Maharashtra Trail - A Spiritual Journey in India (All inclusive tour)
- India
- Tour
The third largest state and the second most populous state in India - Maharashtra - is brimming with an array of colorful shrines, a remarkable collection of caves, golden beaches lined with swaying palm trees, historic hotspots with strong past connection, and oodles of emerald hill stations under the canopy of lush western ghats. With an incredible mashup of everything, there's no better place to go for a holiday in India than Maharashtra.
Read moreThe third largest state and the second most populous state in India - Maharashtra - is brimming with an array of colorful shrines, a remarkable collection of caves, golden beaches lined with swaying palm trees, historic hotspots with strong past connection, and oodles of emerald hill stations under the canopy of lush western ghats. With an incredible mashup of everything, there's no better place to go for a holiday in India than Maharashtra.
The state is primarily known for its ancient Ellora and Ajanta caves, and pilgrim destinations.
Arrive in Mumbai and meet our MTA representative at the airport. Transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy a boat ride to Elephanta Island, famous for its ancient rock-cut Hindu caves, including the magnificent Trimurti sculpture. Return to Mumbai for a panoramic drive past Victoria Terminus and the Fort area. Visit Mani Bhavan, the former residence of Mahatma Gandhi, and end the day at the serene Hanging Gardens.
Overnight: Mumbai
Inclusions: Accommodation, Transport, Tour Guide, Entrance Fees, Assistance
Highlights: Elephanta Caves, Mani Bhavan, Hanging Gardens
Note: Elephanta Caves are closed on Mondays.
After breakfast, explore the Kanheri Caves, a series of ancient Buddhist caves nestled in the lush Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Later, visit the Global Vipassana Pagoda, home to the world’s largest pillar-less stone dome, built as a symbol of peace and meditation.
Overnight: Mumbai
Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Transport, Tour Guide, Entrance Fees
Highlights: Kanheri Caves, Global Vipassana Pagoda
Please Note: Kanheri Caves are closed on Monday.
After breakfast, drive to Pune, stopping at the Bhaja Caves, dating back to 160 BCE, and the nearby Karla Caves, known for their impressive Chaitya hall used for prayers. Continue your journey to Pune.
Overnight: Pune
Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Transport, Tour Guide, Entrance Fees
Highlights: Bhaja Caves, Karla Caves
Start with a visit to Shaniwarwada, the historic fort of the Peshwas, followed by Aga Khan Palace, where Kasturba Gandhi was imprisoned during the freedom struggle. End the day at Pataleshwar Cave Temple, an 8th-century rock-cut shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Overnight: Pune
Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Transport, Tour Guide, Entrance Fees
Highlights: Shaniwarwada, Aga Khan Palace, Pataleshwar Temple
After breakfast, visit the Osho Ashram for a glimpse into meditation and wellness practices. Later, drive to Aurangabad, stopping at Shani Shingnapur, a unique temple town where houses traditionally have no doors, believed to be protected by Lord Shani.
Overnight: Aurangabad
Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Transport, Tour Guide, Entrance Fees
Highlights: Osho Ashram, Shani Shingnapur
Please Note: Osho Ashram visit is optional and on direct payment basis.
After breakfast, explore the Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring 34 rock-cut temples and monasteries representing Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain traditions. Later, visit Daulatabad Fort, a 14th-century hilltop stronghold known for its strategic design.
Overnight: Aurangabad
Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Transport, Tour Guide, Entrance Fees
Highlights: Ellora Caves, Daulatabad Fort
Please Note: Ellora caves are closed on Tuesday.
Enjoy a full-day excursion to the Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring 24 Buddhist rock-cut caves with intricate sculptures and colorful murals dating back to the 2nd century BCE.
Overnight: Aurangabad
Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Transport, Tour Guide, Entrance Fees
Highlights: Ajanta Caves
Please Note: Ajanta caves are closed on Monday.
Drive to Nashik after breakfast. Visit Sita Gufa, linked to the Ramayana, and the sacred Trimbakeshwar Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. End the day with a tour of Sula Vineyards to learn about wine-making.
Overnight: Nashik
Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Transport, Tour Guide, Entrance Fees
Highlights: Sita Gufa, Trimbakeshwar Temple, Sula Vineyards
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Drive back to Mumbai, stopping at the Dhamma Giri Vipassana Centre in Igatpuri, one of the world’s largest meditation centers. Arrive in Mumbai and check in to your hotel.
Overnight: Mumbai
Inclusions: Accommodation, Breakfast, Transport, Tour Guide, Entrance Fees
Highlights: Dhamma Giri Vipassana Centre
After breakfast, transfer to Mumbai airport for your onward flight.
Inclusions: Breakfast, Transport