π ππππ₯ππ¦ππ§π₯π π’π±ππππ²π 2026 December 12 to 18
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β MAHARASHTRA Odyssey (2026 December 12 – 18 I 06N-07D )
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Temples, Caves & Coastlines β A Journey from Spiritual Solace to the Arabian Sea
Maharashtra, a state steeped in compelling narratives, stands as a testament to the richness of India’s varied heritage and the grandeur of its landscapes. Maharashtra is a land where history echoes through ancient landmarks, and diverse traditions thrive in harmony. The state takes pride in its wealth of historical wonders that reflect the grandeur of bygone eras with UNESCO World Heritage Sites. From the renowned Ajanta, Elephanta and Ellora Caves, showcasing ancient rock-cut architecture and exquisite cave art, to the ChhatrapatiΒ Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai, which have borne witness to the gothic architectural brilliance, the state’s historical importance is deeply ingrained and diverse. The state’s rich cultural heritage is reflected in its art, music, and cuisine, with the colourful Ganesh Chaturthi festival celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervour across the state.
Destinations Covered : Mumbai β’ Shirdi β’ Nashik β’ Ajanta & Ellora Caves
Terms and Conditions
- Bhoomika Tours reserves all rights to cancel the tour if minimum numbers of bookings are not confirmed per departure. In such case, full refund will be made to the customer booking confirmation. All bookings are subject to availability and will be confirmed by Bhoomika.
- Payment Terms: Full payment or a deposit, as specified in the Payment Schedule, must be made at the time of booking to secure the reservation. Failure to comply may result in cancellation of the booking with applicable Cancellation Charges & Policies.
- Travel Documents: It is the responsibility of the traveller to ensure that all necessary travel document, such asΒ Aadhar Card (Original) Or PassportΒ is valid prior to departure. Bhoomika Tours will not be liable for any issues arising from inadequate or expired travel documents.
- Itinerary Changes: Bhoomika Tours reserves the right to modify travel itineraries, accommodations, transport arrangements, or other components of the package if deemed necessary due to unforeseen circumstances or factors beyond its control. Any changes will be communicated to the traveller as soon as possible.
- Liability: Bhoomika Tours will exercise reasonable care and diligence in making travel arrangements. However, it shall not be responsible for any loss, damage, injury, or inconvenience caused directly or indirectly due to acts of nature, accidents, delays, political unrest, or any other force majeure event beyond its control.
- Cancellation: If you want to cancel your tour booking for any reason, you must intimate in writing to us and deliver it to the concerned officer you are dealing with where you booked, and obtain an acknowledgment. The letter must clearly mention the names of all passengers who want their bookings to be cancelled. The computation of the period of notice of cancellation shall commence only from the time the written request reaches Bhoomika Tours at its sales office during working hours.
- Jurisdiction: Place of Arbitration/Jurisdiction will be Thrissur, Kerala State.
Included/Excluded
- Transportation: 45 Str AC Pushback vehicle for all sight seeing
- Accommodation β3*-Deluxe Rooms for 2 persons, on dbl/family sharing basis
- Food: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner as per Itinerary
- All Entry Fees
- Boating Charges
- Evening Aarati
- Mineral water throughout your day tour (1 Lit per person daily)
- Professional, friendly and well experienced Malayalee Tour Manager from Bhoomika
- Malayalee Tour Guide
- Air Fare / Train Fare
- Porterage At Hotels and Airports, Tips, Laundry, Liquors, Wine, Etc.
- Any cost arising due to natural calamities like landslides, Road blocks, Political Disturbances etc.
- Anything Not Mentioned in the Inclusions.
- Food β No food while travelling on flight
- Evening Tea / Coffee
Tour Plan
Day 1
DECEMBER 12 / COK-NASHIK / THE GODDESS OF THE GODAVARI
π Nashik | Evening Aarti on the Ghats:
Upon arrival at Nashik Airport/Railway Station in the evening, you will be transferred to check in to the hotel. Nashik is an ancient holy city in Maharashtra, a state in western India. Itβs known for its links to the βRamayanaβ epic poem. On the Godavari River is
Panchavati, a temple complex. Nearby, Lord Rama was thought to have bathed at Ram Kund water tank, today attended by Hindu devotees. It is an ancient Hindu pilgrimage sites, the Simhastha Kumbh Mela, and as the Wine Capital of India housing major
vineyards like Sula Vineyards. After check-in, visit the sacred Ramkund Ghats on the banks of the Godavari River to witness the peaceful evening Aarti, where devotional chants and glowing lamps create a serene spiritual atmosphere.
π‘ Insider Tip: Take a late-night stroll along the Ramkund ghats on the Godavari River. The lamps floating on the water create a surreal, cinematic view.
π½οΈ Meals : DinnerΒ Β Β Β π¨ Night Stay: Nashik.
Day 2
DECEMBER 13 / FROM SPIRITUALITY TO TERROIR
π Nashik β Shirdi | Blessings & Bordeaux :
Early Morning : Drive to Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga Temple (30 km). Seek blessings at one of the 12 holiest shrines of Shiva, located at the foothills of the Brahmagiri Hills. Built in elegant black stone, the temple is renowned for its unique three-faced Jyotirlinga, symbolizing Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva. It is also revered as the birthplace of the holy Godavari River, making it one of India's most important pilgrimage sites. The Lingas are covered by a jeweled crown which is placed over the Gold Mask of Trideva (Brahma Vishnu Shiva). The crown is said to be from the age of Pandavas and consists of diamonds, emeralds, and many precious stones.
Late Morning: Return for breakfast, then visit Zula Vineyardβsip on exquisite Indian wines amidst the Sahyadri hills. Experience one of Nashik's premier wineries, nestled amidst scenic vineyards and rolling hills. Take a guided tour of the winery to learn about
the art of grape cultivation and the winemaking process, from vineyard to bottle. Enjoy a wine tasting session featuring a selection of premium wines while soaking in the tranquil countryside views, making it a perfect stop for wine lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Mid-Day : Drive to Shirdi. Shirdi is one of India's most revered pilgrimage destinations in Maharashtra, renowned as the home of Sai Baba. The town attracts millions of devotees each year who come to seek blessings at the Sai Baba Samadhi Mandir and experience its peaceful spiritual atmosphere. Shirdi symbolizes faith, devotion, and the message of unity among all religions. Sai Baba of Shirdi, also known as Shirdi Sai Baba, was an Indian spiritual master considered to be a saint, and revered by both Hindu and Muslim devotees during and after his lifetime. The Shirdi Temple is famous as the holy final resting place and spiritual shrine of the revered 19th-century saint Shri Sai Baba, his core message of "Sabka Malik Ek" (One God governs all), and his teachings of faith (Shraddha) and patience (Saburi).
Evening: Enter the Sai Baba Temple Complex. Visit Dwarkamai and Chavadi :
Dwarkamai: A revered mosque where Sai Baba of Shirdi spent a major part of his life. It houses the sacred Dhuni (eternal fire), which has been kept burning since Baba's time. Devotees visit to seek blessings and experience the peaceful atmosphere of this holy place.
Dwarkamai in Shirdi is a deeply sacred place because it was the home of Sai Baba for nearly 60 years.
Day 3
DECEMBER 14 / THE VILLAGE WITHOUT DOORS
π Shirdi β Shani Shingnapur β Chhatrapa Sambhajinagar | "Fortresses & Faith"
Morning : Drive to the enigmatic Shani Shingnapur (~75 km).
Shani Shingnapur a renowned pilgrimage village. Dedicated to Lord Shani (Saturn), the open-air temple is famous for its massive idol and the local tradition of houses without doors due to unwavering faith in divine protection. Shani Shinganapur or Shingnapur is a village in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Situated in Nevasa Taluka in Ahmednagar district, the village is known for its popular temple of Shani, the Hindu god associated with the planet Saturn. Situated in Nevasa Taluka in Ahmednagar district, the village is known for its popular temple of Shani, the Hindu god associated with the planet (graha) Saturn.
Late Morning: Walk through the unique doorless villageβno houses have doors, relying instead on the protection of Lord Shani. Visiting a Shani Mandir helps reduce astrological hardships like Sade Sati, encourages karmic reflection, and brings inner peace. Devotees seek protection, emotional stability, and spiritual growth through these visits. In our routine lives, there is a great importance of the kindness and the power of God Shani. Shani occupies the seventh place among the nine planets which govern the world. This is viewed as unlucky in conventional astrology.Among the people of Maharashtra and India itself, the greatness and grandeur of Shanishingnapur if spread far and wide. But the fame of God Shani has reached far and wide, even beyond the seven seas. After the βdarshanβ of this world famous Devasthan and God Shani, this information based on social.
Afternoon: Drive to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) (~115 km). Aurangabad was officially renamed Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar to honor Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the second ruler of the Maratha Empire, and to replace the name derived from the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. Explore Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, a historic city renowned for its rich Mughal heritage and as the gateway to the world-famous Ajanta and Ellora Caves. The city offers a fascinating blend of ancient monuments, cultural landmarks, and architectural wonders. Aurangabad, officially renamed as Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in 2023, is a city in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is the administrative headquarters of Aurangabad district and is the largest city in the Marathwada region.
Late Afternoon/Evening: Visit the Bibi Ka Maqbaraβ the stunning "Taj of the Deccan" a beautiful Mughalera mausoleum admired for its elegant architecture, lush gardens, and striking resemblance to the Taj Mahal. The Bibi Ka Maqbara is a tomb located in the city of Aurangabad in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It was commissioned in 1660 by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's son, Prince Azam Shah, in the memory of his mother Dilras Banu Begum.
π‘ Insider Tip: For the best Instagram shot of Bibi Ka Maqbara, plan your visit when the marble glows golden.
π½οΈ Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner π¨ Night Stay: Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
Day 4
DECEMBER 15 / THE HIDDEN MASTERPIECES
π Ajanta Caves | "Rock-Cut Heritageβ:
Morning: Depart for Ajanta Caves (~100 km).
Late Morning: Explore The Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, comprise 30 ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves renowned for their exquisite murals, intricate sculptures, and magnificent architecture. Dating back over 2,000 years, these caves beautifully depict the life and teachings of Lord Buddha, making them one of India's most treasured archaeological and artistic masterpieces. These caves carved into a horse-shoe cliff. Marvel at the intricate murals and the iconic "Harp Player" painting. These UNESCO World Heritage-listed caves date back to the 2nd century BCE and showcase exquisite rock-cut architecture, stunning frescoes, and sculptures depicting the life and teachings of Lord Buddha. Admire the beautifully carved prayer halls (Chaityas) and monasteries (Viharas), making Ajanta one of India's greatest masterpieces of Buddhist art.
Afternoon: Picnic lunch amidst the lush forest scenery.
Late Afternoon / Evening: Return to the hotel.
π‘ Insider Tip: Bring a small flashlight to illuminate the dark cave interiors for better photographs.
π½οΈ Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & DinnerΒ π¨ Night Stay: Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
Day 5
DECEMBER 16 / MONOLITHS & MIGHT
πΒ Ellora Caves β Mumbai | "The Kailasa & The Fortβ:
Morning: Drive to Ellora Caves (~30 km). Walk into Cave 16βthe Kailash Temple, a massive
monolithic structure carved from a single rock!
The Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are a remarkable complex of 34 rock-cut caves showcasing Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain architecture. The highlight is Cave 16 β Kailash Temple, the world's largest monolithic rock-cut temple, carved entirely from a single rock and celebrated for its breathtaking craftsmanship and intricate sculptures. The Ellora caves, unlike Ajanta, have a distinction that they were never lost to oblivion, due to their close proximity to the trade route. There have been numerous written records to indicate that these caves were visited regularly by enthused travelers and royal personages as well. The caves are hewn out of the volcanic basaltic formation of Maharasthra, known as βDeccan Trapβ, the term trap being of Scandinavian origin representing the step like formation of the volcanic deposits. The rock formation, on weathering has given rise to the appearance of terraces with flat summits. At Ellora, one can also have a glimpse of the channels (near Cave 32) through which the volcanic lava once flowed. These channels, due to overheating, have a characteristic brownish red colour. Similar rock was used in the construction of the Grishneshwar Temple nearby and also utilized for the flooring of the pathways at Bibi-ka-Maqbara.
Late Morning: Visit the Grishneshwar Temple (another Jyotirlinga). Grishneshwar Temple: Visit the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, located near the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ellora Caves. Built in beautiful red sandstone, the temple is renowned for its intricate carvings, traditional Hemadpanthi architecture, and peaceful spiritual ambiance. Devotees from across the country visit this revered shrine to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva.
Afternoon: Scale the heights of Daulatabad Fortβa formidable medieval fortress. Explore the magnificent Daulatabad Fort, a 12th-century hill fortress renowned for its ingenious military architecture and strategic defenses. Built atop a conical hill, the fort features massive fortification walls, secret escape passages, the famous Andheri (Dark Passage), and the towering Chand Minar. Climb to the summit for breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and discover why it was once considered one of India's most impregnable forts.
Late Afternoon / Evening: Drive to the bustling metropolis of Mumbai.
π‘Β Insider Tip: The view from Daulatabad Fort's bastion is a 360-degree panorama of the entire Deccan plateau.
π½οΈ Meals : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner π¨ Night Stay: Mumbai
DAY 6
DECEMBER 17 / HERITAGE, ISLAND & COASTAL
π South Mumbai & Bandra | "Colonial Charm to Sea Linksβ:
Morning: Begin with a heritage photo-walk through South Mumbai's architectural gemsβCST Station, BMC Headquarters, GPO, and the majestic Lion Gate.
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST): A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of India's finest examples of Victorian Gothic architecture.
- Β BMC Headquarters: An impressive Gothic Revival building located opposite CST.
- General Post Office (GPO): A historic Indo-Saracenic landmark renowned for its magnificent white dome.
- Lion Gate: A historic gateway near the Naval Dockyard, reflecting Mumbai's colonial past.
DAY 7
DECEMBER 18 / TEMPLES, DARGAHS & THE LONGEST BRIDGE
π Mumbai | "Blessings, Tides & the Open Sea" :
Morning (8:00 AM): Start your day with divine blessings at the iconic Siddhivinayak Temple, one of Mumbai's most revered temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha and a major pilgrimage site known for fulfilling devotees' wishes (arrive by 9:00 AM). After darshan, leave by 10:00 AM.
Late Morning: Drive to the serene Haji Ali Dargah or the historic Mahalaxmi Templeβboth offering spiritual solace amidst the city's hustle.
Haji Ali Dargah β A beautiful mosque and dargah situated on an islet in the Arabian Sea, admired for its stunning Indo-Islamic architecture and peaceful ambiance.
- Β Mahalaxmi Temple β A historic temple dedicated to Goddess Mahalaxmi, attracting devotees seeking prosperity and blessings.