A Journey of Faith and Heritage
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has curated a tour package designed for travellers looking to experience some of Maharashtra's most significant destinations without the logistical hassles of planning. This six-day, five-night
journey typically combines centres of pilgrimage with sites of immense historical importance. The tour is structured to provide a comprehensive experience, covering the sacred town of Shirdi, home of the revered saint Sai Baba, and Aurangabad, the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Ellora Caves. Often, the itinerary also includes stops at other key religious sites like the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple and the Shani Shingnapur Temple, offering a blend of devotion and a deep dive into ancient architecture and culture. These packages are especially popular with families and senior citizens, who can enjoy the journey without worrying about booking transport and accommodation at each stop.
The Itinerary at a Glance
While specific departure points and train schedules vary, the six-day itinerary generally follows a structured plan. The journey often begins overnight by train, with travellers arriving at their first destination the next morning. A typical schedule would see travellers arriving at a major railhead like Aurangabad or Manmad. From there, the tour proceeds to Shirdi for hotel check-in and 'darshan' at the Sai Baba temple complex. Day three might involve a visit to the famous Shani Shingnapur temple, known for its unique open-air shrine to Lord Shani, followed by a road journey to Aurangabad. The following day is dedicated to exploring the magnificent rock-cut architecture of the Ellora Caves and paying respects at the Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas in India. The fifth day is often spent visiting other local sites or beginning the return train journey, concluding the tour on the sixth day as travellers arrive back at their home city.
What the Package Includes
One of the main advantages of an IRCTC tour is the clarity on inclusions. These packages are designed to be largely all-inclusive to ensure a stress-free experience. A standard six-day Maharashtra tour typically includes confirmed train tickets for the round trip, often in Sleeper or AC 3-Tier class, depending on the chosen package. Accommodation in standard or deluxe hotels for the nights is covered, along with road transportation for all sightseeing in non-AC or AC vehicles. Most packages also include a set meal plan, which usually consists of breakfast and dinner. Tolls, parking fees, and driver allowances are also part of the package cost. However, travellers should note that personal expenses, any entrance fees to monuments unless specified, the cost of special darshans, and lunch are generally not included in the package price.
Package Cost and How to Book
The cost of the tour varies based on the city of origin, the class of train travel selected (Sleeper, AC3, AC2), and the level of hotel comfort. Prices are competitive and offer good value considering the multiple components bundled together. For example, similar multi-day packages covering these destinations can start from under ₹10,000 to ₹15,000 per person, depending on the exact itinerary and inclusions. Booking these tours is a straightforward process. Interested travellers can find all the details, including departure dates, specific itineraries, availability, and costs, on the official IRCTC Tourism website. The platform allows users to select their preferred package, check the itinerary, and complete the booking online. It is advisable to book in advance, as these tours, especially during festive seasons and holidays, tend to fill up quickly due to their popularity and convenience.
