dates and destinations, no. of days etc., it will be your individual tour not sharing with other person or a group tour.

2. Our Services:
We provide individual customized tour packages with 2, 3, 4, 5, 5 star deluxe hotels as well as standard and luxury heritage hotels and palaces with air - conditioned car accompanied by English speaking driver through out the tour (right from your pick up from the airport till you departure to home town) for all transfers, sightseeing, intercity travel, city tour with services of English/multilingual guide, domestic air/train ticketing, special interest tour with all kind of travel related services.

3. Tour Cost:
Tour cost depends on 3 major factors: A) How many people are traveling together? B) Travel period, as the hotels are having different rates during low and high season. C) Preference of hotel category or budget per person per day.

4. Group Tours:
The above tour programme can be executed for group tours, if the guest or any travel agency forms a group in their own country. Conducting and forming a group tour in India with different nationals is not feasible.

 
   
   
   
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