Vadodara to Aurangabad Drive to Explore the Man-made Wonder

Ziua 1 · Arrival in Vadodara

1. 1

   Vadodara

   Trecere fără oprire

   On arrival at Vadodara airport, receive assistance and transfer to your hotel, with check-in at 2 PM (early check-in subject to room availability).

2. 2

   Oprirea 2

   2 ore Intrarea inclusă

   Visit Lakshmi Vilas Palace, a grand Indo-Saracenic palace built in 1890, known for its vast 700-acre estate, ornate Durbar Hall with stained glass windows, mosaic flooring, and Venetian chandeliers. The palace is four times the size of Buckingham Palace and serves as the residence of the Gaekwad dynasty.

   Explore Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum, housed within the palace grounds. The museum features an impressive collection of European paintings, Indian miniature paintings, sculptures, and artifacts. Noteworthy exhibits include works by Raja Ravi Varma, Greco-Roman statues, and ancient Chinese and Japanese porcelain.

3. 3

   Sayaji Baug Zoo

   o oră Intrarea inclusă

   Stroll through Sayaji Garden, one of the largest gardens in Western India, featuring a zoo, a planetarium, a toy train, and a variety of flora. This garden is a perfect place to relax and enjoy nature's beauty.

4. 4

   Kirti Mandir

   o oră Intrarea inclusă

   End the day at Kirti Mandir, a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi and his family. The structure is an example of Indo-Saracenic architecture and features murals depicting significant events from Gandhi's life. The peaceful surroundings offer a place for contemplation and respect.

Overnight at hotel.

Ziua 2 · Vadodara - Kevadia (90kms)

1. 1

   Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park

   2 ore Intrarea inclusă

   After breakfast, travel to Kevadia, making a stop at the UNESCO-listed Pavagadh-Champaner Archaeological Park. This site is a testament to Gujarat's medieval history, featuring a collection of ancient forts, mosques, and temples dating back to the 8th-14th centuries. Highlights include the Jami Masjid, known for its intricate lattice work and the Kalika Mata Temple situated atop Pavagadh Hill, offering panoramic views.

2. 2

   Kevadia

   Trecere fără oprire

   Upon arrival, check in at your hotel.

   Take some time to settle in, unwind, and appreciate the serene surroundings.

3. 3

   Statue Of Unity

   2 ore Intrarea inclusă

   Visit the Statue of Unity, standing at an impressive 182 meters, the tallest statue in the world, dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The statue offers breathtaking views from the observation deck, exhibits on Patel's life and India's struggle for independence, and a sound and light show.

   Explore Selfie Point, designed to provide the perfect angle to capture the grandeur of the Statue of Unity with the lush surroundings.

4. 4

   Valley of Flowers

   o oră Intrarea inclusă

   Stroll through the Valley of Flowers, a sprawling garden featuring over 100 different types of flowers, thematic sections, and artistic installations, enhancing the natural beauty of the area.

5. 5

   Statue Of Unity

   45 min Intrarea inclusă

   Experience the evening Light and Sound show, a captivating presentation that narrates the story of Sardar Patel and the making of the Statue of Unity, using state-of-the-art technology to bring history to life.

Overnight in Tent/ Hotel.

Ziua 3 · Kevadia - Nashik (310kms)

1. 1

   Nashik

   Trecere fără oprire

   Start with breakfast.

   Depart for Nashik, known as the wine capital of India, and check into your hotel upon arrival.

2. 2

   Sula Vineyards

   1 h 30 min Intrarea inclusă

   In the late afternoon, visit the renowned Sula Vineyards, India’s first commercial winery. Take a guided tour of the vineyards, learn about the winemaking process from grape to bottle, and enjoy a tasting session featuring their award-winning wines in a picturesque setting.

3. 3

   Soma Vine Village

   1 h 30 min Intrarea inclusă

   Continue to Soma Vineyards, another prestigious winery. Experience their hospitality with a tour and tasting session that includes a variety of their finest wines, all while soaking in the scenic views of the surrounding vineyards and hills.

Overnight at hotel.

Ziua 4 · Nashik

1. 1

   Shri Trimbakeshwar Temple

   2 ore Intrarea inclusă

   Begin with a visit to the Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. This ancient temple, built in the Hemadpanthi style of architecture, features a sacred Jyotirlinga and is set against the backdrop of the lush Brahmagiri Hills.

2. 2

   Brahmagiri Hill

   o oră Intrarea inclusă

   Explore Brahmagiri Fort, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The fort is historically significant as the origin of the Godavari River and is a popular trekking destination.

   Visit Gangadwar, a revered pilgrimage spot located on Brahmagiri Hill. Pilgrims believe that a dip in the holy waters here absolves them of their sins.

3. 3

   Nashik

   4 ore

   Discover the Panchavati temple complex, including Ram Kund, a holy bathing ghat where devotees perform rituals; Kalaram Temple, dedicated to Lord Rama with its striking black stone idol and impressive architecture; and Sita Gufaa, a cave believed to be the site where Sita was held captive by Ravana.

Overnight at hotel.

Ziua 5 · Nashik - Aurangabad (170kms)

1. 1

   Nashik

   Trecere fără oprire

   After breakfast, head towards Aurangabad. Before reaching the city, meet your guide and visit the Ellora Caves.

2. 2

   Ellora Caves

   2 ore Intrarea inclusă

   Explore the Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring 34 rock-cut monasteries and temples dating from the 6th to the 10th century. The caves represent Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain traditions, with intricate carvings, sculptures, and impressive architectural designs, such as the Kailasa temple, which is the largest monolithic rock excavation in the world.

3. 3

   Daulatabad Fort

   1 h 30 min Intrarea inclusă

   Visit the historical Daulatabad Fort, a 12th-century fort known for its strategic location and robust defense mechanisms, including a complex entry system designed to thwart attackers. The fort offers a panoramic view of the surrounding area and a fascinating glimpse into medieval military architecture.

4. 4

   Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar

   Trecere fără oprire

   Continue the drive to Aurangabad, check into your hotel, and settle in for an overnight stay.

Overnight at hotel.

Ziua 6 · Aurangabad - Ajanta (210kms round)

1. 1

   Ajanta Caves

   Trecere fără oprire

   Embark on a journey to the UNESCO-listed Ajanta Caves, renowned for their 30 rock-cut caves adorned with exquisite murals and frescoes that depict the life of Buddha and various Jataka tales. The caves, dating from the 2nd century BCE to the 6th century CE, are masterpieces of Buddhist religious art, with intricate sculptures and vibrant paintings that have stood the test of time.

2. 2

   Ajanta Caves

   3 ore Intrarea inclusă

   Spend the day exploring these ancient wonders, marveling at the intricate details and the historical and religious significance of the artwork. Highlights include Cave 1 with its impressive façade and detailed sculptures, and Cave 2 which contains some of the best-preserved paintings.

3. 3

   Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar

   Trecere fără oprire

   Return to Aurangabad for a restful night after a day of profound exploration.

Overnight at hotel.

Ziua 7 · Aurangabad - Departure

1. 1

   Bibi Ka Maqbara

   1 h 30 min Intrarea inclusă

   Begin your day with local sightseeing in Aurangabad, starting with Bibi Ka Maqbara, often referred to as the "Taj of the Deccan," a stunning mausoleum built by Azam Shah in memory of his mother, Dilras Banu Begum. The structure, inspired by the Taj Mahal, features intricate Mughal architecture with beautiful gardens and reflecting pools.

2. 2

   Aurangabad Caves

   1 h 30 min Intrarea inclusă

   Visit the Aurangabad Caves, a set of 12 rock-cut Buddhist shrines dating back to the 6th and 7th centuries. These caves are noted for their intricate carvings, statues, and panoramic views of the city, offering a serene and spiritual atmosphere.

3. 3

   Panchakki (Water Mill)

   20 min Intrarea inclusă

   Explore Panchakki, an ancient water mill that ingeniously demonstrates the skillful use of medieval Indian engineering. The mill, powered by an underground water channel, is set in a beautiful garden with fountains and reflects the scientific ingenuity of the time.

4. 4

   Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar

   Trecere fără oprire

   Following your sightseeing, you will be dropped off at Aurangabad airport for your departure.

   Bid farewell to the vibrant city of Aurangabad, carrying with you cherished memories and cultural experiences from your journey through ancient architecture and modern marvels.