Aurangabad is a city in Maharashtra state, in India. It’s known for the 17th-century marble Bibi ka Maqbara shrine, styled on the Taj Mahal. The nearby Shivaji Maharaj Museum, dedicated to the Maratha king Shivaji, displays war weapons and a coin collection. North of the city, the Aurangabad Caves comprise ancient, rock-cut Buddhist shrines. West of the city, battlements surround the medieval Daulatabad Fort.
Mumbai is what the Indians affectionately call - the 'City of Dreams'. This fabulous city is not only the financial capital of India that serves as the center of all trade and investments, but also a cultural center. Mumbai is where you can possess the most distinguished designer labels and products from various fashion houses that flood the busy malls. This is the one place where glamour is not an uncommon word and is reflected ostentatiously in the Bollywood film industry. Take a look at the beaches in Mumbai to witness some of God's amazing miracles- the magnificent sunsets over the Arabian Sea, which is a dream-like vision. In Mumbai, night is when the day truly begins, which is why Mumbai is also referred to as the 'city that never sleeps'.
Namaste and welcome to India. Arrive at Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. You will be met by our representative at the arrival lounge and then transfer to your booked hotel. (Rooms booked from 1400 hrs). Later half of the day free to relax and to recover from Jet Lag. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel. In the Morning Enjoy the Dabbawala Tour - The word "Dabbawala" can be interpreted as "box-carrier" or "lunch mail-man". In Marathi and Hindi, "dabba" means a box (usually a cylindrical aluminium container More specifically, the word dabbawala implies a person in the Indian city of Mumbai who carries and delivers freshly made food from home in lunch boxes to office workers.
The concept of the Dabbawala came into being when a person named Mahadeo Havaji Bachche started the lunch delivery service with about a hundred men. Now, Indian businessmen are the main customers for the dabbawalas, and the service often includes both cooking and delivery.
Later proceed to enjoy your city tour of Mumbai. Drive past The Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Outside), formerly known as Victoria Terminus Station. The building, designed by the British architect F. W. Stevens, became the symbol of Bombay as the ‘Gothic City’ and the major international mercantile port of India.
Drive past Bombay High Court - Beautiful British Heritage Building and the court is one of the most distinguished high courts in the country.
Drive past Dhobi Ghat; a well-known open air laundromat in Mumbai, India. The washers, locally known as Dhobis, work in the open to wash the clothes from Mumbai's hotels and hospitals. There are rows of open-air concrete wash pens, each fitted with its own flogging stone. Called the world's largest outdoor laundry.
Hanging Gardens, also known as Pherozeshah Mehta Gardens were first built in 1881. Designed by Ulhas Ghapokar, it is said to have been built over one of Bombay’s main water reservoir to protect it from getting polluted, particularly by the nearby towers of silence. It was primarily dedicated to Pherozeshah Mehta, a prominent Parsi political leader, activist and lawyer, whose contributions to the city led to him being named The Lion of Bombay.
Drive past Marine Drive and Chowpatty beach. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel, Later proceed to Lonavala, A popular hill station at an altitude of 2,047 ft above sea level, Lonavala is a romantic escape from the chaotic noise of city life. Salubrious climate, magnificent exquisiteness, historical forts, ancient caves and beautiful lakes make it the most sought after destination in India. The exquisiteness and charm of this place has always magnetized the attention of tourists, honeymooners, youth and celebrities.
Visit of Bhaja Caves - caves are regarded to be from the times of Hinayana phase of Buddhism, which is of 2nd to 1st century BC. These caves are also mainly Viharas and Chaityas and located just 3 km away from the main road amidst green surroundings.
Visit of Karla Caves - is the largest Hinayana Buddhist chaitya (temple) in India built during Satavahana's rule. Karla is the best example of rock-cut architecture, which is believed to carve out from a living rock. Some of its 2000 year-old wooden beams are still alive. It takes nearly 20 minutes to climb up the steep way of the Karla caves. There is a 45 meter (148-foot) long Chaitya, possibly the finest of its kind in the country.
Upon arrival, check in at the hotel for overnight stay.
Enjoy your breakfast and then proceed to Mumbai. Half a day is free for leisure activity or spend some time in the markets. Overnight stay at the hotel.
After breakfast leave for day excursion to The Elephanta Caves by boat ride from The Gateway of India, is UNESCO World Heritage site is a fine specimen of rock cut architecture and art of medieval India. To state the trivial, there are no elephants in Elephanta! The name was given by the Portuguese as there was a large elephant sculpture in the island, when it was held by them. Otherwise this island was known as Gharapuri. The island is known for the 7th century caves with boldly executed mythical themes.
Return by boat ride.
Later visit Prince of Wales - Founded in the early 1900s, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya is one of the premier cultural institutions in the country. Bombay is now known as Mumbai and the name of the Prince of Wales Museum of Western India is changed to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya. Set against a well laid out garden which retains its original plan even today, the museum is an important Heritage building of the city.
Today, CSMVS houses about 50,000 artefacts and has an outstanding collection comprising of sculptures, terracotta’s, bronzes, excavated artefacts from the Harappan sites, Indian miniature paintings, European paintings, porcelain and ivories from China and Japan, etc. Besides these, the Museum has a separate Natural History section. Worli Sea face.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel. Later you will be transferred to airport to board your flight. Upon arrival in Aurangabad, transfer to hotel check in and overnight stay at Aurangabad.
Aurangabad - Known for its myriad cultural and historical monuments, Aurangabad is a popular tourist city set on the Kaum River in a hilly upland region of India's Maharashtra state. The city is best known for the impressive marble Bibi Ka Maqbara, which bears a striking resemblance to the Taj Mahal and was commissioned by the sixth Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in the late 17th century. Other notable sights include: the Shivaji Maharaj Museum, dedicated to the Maratha king Shivaji; the Aurangabad Caves featuring ancient, rock-cut Buddhist shrines; and the impressive 12th-century medieval Daulatabad Fort. Aurangabad also serves as a gateway to the nearby ancient caves of Ajanta and Ellora.
Enjoy your nutritious breakfast at the hotel. Later proceed for day excursion to Ajanta Caves (110kms/03 hrs one way). Visit the Ajanta Caves are about 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments which date from the 2nd century BCE to about 480 or 650 CE.
Ajanta Caves - AJANTA is world's greatest historical monument recognised by UNESCO located just 55kms from Jalgaon city and 105kms from Aurangabad City of Maharashtra, India. There are 30 caves in Ajanta of which 9, 10, 19, 26 and 29 are chaitya-grihas and the rest are monasteries. These caves were discovered in AD 1819 and were built up in the earlier 2nd century BC-AD. Most of the paintings in Ajanta are right from 2nd century BC-AD and some of them about the fifth century AD and continued for the next two centuries. All paintings shows heavy religious influence and center around Buddha, Bodhisattvas, and incidents from the life of Buddha and the Jatakas. The paintings are executed on a ground of mud-plaster in the tempera technique. Later drive back to Aurangabad for overnight stay.
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel. Later proceed to explore another Unesco Heritage Site Ellora Caves, also known as Verul is an archaeological site 29 km (18 mi) north-west of the city, built by the Rashtrakuta dynasty (Brahmanical & Buddhist group of caves ) and Yadav (Jain group of caves). It is also known as Elapura in the Rashtrakuta Kannada literature.
Ellora Caves -These 34 monasteries and temples, extending over more than 2 km, were dug side by side in the wall of a high basalt cliff, not far from Aurangabad, in Maharashtra. Ellora, with its uninterrupted sequence of monuments dating from A.D. 600 to 1000, brings the civilization of ancient India to life. Not only is the Ellora complex a unique artistic creation and a technological exploit but, with its sanctuaries devoted to Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism, it illustrates the spirit of tolerance that was characteristic of ancient India.
Daulatabad Fort – Daulatabad is located at a distance of 13 km from Aurangabad. This fort, which was once known as Devagiri, is a magnificent 12th century fortress standing atop a hill. Daulatabad, which is constructed with excellent architecture, is one of the few invincible forts in Maharashtra.
Mohammed Bin Tughluq, the sultan of Delhi gave the name Daulatabad 'The city of fortune'. Series of trick defense and secret escapes routes are the famous features of this fort. Jami Masjid, Bharatmata Mandir, the Chand Minar, Elephant Tank and 'Chini Mahal' or Chinese Palace are the important monuments inside the fort. Daulatabad Fort, which initially had stronghold of Yadav, passed through the hands of several dynasties in Deccan.
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel. Later proceed for the Bollywood Tour of Mumbai.
Tour Highlights:
Later half of the day free for your own activities or for shopping. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel. Later visit the Jahangir Art Gallery –one of Mumbai’s premier and oldest art institutions. The landmark gallery has hosted exhibitions by India’s leading artists, and has continually served as a prestigious platform for budding students since its establishment in 1952. Jahangir Art Gallery was founded with donations given by Sir Cowasji Jehangir,2nd Baronet, at a time when Mumbai had few institutions to promote its indigenous artists. The gallery, named after Sir Coswaji’s late son, Jahangir, became a regular haunt of many aspiring and struggling artists soon after its inauguration in 1952 by then-Chief Minister, Mr. B.G. Kher. Frequenters of the gallery included the likes of M.F. Husain and S.H. Raza – artists who spearheaded India’s contemporary arts movement.
Morden Art gallery - Only the facade remains of the edifice that was formerly the auditorium known as the Sir Cowasji Jehangir Public Hall. The interior with its elegant horse - shoe shaped balconies now exhibits a different look as the hollow interior exhibits a central stairway with semicircular galleries at different levels. Sir C. J. Hall, as it was popularly known, has become transformed into the National Gallery of Modern Art, Mumbai.
If time permits spend some time for shopping activity as Mumbai is known for its fashion trends due to Bollywood. Later in time transfer to airport for your onwards journey destination. Our Services Ends there.
Fariyas Resort in Lonavala is situated on a premium property and is among the very few premium resorts in Lonavala. Fariyas Resort is 2.5 km from Lonavala Railway Station and Bus Station. It is within 7 km from Bhushi Dam, Wax Museum and Pawna Lake. Mumbai International Airport is 100 km away. All rooms are centrally air-conditioned and well appointed with features like auto wake-up call, direct dialing facility, WiFi, electronic safe, multi-channel television, mini bar, king and twin sized beds and more.
A palace style hotel, it is set in the midst of five acres of landscaped gardens. Discover a multi-cuisine fare at Latitude or indulge in Chinese teaand delicacies at The Tea House. Discover a wide range of drinksat the Tease Bar, and enjoy the best grills in town at Garden Cafe. As for business, choose from our well-furnished conferencing andbanqueting centers that are suitable for hosting business events and meetings.
Nestled in the heart of vibrant and bustling Mumbai lies our hotel Trident, Nariman Point. Soaring 35 storeys high, it offers panoramic views of Marine Drive or the Queen's Necklace, as the beautiful promenade is lovingly called. An iconic Mumbai landmark, featuring some of the best accommodations in the city, this is the luxury hotel address to be seen at. The 555 rooms and suites at Trident, Nariman Point, offer stunning views of the ocean and the five star Mumbai city skyline. Spacious and well-appointed with all modern amenities, including complimentary high speed Internet for up to four devices, the rooms are complemented by our attentive yet unobtrusive service. Trident, Nariman Point is ranked amongst the best hotels in Mumbai. Head to one of the hotel’s award winning restaurants - Frangipani or India Jones, which offer cuisine ranging from Indian to Italian and Asian. Relax and rejuvenate in the calm environs of the Trident Spa or recharge with an energising workout in the fitness centre.
Journey to India.......once is not enough!!!!
BANKING AND CURRENCY
Currency
The Indian Rupee is the official currency of the Republic of India. The modern Indian Rupee is subdivided into 100 paise (singular paisa). Banknotes in circulation come in denominations of INR 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 2000. Please note that as of November 2016, the older 500 and 1000 INR note are no longer valid legal tender and only new ₹500 notes will be accepted.
The latest Indian Rupee coins are available in denominations of INR 1, 2, 5, 10.
The import and export of local currency is prohibited. The import of foreign currency is unlimited. However, amounts exceeding US$5,000 or equivalent in cash, or US$10,000 or equivalent in all forms of currency must be declared. The export of foreign currency is allowed up to the amount imported and declared.
Currency can be changed at banks, airports or authorised money changers. Many hotels also have facilities to change money but this is a more expensive option. It is illegal to exchange money through unauthorised money changers. US Dollars and Pounds Sterling are the easiest currencies to exchange.
Banking
Banking hours: Monday-Saturday 10h00-03h30 (Bank will be closed on second and forth Saturday).
Strictly speaking, you can neither import nor export Indian currency, but you can get some at the airport straight away to at least get you transport to your accommodation. There are Authorized Foreign Exchange dealers in most big cities, and banks will also change your currency at a fair rate if you have time for the paperwork.
A good way of getting your travellers currency is via an ATM but beware of hidden bank charges, both from the bank providing the ATM and the card-issuing bank - you also do not know what exchange rate you are getting.ATMs are found in most towns and are recommended for cash withdrawals.
Visa, MasterCard and American Express are usually accepted in tourist hotels and many other shops. Debit cards are also widely accepted.
Travellers cheques are widely accepted and may be changed at banks and larger hotels. The most widely accepted currencies include US Dollars and Pounds Sterling. Some banks may refuse to change certain brands of traveller's cheques whilst others may exchange quite happily.
TRAVEL, TRANSPORT AND GETTING AROUND
India is big and there are lots of interesting ways to travel around it, most of which could not very well be described as efficient or punctual. Allow considerable buffer time for any journey with a fixed deadline (eg. your flight back), and try to remember that getting there should be half the fun.
India's large size and uncertain roads make flying a viable option, especially as prices have tumbled in the last few years. Even India's offshore islands and remote mountain states are served by flights, the main exceptions being Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh (although crossing over from neighbouring states is fairly easy). Due to the aviation boom over the last few years, airports have not been able to keep up with the air traffic. Most Indian airports continue to function with one runway and a handful of boarding gates. Check in and security queues can be terribly long, especially in Delhi and Mumbai.
Railways were introduced in India in 1853, more than one and half a centuries ago, by the British, and today India boasts of the biggest network of railway lines in the world, and the rail system is very efficient, if not always on schedule. Travelling on Indian Railways gives you the opportunity to discover the Indian landscape and scenic beauty first hand and is generally more economical than flying domestic. It is one of the safest ways of travel in India. With classes ranging from luxurious to regular, it's the best way to get to know the country and its people. Most train passengers will be curious about you and happy to pass the time with a chat.
In central locations of big cities like airports or stations reliable pre-paid taxis are available and will save you money as well as the bargaining hassle. However beware of touts who would claim themselves to be running pre-paid taxis. Always collect the receipt from the counter first. The receipt has two parts - one part is for your reference and the other part you will need to handover to the taxi driver only after you reach your desired destination. The taxi driver will get his payment by submitting or producing this other part to the pre-paid taxi counter. Normal taxis running by meter are usually more common. In many non Metro Cities (or even in Metros depending on time) taxies or autos may ply without the usual meter.
While you can't take a cross-country bus-ride across India, buses are the second most popular way of travelling across states and the only cheap way of reaching many places not on the rail network (eg. Dharamsala).
FOOD, DRINK AND CUISINE ADVICE
Water for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should first be boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is often unpasteurised and should be boiled. Avoid dairy products likely to have been made from non-boiled milk. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish. Do not eat salads, vegetables should be cooked and peel your own fruit. Don’t eat street vendor food unless it is piping hot. Tap water is not safe to drink, rely on bottled water which is widely available. However, do check the seal on bottled water.
Indian food is world-renowned for its tantalising flavours, spiciness and enormous variety. Curries are created from the subtle and delicate blending of spices such as cumin, turmeric, cardamom, ginger, coriander, nutmeg and poppy seed although these vary from region to region and every spice has medicinal properties and use.
Vegetable dishes are more common than in Europe, particularly in the fruity, coconutty dishes of southern India, while northern India has an entirely different but equally satisfying cuisine to sample. Breads like paranthas, chapatis, naans and rotis are also part of the main diet in several states like Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Achars (pickles), relishes and chutneys again vary by region and add more resonance to amazing meals.
Sweets or mithai too have regional specialities. They tend to be milk based and some are syrupy and fried. Well-known northern sweets are gulab jamun, jalebi (it’s worth watching how these syprup-based confections are made in the street), kulfi, kheer, halwa and laddu. From the east are rasgulla and rasmalai. The south has several burfi and halwa-type desserts like coconut burfi and badam halwa made from almonds.
While care should be taken in where one eats, exceptional food can be had in the most humble surroundings such as food at ashrams as can be found in 5-star restaurants. Non-vegetarians will find fabulously spiced mutton dishes according to regional specialities including fish dishes typical to coastal areas.
10 to 15% is usual in restaurants that impose no service fee; optional where service fee is added to bill.
CLIMATE AND WEATHER
The weather is mainly hot most of the year with significant variations from region to region. The coolest weather lasts from around the end of November to the beginning of March, with fresh mornings and evenings, and mostly sunny days. The really hot weather, when it is dry, dusty and unpleasant, is between March and June. Monsoon rains occur in most regions in summer anywhere between June and early October.
CLOTHING AND DRESS RECOMMENDATIONS
Male or female, one rule covers all visitors to India: don't leave the house with your arms or legs bare. You'll naturally get attention as a foreigner, as full-on staring is common and accepted on Indian streets, but you'll suffer far less negative attention if you remain covered up. For most locations and seasons in India, thin, loose linen or cotton pants and button-down shirts will keep you comfortable in hot, humid weather and help you blend in. While you may see Indian young adults sporting tight jeans and fitted brand-name tops, you'd stand out significantly more in the same outfit. If you visit anywhere in northern India - not just the mountains, Delhi too - during the winter, prepare for seriously cold weather. Bring jeans and heavy shirts and pick up an Indian wool wrap.
What you can get away with at an Indian beach depends entirely on which beach you visit. In the state of Goa, a popular beach and club getaway destination, locals are accustomed to seeing tourists in bikinis on the beach and Indian men often sport Speedos. But skimpy clothes need to stay on the beach. Don't walk around town or your hotel in nothing but a bikini and sarong. In less Western-frequented beach destinations, such as the beaches around Bombay, Alibag and Chowpatty, or anywhere in the south, hit the beach in light pants and a tunic.
When visiting temples and other religious sites on your own or part of a tour, be on the lookout for signs advising visitors to dress in a specific way to enter the temple. The government of India advises that some religious institutions require visitors to cover their heads or remove their shoes, and covering your legs and arms in respect goes without saying. Certain sites may carry more specific requirements, such as donning a certain colored sash or sarong-like covering. Take your cue from other visitors exiting the site.
ELECTRICITY AND PLUG STANDARDS
For the most part, electrical sockets (outlets) in India are the "Type D" 5 amp BS-546 sockets. This is actually an old British standard. The "Type D" Indian plug and socket is not to be confused with the "Type M" South African plug and socket. In pictures, they look very similar, but the South African type is much larger than the Indian type, and they are physically incompatible. If your appliance's plug doesn't match the shape of these sockets, you will need a travel plug adapter in order to plug in.
Electrical sockets (outlets) in India usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC. If you're plugging in an appliance that was built for 220-240 volt electrical input, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. If your appliances are not compatible with 220-240 volt electrical output, a voltage converter will be necessary.
