Ajanta Ellora Caves have always been recognized as the gems that represent Indian history and the impressive artistry that existed in the foregone era. These tourist attractions consist of 64 rock-cut caves, located in close proximity from the city of Aurangabad.
Today, Ajanta and Ellora Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and exist in the wishlist of many travelers.
Upon arrival at the Mumbai Airport/Railway Station, get transferred to your pre-booked hotel.
Post-check-in at the hotel, get freshen up and then set out to explore Mumbai, famed as the ‘CITY OF DREAMS’. Firstly, you will visit the GATEWAY OF INDIA. Located on the southern part of the city, the Gateway offers a beautiful view of the Arabian Sea. In addition to the view, this magnificent structure was constructed in yellow basalt stone. Furthermore, its Indo-Saracenic style architecture, intricate latticework and 26 meters high archway which is joined with four turrets make this attraction a popular among history buffs, tourists and photographers.
Thereafter, visit the PRINCE OF WALES MUSEUM. The museum which is also known as ‘Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya’ is considered as one of the most prominent museums in India. This museum which displays a myriad of collection of ancient artifacts, artworks and sculptures of the country, offers remarkable glimpses of India’s glory and rich past. Besides, currently, the museum has several new galleries which exhibit the artworks of Hindu God Krishna along with textiles and Indian traditional costumes.
Visit the MARINE DRIVE, also famed as the ‘Queen’s Necklace’, the place caters to the need of all kind of travelers. The 3.6-km long boulevard consists of a C-shaped six-lane concrete road along the coast. A promenade runs parallel to the road. You can enjoy the spectacular views of the beach when it lights up at night. From there, you will be taken to COLABA CAUSEWAY MARKET, a bustling area which is packed with retro-bars, street stalls, markets and many more. This place is popular for crystals, jewellery, handicrafts, brass items, clothing, books, and incense. This is the one place which always seems like a carnival all year round.
Continue your Mumbai tour by visiting GIRGAON CHOWPATTY and HANGING GARDENS, also called as Pherozeshah Mehta Gardens, the attractive terrace gardens are famous for a massive shoe house built in the center. The garden along with the shoe house and is very popular amongst children. The garden flaunts a few nice modernist touches.
This is followed by a trip to HAJI-ALI-DARGAH. The sacred site is a great tourist attraction and a world-famous pilgrimage for the Muslims.
The sculptured and elegant whitewashed structure of the Dargah showcases the brilliant work of the Indo-Islamic style of architecture. The Dargah attracts about 10-15 thousand people daily.
Then take the blessings of Lord Ganesha at one of Mumbai’s holiest places, SHREE SIDDHIVINAYAK TEMPLE, one of the richest temples in India with the inner roof of its sanctum being plated with gold.
In the evening, visit JUHU BEACH. The beach is famous for its long stretch and a variety of street foods. Later, come back to the hotel for an overnight stay.
After breakfast, day at leisure to explore Mumbai on your own
You have an option of visiting Elephanta Caves and/or Filmcity
ADD ON OPTINAL TOUR TO ELEPHANTA CAVES OR FILMCITY TOUR
OPTION 1: You could take a ferry ride to Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ferry ride will enable you to take a great view of Mumbai’s coastline and Elephanta caves. At a distance of 17 km from Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Elephanta Caves are a network of sculpted caves located on Elephanta Island or Gharapuri in Mumbai Harbour. The Caves, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site, is Mumbai’s oldest historic site. The caves are known for beautiful Hindu temples and sculptures.
OPTION 2: Mumbai is home to the second-largest movie industry in the world, Bollywood. Catch a movie shoot; take a tour of Film City’s studios in Goregaon. You will be taken to a live shoot, where you can observe the nuances involved in acting-the take and retakes that the directors calls for, or the beauty with which the actors immediately don the
character of the role and deliver mind-blowing performances. However, this would depend on whether any shoot is taking place during the days of your visit.
Today, after an energizing breakfast, you will be transferred to Aurangabad. Nestled on the banks of the Kham River, Aurangabad is one of the royal cities of the state of Maharashtra. The city itself has deep Mughal influences and there are several monuments of note here.
On reaching Aurangabad, check-in at the hotel and relax for a short period of time. Then you will leave to explore another architectural wonder of the ancient period, the ELLORA CAVES. Ellora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; it is one of the largest rock-cut Hindu temple cave complexes in the world, with artwork dating from the period 600-1000 CE with largest single monolithic rock excavation in the world
Located around 29 km from the city center, Ellora Caves is a group of around 34 Hindu, Jain and Buddhist caves. These caves which were constructed in the period between 6th and 11th-century AD are the perfect example of the prehistoric time.
When you explore this archaeological wonder, visit the Vishwakarma – cave number 10, Dashavatara – cave number 15, Kailasanatha Temple – cave number 16, Rameshwara – cave number 21 and Indra Sabha – cave number 32.
Also visit GRISHNESHWAR TEMPLE dedicated to Lord Shiva, 2 km away from the Ellora Caves, it is considered the 12th Jyotirlinga.
Later, visit one of the most impressive and undefeatable forts in the entire country, DAULATABAD FORT. The Fort was an old Hindu stronghold originally called DEVGIRI FORT. Emperor Mohammed-bin-Tughlaq captured and plundered it in 13th century and made it the second capital of Delhi Sultanate renaming it DAULATABAD. It is famous for its series of trick defence, secret escape routes.
Around 15 km away from the major city of Aurangabad, Daulatabad Fort stands strong on a 200 meters high conical hill. The hill provides this Fort a strategic position, architectural beauty and protection from the enemies. Another unique aspect of the mighty Daulatabad is its architectural brilliance. Its three layers of defensive walls, moat, scrap, the solid rocks of subterranean passage and a large pit of fire in its upper outlet give hard times to the enemies. Last but not least, marvel at a mesmerizing view of the entire city by climbing some 750 odd steps up to the top.
Also visit BIBI KA MAQBARA, a close resemblance to Taj Mahal from a distance with identical pillars and a central dome. It was built in memory of Aurangzeb’s wife Rabia Durrani.
Later, in the evening you can visit the local markets and pick up your favourite items. Overnight stay at the Aurangabad hotel
On the third day of your Ajanta Ellora Tour, after having breakfast at the hotel, you will visit the prime attraction in the city, the AJANTA CAVES. Situated around 99 km north of Aurangabad, Ajanta Caves is a group of around 30 Buddhist caves that are carved out of rocks. These caves which were constructed in the period between 2nd-century BC and 6th-century AD are considered as the most brilliant examples of ancient Indian art and architecture. Besides, it’s believed that the ancient Buddhist monks used these caves for studying, living, and worship purposes. The murals, paintings, and carvings on the walls reveal many unknown facts about the way of living, the cultures and traditions of the ancient period. These caves are designated as the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After exploring Ajanta Caves, you will return to the hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel in Aurangabad.
Today, you will be driving towards the most popular holy city in Maharashtra, Nashik that hosts one of the largest religious gatherings in the world known as Kumbh Mela. Upon reaching, check-in at the hotel. After resting for a while, you can begin your short sightseeing tour of Nashik. Walk along the GODAVARI GHATS observing several important Hindu rituals being performed. Continue on through the lively market by the Ghats which sells everything from vegetables to lentils, dried seafood to cow dung cakes and many things in between.
Also visit PANCHVATI situated on the left banks of Godavari River. It is said that Lord Shri Ram and Sita along with Laxman stayed at Panchavati for some time. Thus Panchavati has gained holy importance.
Later, you will visit TRIMBAKESHWAR JYOTIRLINGA TEMPLE. Trimbakeshwar which is an abode of one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva holds great religious significance in Hindu religion. The enticing feature of the Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga Temple is that the shivalinga has three faces representing Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.
Post this, visit the PANDAVLENI CAVES. Situated on the Trivashmi Hills, the Pandavleni Caves are ancient rock-cut caves. They were constructed by the Buddhist kings in the periods between the 4th-century BC and 12th-century CE. It is a group of 24 caves representing Hinayana Buddhism. Of all the twenty-four caves, cave numbers 3, 10 and 15 are the most beautiful ones. The architecture of these caves is unique and impressive. The caves consist of inscriptions which act as important study material for researchers and scholars.
Come evening, spend a pleasant time by interacting with the locals to know more about their lives and cultures and enjoy tasty dinner at a local delicacy joint. Overnight stay at the hotel in Nashik
In the morning, after breakfast you have an option of visiting vineyards located near Nashik (SULA /GROVER ZAMPA VINEYARDS on direct payment basis) you’ll walk through the vineyards themselves and learn, from professional winemaker, as to how the process of winemaking proceeds.
Later drive from Nashik to Mumbai railway station/airport to catch the train/flight for your onward journey.
