8 Sacred Ganesha Temples | Mumbai Heritage | Pune Culture
6 Days 5 Nights
10 PAX Private Group
Mumbai
8 Ashtavinayak Temple
per person | private group of 10 pax
“Sukhakarta Dukhharta — Remover of Sorrows, Giver of Joy.”
Embark on one of Maharashtra’s most sacred and deeply fulfilling pilgrimages—the Ashtavinayak Yatra (Circuit of the Eight Ganeshas)—combined with the vibrant cultural richness of Mumbai and Pune in this meticulously crafted 6-Day/5-Night private package for 10 guests, flying in and out of Mumbai (BOM) from Bangkok (BKK). The Ashtavinayak temples are eight ancient shrines of Lord Ganesha scattered across the Pune–Konkan region of Maharashtra, each housing a naturally self-manifested (swayambhu) Ganesha idol of unique form and immense spiritual power. Completing all eight temples in a single circuit is believed to fulfill all desires and remove all obstacles from one’s life. Combined with the iconic heritage of Mumbai—the Gateway of India, Marine Drive, Elephanta Caves—and the royal Peshwa legacy of Pune—Shaniwarwada, Aga Khan Palace—this tour offers a complete Maharashtra experience. Extend the tour to Ajanta-Ellora.
6 Days / 5 Nights
10 Pax (Private Pilgrimage Tour)
Mumbai · Pune · Morgaon ·Siddhatek · Theur · Lenyadri · Ozar · Ranjangaon
All 8 Ashtavinayak Ganesha Shrines
Daily Breakfast + Selected Dinners
Private AC Innova / Tempo Traveller
All temples involve walking; comfortable footwear essential
October to March (Ganesh Chaturthi: Aug–Sept)
The Ashtavinayak circuit always begins and ends at Morgaon (Moreshwar). Each temple houses a unique swayambhu (self-manifested) Ganesha form. The circuit spans approximately 300 km around the Pune district
The chief of the Ashtavinayak — the first and last temple visited in the circuit. Lord Ganesha as the Peacock God (Mora), flanked by his consorts Riddhi and Siddhi. Ancient 17th-century temple.
The only Ashtavinayak where Ganesha’s trunk turns right. Built on the banks of theBhima River. Said to be where Vishnu gained his Siddhi (power) before battling Madhu and Kaitabha.
The only temple named after a devotee (Ballal). The deity faces east. Famous for the lamp that has been burning continuously for over 300 years. Temple built in 1760 CE
The ‘Boon-Giving Ganesha’. The oil lamp (nandadeep) has burned without interruption since 1690. The image is self-manifested (swayambhu) and faces east towards Mount Raigad.
Ganesha as the fulfiller of desires. Located on the banks of the Mula-Mutha river confluence. Closely associated with Peshwa ruler Madhavrao I, who worshipped here regularly.
The only Ashtavinayak temple inside a cave (Buddhist rock-cut caves of the 1st–3rd century CE). Ganesha as son of Parvati (Girija). Climb 283 steps to reach the cave shrine.
Ganesha as the remover of obstacles (Vighna = obstacle). The gold-plated spire and gold-plated entrance door are remarkable. Two sacred tanks. A very active pilgrimage site.
The most powerful form of Ganesha — 10 trunks, 20 arms. The deity faces east. Legend holds that Shiva worshipped Ganesha here before defeating the demon Tripurasura. 10th-century origin.
All transfers by private AC Innova / Tempo Traveller. Expert Maharashtra pilgrimage & heritage guide throughout
The journey to the sacred temples of Maharashtra begins in Bangkok with the flight to Mumbai, India’s most dynamic metropolis, the financial capital, the city of dreams, and one of the world’s great port cities. From the magnificent colonial Victorian architecture of the Gateway of India to the neon sweep of Marine Drive, Mumbai is a city of extraordinary contrasts and irresistible energy. The afternoon includes a visit to the UNESCO-listed Elephanta Caves—ancient rock-cut Shaivite temples on an island in Mumbai Harbor—before the pilgrimage begins in earnest tomorrow.
Meals: Dinner | Accommodation: The Taj Mahal Palace / JW Marriott Mumbai / ITC Grand Central (4–5 Star)
The sacred Ashtavinayak Yatra begins. The circuit traditionally starts and ends at Moreshwar, Morgaon — the chief and most powerful of the eight Ganeshas,
revered as the origin deity of the entire circuit. The drive south from Mumbai along the Pune Expressway is one of Maharashtra’s finest scenic routes, crossing the
magnificent Sahyadri (Western Ghats) mountains. Today covers Temples 1 and 2, arriving in Pune for the three-night base for the remaining temple circuit.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner | Accommodation: JW Marriott Pune / Taj Hotels Pune / Hyatt Regency Pune (4–5 Star)
The longest driving day of the pilgrimage — a deeply rewarding circuit through the lush Konkan countryside of Maharashtra, visiting three temples in one long sacred
day. From the ancient Lamp of Pali to the riverside sanctity of Mahad and the Peshwa-beloved Theur near the Mula-Mutha confluence — this day traverses some of Maharashtra’s most beautiful river-and-hill landscape.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner | Accommodation: JW Marriott Pune / Taj Hotels Pune / Hyatt Regency Pune (4–5 Star)
The final day of the Ashtavinayak circuit — visiting the remaining three temples in the Nashik–Junnar region north of Pune, including the extraordinary Lenyadri
cave temple (the only Ashtavinayak in a Buddhist rock-cut cave), and concluding with the sacred return to Morgaon (Moreshwar) to complete the circuit. The
completion of all eight temples in the circuit is a moment of profound spiritual fulfilment for every pilgrim. The guide leads the group in the traditional closing prayers.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner | Accommodation: JW Marriott Pune / Taj Hotels Pune / Hyatt Regency Pune (4–5 Star)
A full day in Pune — Maharashtra’s second-largest city, the cultural capital of the state, home of the Peshwa dynasty that led the Maratha Empire to its greatest glory, India’s fastest-growing technology hub, and a city of extraordinary intellectual and artistic vitality. From the haunted ruins of Shaniwarwada — the great Peshwa palace — to the spiritual serenity of Osho International and the leafy lanes of Koregaon Park, Pune has a distinctive character that is entirely its own.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner | Accommodation: JW Marriott Pune / Taj Hotels Pune / Hyatt Regency Pune (4–5 Star)
The pilgrimage tour draws to a close with the drive back to Mumbai — one of India’s great drives, crossing the Sahyadri Ghats on the Pune–Mumbai Expressway with spectacular valley views — followed by a final Mumbai morning before the return flight to Bangkok. Every guest departs with the blessing of all eight Ganeshas, the memory of ancient cave temples, river-bank shrines and the sacred fragrance of marigold offerings still lingering in the air.
Meals: Breakfast | Accommodation: — (Departure Day)
| Destination | Nights | Recommended Property | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mumbai (Maharashtra) | 1 (Night 1) | The Taj Mahal Palace / JW Marriott Mumbai / ITC Grand Central | 4–5 Star |
| Pune (Maharashtra) | 3 (Nights 2, 3, 4 & 5) | JW Marriott Pune / Taj Hotels Pune / Hyatt Regency Pune | 4–5 Star |
| Mumbai (Return, Night 5*) | Optional (Night 5) | Crowne Plaza Mumbai / Trident Nariman Point (if early morning departure requires Mumbai night) | 4 Star |
| Included | Not Included |
|---|---|
|
|
| Package Tier | Accommodation | Price / Person | Total (10 PAX) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 3-Star hotels Mumbai & Pune | USD 650 | USD 6,500 |
| Comfort | 4-Star (recommended) | USD 850 | USD 8,500 |
| Premium | 5-Star Taj / Marriott properties | USD 1,190 | USD 11,900 |
| VIP / Luxury | 5-Star + Business Class flights | USD 1,890 | USD 18,900 |
Prices based on twin-sharing. Single supplement available. Airfare based on Bangkok (BKK) to Mumbai (BOM) return. Valid October 2025 – March 2026. Avoid Ganesh Chaturthi period (Aug–Sept) — very crowded at all temples.
| Temple Dress | Remove footwear at all 8 temples — carry a cloth bag. Modest dress: shoulders and knees covered. Men may tie a dhoti at temple gate (provided free). Women wear salwar kameez or saree. No leather items inside some temples. Photography restricted in inner sanctums. |
|---|---|
| Best Season | October–March: ideal (20–30°C). Nov–Feb: best time — cool mornings, clear days. Avoid Ganesh Chaturthi crowds (Aug–Sep). Apr–Jun: very hot (35–40°C). Jul–Sep: monsoon — roads difficult. |
| Temple Circuit | Circuit begins and ends at Morgaon (Moreshwar). Sequence: Morgaon → Siddhatek → Pali → Mahad → Theur → Lenyadri → Ozar → Ranjangaon → Morgaon. Completing all eight in one circuit is spiritually significant. |
| India Visa | Indian e-Tourist Visa: apply online 4–5 days before travel. Single-entry sufficient. Cost approx. USD 25–80 depending on nationality. Valid for 365 days. Passport must be valid 6 months beyond return. |
| Currency | Currency: Indian Rupee (INR). ATMs in Mumbai & Pune; limited near temples. Carry INR 2,000–3,000 cash per day. Budget for pujas (INR 100–500), donations, prasad. Credit cards accepted at 4-Star hotels. |
| Food | Maharashtra cuisine: vada pav, puran poli, misal pav, modak (Ganesha’s favourite), sol kadhi, Kolhapuri mutton. Near temples: pure vegetarian food only. Non-vegetarian available in city restaurants. |
| Lenyadri Steps | Temple 6 (Lenyadri/Girijatmaj) requires climbing 283 steps. Wear flat grip shoes, carry water. Climb takes 15–25 minutes. Guide assists all guests. Palanquin/doli service available at base. |
| Shopping | Mumbai: Colaba Causeway (handicrafts), Chor Bazaar (vintage), Crawford Market (spices). Pune: Laxmi Road (Puneri paghadi, Kolhapuri chappals), MG Road (books, electronics). Near temples: Ganesha idols, silver items, marigold garlands, modak moulds, coconut shell crafts. |
| Booking Steps | Payment & Cancellation |
|---|---|
|
|
Q1: What is the Ashtavinayak Yatra?
Answer—The Ashtavinayak Yatra is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage to eight ancient temples of Lord Ganesha located across the Pune and Raigad districts of Maharashtra, India. Each temple houses a unique swayambhu (self-manifested) Ganesha idol. The circuit begins and ends at Moreshwar Temple in Morgaon. Completing all eight temples in the traditional sequence is believed to remove all obstacles and fulfill the wishes of devotees.
Q2—How many days does the Ashtavinayak Yatra take for a private group from Bangkok?
Answer-Prime Value Tours’ private Ashtavinayak Yatra tour from Bangkok takes 6 days and 5 nights. Minimum group size is 10 guests.
Q3: What is the best time to visit the Ashtavinayak temples?
Answer—The best time to visit the Ashtavinayak temples is from October to March. The weather is pleasant at 20-30 degrees Celsius, roads are dry, and temple crowds are manageable. November to February is the peak ideal season with cool mornings and clear skies.
Q4: Can international tourists from Thailand do the Ashtavinayak Yatra?
Answer: Yes. International tourists, including Thai nationals, can visit all 8 Ashtavinayak temples with a standard Indian e-tourist visa (eVisa), which is available online and costs approximately USD 25-80 depending on nationality.