The saga of Shri Sai Baba of Shirdi started in the middle of the 19th
Century when, as a boy of about 16 years of age, he first appeared here
under a neem tree absorbed in a hard penance. From the next about 60 years,
he devoted his life for the up liftment of the poor and suffering. His
origin, religion and early life are shrouded in mystery and though he is
believed to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva, is teachings transcended all
religions and beliefs. On Tuesday, the 15th of October, 1918, Shri Sai Baba
entered his samadhi. Today, all laces, persons and possessions connected
with him, too have become objects of veneration by millions of devotees who
journey to Shirdi every year from all parts of the world.
Shirdi, just off Nashik-Pune national highway, is connected to all major
centers in the region with good roads. It is 90 km from Nashik, 260 km from
Mumbai, 185 km from Pune, 125 km from Aurangabad. Nearest Airports are
Mumbai, Pune and Aurangabad.
Day 01 : Arrive Mumbai
The commercial capital of India. Depending upon the arrival time it may be
necessary to hold the accommodation from previous night as check in and
check out time is 12 noon in most of the hotels. Half day time permits
visiting The Gateway of INDIA and the chief entry port of India is a largest
industrial centre and is most cosmopolitan city in the east. With it's
beautiful natural horbour , studied with emerald islands and palm fringed
shore which - rises gradually to the mountain peaks. It is one of the finest
waterfronts. Highlights of the city sightseeing includes Gateway of India,
Hanging gardens, Prince of Wales Museum, The bustling Crawford Market, Flora
Fountain and the Dhobhi Ghat - a vast outdoor laundry.
Day 02 : Mumbai - Aurangabad
Transfer to Mumbai airport in time to connect flight to Aurangabad, check in
to hotel. Afternoon sight seeing of Ellora Caves: About 18 miles away from
the city of Aurangabad -a group of rock temples - possess a magnificient
series of Buddhist, Brahmanical and Jain temples of the 9th Century A.D.
Kailash Temple, hewn out of a single rock, carved with life size figures of
gods and goddesses, is a wonder. (Ellora caves closed on all Tuesday).
Day 03 : Aurangabad
After breakfast full day tour of Ajanta caves: Hewn out of rocks richly
sculptured and with walls ceilings and pillars adomed with fresco paintings
depict the life of Buddha. These cave picture galleries are unique in the
history of art and date from the 22nd Century B.C. to the 7th Century A.D.
(Ajanta caves closed on all Mondays).
Day 04 : Aurangabad - Shirdi
After breakfast leave by surface for Shirdi (125 Kms/3 hrs) - (en route)
visit Daulatabad Fort, this hilltop fortress was built in 1187, Mohammad
Tughlak ( The mad Sultan of Delhi) who shifted his capital here. On arrival
check in to Hotel and overnight at Hotel.
Day 05 : Shirdi - Pune
Early morning Visit temple of Sai Baba ( there are very long queues for Sai
Baba Temple) and the temple of Shani (Temple devoted to Saturn). After Lunch
leave by surface for Pune ( 185 kms/4hrs) the cultural capital of
Maharashtra. Rest of the day free and overnight at your hotel.
Day 06 : Pune
Full day city tour of Pune city visiting Kasturba Gandhi Smriti Mandir (Aga
Khan Palace) where Kasturba Gandhi - wife of Mahatma Gandhi breathed her
last in internment, Pataleshwar Cave Temple, Shaniwar Wada - a palace built
in 1736 which was destroyed in a fire in 1827, Osho Commune -At Koregao Park
is Guru.
Day
07 : Pune - Delhi
After breakfast transfer to Pune airport in time to connect flight to
Delhi. On arrival check into hotel and half day city tour of Delhi and New
Delhi visiting: Two and a half hours drive around Old Delhi visiting the Red
Fort - one of the magnificent palaces of the East with Diwan-e-Am, where
once stood the jeweled Peacock Throne -studded with diamonds and precious
stones, and the graceful Pearl Mosque, Jama Masjid which is considered the
biggest mosque in India, Chandni Chowk -a typical bazaar with narrow lanes
and traditional traders, Raj Ghat where Mahatma Gandhi -the father of the
Nation was cremated and the Government Buildings.
New Delhi
Two and a half hours drive of New Delhi visiting the Qutub Minar, Humayun's
tomb, India Gate, Parliament House, Laxmi Narayan Temple (Birla Mandir) and
Connaught Place.
Day 08 : Delhi - Home town
Leave in time for Delhi airport to connect flight back home. (Hotel
checkout 12:00 Hrs)
Cultural
Tours in India
