Maharashtra with Beaches of Goa 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 – 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 cave cslosed to public on all on 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 – Pune (235 kms: 6 - 7 hrs)

After breakfast, check out the hotel and drive to Pune, on arrival transfer to the hotel. After refreshment visit Osho ashram, the undoubted highlight of the city. The Osho Ashram with its green and soothing surroundings creates the most suitable environment for meditation and introspection for its visitors. 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.

07 Day: Pune – Mahabaleshwar (120 kms: 3 hrs)

Today morning after breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to the twin hill stations of Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani, they are known for its Strawberry farms, Parsi (Zoroastrian) Heritage bungalows and views of the Sahyadri Hills and Koyna River Valley. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Evening explore the famous Veena Lake, you may opt to take the boat ride or horse riding. Afterwards return to the hotel for overnight stay.

Mahabaleshwar: A picturesque hilly resort nestled in the lap of majestic mountain ranges of Western Ghats, Mahabaleshwar boasts of an invigorating ambiance. At an altitude of 1372 meters, Mahabaleshwar offers panoramic view of the plains with the imposing sloppy peaks and surrounding woods. This prettiest hill station is often referred as the queen of hill stations in Maharashtra. As the base of five lovely rivers, the scenic beauty of this hill station presents awesome sceneries, which mesmerizes the spectators.

08 Day: Mahabaleshwar

Today morning, after breakfast, explore this beautiful hill station. It has pleasant walks & good lookouts, and the area has interesting historical connections with Shivaji, visiting various Eco Points to see the panoramic view of the hills and valleys, you may opt to visit Mount Malcolm, a building of olden days with architectural skills, Catholic Church, Mahabaleshwar club, Morarji Castel etc., later take an excursion Panchgani (20 kms) visiting table land and do the fruits and squash shopping at the mall. Nestled in the middle of five hills in the Sahyadri mountain ranges, the hill station is known for its unpolluted air and it is believed that the oxygen content in atmosphere is more here compared to other regions. Due to this many people select this for convalescing from diseases. Afterwards drive back to Mahabaleshwar for overnight stay.

09 Day: Mahabaleshwar – Mumbai (260 kms: 6 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. 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 – Goa (By Air)

After breakfast, check out the hotel and transfer to the airport, to board the schedule flight for Goa, assistance on arrival and transfer to the pre-booked resort. After relaxation enjoy the beach activities at Goa: (on your own) Swaying palms, white sand and sparkling waters: the three essential elements that attract 2 million visitors annually to Goa’s balmy shores are plentiful in this tiny, glorious slice of India hugging the country’s western coastline and bounded by the Arabian Sea. Overnight stay at the resort.

Goa: A Portuguese explorer, Afonso de Albuquerque sailed up the river Mandovi, defeated the Bijapuri army and rode into the capital triumphantly bearing a Portuguese Standard in one hand, and a Gold Crucifix in the other. A curious blending of cultures took place, affecting every sphere of Goa life, from religion to architecture, cuisine to art. The chapter of Goa's history ended 451 years later when Goa ceased to be a Portuguese colony, and became a part of the Indian Union. Parasailing, yachting, windsurfing, and deep sea diving are some of the more popular water sports, facilities for which are available.

11 Day: Goa

After breakfast, the day is free to enjoy the beaches and amenities available at the resort. You can take a sightseeing tour of Old Goa - 10 km from Panjim, the basilica of Bom Jesus, and the 16th century church dedicated to infant Jesus and enshrining the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, is one of the most important sight of Goa. The other Churches in the same area are St. Cathedral & Fort Aguada, with its vaulted interior, Church of our Lady of Rosary and Nunnery of St. Monica. Evening is free for leisure. Overnight stay at the resort.

12 Day: Goa

Today after breakfast day is free for individual activities and enjoy the beaches and sport activities in Goa: (on your own). Overnight stay at the resort.

13 Day: Goa – Hometown (By Air)

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