The Holy Shiva Temples & Caves in Maharashtra

Day 1: Arrival in Mumbai

Upon arrival at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, take some time to relax and recover from your journey. The rest of the day is at leisure to settle into the vibrant atmosphere of Mumbai, one of India’s most dynamic cities. If arrival time permits, you may enjoy a short orientation drive or simply unwind at the hotel. Overnight at hotel in Mumbai.

Day 2: Mumbai Sightseeing and Elephanta Caves

After breakfast at the hotel, begin your city exploration with a visit to the iconic Gateway of India, one of Mumbai’s most recognized landmarks. Continue with a ferry ride to the Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its magnificent rock-cut temples dedicated primarily to Lord Shiva. Begin the cave tour and admire the famous Trimurti sculpture and other intricate carvings. Return to Mumbai and visit Colaba Causeway, followed by a drive past Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, a masterpiece of Victorian Gothic architecture. Later, enjoy a scenic drive along Marine Drive and stop at Hanging Gardens and Kamala Nehru Park for panoramic city views. Return to the hotel after sightseeing. Overnight at hotel in Mumbai.

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

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and begin your drive to Nashik, a city of profound religious importance in Maharashtra. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and take a short break before beginning your temple visits. Proceed to Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva and renowned for its spiritual significance and unique three-faced lingam. After darshan, continue to the Panchvati temple complex and begin your visits to Kalaram Temple, Sita Gufa, and Kapileswara Temple, all associated with the Ramayana and Lord Rama’s exile. If time permits, visit the ancient Pandavleni Caves, a remarkable Buddhist rock-cut complex. Return to the hotel after sightseeing. Overnight at hotel in Nashik.

Day 4: Drive from Nashik to Shirdi and Aurangabad (Approx. 170 km / 4–5 hrs)

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and begin your journey toward Aurangabad with a meaningful stop at Shirdi. Visit the Sai Baba Temple and experience the devotional atmosphere of one of India’s most visited pilgrimage destinations. After offering prayers, continue your drive to Aurangabad, a city known for its rich medieval and Mughal heritage. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and relax for the evening. The day concludes with a sense of peace and spiritual fulfillment. Overnight at hotel in Aurangabad.

Day 5: Aurangabad to Ajanta Caves and Return (Approx. 210 km round trip / 5–6 hrs)

After breakfast at the hotel, set out on a full-day excursion to the world-famous Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of India’s greatest artistic treasures. Begin the cave exploration and admire the ancient Buddhist murals, sculptures, viharas, and chaityas that depict the life of Buddha and the Jataka tales. The horseshoe-shaped cliff setting adds to the dramatic beauty of the site. After completing the visit, return to Aurangabad. The evening is free for leisure or shopping in local markets. Overnight at hotel in Aurangabad.

Day 6: Aurangabad Sightseeing – Ellora, Grishneshwar & Daulatabad Fort

After breakfast at the hotel, begin the day with a visit to Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, one of the most revered Shiva shrines in India. Continue to Ellora Caves, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, where Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain monuments coexist in one extraordinary rock-cut complex. Begin the tour of the majestic Kailasa Temple, carved from a single rock and celebrated as a masterpiece of ancient Indian engineering. Later, visit Daulatabad Fort, a strategic hill fort known for its defensive design, hidden passages, and panoramic views. In the evening, return to Aurangabad and visit Bibi Ka Maqbara, often called the “Mini Taj Mahal” for its elegant Mughal-style architecture. Overnight at hotel in Aurangabad.

Day 7: Drive from Aurangabad to Nanded via Aundha Nagnath (Approx. 265 km / 5–6 hrs)

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and begin your journey toward Nanded. En route, visit Aundha Nagnath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva and an important site of pilgrimage. After darshan, continue your drive to Nanded, a city deeply connected to Sikh history and spirituality. Upon arrival, visit Hazur Sahib, also known as Takht Sachkhand Shri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib, one of the five Takhts of Sikhism. After completing the visit, check in at the hotel and relax for the evening. Overnight at hotel in Nanded.

Day 8: Drive from Nanded to Ahmednagar via Shree Vaijnath (Approx. 325 km / 7 hrs)

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and begin your journey to Ahmednagar. En route, visit Shree Vaijnath Jyotirlinga Temple, another sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva and one of the most important spiritual destinations in Maharashtra. Seek blessings and spend time in the temple’s tranquil atmosphere before continuing the drive. Upon arrival in Ahmednagar, visit the historic Ahmednagar Fort, known for its impressive military architecture and role in Indian history. Later, check in at the hotel and enjoy a peaceful evening. Overnight at hotel in Ahmednagar.

Day 9: Drive from Ahmednagar to Bhimashankar (Approx. 170 km / 4–5 hrs)

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and begin your drive to Bhimashankar, located in the scenic Sahyadri Hills. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and relax amidst the peaceful natural surroundings. Later, visit Bhimashankar Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva and known for its spiritual atmosphere and hilltop setting. If time permits, you may also explore Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, home to rich biodiversity and scenic trekking trails. Return to the hotel after sightseeing. Overnight at hotel in Bhimashankar.

Day 10: Drive from Bhimashankar to Mumbai via Lonavala (Approx. 200 km / 5–6 hrs)

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and begin your return journey to Mumbai. En route, stop at Lonavala and visit Karla Caves and Bhaja Caves, two ancient Buddhist cave complexes known for their prayer halls, stupas, and intricate rock-cut artistry. Begin the cave exploration and enjoy the historical significance of these serene sites. After sightseeing, continue your drive to Mumbai. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and spend the evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel in Mumbai.

Day 11: 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 drive in Mumbai before your transfer to the airport. Later, you will be dropped off at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport for your onward journey. The tour ends with unforgettable memories of Maharashtra’s sacred Jyotirlingas, ancient caves, and spiritual heritage. Overnight not included (tour ends).

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

Hotels used or similar for 10 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 3 nights
3* - Keys Hotel The Aures/ Aurangabad Gymkhana Club
4* - Ambassador Ajanta / VITS Hotel
5* - WelcomHotel Rama International / Lemon Tree Hotel

Nanded x 1 night
3* / 4* / 5* - Gurudwara Sarai/ NRI Complex (Neat & clean)

Ahmednagar x 1 night
3* / 4* / 5* - Iris Premiere Hotel/ Hotel Raj Palace

Bhimashankar x 1 night
3* / 4* / 5* - Neelam Hills Resort/ Blue Mormon Jungle Holiday Resort
Note; There are no 4 or 5star hotels in Nanded, Ahmednagar & in Bhimashankar.

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