Mumbai & Three Jyotirlinga Temples in Maharashtra

Day 1: Arrival in Mumbai

Upon arrival at Mumbai airport, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, take some time to relax and freshen up after your journey. In the evening, begin your city exploration with a visit to the iconic Gateway of India, one of Mumbai’s most famous landmarks overlooking the Arabian Sea. Continue to Colaba Causeway, where you can enjoy the lively street atmosphere and browse through local shops and cafés. Later, visit the UNESCO-listed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, admired for its Victorian Gothic architecture and rich colonial history. After sightseeing, return to the hotel. Overnight at hotel in Mumbai.

Day 2: Mumbai Sightseeing and Elephanta Caves Excursion

After breakfast at the hotel, begin your excursion to the Elephanta Caves. Drive to the Gateway of India and take a ferry across the Arabian Sea to Elephanta Island, located approximately 10 km from the mainland. Begin the cave exploration and admire the ancient rock-cut temples dedicated mainly to Lord Shiva, including the famous Trimurti sculpture. Return to Mumbai after the visit and proceed for a city tour. Visit the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, one of India’s finest museums, showcasing art, sculpture, and historical artifacts. Later, enjoy a leisurely drive along Marine Drive and visit the Hanging Gardens at Malabar Hill, offering beautiful panoramic views of the city. After sightseeing, return to the hotel. Overnight at hotel in Mumbai.

Day 3: Drive from Mumbai to Nashik (Approx. 170 km / 4–5 hrs)

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and begin your drive to Nashik, one of Maharashtra’s most sacred and historically significant cities. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and relax for a while. Later, begin the city tour with a visit to the Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. Explore the temple complex and witness its spiritual atmosphere and unique architecture. Continue to Panchvati, an important religious area connected with the Ramayana. Begin your visits to Kalaram Temple, Sita Gufa, and Kapileshwara Temple, each carrying great religious and mythological importance. If time permits, visit the ancient Pandavleni Caves, known for their Buddhist rock-cut heritage. Return to the hotel after sightseeing. Overnight at hotel in Nashik.

Day 4: Drive from Nashik to Aurangabad via Ellora Caves (Approx. 220 km / 5–6 hrs)

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and begin your journey to Aurangabad. En route, visit the world-famous Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located approximately 30 km from Aurangabad. Begin the cave tour and explore the remarkable rock-cut monuments representing Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions. Admire the magnificent Kailasa Temple, carved from a single rock, and marvel at its scale and artistic detail. After completing the cave visit, proceed to the sacred Grishneshwar Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Later, continue to Aurangabad and check in at the hotel. Evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel in Aurangabad.

Day 5: Ajanta Caves Excursion and Aurangabad City Tour

After breakfast at the hotel, begin a full-day excursion to the Ajanta Caves, located approximately 100 km from Aurangabad. Begin the sightseeing at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its Buddhist murals, sculptures, and ancient cave architecture. Explore the prayer halls and monastic chambers while learning about the life of Buddha and the Jataka tales depicted on the walls. Return to Aurangabad in the afternoon and continue with a city tour. Visit Bibi Ka Maqbara, often called the “Mini Taj Mahal,” and admire its graceful Mughal architecture. Proceed to the Aurangabad Caves and Panchakki, a historic water mill showcasing remarkable engineering and heritage value. After sightseeing, return to the hotel. Overnight at hotel in Aurangabad.

Day 6: Drive from Aurangabad to Bhimashankar (Approx. 280 km / 6–7 hrs)

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and begin your drive to Bhimashankar, nestled in the Sahyadri Hills. The journey takes you through scenic landscapes, ghats, and forested stretches, offering a refreshing change from the city route. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and take some time to relax. Later, begin the temple visit to Bhimashankar Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and an important Shiva shrine. Experience the serene and devotional atmosphere of the temple, surrounded by lush greenery and mountain views. If time allows, you may also explore the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, home to rich flora and fauna, including the Indian Giant Squirrel. Return to the hotel after sightseeing. Overnight at hotel in Bhimashankar.

Day 7: Drive from Bhimashankar to Mumbai via Karla and Bhaja Caves (Approx. 200 km / 5–6 hrs)

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and begin your return journey to Mumbai. En route, visit the Karla Caves, a famous Buddhist cave complex known for its grand prayer hall and exquisite rock-cut architecture. Continue to the Bhaja Caves, another important Buddhist site featuring ancient stupas, carvings, and monastic structures. After completing the cave visits, resume your drive to Mumbai. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and spend the evening at leisure. You may choose to relax or explore nearby markets for shopping and local experiences. Overnight at hotel in Mumbai.

Day 8: Departure from Mumbai

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and prepare for your departure. If time permits, you may enjoy some last-minute shopping or a brief local visit in Mumbai depending on your flight schedule. Later, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey. The tour ends with unforgettable memories of sacred Jyotirlinga temples, ancient caves, and Maharashtra’s spiritual and cultural treasures. Overnight not included (tour ends).

• Assistance on arrival at airport
• 7 nights accommodation in selected category hotels
• Daily breakfast at hotels
• Private AC vehicle for airport transfers, sightseeing, and excursions as per the itinerary
• English-speaking local guide on sightseeing days, as per program
• Monument entrance fees and activity charges mentioned in the itinerary
• Bottled drinking water in the vehicle
• All applicable government taxes

Hotels used or similar for 7 nights' accommodation

Mumbai x 3 nights
3* - Hotel Suba Palace/ BW Hotel Sahil
4* - Sun-N-Sand Hotel/ Fariyas Hotel
5* - Trident Hotel/ ITC Grand Central

Nashik x 1 nights
3* - Lily Sarovar Portico/ Holiday Inn Express
4* - Express Inn/ Hi 5 Hotel
5* - The Gateway Hotel Ambad/ The Source at Sula

Aurangabad x 2 nights
3* - Keys Hotel The Aures/ Aurangabad Gymkhana Club
4* - Ambassador Ajanta / VITS Hotel
5* - WelcomHotel Rama International / Lemon Tree Hotel

Bhimashankar x 1 night
3* / 4* / 5* - Neelam Hills Resort/ Blue Mormon Jungle Holiday Resort

• Any flight tickets
• Camera charges at monuments, if any
• Meals other than those mentioned in the inclusions
• Personal expenses such as laundry, tips, drinks, telephone, fax, internet, etc.
• Gratuities and optional activities
• Anything not specifically mentioned in the inclusions