TOUR TO SHIRDI, AJANTA & ELLORA CAVES
TOUR TO SHIRDI, AJANTA & ELLORA CAVES
Shirdi
Shirdi is one of the most frequented places of pilgrimage in India. It is renowned for the shrine of Shirdi Sai Baba, who is loved and respected very much because of HIS selfless service towards the people. The temple complex houses numerous temples, including Gurusthan, Samadhi Mandir, Dwarkamai, Chavadi and Lendi Baug.
Aurangabad
Aurangabad is a culturally rich city of Maharashtra which is often termed as the tourism capital of the state. Aurangabad has excellent connections to significant tourist destinations, such as the caves of Ajanta and Ellora which have been declared as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. These caves house a total of 29 rock-cut cave monuments raised in two distinct periods. Visitors can see some exceptionally stunning mural paintings and sculptures here narrating stories of Jatakas. Those visiting this city must also reserve some time to visit the Ellora Caves located only 28 km from Aurangabad. The complex houses 34 caves, including 12 Buddhist, 17 Hindu and 5 Jain Caves. The splendid architecture and beautiful presentation of the caves are outstanding.
Mumbai
Mumbai is the capital city of Maharashtra. This city of dreams has a rich history where it was a part of numerous empires, including the Maurya, Chalukya and Rashtrakuta. Being a historic city, one can see numerous caretakers of history here, including Gateway of India, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus), Elephanta Caves, Kanheri Caves, Haji Ali Darga, Siddivinayaka Temple, Juhu Beach, Marve Beach and Marine Drive.
Pune
The second largest city in Maharashtra, Pune, is known for housing impressive historical monuments from the Maratha period. Pune is surrounded by several dense forests, and therefore it is home to richly diverse flora and fauna. Pune also has a rich cultural heritage and is rightly called the cultural capital of Maharashtra as one can spot numerous classical music, spirituality, theatre, sports, and literature performances happening here every now and then.
JOIN OUR TOUR TO SHIRDI, AJANTA & ELLORA CAVES
Description
ITINERARY
TOUR TO SHIRDI, AJANTA & ELLORA
Board your flight to Mumbai. You will be met on arrival at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport Mumbai
Proceed to hotel for check-in. Overnight in Mumbai.
This morning, after breakfast, check-out of hotel and proceed to leave for Pune, via visiting Bhimashankar temple (6.5 hours drive from Mumbai), one of the Jyotirlinga temple. Later continue the drive to Pune and check-into hotel. Overnight in Pune.
After breakfast, check-out of the hotel and proceed on a city tour of Pune, visiting Aga Khan Palace, Shaniwar Wada & Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple. After this, proceed to Aurangabad. Check-into hotel. Overnight in Aurangabad.
After breakfast, leave for a full day excursion to the Buddhist caves at Ajanta. In the early 19th century, a British hunting party stumbled upon the 28 caves on the horse-shoe bend of the river Waghura. The rock-cut caves had paintings on verandahs, inner walls and ceilings that revealed some of the most beautiful master pieces of world art. In his first sermon Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, The Buddha taught seekers to avoid the two extremes – the path of sensual pleasure and that of extreme penance and austerity. Since sensual cravings and aversions hindered achieving the state of nirvana; paintings and sculptures being instruments of sensual gratification had no use on the path to enlightenment. However, after his death, followers of his teachings gradually evolved imagery parallel to Hinduism. The frescoes and sculptures of Ajanta are indeed heady. Overnight in Aurangabad.
Today, after breakfast, check-out of hotel and proceed to visit Ellora Caves – which has 34 monasteries and temples, extending over more than 2 km. The magnitude of the sculpture can be compared to carving a whole cathedra out of solid rock, interior and exterior. The technique needed a profound knowledge of rock formation and structure. The centerpiece of Ellora is the Kailasha Temple. In its galleries are recreated various scenes from Shiva myths. Created out of nearly 3 million cubic feet of stone, the temple is the most famous structure of the Rashtrakuta dynasty. The complex has truly outstanding relief panels cut into the side walls of the courtyard. Later visit Grishneshwar Temple- dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the sacred abodes of Shiva. Thereafter drive to Shridi, via visiting Shani Shingnapur Temple. Arrive into Shirdi in the evening and check-into hotel for overnight stay. Overnight in Shirdi.
Today visit the Mahasamadhi Temple of Sri Sai Baba, popularly known as the “Child of God”. Sai Baba preached tolerance towards all religions. Later, you may also visit Panchmukhi Ganesh Temple and Sai Heritage Village Approx. 3-4 km from Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, Sai Heritage Village is the first ever pilgrimage cum picnic-based theme park situated on Shirdi – Ahmednagar Highway in Shirdi. Overnight in Shirdi.
After breakfast, drive to Mumbai. Enroute visit Trimbakeshwar Temple situated in Trimbak village, Nashik. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. After this, proceed to Mumbai. Check-into hotel. Overnight in Mumbai.
Today, after breakfast, enjoy a short city tour of Mumbai and thereafter time for your last-minute shopping. Check-out of hotel at 12 noon. Evening transfer to airport to board your return flight to Kuala Lumpur.
- 7 Nights stay on Twin/Double sharing at 3* hotels
- Meals as stated in the itinerary
- All transfers, tours & inter-city drives by AC vehicle with driver as per itinerary only.
- Local English-speaking Guide as per itinerary
Any airfares (International or Domestic), Airport taxes, Lunches/Dinners, Entry Fees, Camera fees, Guide Services, Covid Tests, Travel Insurance, Tips to drivers / guides / porters, Mineral Water/drinks, Personal Expenses, or any other items NOT specified above as included.
