A Journey of Faith and History
Maharashtra is a state of incredible contrasts, offering serene spiritual centres and breathtaking historical monuments. This tour package is designed for travellers who wish to experience both without the hassle of planning multiple separate trips. The
journey typically combines a visit to the hallowed grounds of Shirdi, home to the revered saint Sai Baba, with an exploration of the magnificent rock-cut caves of Ajanta and Ellora. Shirdi attracts millions of devotees seeking peace and blessings, making it one of India's most significant pilgrimage sites. A short distance away, the Ajanta and Ellora caves, both UNESCO World Heritage sites, stand as a testament to centuries of artistic and architectural genius, showcasing a blend of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain heritage. This package bundles these distinct experiences into a single, seamless itinerary.
A Typical Itinerary
While IRCTC offers various packages with slight modifications, a popular format is the three-day, two-night tour that often starts from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad). On the first day, travellers are typically picked up and taken to Shani Shingnapur, a temple known for its unique, open-air deity, before proceeding to Shirdi for an evening darshan at the Sai Baba temple and an overnight stay. The second day is dedicated to history and architecture. After travelling back towards Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, the tour covers the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, an important Hindu pilgrimage site, followed by a visit to the spectacular Ellora Caves. The highlight at Ellora is the Kailasa Temple, the world's largest monolithic excavation. The night is spent in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The third and final day is reserved for the Ajanta Caves, renowned for their ancient murals and paintings that date back to the 2nd century BCE, before the tour concludes.
What the Package Includes
One of the primary advantages of booking through IRCTC is the all-inclusive nature of the packages. A typical tour fare covers hotel accommodation for the duration of the trip, usually in well-vetted, comfortable establishments. All transportation, including transfers between cities and for local sightseeing, is handled in an air-conditioned vehicle. The packages also generally include breakfast and sometimes other meals as specified in the itinerary, a tour guide to explain the significance of the sites, travel insurance, and all applicable taxes. This structure allows travellers to focus on the experience rather than logistics like booking hotels, finding transport, or managing entry times.
Understanding the Costs
The cost of the IRCTC tour package provides significant value, given the inclusions. Prices can vary based on the class of hotel, the type of vehicle (shared or exclusive), and the number of people travelling. As of reports from 2024, a budget-friendly version of a 2-night, 3-day tour was priced around ₹10,000 per person, though this is subject to change. More comprehensive packages, such as the 'Marvels of Maharashtra' tour (3 nights/4 days), have different price points starting from approximately ₹9,200, with variations for single, double, or triple occupancy. It's essential for travellers to check the official IRCTC Tourism website for the most current pricing and specific package details at the time of booking, as rates and itineraries are regularly updated.
What Is Not Included
To ensure there are no surprises, it's equally important to know what is not covered by the package cost. Typically, entrance fees for monuments like the Ajanta and Ellora caves are not included in the base price and must be paid by the tourists directly at the sites. Meals not specified in the itinerary (usually lunch and dinner) are also for the traveller's own account. Other personal expenses, such as laundry services, tips for guides and drivers, and any shopping, are also excluded. Being aware of these additional costs helps in budgeting for the trip accurately.
How to Book Your Tour
Booking an IRCTC tour package is a straightforward process. The most reliable way is to visit the official IRCTC Tourism website, www.irctctourism.com. The website lists all available domestic tour packages, which can be filtered by destination. Simply search for packages covering Shirdi, Ajanta, or Ellora to find the relevant options. Each package page provides a detailed itinerary, inclusions, exclusions, and the cost. Bookings can be made directly on the platform by selecting the preferred date and making the payment online. For any specific queries, customer support details are also available on the website.
