Heritage and Cultural Tours of Maharashtra

Duration:

14 Nights / 15 Days

Destination Covered:

Mumbai-Lonavala-Khandala-Matheran-Nasik-Shirdi-Aurangabad-Pune-Mahabaleshwar-Mumbai

Reviews

  • India Real Heritage Destinations ! Our tour was well organized and amazing. It was very quick and easy to work with our tour manager Mr. Pragya Chandra. Travel docket was well prepared with all of the details and information we needed, plus recommendations and suggestions. Our driver Anil was excellent, especially in India’s busy streets! He was very pleasant, respectful and always on time. We would love to have him as our driver again. Jodi Parker and Family, United States of America, January 2015
  • A wonderful travel agency! My son and I had a wonderful trip along with a fantastic driver and guide. I appreciate the care and attention you had given us in coming up with our itinerary. Thank you so much for your all positive effort! John, New York, USA, January 2015
  • Rapid Golden Triangle I had a wonderful experience in Golden Triangle Tour of North India! Everything was pre plan according to my itinerary, taken care of and I still felt I had the freedom to do what I wanted. I got to see and do so much more than had I tried to do this trip solo. Excellent recommendations from my tour desirner who made us program adaptable to my wishes and price range. My driver was knowledgeable about each locations and gave great suggestions on activities for me (photography related) Echo Blum, United Kingdom, December 2014
  • Nature and culture of Beyond with Sri Lanka I wanted to thank you for all your help in assisting with planning our India Beyond with Srilanka journey. We had a fantastic time in this tour package and our complaint is that our time in Sri Lanka was too short !!! we really enjoyed our holiday, once again thank you for all your help. Emir Avdic, Australia October 2014
  • The trip was great! Everything worked very well The travel itself was well elaborated, the hotels were very well equilibration, from the more basic ones to the luxury resorts as the Dune or the Taj Malabar in Cochin. A very special experience was the trip on the boat (Spice Coast Cruises) -> simply great!
    Also a very big compliment for Shiva, our driver. He was someone we could fully rely upon
    As a summary we were extremely satisfied with the travel and the organization from Shanti Travel.
    Thank you very much for your support, give her our warm regards. Claudia Reinhardt, German, September 2014
  • Rajasthan Royal Fantastic “Very happy with the trip. Rohit Poddar, our Tour Designer was very efficient and thorough! Accommodation was great and we’d like to travel again with Crocus Travel.” Michael, UK, Rajasthan, August 2014
  • Golden Triangle India “Awesome experience! Everything was taken care of & I still felt I had the freedom to do what I wanted. I got to do so much more than had I tried to do this trip solo. Excellent recommendations always !” Miriam, Spain, July 2014
Tour Description

Overview

‘Heritage and Cultural Tours of Maharashtra’ is a well-designed itinerary, which give you the chance to explore some of the most popular places of Maharashtra region.The state is dotted with ancient temples, stunning beaches, pilgrimages, hill stations. During this tour you will explore some of the stunning places of the region such as Lonavala, Khandala and Matheran. These towns offers an exquisite and stunning view of the surrounding lush-green valleys, soothing sound of the water hitting the rocks. It also gives you the chance to explore the two renowned World Heritage Site: Ajanta and Ellora Caves. The cave temples and monasteries at Ellora truly reflects the religious harmony which prevailed during the 5th and 11th century AD. Ellora Caves renowned for its beautiful carvings. Ajanta Caves is renowned for its rock cut caves and alluring paintings. This beautiful cave is dated back to 2ndcentury BC. During this tour you will also get an opportunity to explore the major attractions of Mumbai as well.Apart from this you will also get the chance to take blessings of Sai Baba at Shirdi Dham. The duration of the tour is 14 nights and 15 days.

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Mumbai 
 
Upon arrival in Mumbai, meet our representative, after welcome proceed to the hotel. Mumbai is one of the 6th largest and populated Megacity of the world which is known as the financial, commercial and entertainment capital of India. The city is renowned for its vibrant lifestyle, which conceded as the city that never sleeps.
 
Check in to the hotel. Rest day is free at leisure. Enjoy the nightlife of the colourful city, explore the Chowpatty beach and test the mouth-watering street foods. 
Overnight stay at the hotel.
 
Day 02: Mumbai Sightseeing
 
Today after breakfast, proceed for sightseeing in and Mumbai. You will visit the major tourist attractions such as Prince of Wales Museum, Hanging Gardens, Juhu Beach, Gateway of India and Marine Drive. Later Visit the Elephanta Caves, on Elephanta Island, transports you back 6th and 7th century centuries. The magnificent rock-cut carvings here are some of the most spectacular you will get to see anywhere. After sightseeing return back to the hotel. 
Overnight stay in Mumbai.
 
Day 3: Mumbai – Lonavala (By Road-83 Kilometres)
 
After breakfast, proceed to the Lonavala, it is a very popular and beautiful hill station of Maharashtra which is located between the two cities Pune and Mumbai. The town offers an exquisite and stunning view of the surrounding lush-green valleys, soothing sound of the water hitting the rocks. It is also popular for the fresh chikis. 
 
Upon arrival, check in to your pre booked hotel. After freshen up, proceed to visit Karla and Bhaja Caves. Return back to the hotel in the evening.
Overnight stay in Lonavala.
 
Day 4: Lonavala –Khandala (By Road-5 Kilometres)
 
Today after breakfast, drive for Khandala. It is another beautiful hill station of Maharashtra, located on the foothill of the Western Ghats at a height of 550 meters above sea level. Located between the two cities Pune and Mumbai. The town offers stunning view of the surrounding lush-green valleys. Upon arrival check in to the hotel. After freshen up, proceed to explore the  Bhushi Dam and enjoy the beutiful environment of Khandala. Return back to the hotel in the evening.
Overnight stay in Khandala.
 
Day 5: Khandala – Matheran (By Road-55 Kilometres)
 
After breakfast, drive to Matheran.  It is one of the most beautiful hill station in the Raigad district of Maharashtra.  It is located on the foothill of Western Ghats range, on the height of around 800 meter above the sea level. Upon arrival, check in at your pre booked hotel. After freshen up , proceed to visit popular points like Chouk, Panorama, Louisa, Garbut Point and Echo. Return back to the hotel in the evening.
Overnight stay in Matheran.
 
Day 6: Matheran – Nasik (By Road-169 Kilometres) 
 
After breakfast, start 2 hour journey towards Nashik. It is the third largest city in Maharashtra. Nashik is located on the banks of the holy Godavari River.Every 12 years, The town plays host to the grand Kumbh Mela. The offers the numerous forts and majestic temples.
 
Upon arrival, check in at the hotel. After freshen up, proceed to visit Sunder Narayan Temple, Sita Gupta Caves and Trimbakeshwar Temple in Nashik. After visit return back to the hotel.
 Overnight stay in Nashik.
 
Day 7: Nasik - Shirdi (By Road-88 Kilometres) 
 
After having breakfast leave for Shirdi Sai Temple. After arrival at Shirdi, check in at hotel.  Shirdi which is known as the late 19th century home of the popular Shirdi Sai Baba. It is one of the richest temple of India.
After freshen up, proceed to the Shirdi Sai Temple and have Darshan. Rest day is free at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel in Shirdi.
 
Day 8: Shirdi – Aurangabad (By Road-104 Kilometres) 
 
Post breakfast, drive to Aurangabad. Upon arrival, Check-in at the hotel. After freshen up, proceed for city tour including Daulatabad Fort, Deogiri Fortress, Bibi ka Maqbara, Panchakki, a striking water mill. Back to the hotel in the evening.
Overnight stay in Aurangabad.
 
Day 9: Aurangabad - Ellora Caves – Aurangabad (By Road-35 Kilometres)
 
Post breakfast, leave for an excursion to Ellora caves. It is a World Heritage Site. The cave temples and monasteries at Ellora truly reflects the religious harmony which prevailed during the 5th and 11th century AD. Ellora Caves renowned for its beautiful carvings. These 34 caves are dedicated to Buddhism, Brahmanism and Jainism. Return back to Aurangabad in the evening. 
Overnight stay in Aurangabad.
 
Day 10: Aurangabad - Ajanta caves – Aurangabad (By Road-107 kilometres)
 
After having an early breakfast, drive to Ajanta Caves. It is also an UNESCO World Heritage Site which is renowned for its rock cut caves and alluring paintings. This beautiful cave is dated back to 2ndcentury BC. Explore the beautiful ancient caves. After visiting this historical sites, drive back to Aurangabad city. Evening is free at leisure, you may stroll around the place. 
Overnight stay at Aurangabad.
 
Day 11: Aurangabad – Pune (By Road-236 Kilometres)
 
Today after having an early breakfast, drive towards Pune. On reaching Pune, check-in the hotels. After freshen up, proceed to visit the major tourist attractions to visit in Pune include the Aga Khan Palace, David Synagogue, Pataleshwar Cave Temple and the Shaniwar Wada. After sightseeing, return back to the hotel.
Overnight stay at Pune.
 
Day 12: Pune – Mahabaleshwar (By Road-120 Kilometres)
 
After breakfast, drive to Mahabaleshwer. It is another beautiful hill station located in Satara district in of Maharashtra. This amazing place is located on the foothill of western Ghats.  As you reach, complete the check-in formalities. On arrival, check in at one of listed hotels. Overnight at the hotel.
 
Day 13: Mahabaleshwar 
 
After breakfast, proceed to visit popular points such as Arthur’s Seat, Babbington Point and Sunset Point to admire some panoramic views of the surroundings. Visit Morarji Castle, which is renowned for its beautiful British architecture.Taste the local renditions and so on. Overnight in Mahabaleshwar. Enjoy a comfortable overnight stay at the hotel.
 
Day 14: Mahabaleshwar – Mumbai (By Road-262 Kilometres)
 
Today after having an early breakfast, then drive straight to Mumbai. Once you reach Mumbai, check-in at your pre-booked hotel.  Rest day is free at leisure. In the evening take a leisurely walk to explore the local market of Mumbai. Overnight stay at the hotel.
 
Day 15: Mumbai (Departure)
 
Post breakfast, transferred to Mumbai airport. On reaching Mumbai airport board a flight for your onward destination.
 
Tour Highlights

Tour Highlights

Tour Highlights:
  1. Enjoy the guided tours to the Elephanta caves and Victoria Terminus, UNESCO World Heritage Site and Prince of Wales Museum, Mumbai
  2. Visit Karla and Bhaja Caves
  3. Explore Bhushi Dam & enjoy the stunning environment of Khandala
  4. ExploreChouk, Panorama, Louisa, Garbut Point and Echo
  5. Visit Sunder Narayan Temple, Sita Gupta Caves and Trimbakeshwar Temple in Nashik
  6. Take blessings from Shirdi Sai Baba temple
  7. Explore Daulatabad Fort, Deogiri Fortress, Bibi ka Maqbara, Panchakki, a striking water mill
  8. Explore Ellora Caves
  9. Explore Ajanta Caves
  10. Visit Arthur’s Seat, Babbington Point and Sunset Point to admire some panoramic views of the surroundings. Visit Morarji Castle, which is renowned for its beautiful British architecture.
Where Stay

Hotels Accommodations Envisaged:-

Subject to availability at the time of booking or else similar hotels will be suggested:-

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