Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated as the Birth Anniversary of Lord Ganesha, the God of Wisdom and Prosperity. It falls on the fourth day of Bhadrapada. The festival of Ganesha Chaturthi is celebrated with lot of devotion and zest in all the parts of India but with particular interest in Mumbai. Approximately 6000 idols of Ganesha are commissioned for Ganesha Chaturthi in Mumbai alone.
The idol of Ganesha is installed at homes and temples and worshipped for ten days. On the last day, a grand procession is carried out and the idol is immersed in the water. Artists make many idols of Ganesha, big or small during the Ganesha Chaturthi.
The houses are cleaned up before the idol of Ganesha is installed. The idol is brought home with face covered with a saffron cloth amidst chanting of shlokas.
Ganesh Chaturthi, in Hinduism, 10-day festival marking the birth of the elephant-headed deity Ganesha, the god of prosperity and wisdom. It begins on the fourth day (chaturthi) of the month of Bhadrapada (August–September), the sixth month of the Hindu calendar.
At the start of the festival, idols of Ganesha are placed on raised platforms in homes or in elaborately decorated outdoor tents. The worship begins with the pranapratishtha, a ritual to invoke life in the idols, followed by shhodashopachara, or the 16 ways of paying tribute. Amid the chanting of Vedic hymns from religious texts like the Ganesh Upanishad, the idols are anointed with red sandalwood paste and yellow and red flowers. Ganesha is also offered coconut, jaggery, and 21 modaks (sweet dumplings), considered to be Ganesha’s favourite food.
Day 01 Arrive Mumbai (By Flight)
Fly to Mumbai. On arrival in Mumbai, you will be Greeted and Escorted by Our Tour Executive to your Hotel. On arrival at hotel check in. (Room will be available from 1200 Noon)
Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay. India’s most cosmopolitan city, an ancient port and trading center. This palm -fringed shore of the Arabian Sea was the British Empire’s entrance to its `Crown Jewel’. Mumbai is also center for Hindi films made in India called “Bollywood”, with a credit of almost 900 films a year.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 02 Mumbai – Aurangabad (By Flight)
After breakfast transfer to the airport to board the flight for Aurangabad.
On arrival at Aurangabad, transfer to the hotel and check in.
Later after some rest visit Bibi Ka Maqbara, bearing a little resemblance from Taj Mahal, the tomb of Begum Rabia-ud-Durani, wife of Emperor Aurangazeb. Thus, it is also called, “Poor Man’s Taj Mahal”. The monument is an excellent example of Persian Architecture, with excessive captivating look.
Also visit Himroo Factory, situated in the old town near Zaffar Gate, produces hand-woven Himroo shawls from cotton, silk and silver threads. This art, known as Kam Khab, is considered to be a cheaper alternative to the prized brocades of silk and gold thread.
Day 03 Aurangabad
This morning proceed for an excursion to the Ajanta Caves
AJANTA CAVES – The Buddhist caves of Ajanta – 166 km north-east of Aurangabad date from around 200 BC to 650 AD. As Ellora developed and Buddhism gradually declined, the Ajanta Caves were abandoned and gradually forgotten. But in 1819 a British hunting party stumbled upon them, and their remote beauty was soon unveiled. Their isolation contributed to the fine state of preservation in which some of their remarkable paintings remain to this day. UNESCO lists Ajanta as a World Heritage Site.
Overnight at the Hotel.
IMP: AJANTA CAVES ARE CLOSED ON MONDAY
Day 04 Aurangabad
This morning proceed for an excursion to the Ellora caves (30 km).
Ellora caves divided into three groups and roughly three periods: Buddhist, Hindu and Jain. In the seventh century A.D. the focus shifted to Ellora, some seventy-five miles away, where another set of caves was created from living rock. Here, not only Buddhism, but also Hinduism and the Jain faith inspired the four centuries of arduous labors needed to create these elaborate excavations. The Buddhist and Jain caves are ornately carved, but are relatively calm, while the Hindu caves seem to burst with divine energy.
Overnight at the Hotel.
IMP: ELLORA CAVES ARE CLOSED ON TUESDAY.
Day 05 Aurangabad – Mumbai (By Flight)
After breakfast transfer to the airport to board the flight to Mumbai. On arrival, transfer to the hotel and check in.
Later drive for the sightseeing of Mumbai
Visit the 26 meter high British-built Arch “Gateway of India”, Mumbai’s landmark built to honour the visit of George V and Queen Mary in 1911. Also visit the Kamla Nehru Park from where you have a picturesque view of the city, Hanging Gardens are so named since they are located on top of a series of tanks that supply water to Mumbai.
Pass by the `towers of silence’ the crematorium of the Parsis and visit Mani Bhawan a private house where Mahatma Gandhi uses to stay when he visited Mumbai. It is now a museum and research library with 20,000 volumes. The display on the first floor there is a diorama depicting important scenes from Gandhi’s life. The display of photos and letters written and received by Gandhiji. Later enjoy the visit to Marine Drive dubbed, as the Queen’s Necklace is Mumbai’s most popular promenades.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 06 Mumbai
After breakfast transfer to the Gateway of India overlooking the harbor. Visit the rock cut temples on the Elephanta caves by motor launch 10 km across the sea, northeast from Mumbai’s harbor. (Deriving its name from a stone elephant discovered by the Portuguese, this beautiful green island is about one hour’s boat ride from Bombay harbor. The island houses the temples wonders of the 7th century dedicated to Lord Shiva as the Creator, Preserver, and Destroyer and in “Cosmic Dance”.
Lest of the day free to explore the city and enjoy the preparations of festival.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 07 Mumbai
After breakfast witness the festival Ganesh Chaturthi.
Ganesh Chaturthi also called Vinayaka Chaturthi is celebrates the birthday of the Lord Ganesh. It is observed for 10 days festival, starting from Shukla Chaturthi till Ananta Chaturdashi throughout the country. States like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh celebrate this festival in the most grandiose manner.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 08 Mumbai – Goa (By Flight)
After breakfast transfer to the airport to board the flight to Goa.
Goa was a Portuguese settlement and joined the Indian Republic only in 1961. Unforgettable Goa, is a blend of serenity and excitement down a 100 km coastline studded with some of the world’s finest beaches. On arrival in Goa transfer to the Hotel and check in
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 09 Goa
Day at leisure to explore the beaches of Goa.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 10 Goa
Day at leisure to explore the markets and beaches of this wonderful city.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 11 Goa – Mumbai (By Flight)
After breakfast transfer to the Airport to board the flight to Mumbai. On arrival, transfer to the hotel and check in. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 12 Depart Mumbai (By Flight)
On time transfer to the International Airport to board the flight for onwards journey.
| City | Night (s) | 5* Standard | 5* Deluxe |
| Mumbai | 01 | Sahara Star | Grand Hyatt |
| Aurangabad | 03 | Ajanta Ambassador | Welcome Rama Intl. |
| Mumbai | 03 | Trident | The Oberoi |
| Goa | 03 | Alila Diwa Goa | Radisson Blu |
| Mumbai | 01 | Sahara Star | Grand Hyatt |
– Welcome on arrival with fresh flower garlands.
– Meet assist at airport / hotels by our office representative.
– 11 Nights hotel accommodation as per the program.
– Daily breakfast and dinners.
– Mumbai – Aurangabad – Mumbai – Goa – Mumbai economy class air ticket.
– All transfers and sight seeing by air-conditioned Vehicle.
– Entrance fee to monuments as per itinerary.
– Elephanta Caves Tour in Mumbai.
– Local English / French / German / Italian / Spanish / Chinese / Russian Speaking Guide.
– Transport, Parking, Gasoline & Toll ways.
– All taxes.
– Tips
– International Air Fare
– Visa Fees
– Travel Insurance
– Personal expenses and drinks.
– Accommodation in good hotels.
– Check-in / out time is 12 noon at most of the hotels.
– Extension to other places is also possible with a minimal extra cost.
– Additional nights are available at each place with minimal supplement.
– A visa is required and must be obtained prior to your departure from your Country.
– If quoted hotel is not available, we will provide one of a similar category and standard.
– Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability.
– In case the government changes presently applicable taxes, increase in airlines prices, fuel surcharge our rates will need to be adjusted accordingly.
– In Asia, there is no relevance between the distance and time of travelling, as it depends upon the condition of the roads and congestion of the traffic.
– While every effort will be made to maintain the itinerary, in view of local strikes etc that are beyond our control all schedule and itineraries are subject to last moment changes.
– Clients must be fully insured, as the company cannot accept liability for loss or damage to client’s property, medical emergencies or any other loss suffered by them whilst on tour.
– In Case of issuing Domestic or International air tickets, SGV is not responsible for any refund if the flight is delayed or cancelled, as it is the responsibility of airline.