Maharashtra Trail - A Spiritual Journey in India (All inclusive tour)

On arrival in Mumbai, meet with our MTA representative and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, excursion to the Elephanta Island, famous for the caves dedicated to the sacred sculptures of the Hindu gods. Back to Mumbai and take a panoramic tour of colonial Mumbai passing through the Victoria Terminus station, the fort area and later visit Gandhi's House Mani Bhavan, the focal point of Gandhi's political activities in Mumbai between 1917 and 1934. The day ends with a visit to the Hanging Gardens. Overnight in Mumbai.

Inclusions: Accommodation, Transport, Tourist Guide, Entrance fees.
Highlights: Elephanta caves, Mani Bhawan. Hanging Gardens.

Please Note: Elephanta Caves are closed on Monday.

After breakfast in the morning, explore Kanheri caves to see Buddhist sculptures and relief carvings, paintings and inscriptions, dating back from the 1st century BC. to the 10th century CE. Kanheri comes from the Sanskrit Krishnagiri, which means "black mountain". The site is located on a hillside and is accessed via rock-cut steps. Later visit the Global Vipassana Centre.

The Global Vipassana Pagoda is a Meditation Hall near Gorai, North-west of Mumbai, India. The Pagoda was inaugurated by Pratibha Patil, then President of India, on 8 February 2009. It is built on donated land on a peninsula between Gorai creek and the Arabian Sea. The pagoda is to serve as a monument of peace and harmony. The center of the Global Vipassana Pagoda contains the world's largest stone dome built without any supporting pillars. Return to the hotel for overnight.

Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Transport, Tourist Guide, Entrance fees.
Highlights: Kanheri caves, The Global Vipassana Pagoda

Please Note: Kanheri Caves are closed on Monday.

Breakfast and drive to Pune. Stop at Lonavala, visit the Bhaja Caves. They are over 2000 years old and date back to 160 BC. The Bhaja Caves are 22 rock cut caves which look impressive and magnificent. It is said that the Buddhist monks used to live here and provided shelter to the travellers who were on a trade excursion.

The rock excavations of the cave are intricate and looks marvellous. Various figures like a woman dancing and playing tabla are also excavated inside the caves: they tell a lot about the history and lifestyle of the people of the 1st century.

Proceed to Karla Caves. Karla Caves are ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves and a famous tourist attraction located near Lonavala. Also known as Karli Caves, Karle Caves or Karla Cells, they are some of the oldest Buddhist cave shrines in India. These caves house one of the largest Chaityas (prayer hall with a stupa) in India. Karla Caves is mainly known for the Ekvira Temple located inside. Continue to Pune. Arrive and overnight stay.

Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Transport, Tourist Guide, Entrance fees.
Highlights: Bhaja caves, Karla caves.

Breakfast in the hotel. Visit the Shaniwarwada. It was the stately mansion originally built as the residence of the Peshwas. The foundation of the mansion was laid by Bajirao I in the year 1730 AD and construction was completed in 1732 AD. Several additions were made to the palace like fortification walls with bastions, gates and court halls by his successors.

Later visit The Aga Khan Palace, also known as the Gandhi National Museum and part of the Indian freedom struggle. It served as a prison for national leaders like Mahatma Gandhi during the Quit India Movement in 1942. The Aga Khan Palace was donated to India by Aga Khan IV in 1969. The museum also serves as a memorial wherein the remains (samadhi) of Mahatma Gandhi’s wife, Kasturba Gandhi rest in peace. The palace was built in 1892 by Sultan Mohammed Shah, Aga Khan III. When taking a trip to Pune, the Aga Khan Palace is a must visit as it is known for its historical as well as architectural significance.

Later move on to Pataleshwar Cave Temple. It is devoted to the Lord Pataleshwar, the God of the Underworld. Built in the 8th century, this temple is visited not only by religious tourists but by everyone who admires architectural beauty. It is said that the Pataleshwar Cave Temple has been carved out from a single rock. It is also dedicated to the Lord Shiva and Nandi. There are also statues of various Hindu Gods and Goddesses such as Goddess Sita, Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ram, Lord Lakshman, and Lord Ganesh. A majestic shivalingam is also built under its roof, at the main shrine of the temple. This temple has huge pillars, adding on to its magnificence.

Overnight in Pune.

Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Transport, Tourist Guide, Entrance fees.
Highlights: Shaniwarwada, Pataleshwar Cave Temple, The Aga Khan Palace

After breakfast optional visit to the Osho Ashram (on direct payment basis). Osho Ashram was founded by the Rajneesh Chandra Mohan Jain, who is popularly famous as Osho Rajneesh. Also known as Osho Commune International of Pune, this ashram is spread across an area of 32 acres.

Later transfer to Aurangabad, You may visit Shani Signapur on the way, a famous temple dedicated to Shani. It is acclaimed as the 'Alive Temple Town' in Maharashtra because of the belief that Lord Shani still resides in the self-emanated rock that represents him. An interesting fact about this town is that all the amenities do not have doors. It is believed that Lord Shani himself protects the vicinity of Shani Shingnapur and no one dares to commit the act of theft at this place.

Arrive in Aurangabad and check in to the hotel and overnight.

Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Transport, Tourist Guide, Entrance fees.
Highlights: Osho Ashram, Shani Signapur

Please Note: Osho Ashram visit is optional and on direct payment basis.

After having breakfast in the hotel we will go on an excursion tour to Ellora Caves. The caves are over 2000 years old and consist of temples and monasteries made from rocks by Buddhist, Hindu and Jain monks and craftsmen. Ellora is a World Heritage Site and represents the epitome of Indian rock-cut architecture. The 34 "caves" are actually structures excavated out of the vertical face of the Charanandri hills. The 12 Buddhist (caves 1-12), 17 Hindu (caves 13-29) and 5 Jain (caves 30-34) caves, built in proximity, demonstrate the religious harmony prevalent during this period of the Indian history. It is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India.

Later you will visit Daulatabad Fort. Its towers over a conical hill are 200 meters high. The fort has a place in Indian history, having overcome any previous attempts of invasion, it is said to be invulnerable. Daulatabad, or ‘the abode of wealth’ has a history dating back to 1327 when Muhammad-bin-Tughluq made it his capital.

Later return to hotel for overnight stay in Aurangabad.

Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Transport, Tourist Guide, Entrance fees.
Highlights:  Ellora Caves. Daulatabad Fort

Please Note: Ellora caves are closed on Tuesday.

Morning breakfast, then proceed to Ajanta to have a full-day excursion to Ajanta Caves. They are cut from the volcanic lavas of the Deccan trap in a steep crescent - shaped hillside in a forested ravine of the Sahyadri hills. These caves are older than those at Ellora consisting of 24 monasteries and temples hewn out of solid rack. The wall paintings and frescoes of these caves are a wealth of colors. Later transfer to the hotel for overnight stay in Aurangabad.

Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Transport, Tourist Guide, Entrance fees.
Highlights: Ajanta Caves

Please Note: Ajanta caves are closed on Monday.

Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to Nashik. Arrival in Nashik and visit to the Sita Gufa. It was the spot from where Sita was kidnapped by Ravana. A narrow staircase leads to the caves. The caves house idols of Lord Ram, Sita and Lakshman as well as a Shivling, said to be the one Sita worshipped.

Later visit the Trimbakeswar Temple, one of the most sacred temples in all of India as it houses one of the twelve most important shrines of Shiva. Although entry is only allowed to Hindus, it is possible to have a look at the courtyard.

Later visit Sula Vineyards which are said to be the first winery of the city. Most of the famous companies have their factories set up in this place. The unparalleled experience of viewing the process of making wine will make you fall in love with this place. Sula is the name that is derived from the owner’s mother’s name ”Sulabha”. If you visit this place, you will gain knowledge about the history behind the foundation of this winery.

Overnight in Nashik.

Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Transport, Tourist Guide, Entrance fees
Highlights: Sita Gufa, Trimbakeswar Temple, Sula Vineyards.

Transfer to Mumbai, on the way you may visit the Dhamma Giri Vipassana Centre at Igatpu-ri. Dhamma Giri, meaning ‘Hill of Dhamma’ is one of the world’s largest Vipassana meditation centres. It is co-located with the Vipassana Research Institute at Igatpuri. Arrive in Mumbai and overnight. 

Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Transport, Tourist Guide, Entrance fees
Highlight: Dhamma Giri Vipassana Centre. 

Breakfast at the hotel, then transfer to the airport. No overnight.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Transport.