NASIK - SHIRDI - AJANTA - ELLORA
Overview
Discover India's rich cultural heritage at Ajanta and Ellora, a mesmerizing UNESCO World Heritage site. Admire the intricate rock-cut caves adorned with stunning sculptures and breathtaking frescoes, showcasing the zenith of ancient Indian artistry. Marvel at the architectural marvels spanning Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain traditions, offering a spiritual and historical journey unlike any other. Witness the harmonious blend of creativity and devotion that spans centuries, all set against a scenic backdrop. Ajanta and Ellora beckon travelers to immerse themselves in a captivating odyssey through time, culture, and artistic excellence. Embark on an unforgettable expedition to these ancient wonders and be enchanted forever.
Itinerary
- For those who favor train travel, it is essential to note that the departure is scheduled on this day
- On arrival in Mumbai. Transfer to the hotel and check-in. By evening visit Juhu beach. Overnight stay at Mumbai
- After breakfast, check out & proceed to visit CST Terminal - a historic railway terminus and UNESCO World Heritage Site in Mumbai (Photo Stop), Elephanta Caves, Gateway of India, Colaba Market – Malabar Hills (Celebrity Area), Travel through Bandra - Worly Sea Link. Evening proceeds to Nasik. Overnight stay Nasik.
- Morning proceeds to visit Shirdi (2-3 hrs). En route, we can see CNP (Currency Note Press). Later visit Shirdi Baba Mandir and Shani Shingnapur (the village is known for its popular temple of Shani, the Hindu god associated with the planet Saturn). Later proceed to Shirdi. Overnight stay in Aurangabad.
- A full day to Explore Ajanta Caves - a UNESCO World Heritage site – 110 km from Aurangabad city. Ajanta Caves consist mostly of Buddhist sculptures. The highlights are the intricate paintings on the walls depicting stories from Jataka tales drawing connection to Buddhism. There are 26 caves here, although not all of them are of importance. Be sure to visit caves no. 1, 2, 16, 17, 19, and 26.
- After Breakfast, visit Grishnenshwar Jyotirlinga Temple
- Then proceed to visit Ellora Caves- a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest rock-cut Hindu temple cave complexes in the world, with artwork dating from the period 600–1000 CE. There are 17 Hindu caves, 12 Buddhist and five Jain caves with deities, carvings, and even monasteries depicting the mythology of each religion. The prominent caves of the Brahmanical group are Cave 15 (Dasavatara, or Cave of Ten Incarnations), Cave 16 (Kailasa, the largest monolithic temple), Cave 21 (Ramesvara), and Cave 29 (Dumar Lena). These caves were built during the Rshtrakuta Dynasty & Yadava Dynasty. Ellora Caves served as lodgings to the travelling Buddhist and Jain monks besides being a site for the trade route.
- Afternoon visits Bibi Ka Maqbara - Bibi-Ka-Maqbara is called the Taj of the Deccan. People also refer to it as the poor man’s Taj for obvious reasons. The monument was commissioned by Shahjahan’s son – Aurangzeb. However, it was built between 1651 and 1661 AD by Prince Azam Shah (Aurangzeb’s son). Bibi-Ka-Maqbara is a mausoleum in memory of Rabia-ul-Durrani Alias Dilras Ban Begum – Aurangzeb’s wife and Azam Shah’s mother.
- Panchakki - a structure that gets its name from a watermill that ground flour using water power. It was built in 1624 to commemorate a Muslim saint and Aurangzeb’s spiritual teacher – Baba Shah Muzaffar. The highlight of Panchakki is its simplistic yet brilliant engineering. Its underground clay pipes go up to a distance of 11 kilometers and circulate water around Aurangabad city.
- For those who favor flight travel, it is essential to note that the drop at the airport is scheduled on this day at 5 pm.
- Later after dinner, proceed to Manmad Railway station (3-4 hrs)
- Arrival at home town by next day morning
- Ac pushback coach (as per the total number of passengers)
- Ac Double Rooms in 3-Star Hotel
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner – as per the meal plan mentioned in the itinerary.
- Sightseeing Entry Charges
- Tour Escort
- 5% GST
- Any expenses of a personal nature such as porterage, food & drinks that are not the part of regular menu, telephone calls, room service, etc.
- Any increase in the fuel surcharge or any kind of taxes levied by respective governments.
- Any cost arising due to natural calamities like landslides, roadblocks, etc…
A cancellation charge of INR 2000 will be applicable for passengers canceling before 30 days of departure. A cancellation charge of 30% of the tour cost will be applicable for the passengers canceling before 15 days of departure and 100 % of the tour cost will be levied as the cancellation charge for the cancellations within 15 days prior to the departure.
- Booking: For confirming the seats, Rs.7,000/- per person has to be remitted while booking & the balance amount has to be settled 5 days before the tour departure.
- All the passengers are requested to handover Govt. approved photo identity while confirming the package.
- Tour Timings/Itinerary/Tour-Fare are subject to change. Yathri Tours & Travels reserves the right to alter, amend or even cancel any tour depending on the exigencies of the occasion.
- Jurisdiction: Place of Arbitration/Jurisdiction will be Ernakulam.