The Echoes of Maharashtra
12 Days. 7 Cities. Countless Stories. One Deeper Connection with India.
Trip Type
Experiential
Best Time
June-Sept
Duration
12 Days
Location
Maharashtra
Fee
On Enquiry
Overview
A Journey Through Time, Nature, and the Soul of India
This is not your typical trip. It’s not a checklist of places or a rush from one attraction to the next.
The Echoes of Maharashtra is a carefully curated 12-day journey through ancient caves, hilltop forts, sacred peaks, and vibrant cities — designed to help travelers experience India as it was meant to be seen: slowly, deeply, and with open eyes.
You’ll stand beneath 2,000-year-old carvings at Ajanta and Ellora, hike to Kalsubai, Maharashtra’s highest peak, sip wine at Sula Vineyards, swim beneath waterfalls in Devkund, and walk silently through the forests of Andarban. Along the way, you’ll stay in elegant camps, forest lodges, and heritage hotels — never far from nature, story, or stillness.
Led by certified outdoor educators — not travel agents — this is a living classroom experience, where every landscape, every meal, and every conversation becomes part of the learning. Whether you’re a curious explorer, a thoughtful parent, or a small group of friends seeking something deeper — this is your invitation to travel India from the inside out.
Schedule
Participants arrive in Aurangabad, a historic city once at the heart of Mughal India. After check-in and rest, the group gathers for an evening briefing that sets the intention for the journey — not just through Maharashtra’s terrain, but through its soul.
Check-in to centrally located hotel
Light refreshments and group orientation
Introduction to trip themes: heritage, nature, slow travel
Set personal intentions and goals for the journey
🌄 The journey begins with pause and perspective — not a rush, but a grounding.
A full day exploring the Ajanta Caves, carved into volcanic rock over 2,000 years ago. These Buddhist cave temples house some of the finest surviving paintings of ancient India. The day ends with a refreshing short walk to a nearby forest waterfall.
Drive to Ajanta (approx. 2 hrs)
Guided exploration of multiple caves with expert inputs
Learn about ancient painting techniques, Jataka tales, and cave architecture
Enjoy a traditional Maharashtrian lunch
Short nature walk to Saptakunda Waterfall
Return to hotel in Aurangabad for evening rest
🖼️ A day that brings ancient art, spiritual legacy, and quiet nature into harmony.
Today you’ll walk through centuries of coexisting religions at Ellora, where Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu monuments rise together from the rock. Later, wander through Aurangabad’s markets to connect with living culture and everyday life.
Morning visit to Ellora Caves, including Kailasa Temple
Learn about rock-cut architecture, sacred geography, and multi-faith harmony
Optional visit to Daulatabad Fort or another local historical site
Afternoon local market exploration in Aurangabad
Sample traditional snacks, interact with artisans, shop for textiles and wares
🛕 In stone and street, Maharashtra’s cultural rhythm beats strong.
Depart Aurangabad and journey to Nashik, one of India’s oldest sacred cities and now home to its most celebrated vineyards. At Sula, learn about sustainable wine-making before an elegant evening overlooking the vines.
Scenic drive to Nashik (approx. 4 hrs)
Check in to Sula Vineyards or a nearby luxury property
Vineyard tour and wine tasting session (non-alcoholic for students)
Introduction to viticulture and Nashik’s unique terroir
Walk through the vineyards or journal at sunset
🍇 Where divine soil now nourishes both tradition and innovation.
Rise early to climb Kalsubai Peak (5,400 ft) — the highest point in Maharashtra. It’s a moderate but rewarding ascent with stunning views of the Sahyadris and the symbolic temple of Kalsubai Devi at the top.
Drive to base village before sunrise
Begin guided trek to Kalsubai summit
Learn about local legends, the Western Ghats ecosystem, and terrain navigation
Packed breakfast and plenty of hydration breaks
Return to Nashik by evening and rest
⛰️ You leave something behind with every step upward — and gain something deeper at the top.
After the mountain challenge, the group transitions to rest. Travel to Lonavala, a lush Sahyadri hill station known for misty valleys, waterfalls, and deep greenery. The afternoon is kept relaxed to allow for recovery and reconnection.
Drive from Nashik to Lonavala (approx. 4–5 hrs)
Check-in to a serene valley-facing resort
Light evening walk, nature observation or relaxation
Optional guided journaling or reflection circle
🌿 Sometimes, rest is the most powerful journey.
Begin the day with a short and easy hike to Korigad Fort, a hill fort offering panoramic views without a strenuous climb. Return to the resort in time to catch a Sahyadri sunset, followed by a relaxed evening of sharing stories and reflections.
Early morning drive to Korigad base
Gentle hike to the fort, exploring ramparts and view towers
Introduction to Maratha history and fort-building strategies
Return by afternoon for lunch and downtime
Evening viewpoint walk to watch the sun drop behind ridgelines
🌅 Today’s journey is light in steps, but rich in vision.
The group now heads into Mulshi, a quieter forested zone just beyond Pune. The resort at One Earth offers a rejuvenating jungle setting — ideal for quiet thought, immersive observation, and listening to the natural world.
Drive to Mulshi (2–3 hrs)
Check in to One Earth Forest Retreat
Explore the grounds: forest trails, birdsong, lakeside stillness
Optional introductory walk or simply rest at the retreat
Evening reflection session: “How does silence speak to me?”
🌲 A retreat into stillness — away from noise, toward nature.
Today is one of the journey’s highlights — the Andharban Trek, a descending trail through dense evergreen forest. Known as the “Dark Forest,” Andharban invites full sensory engagement and careful listening.
Early start for guided trek through Andharban
Walk through lush greenery, mist trails, and monsoon streams
Learn about biodiversity, bird calls, and rainforest microclimates
Packed lunch en route and plenty of water breaks
Return to Mulshi by evening for a quiet, well-earned rest
🌫️ Some forests are loud with life. And some, like this one, are loud with stillness.
A final nature immersion before re-entering the city — trek to the magical Devkund Waterfall, hidden within Bhira’s forested ridges. After the hike, the group heads to Pune, Maharashtra’s cultural capital.
Early departure for Devkund waterfall trek (approx. 2–3 hrs round trip)
Cross shallow streams, forest paths, and meadows
Learn about local legends, sacred water sites, and seasonal hydrology
Drive to Pune (3–4 hrs) and check into a city hotel
Evening at leisure for rest or journaling
💧 This is a final wash in wildness before you meet the rhythm of a city again.
This day is set aside for exploring Pune — from its rich Maratha and Peshwa past to its vibrant present. Whether it’s architecture, museums, art cafes or shopping, the city reveals itself to those who take time to wander.
Flexible itinerary depending on group interests:
Aga Khan Palace, Pataleshwar Cave, Shaniwarwada Fort
Local cafes or bookstores for slow-time seekers
Optional shopping in MG Road, Koregaon Park, or artisan collectives
Closing reflection circle: “What part of this place stays with me?”
🏙️ From forest trails to urban tales — every step still teaches.
After breakfast, it’s time to pack up — not just bags, but memories, questions, realizations, and a deeper sense of connection to yourself, your group, and the land you walked.
Breakfast at the hotel
Final journaling or letter-to-self exercise
Transfers to Pune Airport for departure
Hugs, group photos, and the quiet glow of experience
🛫 You return not just with souvenirs — but with stories that will keep unfolding.
Core Learning Outcomes
This is not just a sightseeing trip. It’s a slow, immersive walk through the layers of time, terrain, and thought — designed for curious minds and open hearts. Over 12 days, participants encounter India in a way textbooks can’t capture: with their feet, their hands, their questions, and their reflections.
From ancient caves to green forests, sacred peaks to silent waterfalls — every moment is a chance to explore not just the world, but themselves.
🌍 1. History That You Can Touch, Feel & Walk Through
Students experience living history — not as dates and facts, but as stories etched into stone. At Ajanta and Ellora, they walk through 2,000-year-old art, sacred architecture, and multi-faith coexistence. They learn how civilizations leave behind echoes — and how to listen to them.
Engage with the rise of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism
Discover the artistry and effort behind cave-building
Reflect on how ancient values shaped today’s world
🌿 2. Deep Ecology & Nature as a Teacher
From the lush biodiversity of Andharban to the stark grandeur of Kalsubai, nature becomes a classroom. Through mindful observation and scientific inquiry, students begin to understand ecosystems, monsoon cycles, microclimates, and forest life — not in theory, but through personal encounter.
Learn about the Western Ghats: a global biodiversity hotspot
Explore flora, fauna, and natural water systems
Understand climate, erosion, and land use through lived experience
🤝 3. Cultural Intelligence & Empathy Across Landscapes
Through markets, meals, rural roads, and tribal stories, participants engage directly with local traditions, languages, and livelihoods. They observe the subtle balance of old and new — from ancient forts to wine farms — and are encouraged to ask: What does it mean to belong to a place?
Interact respectfully with local communities and traditions
Observe regional art, crafts, food systems, and festivals
Discuss how identity and culture shape space — and vice versa
🧭 4. Self-Reliance, Leadership & Group Living
Living and moving as a group teaches patience, responsibility, and presence. From managing a backpack to supporting a teammate, students learn what it means to be dependable — not just in the outdoors, but in life.
Practice real-world planning, timekeeping, and travel responsibility
Build group dynamics, empathy, and conflict resolution skills
Learn through shared effort, group reflection, and collaborative wins
✍️ 5. Journaling, Observation & Inner Awareness
Each day is structured with quiet moments for reflection, journaling, and creative processing. These moments help students connect dots — between what they see, what they feel, and what they believe. It’s not just what they do, but what they notice.
Use prompts to build reflective thinking and metacognition
Strengthen written and verbal expression
Cultivate emotional literacy, gratitude, and awe
🥾 6. Physical Movement & Confidence in Wild Spaces
Whether it’s climbing a peak, trekking through mist, or navigating uneven terrain, students build a grounded kind of confidence — one that comes from movement, effort, and reaching places under their own power.
Develop strength, stamina, and balance at an accessible level
Build comfort in natural environments and dynamic weather
Celebrate personal effort through physical accomplishment
🎒 7. Learning That Stays With Them — Forever
When students return from this journey, they don’t just carry souvenirs. They carry a new lens: a way of seeing the world with curiosity, care, and connectedness.
They leave with:
A deeper relationship with India’s land and stories
Greater respect for diversity — of people, ecosystems, and ideas
A sense of agency: “I can do difficult things. I can belong in nature. I can learn anywhere.”
Inclusions
This is a fully curated, end-to-end experience — thoughtfully designed to be safe, enriching, and seamless. All essential services, logistics, and learning support are taken care of.
All Travel from Aurangabad to Pune
AC private vehicle(s) with experienced drivers for the entire journeyAll Accommodation (11 Nights)
Handpicked boutique hotels, forest lodges, and eco-resorts on shared basisAll Meals
Nutritious and balanced vegetarian meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) from Day 1 dinner to Day 12 breakfast
Note: One or two lunches may be packed/picnic-style depending on activityAll Entry Tickets & Site Permits
Ajanta, Ellora, forts, caves, waterfall trails, and protected forest areasAll Activities & Experiences
Guided treks, cave visits, vineyard tour, reflection circles, storytelling sessions, and nature walksFacilitator Team
Certified Outdoor Educators with WFR (Wilderness First Responder) training and relevant trekking experienceLearning Materials
Reflection journals, activity sheets, observation checklists, and group suppliesSafety Gear & Essentials
First aid kits, communication devices, hydration support, and basic outdoor equipmentTravel Insurance
Comprehensive travel and medical coverage for the duration of the program
Exclusions
Some personal costs are not covered in the base fee and should be arranged separately:
Travel to Aurangabad at the start & return travel from Pune
Personal shopping, souvenirs, and snacks beyond provided meals
Emergency medical expenses not covered under insurance
Tips, optional café visits, or add-on experiences outside itinerary
Laundry or room service charges during hotel stays
Any damage caused by participant to property or gear
Our 3 Pillars of Outdoor Safety
1. People: Skilled, Certified, Compassionate
Every group is led by certified mountaineers, wilderness first aid responders, and outdoor educators with years of field experience.
A strict 1:4 instructor-to-student ratio ensures each participant is closely supported.
All staff are trained in emotional safety, trauma sensitivity, and adolescent development.
2. Process: Structure for Peace of Mind
Daily medical checkups to monitor physical health, hydration, and fatigue levels.
Pre-trek briefings, buddy systems, and check-ins at each major point.
Pre-cleared routes and weather-based route adjustments made in real-time.
Structured evening debriefs to support emotional well-being and group bonding.
3. Equipment: Prepared for the Unexpected
Our team carries first aid kits, oximeters, BP apparatus, ropes, and walkie-talkies.
On all treks in the Western Ghats, we ensure access to a 24/7 ambulance backup.
Camps are equipped with comfortable tents, blankets, western toilets, and water access.
How To Register
Dates
This program is customised for schools and curated groups. Dates are flexible and can be tailored based on your academic calendar or travel window.
Program Fee – Available on Enquiry
The fee includes everything — from guided activities and accommodation to all meals, local transport, facilitators, and safety support. Refer to the Inclusions section for full details of what’s covered.
To Register or Know More
Call or WhatsApp us on +91-9871320753 or +91-81420-01966. Our team will be happy to guide you through the next steps, answer any final questions, and help you customise the experience for your school or group.
Something Else In Mind?
We get it — adventures should feel personal. We’re here to co-create a version of this journey that feels right for you.
Start on your preferred dates
Custom inclusions & stay options
Tweak the itinerary or route
Plan a private group experience
Fill out the form or drop us an email at mail@outdoorwhisperer.com with your questions & requirements, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. For a quicker response, feel free to reach us directly at +91-8285967537.
Send Us Your Query
Why Outdoor Whisperer?
We design outdoor learning journeys that go far beyond sightseeing or tourism. At Outdoor Whisperer, each experience is carefully built to support student growth, school values, and long-lasting learning outcomes — with emotional safety, professionalism, and educational clarity at the core.
Founder-led Journeys
Each journey is personally led by our founding team — ensuring consistent mentorship and on-ground presence throughout the program.
Flexible Group Size
Whether it’s a smaller group or large, we adapt structure, and facilitation to suit the size — while preserving quality of experience and personal attention.
Designed With Heart
Each program is paced to match student energy, with time for rest, journaling, quiet observation, and open sharing — not just back-to-back activity.
Safety Comes First
Our team is certified in first aid, safety, and mountaineering — equipped with calm leadership, essential gear, and field-tested experience.
Clear Communication
Pre-program briefings ensure parents and teachers are informed, prepared, and reassured — from logistics to learning goals.
Collaborative Approach
We work with schools as partners, not clients — offering honest communication, fair pricing, and programs aligned with your values.
What To Pack?
What to Bring for Two Days in the Wild
To help your child stay comfortable, safe, and fully engaged, please ensure the following essentials are packed. Avoid sending expensive or unnecessary items — the goal is to stay light, functional, and nature-ready.
Clothing & Footwear
Woolen cap
Woolen sweater or light jacket (evenings can be cool)
3–4 dry-fit T-shirts
2 pairs of trekking/track pants
3–4 pairs of socks
Raincoat or poncho
High-ankle trekking shoes (strongly recommended)
Bags
Small suitcase or duffel bag (for clothes)
20–30L backpack (for daily use on treks)
Essentials
Sun cap or hat
Headlamp or torch (with extra batteries)
2 reusable water bottles (1L each)
Sunscreen
Mosquito repellent cream or spray
Personal toiletries (toothbrush, soap, etc.)
Towel or small hand cloth
Any personal medications
Optional: hiking poles
Common Questions
Children aged 8 to 16 years can join. Activities are age-appropriate and designed to include a mix of physical engagement, culture, nature learning, and reflection.
The program is held in Kakkabe, Coorg, with participants staying in a scenic, forest-facing bungalow. It starts and ends in Mysore.
It runs from 4th June to 7th June — a 4-day, 3-night residential experience.
Each batch is capped at 12 to 15 children, ensuring small-group learning, focused attention, and a safe, community-driven environment.
The program is designed and led by Outdoor Whisperer’s trained facilitators, with experience in outdoor education, youth mentorship, and experiential learning.
Children are accompanied at all times by facilitators and support staff. Group sizes are small, allowing close observation and quick assistance when needed.
A vehicle is on standby 24/7 for emergencies. The team carries a well-equipped first aid kit and is trained in basic emergency response.
Yes. Female facilitators are present throughout the program, ensuring comfort and support for girl participants.
Where required, we use UIAA-certified gear and follow strict safety protocols. The environment is low-risk but managed professionally.
No swimming in deep water. All stream dips and water play are shallow, supervised, and risk-assessed.
Schools/Families can bring children to Mysore by bus, train, or flight. From there, Outdoor Whisperer handles all local transport.
You will receive a detailed reporting time and location upon registration. Generally, arrival is expected by mid-morning on Day 1.
Children stay at Blyton Bungalow, a comfortable, forest-facing home with clean rooms, neat bathrooms, and shared occupancy.
Participants are served fresh homestyle vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals, plus fruits, snacks, and milk at regular intervals.
Yes — please inform us in advance of any allergies or restrictions. We will try our best to accommodate reasonable dietary needs.
Each day includes a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, hands-on tasks, and group reflection. The pace balances movement with downtime.
They’ll learn about self-reliance, teamwork, biodiversity, local cultures, and how to live mindfully in nature. The learning is subtle, powerful, and experience-driven.
Yes — it connects meaningfully with the NEP’s vision for experiential, integrated learning across history, environment, art, and life skills.
No. The program is completely screen-free. Children are encouraged to be fully present with their environment and peers.
That’s completely okay. The program is structured to support all temperaments. Small group sizes and gentle facilitation help every child feel included and respected.
Basic participant information, a medical declaration, and consent form will be required before the program begins.