Itinerary
As soon as you come out from Mumbai International airport, our executive will welcome you and take you to the hotel. Check – in and relax at the hotel.
Mumbai: Mumbai, a young and vibrant city that holds the distinction of being India’s most ethnically diverse and all the credit goes to convergence of varied cultural and cross currents. Bombay, the old name of Mumbai, was the capital of state Maharashtra of India. Geographically, it lies in the southwest of India on a peninsula that was originally made up of seven islets off the Konkan Coastal belt of western India. Mumbai is the financial and business hub of India and its port holds the distinction of being one of busiest ports of India.
Mumbai gets its name from the local goddess “Mumba” of Koli Fisherman’s community. It is also said that “Mumba Devi” is an incarnation of Goddess Parvati, the wife of Lord Shiva. The temple of “Mumba Devi” stood in the south- eastern part of the Mumbai city.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Mumbai.
After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy the tour of Mumbai.
Gateway of India: An iconic building or say a major landmark of Mumbai. Built in 1911, to celebrate to the visit of King George Ⅴ and Queen Mary. Designed by a Scottish architect Geroge Wittet was its yellow basalt arch. This Indo – Saracenic architectural structure overlooking the Arabian sea was open to the general public in the year 1924 and from that year onwards its a favourite picnic spot for local Mumbaikars and also find its place in the “must to see” in tour itineraries of Indian as well as foreigners.
After the visit of Gateway of India, take the ferry to Elephanta Caves.
Elephanta Caves: A ferry ride from Gateway of India to Elephanta Island is an hour long ride. Elephanta caves have many ancient cave temples. In 1987, it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the cultural category. The history of cave temples here is unknown, however it is considered that rock cut caves were constructed here around the middle of 5th to 6th century AD. The original name of this island was Gharapuri; but the Portuguese renamed it as Elephanta when they discovered a huge stone sculpture of an elephant at their docking place.
Return to the hotel and relax.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Mumbai.
On this day, enjoy the city tour of Mumbai before taking a flight to Aurangabad. The sightseeing points covered in today’s sightseeing are some of the iconic landmarks of the city.
Mani Bhawan: During the struggle for independence from British rule, the Mani Bhawan was an interim residence of the great freedom fighter of India Late Shri Mahatma Gandhi from 1917 A.D to 1934 A.D. Mani Bhawan has seen the start of many historic freedom struggle movements from here like Non – Cooperation, Satyagraha, Swadeshi, Khadi and Khilafat. Now, this two – storey bhawan house is a museum dedicated to Father of the nation which houses a library along with a photo gallery which displays the images of Gandhi Ji from his grown up years till the year 1948 when his kind soul left the world.
Hanging Garden: A garden laid out in the year 1881 A.D over a reservoir that provides the “Jal”, a water to Mumbai. This garden is popularly known as Hanging Garden and gives the breathtaking view of “City of Dreams” Mumbai.
Flora Fountain: In the heart of South Mumbai lies a gracefully carved fountain structure called Flora Fountain and also known as Hutatma Chowk. Initially planned to be dedicated to the Governor of Bombay Sir Bartle Frere at the time of British rule in India , who gifted Bombay with many great public buildings during his tenure. But shortly prior to its dedication in 1864, it was given the name “Flora” , the name of the Roman Goddess of Flowers.
The Prince of Wales Museum: This museum, now known as “Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya” is among the well known museums of India. Designed in Indo – Saracenic architecture by the same Scottish architect George Wittet who draws the structure plan of Gateway of India. This museum exhibits different articles from all regions of India which include Buddhist images, miniature paintings and sculptures taken from the Elephanta Caves.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus): Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the cultural category in the year 2004, a magnificent building of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture. This historical & architectural jewel was designed by the British architect F. W. Stevens and tooks 10 years to complete from 1878 AD to 1888 AD and cost about 2,60,000 sterling pounds.
Marine Drive: Described as “Queen’s Necklace” is the most opulent sea-side boulevard of Mumbai. It gives an amazing view of the Arabian sea and also offers an ideal track for morning joggers.
Post city tour of Mumbai and as per the flight schedule, we transfer you to Mumbai airport to board the flight for Aurangabad. Once you come out from Aurangabad airport after claiming your bags, you will be welcomed by our executive and transferred to a hotel. Check – in and relax.
Aurangabad: Aurangabad lies on a Deccan plateau, the biggest plateau of India. A very long cultural and artistic history associated with this region since the era of Stone Age and spanning over rules of several dynasties which contributes a lot to art, architecture, cultural, religious principles etc. Besides having a very rich history, this city is a manufacturing hub of small and medium scale industries which includes chemicals, auto components, textile etc and big producers of silk and cotton.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Aurangabad.
After breakfast, proceed for an excursion of Ellora Caves and Aurangabad Caves.
Ellora Caves: Ellora caves complex spread over 2 kilometres, comprises 34 monasteries and temples that were built side by side in the wall of a tall basalt cliff. Ellora caves bring the culture of ancient India to life with its continuous series of monuments dating 600 AD to 1000 AD. Shrines here, dedicated to Hinduism, Buddhism & Jainism and this complex is not only a unique creativity of art but a technological marvel that displays the spirit of tolerance, which is a unique characteristic of ancient India.
Aurangabad Caves: On the outskirts of Aurangabad lies the forgotten caves that were excavated between 2nd and 6th century AD. Here cave 3 and 7 are fascinating to visit as the cave 3 exhibits sculptures depicting scenes from the legendary tales of “Jataka” and supported by twelve extremely elaborate columns. And cave 7 displays intricate sculptures of jewelled women and a statue of “Bodhisattva” praying for salvation.
Return to the hotel and relax.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Aurangabad.
Today after breakfast, proceed to a full day excursion of famous Ajanta Caves.
Ajanta Caves: About 100 kilometres from Aurangabad lies the world famous Ajanta caves, which are 30 rock-hewn caves nestled in Sahyadri hills of Western Ghat. In the year 1819, a group of British army officers found an astounding achievement in the form of Ajanta Caves, which took approximately 600 years to develop. Carved with nothing more than chisel and hammer, the beautiful caves of Ajanta once housed Buddhist monks. The beautiful wall and ceiling murals, panels and sculptures depicting scenes from Buddha’s life are renowned as the first and best example of Buddhist pictorial art across the globe.
Return to the hotel and relax.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Aurangabad.
Today after breakfast, enjoy the local sightseeing of Aurangabad before taking the flight to Mumbai. The local sightseeing of Aurangabad includes the visit of:
Daulatabad Fort: Around 13 kms from Aurangabad lies a magnificent 12th century fort on a hill which was once known as “Devgiri”. During the Tuglaq regime in Deccan Belt, it was named as “Daulatabad” by the Sultan (Emperor) of Delhi Muhammad Bin Tuglaq. The name “Daulatabad” means a city of fortune. This mediaeval era fort has only been conquered through treachery. A series of mysterious tunnels amidst the fort. Upon an unwary encounter with the enemy, flaring torches were thrust upon here and as he pondered to escape, hot oil poured down his path.
Bibi Ka Maqbara: Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s son Azam Shah got inspired by the beauty of Taj Mahal and built a tomb in 1668 AD for her mother Rabia – ul – Daurani. This mughal architecture is stunning with its surrounding gardens and waterways that offers opportunities for solitude.
Then as per the flight timing, our executive will transfer you to Aurangabad airport to board your flight for Mumbai. Upon arrival at Mumbai, our executive will take you to a nearby airport hotel.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Mumbai.