An Overview of the 'Maharashtra Mega Heritage' Tour
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) frequently offers tour packages that cater to travellers looking to explore Maharashtra's most revered sites. One such popular offering is a six-day, five-night tour, often starting from cities
like Hyderabad, which combines spiritual destinations with architectural marvels. This package, sometimes called 'Maharashtra Mega Heritage', is designed for convenience, bundling travel, accommodation, and sightseeing into a single itinerary, making it an attractive option for families, seniors, and solo travellers alike. The tour typically covers Shirdi, the Ajanta and Ellora caves, Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Shani Shingnapur, and sites in Nashik and Aurangabad (now Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar).
A Day-by-Day Itinerary
While specific departure points and transport modes can vary, the structure of the six-day tour is generally consistent. Day 1 often begins with arrival in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, followed by visits to the Ellora Caves, Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, and the Bibi Ka Maqbara. Day 2 is typically dedicated entirely to the world-renowned Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO site famous for its ancient rock-cut Buddhist monuments. The journey then shifts towards spirituality on Day 3, with a visit to the Shani Shingnapur temple before proceeding to Shirdi for darshan at the Sai Baba temple. Day 4 takes travellers to Nashik to visit the Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga temple. The fifth day often includes a visit to the Saptashrungi Mata Temple. The final day usually involves exploring Nashik's Panchavati area before the return journey from Shirdi or a nearby airport/station.
Understanding the Costs and Inclusions
The package price depends on the occupancy type (single, double, or triple sharing) and the class of travel. For example, a recent air package from Hyderabad had prices starting from around ₹34,800 per person for triple occupancy. These packages typically include the primary travel costs, such as flight or train tickets, and all road transport by an air-conditioned vehicle for sightseeing. Accommodation in standard or comfort category hotels for all nights and a set meal plan (usually breakfast and dinner) are also part of the deal. Furthermore, travel insurance is generally included, providing a layer of security for travellers.
What's Not Included in the Package
It is crucial to know what expenses are not covered to budget accordingly. The most significant exclusion is often the entrance fees for monuments and temples, including any special darshan tickets. These must be paid directly by the traveller at the sites. Lunch is frequently excluded, giving tourists the flexibility to explore local cuisine on their own. Other personal expenses such as laundry, telephone charges, tips, and mineral water are not part of the package. Any activities or sightseeing not explicitly mentioned in the itinerary would also be an additional cost.
Booking and Pre-Departure Preparations
Booking a tour is a straightforward process through the official IRCTC Tourism website. You can navigate to the 'Tour Packages' section, find the desired trip by searching for destinations like 'Shirdi' or 'Ajanta', select a departure date, and choose your occupancy preference. Payment can be made online, and for packages above a certain amount, a part-payment facility may be available, allowing you to pay in installments. Before departure, it's wise to pack according to the season, with comfortable footwear being essential for exploring the large cave complexes. Carry identification, any necessary medications, and be prepared to manage expenses for lunch and monument entry fees. Checking the final itinerary sent by IRCTC for specific timings and contact details is also a vital pre-departure step.
