Three Jyotirlinga Temples in Maharashtra
Package price On Request
Product Code : AGORA500
Five days private Three Jyotirlinga Temples in Maharashtra tour will begin with pick up from your hotel or airport in Mumbai. Leave directly to Nasik the land of ancient hindu temple & a Jyotirlinga. Next drive to Aurangabad via visiting Shirdi Saibaba temple. While in Aurangabad visit Ellora Caves & Grishneshwar jyotirlinga. Further drive to visit Bhimashankar a Jyotirlinga Temple in the laps of Sahyadri Hills. You will also visit the Karla Caves and the Bhaja Caves in Lonavala while driving back to Mumbai.
Day 1: Mumbai - Nashik (170kms)
Pick up from your hotel or airport in Mumbai & drive to Nashik check in at hotel.
Later excursion to visit Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlingas Temple, constructed by the third Peshwa Balaji Bajirao (1740-1760) at the site of an even older temple at the foot of the Brahmagiri Hill, flanked by the hills of Nilagiri and Kalagiri. Made entirely of black stone, it is a beautiful pilgrimage center for Hindus, dedicated to Lord Shiva. River Godavari originates from Kusavarta, a pond within the temple premises. While you are here, you can also explore the impressive Brahmagiri Fort, and Gangadwar, located in close vicinity to the temple. Overnight at hotel.
Day 2: Nashik - Aurangabad (170kms) (B)
Nashik the ancient holy city is known for its links to Ramayana the epic poem. Visit Panchavati Temple complex on the bank of Godavari River which include Ram Kund where Lord Rama believed to have bathed in water tank. Shri Kalaram Sansthan Mandir an ancient shrine to Lord Rama, and Sita Gufaa caves. Also visit Sundarnarayan Temple, ISKCON Temple & millennium old Pandavleni Caves.
Later drive to Aurangabad via visiting Shirdi known as home of revered spiritual leader Sai Baba. The Samadhi Mandir shrine has an ornate marble statue of Sai Baba, alongside his tomb. Close by are Dwarkamai, a mosque where Sai Baba once lived, and tree-lined Lendi Garden.
Arrive Aurangabad check in & overnight at hotel.
Day 3: Aurangabad (B)
Excursion to visit the Ellora Caves (Tuesday closed), a UNESCO World Heritage Site from about 200 BC. to 650 AD. There are 34 monasteries and temples at Ellora, belonging to the three different religions Buddhism, Hinduism & Jainism. Grishneshwar Temple one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines mentioned in the Shiva Purana. On way back visit Daulatabad Fort one of the most powerful forts of the medieval Deccan. Later visit Bibi ka Maqbara built in 1678 is a sons loving tribute to his mother, Panchakki which discharged water on the wheel to power the flourmill and grind grain for the pilgrims & Aurangabad Caves artificial caves that were dug out of soft rock during the 6th & 7th century. Overnight at hotel.
Day 4: Aurangabad - Bhimashankar (280kms) (B)
Drive to Bhimashankar check in at hotel.
Later visit Bhimashankar Temple one of 12 Jyotirlinga located away from the tumult of city in the laps of Sahyadri Hills. The modest yet graceful temple dates back to the 13th century and is ornated with Buddha cravings as well. The holy shrine of Bhimashankar is a work of Naga style of architecture. The temple brilliantly showcases the intelligent work of Vishwakarma sculptors of ancient times. Situated atop the hills, the place is perfect for all nature lovers and trekkers. The forest nearby is said to be a treasure of medicinal herbs. The site is highly picturesque and gives mind-boggling views of the nearby locations. The graceful temple dates back to the 13th century Naga style of architecture.
Optionally enjoy trekking or driving safari in Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary a densely forested area spread over an area of 120 sq km on the Western Ghats, Sahyadri Ranges. The place is mainly famous for being a home to many endemic animal and bird species including the Indian Giant Squirrel. It is so rich in flora and fauna that it is considered to be one of the biodiversity hotspots of the world. The reserve is also known for being the home of 14 sacred groves which are said to be thousands of years old and responsible for the origin of many species. Trek through the well-marked and safe routes within the dense forests, taking in the sheer beauty of nature and experiencing it from close quarters. Overnight at hotel.
Day 5: Bhimashankar - Mumbai (200kms) (B)
Drive to Mumbai via visiting The Karla Caves & the Bhaja Caves 160 BC ancient Buddhist shrines in Lonavala. The caves have rooms for the monks who resided here a prayer hall and a huge stupa. Also visit imposing Lohagad Fort & Bhushi Dam.
Continue drive to Mumbai and drop off to your hotel or airport.
Assistance on arrival at airport.
4 Nights accommodation in selected price category hotels.
Meal as per day plan (B- Breakfast, L- Lunch, D- Dinner)
Private air conditioned deluxe car for airport transfer, sightseeing and excursion as per program.
English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per program.
Monuments entrances and activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.
Bottled drinking water in car.
Government taxes.
Hotels used or similar for 4 nights accommodation
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
Note; There are no 4 or 5 star hotels in Bhimashankar
Any flight tickets.
Camera charges at monuments.
Meals other than mentioned in day plan.
Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc.
Gratuities & optional activities.
Anything not mentioned in inclusions.