DAY 01: MUMBAI – NASHIK

Pick up from airport and drive to Nashik via Trimbakeshwar. The holy temple is one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlinga, dedicated to Lord Shiva. One of the famous holy destinations, it is visited by a large number of devotees every year.  Proceed to Nashik and visit Ramkund, Muktidham Temple, which is pure white. The color signifies purity and peace. The use of white Makrana marble gives divine ambience to the temple. Check into hotel and overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 02: NASHIK SHIRDI

After breakfast, check out and proceed to Shirdi. Arrive and check into the hotel. Later visit the temple of Sai Baba o Shirdi and Samadhi.  Rest of the time to explore area near temple and shopping. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 03: SHIRDI – SHANI SHINGNAPUR – GRISHNESHWAR

Early morning (optional Kankad aarti at Sai temple) One has to stand from the previous night

Breakfast at hotel. After breakfast, leave for Shani Shingnapur, which is also famous for the fact that no house in the village has doors, only door frames. Despite this, no theft is reported in the village. Villagers never keep their valuables under lock and key. Villagers believe that the temple is a “jagrut devasthan” (lit. “alive temple”), meaning that the god here is very powerful. They believe that god Shani punishes anyone attempting theft. The deity here is “Swayambhu” (Sanskrit: self-evolved deity) that is self emerged from earth in form of black but imposing stone. Though no one knows the exact period, it is believed that the Swayambhu Shanaishwara statue was found from times immemorial by shepherds of the then local hamlet. It is believed to be in existence at least since Kali yuga. After that proceed to Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga (Approx 80 kms)  it is the last Jyotirlinga of the country and holds a huge importance in the Shaivism tradition of Hinduism. The temple derives a huge influence from south India Temple architecture and boasts a five tier Shikara. It is even the smallest Jyotirlinga temple in the country. The temple houses a beautiful carvings and sculptures of gods and goddess.

After visiting Grishneshwar proceed to Ellora Caves – Buddhist, Jain & Hindu Sculptures. Impressive in their own right are the rock-hewn temples and monasteries of Ellora that lie just 30 kms away from Aurangabad City and are the meeting point of the Buddhists, Jains and Hindus. In all, there are 34 elaborate cave temples. Check into hotel. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 04: AURANGABAD – AJANTA CAVES – AURANGABAD

After breakfast leave for Ajanta caves (100 kms 2hrs) another UNESCO World Heritage Site. A cluster of approximately 30 rock-cut caves dating back to the 2nd and 6th centuries is dedicated to Buddhism. These caves depict the relics from the life of Buddha and his teachings. These caves are the finest example of Buddhist religious art and they consist the paintings in the caves predominantly narrates the Jataka tales which depicts the past lives and rebirth of Buddha. The paintings, sculptures, ornate carvings and ancient scripts are the added charm of these caves. This place is the finest example of Indian art.   Return to Aurangabad by afternoon and visit Shivaji Museum – The museum is dedicated to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the great Maratha ruler. The exhibits on display tell stories of the glorious reign of the brave king, showcased in six galleries. The display comprises Maratha war weapons and other artifacts from the battlefield of some of the most popular wars that the Marathas fought. The main exhibits here include the 500 year old war suit; a copy of the Aurangzeb’s handwritten Quran, and a 400 year old Paithani sari, wooden crafts, sword shields and ancient rifles, The Pani Chakki is a late 17th century water mill that displays the engineering skills of Malik Ambar, the architect of Aurangabad City. It is surrounded by a picturesque garden-landscape dotted with fish tanks. The Bibi-ka-maqbara was built by Aurangzeb’s son as a tribute to his mother, Begum Rabia-ud-Durani. It is a replica of the Taj Mahal, and stands out as the only example of Mogul architecture on the Deccan Plateau. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 05: AURANGABAD – NANDED VIA AUNDHA NAGNATH

After breakfast leave for Nanded, enroute visiting Aundha Nagnath, which is considered to be the first Jyotirlinga where Shiva is worshipped. It is believed that the Aundha Nagnath was built by Yudhisthira, the eldest Pandav, while they were send in an exile for 14 years. The Aundha Nagnath has Hemadpanthi style of architecture spreading for over 60,000 sq ft area. After this proceed to Nanded and check into hotel. Visit Hazoor Sahib in the evening  you will attend the aarti and the laser show and late langar. Overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 06: NANDED – HAZOOR SAHIB – PARLI VAIDHNATH (105 KMS) AHMEDNAGAR (240 KMS)

After breakfast, a whirlwind tour covering the prominent temples of Nanded – Gurudwara NaginaGhat, Sahib, Gurudwara Banda Ghat Sahib, Gurudwara Shikar Ghat Sahib. Around 11AM, proceed to Parli Vaijnath Jyotirlinga temple, which is an imposing and majestic temple. The temple is situated on a hill, facing towards east having doors in south and North direction. The temple was in ruins when Ahilyabai Holkar renovated the temple. After darshan proceed to Ahmednadar. Arrive by late evening and check into hotel. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 07: AHMEDNAGAR – BHIMASHANKAR (165 KMS) LONAVALA 128KMS

After breakfast, check out and drive to Bhimashankar and visit Bhimashankar temple, which is one of the five Jyotirlingas in state of Maharashtra. The Wooden entrance of the Bhimashankar temple is beautifully carved. It is surrounded with lovely sceneries and vibrant atmosphere. You may also visit Mumbai point, Gupta Bhimashankar the origin of Bhimariver, Hanuman Tank and Nagphani point. After this proceed to Lonavala. Arrive by evening and check into hotel. Rest of the time at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 08: LONAVALA

Lonavala, a scenic hill station and famous tourist place in Maharashtra. Spend your day at leisure and visit Karla and Bhaja Caves, ancient Buddhist shrines carved out of the rocks. These caves, houses the Buddhist monastery and stupas. This is the perfect way to spend some quality time in the bygone era. They are the finest example of rock-cut architecture. Don’t forget to taste the famous Chikki, a sweetmeat. This destination offers awe-inspiring views during monsoon season. P.M. visit Khandala after having your breakfast. Unravel at Bhushi Dam, a masonry dam en route. The dam is built on Indrayani River, one can enjoy some quality time here, even though swimming is prohibited due to inconsistent flow but one can sit on the bank of the river. Submerge in the reviving ambiance of Khandala. Soak in the beauty of sunset views. A perfect weekend getaway engages you in several adventure activities. The salubrious climate makes it an ideal destination to be during monsoon.  Return to Lonavala for night stay.

DAY 09: LONAVALA – MUMBAI – DEPARTURE

After breakfast, drive to Mumbai airport to board flight to onward destination

(We wish you a Divine and exhilarating experience)