Combining a spiritual pilgrimage with a journey into ancient history can be a profound experience. For travellers looking to visit the sacred shrine of Shirdi and the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage sites of Ajanta and Ellora, IRCTC offers a solution.
A Journey of Faith and History
Maharashtra is home to a unique blend of spiritual landmarks and ancient artistic wonders. Shirdi, the abode of the revered saint Sai Baba, attracts millions of devotees seeking blessings and peace. Not far away, the Ajanta and Ellora caves stand as testaments to centuries of masterful rock-cut architecture. The Ajanta caves, dating back to the 2nd century BCE, are famous for their stunning murals depicting the life of Buddha. The Ellora caves feature a remarkable mix of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain structures, including the incredible Kailasa Temple, the world's largest monolithic excavation. An IRCTC tour package simplifies visiting these iconic destinations, weaving them into a single, well-structured itinerary that removes the complexities of planning.
A Look at a Sample Itinerary
While IRCTC offers various packages from different cities like Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Lucknow, a popular format is a multi-day tour that covers the key sites logically. For instance, a 6-day tour from Hyderabad begins with a flight to Aurangabad (now Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar). The first day often includes exploring the Ellora Caves and the nearby Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga temple. The second day is typically dedicated to the Ajanta Caves, renowned for their intricate paintings. The journey then proceeds towards Shirdi, often with a stop at the Shani Shingnapur temple. A full day is usually allocated for darshan and other activities at the Sai Baba temple complex in Shirdi. The tour might also include visits to nearby religious sites in Nashik, such as the Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga temple and the Panchvati area, before the return journey.
Package Inclusions and Costs
The primary appeal of these packages is their all-inclusive nature, designed for a hassle-free experience. A typical package includes return travel (either by flight or train), accommodation in hotels for the duration of the trip, and local transport in an AC vehicle for sightseeing. Most packages also cover breakfast and dinner, travel insurance, and the services of a tour escort. However, travellers should note what is typically excluded. Expenses like lunch, entrance fees for monuments and temples, guide charges, and any other personal expenses are usually not part of the package cost. The price varies based on the city of origin, mode of transport, and the number of people sharing a room. For example, a 6-day air package from Hyderabad can start from around ₹34,800 per person for triple occupancy, with prices adjusting for double and single occupancy.
Why Choose a Packaged Tour?
Organising a multi-city tour involving temple visits and historical sites can be a logistical challenge. Travellers need to coordinate transport, book suitable accommodations, and plan a sightseeing schedule that makes geographical sense. A packaged tour from a reliable operator like IRCTC handles all these details. The itineraries are planned to be efficient, ensuring that travellers can comfortably visit all the key locations without the stress of managing bookings and transfers. This is particularly beneficial for families, senior citizens, and solo travellers who prioritise safety and convenience. Furthermore, the presence of a tour escort provides on-the-ground assistance, making the journey smoother. By bundling services, these packages can also offer better value than booking each component separately.
