Explore the tourist haven, Maharashtra. Begin a chauffeured journey in Mumbai, then cover Pune, Aurangabad, Shiridi and Nashik. The sight-seeing schedule takes you to the Raja Kelkar Museum, Aga Khan Palace, Rajneesh Ashram, Ajanta and Ellora caves, Trimbakeshwar and the Shiridi shrine. Also visit the Sula vineyards of Nashik and drive by Deolali. In this six days, five nights tour offered by Taj, guests will be put up at Blue diamond (one night); Taj Residency, Aurangabad (two nights); Taj Residency Nashik (two nights). Guests who use their own transport pay Rs 16,990 and the Taj chauffeur-driven vehicle for local sightseeing comes at Rs 25,715. Offer valid till March 31. For more details: www.tajhotels.com

BOOKS
Legacy in Ruins

Hampi: Monumental Legacy by Anila Verghese pays homage to the architectural splendour of the capital of 14th century Vijayanagar kingdom preserved in its religious, courtly and military buildings. The author takes us through the ruins, pointing out the merging of different art traditions that led to the evolution of Vijayanagar architecture, sculpture and painting. Published by Oxford University Press, it is priced Rs 395.

THE ARTS
Mixed Offerings

At the end of a two-week-long contemporary art residency programme, the mix of Brisith and Indian artists in the Indo-UK collaboration project called “Sidewinder”, will hold the first major exhibition of their works at the Centre for International Modern Art Gallery in Kolkata till February 9. The exhibition will travel to Delhi from March 6 to 20.

MUSIC
Absorbing Gayaki

It has always been difficult for Hindustani classical musicians belonging to a single gharana to forge an individual style. There have been few such musicians who have been successful at it. Pandit Jitendra Abhisheki is one such—he is a classicist by nature but has absorbed the gayaki of several gharanas together. Virgin has released two cassettes in the Swar Siddhi series. Abhisheki has sung Ragas Amrit Varshini, Kafi and Lalit, Bhairav Bhatiyar and Nayaki Kanada. An excellent mix of morning and evening ragas. Each cassette is priced at Rs 100.