Description
Overview- Often Called the Gateway to the Heart of India, “Maharashtra” is the third largest state and second most populous state than in the country owing to its proximity to the Western Ghats, it is blessed with a picturesque backdrop of the mountains on one side and has the beautiful Konkan coastal belt on the other.
The state is the primarily know for its ancient Ellora and Ajanta cave, and pilgrim destinations. Plan a holiday in Maharashtra to witness the dazzling range of experience, Beautiful landscapes and years of history.
This is a 10 Days tour of Mumbai, Lonawala, Khandala, Matheran, Nasik, Aurangabad, Ajanta & Ellora Caves. This Tour is ideal for the tourists who want to explore the maximum attractions of Maharashtra and lloking for a rejuvenating holiday amidst the rich green hills and silent lakes,
Mumbai previously known as Bombay is one of the most populous and biggest cities of Maharashtra. Also the biggest metropolis of this state, Mumbai is also popular as the entertainment and financial capital. It is the largest city of India and fondly called as the city of dreams.
The heart of Mumbai has some of the best and beautiful colonial architecture and if you venture out to the lesser known lanes, you will also come across several distinct bazaars, temples, fancy restaurants and a nightlife that is one of its kinds.
The Elephanta Caves are a site of ancient cave temples on Elephanta Island, off the shore of Mumbai. From the city of Dreams it is a one hour ferry ride away as the island lies in the middle of Arabian Sea. The mystical caves were listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1987. The caves are full of Hindu rock art and the Buddhist rock Art.
The Gateway of India is one of India's most unique landmarks situated in the city of Mumbai. The colossal structure was constructed in 1924. Located at the tip of Apollo Bunder, the gateway overlooks the Mumbai harbor, bordered by the Arabian Sea in the Colaba district .
Lonavala, a popular hill station, is a part of the Sahyadri slopes. It offers an appealing and beguiling experience of the naturalistic environment. Encompassed by thick woods, waterfalls, dam close to the lakes, Lonavala is an absolutely wonderful place to visit.
Karla caves The origins of Lonavala, perched in the Sahyadri Mountains or the Western Ghats take you back centuries in time. Hence the name Lonavali , referring to a series or “avali” of “len” or resting places in stone. There are three ancient caves here – Karla Bhaja Caves besides the lesser known Bedse Caves and each of them is a complex of several caves with stupas and monasteries carved inside them. A magic carpet transports you to the first century when mountains were carved into carved into caves that became resting places for Buddhist monks.
Bhaja caves
The Bhaja Caves is a series of 22 rock cut caves built between 2nd century BC and 2nd century AD and the most prominent among them is the chaityagraha which has a vaulted ceiling shaped like a horseshoe and wooden architecture. There are caves with pillared verandah and fascinating reliefs adorn them. The Buddhists built these rock cut caves with viharas, stupas and chaityas as a shelter for travellers and traders. The monks lived here as well. Karle or Karla Caves Lonavala is one of the oldest and the chaitya is one of the largest rock cut prayer halls in India.
Khandala Blessed with a splendorous vista of scenery, Khandala is a tourist utopia. With the overflowing cascades of water, grassy hills and lustrous valleys, Khandala is located on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.
Rajmachi Fort is a very famous attraction known for its ancient remains and strategic location. It lies at a distance of 15 kilometres from the hill stations of Khandala and Lonavala. It comprises of two fortresses namely Shrivardhan and Manaranjan and is surrounded by a vast plateau and can easily spot the Bor Ghat which was a significant trade route between Mumbai and Pune. The Rajmachi fort, also known as 'Bale Killa', is constructed on top of the Shrivardhan Peak at the height of about 3000 feet to keep an eye on the activities taking place in the Konkan Area and now gives an amazing view to the tourists in mid-air. Rajmachi is one of the many historical forts located amidst the Sahyadri mountains, and it is a popular destination amongst nature lovers and tourists for trekking.
Lohagad Fort Situated at the height of 3400 feet, Lohagad Fort is a UNESCO world heritage site and formidable fort about 52 kilometres away from Pune. Perched atop an impressive hill near Malavali, this destination is the perfect amalgam of ancient architecture and natural beauty. Lohagad Fort was built in the 18th century and is an ideal destination for trekking and nature lovers, especially from Pune and Mumbai. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj used to keep his treasury in this fort.
Matheran is an eco-friendly hill station and attracts lakhs of tourists every year. Known as 'Maharashtra's Gift', Matheran, with its 38 peak points, is a great getaway from the pandemonium of city life. One of the closest hill-stations to Mumbai, Matheran is around two hours from Mumbai, by road.
Matheran is a beautiful tourist destination that offers stunning views of the Sahayadri ranges, a bird's eye view of the lights of Mumbai and chilly nights.
The Toy Train is also another popular tourist attraction of this hill station.
Chowk Point Little Chowk Point is one of the popular tourist locations in Matheran and is highly appreciated for the outstanding views it offers. The small yet popular spot offers impressive views of the Sahyadri Ranges, Karnala Fort and the beautiful town of Panvel. Besides, one can see the magnificent Vishalgad and Prabalgad Fort with its verdant surroundings from this viewpoint. The statue of Lord Ganesh is another attraction at this point.
Panorama Point The point offers picturesque views of the Western Ghats and lush plains dotted with villages far below. It is one of the popular places of sightseeing in Matheran. It offers beautiful views of Prabalgad fort and distant views of Heart Point, Porcupine Point and Monkey Point.
Panorama Point is one of the highest points in Matheran and is mostly visited in the early hours to see the spectacular sunrise.
Louisa Point is one of the prime viewpoints of Matheran which provides beautiful views of the surrounding area. The point located at a plateau offer the views of historical forts Vishalgad and Prabalgad. This is a great spot for eye catching views of sunset, surrounding mountains and lush greenery. During and just after monsoons many unnamed waterfalls can also be spotted on the facade of the hills nearby.
Nashik also known as wine and grape capital of India, The city is situated on the banks of the river Godavari at the foothills of the Western Ghats mountains in the northwest region of Maharashtra.
Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, situated in the Nashik district. The temple complex is the source of the Godavari river and one of the must visit religious center in Maharashtra.
Panchavati is a pilgrimage site and the place where the Kumbh Mela held near the Godavari river in Nashik. The complex has many tourist attractions such as Tapovan,Ramkund,Naroshankar Temple and Sundarnarayan Temple.
Sita Caves
Sita Gumpha Caves is one of the popular tourist destination in Nasik and the place has religious significance and a pilgrimage spot. This place is located in Panchavati near Kalaram temple where Sita have stayed for some time.
Aurangabad is a favourite tourist destination because of its proximity to the Ajanta and Ellora caves,famous historical monuments and Devgiri Fort. The city is a tourism hub and also known as the tourism capital of Maharashtra. Aurangabad city is titled as The City of Gates for 52 big gateways built during Mughal era but only few main gates have survived.
Devagiri Daulatabad Fort is one the most powerful forts of Maharashtra, stands on a conical hill with a height of over 600 ft. Daulatabad Fort is located at a distance of 15 km northwest of Aurangabad. The fort also has one of the tallest minar in India.
Bibi Ka Maqbara also known as mini Taj Mahal is a mausoleum with quadrilateral garden and in the form of a hexagon. The mausoleum is the tomb of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb’s wife, Rabia Durani, It is also known as the second Taj Mahal in India.
The rock-cut caves of Ajanta and Ellora are the major tourist attraction of the Marathwada region of Maharashtra, known for Hindu, Buddhist and Jain cave temples. Maharashtra state is home to the largest number of caves in India and Aurangabad has the two of the monumental caves which are world heritage sites.
Ajanta caves The 30 caves at Ajanta lie to the north of Aurangabad in the Indhyadri range of Western Ghats. The caves, famous for their temple architecture and many delicately drawn murals, are located in a 76 m high, horseshoe-shaped escarpment overlooking the Waghora (tiger) River. The Ajanta Caves are listed by UNESCO as World Heritage Site.
Ellora Caves are an impressive complex of rock shrines that represent the three faiths of Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism and were created between the 5th and the 13th centuries CE. The caves are 30 km northwest of central Aurangabad, a few km from Khuldabad, and 330 km northeast of Mumbai in Maharashtra state.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Mumbai
You will be arrive at Delhi airport and transferred to the hotel.
the first day you will be take rest and over night in your hotel.
Day 2: Mumbai Sightseeing
Post breakfast, proceed for sightseeing. From the Gateway of India, take a motorboat to visit Elephanta Caves, known for having a huge Trimurthi idol, a triple-headed Shiva. You will visit the Hanging Gardens, Prince of Wales Museum, Parliament House, Jain Temple and Marine Drive. Stay overnight in Mumbai.
Day 3: Mumbai - Lonavala
After having lunch start your drive towards beautiful hill station Lonavala, a very popular tourist place in Maharastra. Enjoy leisure activities and you will also visit Karla and Bhaja Caves. Return back to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 4: Lonavala -Khandala
Post breakfast, leave for Khandala. Enjoy at Bhushi Dam, Rajmachi Fort, Lohgarh Fort & enjoy the refreshing environment of Khandala. Return back to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 5: Khandala - Matheran
Post breakfast, start the 2-hour journey to Matheran. On arrival,explore the serene surroundings. Visit popular points like Chowk Point, Panorama Point, Louisa Point, Garbut Point and Echo. Return to the hotel forovernight stay.
Day 6: Matheran - Nasik
After breakfast, start 2 hour journey towards Nashik. Check-in at the hotel, Afternoon you will visit Sunder Narayan Temple, Sita Gufa Caves and Trimbakeshwar Temple in Nashik. Return back to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 7: Nasik - Aurangabad
Post breakfast, start the 4-hour journey to Aurangabad. Check-in to hotel. Later proceed for city tour. You will visit the Daulatabad Fort, Deogiri Fortress, Bibi ka Maqbara that looks like Taj Mahal. Later, you will cover Panchakki, a striking water mill. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 8: Aurangabad -Excursion to Ellora Caves
Post breakfast, leave for an excursion to Ellora caves, a Worldheritage site. These 34 caves, built during the 6th and 11th centuryare dedicated to Buddhism, Brahmanism and Jainism. Popular sites hereare Viharaas, Kailasa Temple and the Buddhist Vishvakarma Chaitya.Return back to Aurangabad for overnight stay.
Day 9: Aurangabad - Excursion to Ajanta Caves
After breakfast, leave for an excursion to the Ajanta caves, a WorldHeritage Site. These 29 caves, built during 2nd century and 6th centuryare dedicated to Buddhism. Located in the Sahyadri hills, it haspaintings and sculptures depicting the life and teachings of LordBuddha. After excurison to Ajanta caves, return to Aurangabad forovernight stay.
Day 10: Aurangabad - Mumbai
Start your drive back to Mumbai airport to board a flight for onwardjourney.
Inclusions
Included
All Transportation and , Hotel accommodation in Mumbai, Lonavala, Khandala, Matheran, , Nasik, Aurangabad, Ellora Caves,and Ajanta Caves, with everyday Breakfast, Drop off to Delhi airport .
Not included
Monument Entry Fees, Mineral Water Bottle and any kind of personal expenses .