Spiritual Sojourn: Maharashtra’s Sacred Sites

Upon your arrival at Mumbai Airport, you will be warmly received and assisted in transferring to your hotel. Check-in at the hotel (please note that standard check-in time is 12:00 PM), and then you have the rest of the day at your leisure for relaxation or personal activities. Overnight stay will be at the hotel.

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, your day begins with an excursion to the mesmerizing Elephanta Caves (please note that they are closed on Mondays). These historic caves, dedicated to Lord Shiva, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and showcase remarkable rock-cut architecture. Upon returning to Mumbai, embark on a city tour that includes the magnificent Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST), the captivating Prince of Wales Museum, the historical Mani Bhawan, and the unique Dhobi Ghat, where you can witness the iconic open-air laundry. Overnight stay will be at the hotel.

After breakfast, you'll check out from the hotel and hit the road toward Nashik, a city known for its spiritual significance and picturesque landscapes. Upon arrival, check in at your Nashik hotel, and then embark on an excursion to visit the sacred Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, the ancient Brahmagiri Fort, and Gangadwar. The day concludes with a comfortable overnight stay at your hotel in Nashik.

Enjoy a wholesome breakfast at your Nashik hotel, and then set out to explore the spiritual and historical treasures of Nashik. You'll visit the Panchavati temple complex, Ram Kund water tank, the venerable Kalaram Temple, and Sita Gufaa. In the afternoon, continue your journey to Aurangabad, making a stop at the revered Shirdi Sai Baba Temple on the way. Upon reaching Aurangabad, check in at your hotel and unwind. Your overnight stay will be in Aurangabad.

After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, your day is dedicated to exploring the historical marvels of Aurangabad. Begin with a visit to the Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring 34 monasteries and temples that date back to the 6th to 10th centuries AD. Explore the awe-inspiring Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple and the remarkable Daulatabad Fort. Additionally, visit the enchanting Bibi ka Maqbara, the fascinating Panchakki, and the ancient Aurangabad Caves. Rest comfortably at your hotel in Aurangabad for the night.

After a wholesome breakfast, check out from the hotel in Aurangabad and embark on a scenic drive to Bhimashankar. Upon reaching Bhimashankar, check in at your hotel, and then visit the revered Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple. This temple, nestled in the serene Sahyadri Hills, is an exquisite example of 13th-century Naga-style architecture. Optionally, you can explore and trek in the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its endemic and pandemic animal and bird species, including the Indian Giant Squirrel. Enjoy a peaceful overnight stay at your hotel in Bhimashankar.

After a hearty breakfast, check out from your hotel in Bhimashankar. You'll then proceed to visit the historic Karla Caves and Bhaja Caves, both dating back to 160 BC and showcasing ancient Buddhist shrines. These caves feature meditation cells, prayer halls, and a grand stupa. Following your cave exploration, visit the imposing Lohagad Fort and the beautiful Bhushi Dam in Lonavala. Thereafter, continue your drive to Mumbai and check in at your hotel for a restful night.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel and check out. Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Mumbai Airport for your onward journey or your chosen destination. This marks the end of your Western India Pilgrimage & Culture Tour, filled with spiritual experiences and cultural explorations.