Ajanta, Ellora & Shirdi

Upon arrival at Shirdi airport, you will check-in to the spiritual town of Shirdi, widely revered as one of India's most sacred destinations. In the evening, you may take the opportunity to visit the Samadhi Mandir, the final resting place of the venerated Shri Sai Baba. Later, return to your hotel for dinner.

Post dinner, the group will convene to attend the Shej Aarti (10 PM) at the Sai Baba Temple.

Start your day in Shirdi with the peaceful sound of temple bells and you may attend the morning Aarti and Pooja (at your own) at the Sai Baba Temple at 4:30 AM. Take your time and immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere at your own leisure.

After a fulfilling breakfast, explore the Sai Baba Temple Complex which houses the famous Sai Baba Samadhi Mandir, Museum, Gurustan, Dwarakamai, Chavadi and Lendi Baugh. Marvel at the intricate architecture and rich history behind these structures.

For lunch, head to 'Sri Sai Prasadalaya', where you'll indulge in a delicious Maharashtrian vegetarian meal. The food is simple yet delicious, and all the items are prepared in the world's largest solar cooker.

After lunch, embark on a journey to Shani Shingnapur, famously known as the land of Shani Dev and the village with no doors. It is also acclaimed as the 'Alive Temple Town' in Maharashtra because of the belief that Lord Shani still resides in the self-emanated rock that represents him. 

Finally, head to Aurangabad and check into your hotel for a good night's sleep after a day filled with spiritual experiences and cultural wonders.

Start your day early and head to the Ajanta Caves, which are about a 2.5 hour drive from Aurangabad. Upon arrival, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the surrounding hills and the lush green forests.

Explore the 30 rock-cut Buddhist caves that date back to the 2nd century BC to the 6th century AD. These caves are adorned with beautiful paintings and sculptures depicting the life of Buddha and other significant Buddhist stories.

Cave 1 - This is the most famous and impressive cave at Ajanta. It is a huge, horseshoe-shaped cave with a grand facade that includes some of the most exquisite carvings and sculptures. Cave 2 - This cave contains some of the most detailed and well-preserved paintings at Ajanta. The paintings depict scenes from the life of Buddha and are known for their vibrant colors and delicate details. Cave 17 - This cave is famous for its depiction of the famous Jataka tales, which are stories of Buddha's previous lives. The carvings and sculptures here are incredibly detailed and provide a glimpse into ancient Indian life and culture.

Dinner and stay at Aurangabad 

After breakfast, we will visit the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, which is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas according to the mythological book Mahashiva Purana. It is the smallest and the final Jyotirlinga in India. The walls of the temple are adorned with colourful murals depicting Lord Vishnu's many avatars. This temple is a true testament to the love and devotion of a Brahmin named Ghushma for Lord Shiva, hence it was named after the Brahmin Ghushma.

We will then head to Ellora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ellora Caves consist of 34 caves, each with its own unique speciality. The caves are divided into three parts - Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist Caves. Cave 16, also known as Kailash Temple, is one of the main highlights of Ellora Caves. It is an important pilgrimage spot for the followers of Lord Shiva, and the gopurams of this architectural marvel signify Mount Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva. Cave 15  also known as the Dashavatara cave is a Hindu cave dedicated to Lord Vishnu and depicts the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu. The cave is famous for its intricate carvings and sculptures, especially the beautiful carving of the Varaha avatar of Lord Vishnu.

Later, as time permits we will visit Bhadra Maruti Temple and Bibi ka Maqbara, a symbol of remembrance. It is almost indistinguishable from another monument of love, the Taj Mahal, which inspired its creation. However, Bibi ka Maqbara stands proud as an expression of a son's love for his mother, and it has its own unique charm and significance.

Relish your breakfast and post checkout we will leave for the airport with fond memories of architectural masterpieces, spirituality and rich culture and history.

• 5 Days and 4 Nights accommodations at 4* category hotels on twin sharing basis. We provide single sharing accommodation for a supplementary cost. In case interested, please let us know while making the booking itself. All rooms are base category.
• Breakfast (4), Lunch (3) and Dinner (4). Set menu or buffet for all meals. Meals at Shirdi will be Pure Vegetarian.
• 1 litre bottle of water every day.
• Entry tickets to all monuments as per itinerary
• All local travel by AC Coach / Tempo with pushback seats.
• Group pickup from Shirdi Airport / Railway station and drop to Aurangabad Airport / Railway station only in case booked as per our suggested time.  
• Tour guide wherever required.
• Services of Travel Buddy experienced in taking care of elderly (45+ age group). We go along with all our group tours to ensure we provide the best traveling experience to all group members.
• Toll tax and parking fee of group vehicle. 
• Goods and Service Tax payable to Govt. of India.
• Some of the sightseeing points might get closed on particular days and we reserve the right to change the itinerary. However, we will make sure everything is covered in best possible way.