Mumbai & Aurangabad Tour

As you step out of Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, a warm smile and heartfelt greeting await you. Our executive will be there to welcome you and escort you to your hotel. Once checked in, take the rest of the day to unwind, shake off the travel fatigue, and ease into the vibrant rhythm of Mumbai — a city that never pauses, yet always has room to breathe.

Often referred to as the City of Dreams, Mumbai is a heady blend of old-world charm and new-age ambition. Formerly known as Bombay, the city sprawls across what was once seven separate islands — now stitched together into a buzzing peninsula along the Konkan coast. This metropolis is India’s economic powerhouse, home to Bollywood stars, financial giants, and thriving cultural enclaves, all coexisting in a whirlwind of color, noise, and movement.

Mumbai draws its name from “Mumba Devi,” the local deity of the Koli fishing community. Revered as an incarnation of Goddess Parvati, her presence still lingers in the city’s southeastern quarter, where the original Mumba Devi Temple stood as a silent witness to centuries of change.

Tonight, as the Arabian Sea breeze drifts across the city, let the distant hum of Mumbai lull you into a restful sleep — tomorrow, your adventure begins.

Overnight: Mumbai

After breakfast, step out into the energy-charged streets of Mumbai, a city where history is painted onto colonial facades, whispered from temple courtyards, and sung on the waves of the Arabian Sea.

Your day begins at the iconic Gateway of India, an imposing basalt arch that once welcomed royal visitors from the sea. Built in 1911 to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary, this Indo-Saracenic monument stands proudly by the waterfront, now serving as a favorite meeting point for locals and travelers alike.

From here, board a ferry to Elephanta Island, where ancient rock-cut caves await amidst lush greenery. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Elephanta Caves date back to the 5th–6th century and are famed for their intricate sculptures of Hindu deities — particularly the towering, triple-headed statue of Lord Shiva, known as Maheshmurti. Wander through stone-pillared halls and marvel at the craftsmanship that has endured centuries.

Returning to the mainland by mid-afternoon, continue your exploration of Mumbai’s unique cultural blend. You may stroll along Colaba Causeway for local shopping and street-side cafés.

Return to the hotel and relax.

Overnight: Mumbai

After breakfast, gear up for a half-day exploration of Mumbai’s timeless treasures — a fitting finale to your stay in the city that never sleeps.

Begin your tour at Mani Bhawan, once the modest yet powerful base for Mahatma Gandhi’s freedom movement. Walk through the two-storey home-turned-museum where he planned non-cooperation and satyagraha campaigns. The walls, lined with photographs, handwritten letters, and a quiet library, still whisper the spirit of India’s independence.

Continue to the lush Hanging Gardens, perched atop Malabar Hill. Built in 1881 over a water reservoir, these beautifully manicured terraces offer stunning views over Marine Drive and the sprawling Arabian Sea below — an oasis above the urban swirl.

Next, drive to Flora Fountain in the heart of South Mumbai. This intricately carved fountain, dating back to 1864, was named after the Roman goddess of flowers and serves as a historic and symbolic gateway between colonial Bombay and modern Mumbai.

Delve into Mumbai’s artistic heritage with a visit to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (formerly Prince of Wales Museum). Designed by George Wittet in Indo-Saracenic style, the museum houses a remarkable collection of Indian sculptures, miniature paintings, and Buddhist relics — many sourced from Elephanta Caves.

Pass by the architectural marvel of Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This Gothic Revival masterpiece, built over a decade from 1878 to 1888, stands as a dramatic blend of Victorian engineering and Indian craftsmanship.

Before heading to the airport, enjoy a final panoramic drive down Marine Drive, where the curve of the bay glitters like a necklace under the afternoon sun — a favourite promenade for locals and visitors alike.

By late afternoon, you’ll be transferred to Mumbai Domestic Airport to board your evening flight to Aurangabad.

Upon arrival in Aurangabad, you’ll be welcomed by our executive and escorted to your hotel. Take the evening to relax and absorb the shift — from the coastal rush of Mumbai to the historic calm of the Deccan Plateau.

Overnight: Aurangabad

After breakfast, set out on a full-day exploration of Aurangabad’s legendary cave temples, where art, faith, and stone unite in silent storytelling.

Your morning begins with an unforgettable journey to the Ellora Caves, one of India’s most remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Carved into the vertical face of a basalt cliff over a span of five centuries (600–1000 AD), Ellora is home to 34 cave temples and monasteries, representing the three major religions of ancient India — Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism — standing together in harmonious brilliance.

Among these, the crown jewel is Cave 16, the Kailasa Temple, a monolithic marvel dedicated to Lord Shiva. Sculpted from a single piece of rock, this vast temple complex — complete with intricately carved pillars, shrines, elephants, and celestial beings — was designed to resemble Mount Kailash, the divine abode of Shiva. It’s a jaw-dropping feat of artistry and engineering, said to have been carved top-down from the cliff with nothing but hammers and chisels.

In the afternoon, return to Aurangabad to discover the lesser-visited but equally fascinating Aurangabad Caves, nestled in the quiet hills just beyond the city. Dating back to the 6th–7th century, these Buddhist caves offer peaceful views, detailed carvings, and a refreshing sense of solitude compared to the more visited sites. Main caves to visit here are Cave 3, known for its Jataka tale sculptures, and Cave 7, which features ethereal depictions of jeweled female figures and the compassionate Bodhisattva praying for salvation.

As the sun begins to set over the Deccan hills, return to your hotel for a relaxed evening. Reflect on the wonder of these sacred spaces — where stone became scripture, and devotion was etched into time.

Overnight: Aurangabad

After an early breakfast, embark on a captivating full-day journey to one of the most treasured jewels of India’s ancient heritage — the Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled amidst the rugged Sahyadri hills, about 100 km (approx. 2.5 hours) from Aurangabad.

Cut deep into a horseshoe-shaped rock face along the Waghora River, the 30 Ajanta caves date back as far as the 2nd century BCE and remained hidden in the jungle for over a millennium until they were rediscovered by British officers in 1819. These caves once served as monastic retreats for Buddhist monks and wandering scholars, where prayer, meditation, and storytelling were carved and painted into eternity.

As you walk through these timeworn halls, you’ll encounter astonishing murals and sculptures that depict the life of the Buddha and various Jataka tales — moral stories of his past incarnations. The caves pulse with spiritual energy and artistic brilliance, especially Cave 1, where fading but still breathtaking frescoes portray delicate expressions and vivid details of royal processions, celestial beings, and compassionate deities.

Admire the intricacy of the pillared prayer halls (chaityas) and the stillness of monastic cells (viharas) that once echoed with chants. These masterpieces — painted with natural pigments and carved with timeless skill — are considered the finest surviving examples of early Buddhist art in the world.

After a picnic-style or local lunch stop en route, continue exploring the quieter caves before beginning the scenic return drive to Aurangabad by late afternoon.

The evening is yours to rest and reflect on the wonder of what you’ve seen — a window into a world that thrived over two millennia ago, yet still speaks to the soul today.

Overnight: Aurangabad

This morning, after breakfast, you’ll set out to explore two of Aurangabad’s most significant historical landmarks before concluding your journey through the Deccan plateau.

Your first stop is the mighty Daulatabad Fort, a 12th-century hilltop citadel originally known as Devgiri. Rising dramatically above the surrounding plains, this once-invincible fort was briefly the capital of medieval India under Sultan Muhammad bin Tughlaq, who ambitiously tried to shift his entire empire here. The fort’s defenses are legendary: a steep climb, triple moats, secret tunnels, and deceptive entryways that once baffled even the fiercest invaders. Climb part of the ramparts to enjoy panoramic views and imagine the centuries of strategy, intrigue, and power struggles that played out within these formidable walls.

Next, visit the elegant Bibi Ka Maqbara, a serene mausoleum often referred to as the “Taj of the Deccan.” Built in 1668 by Prince Azam Shah in memory of his mother, Rabia-ud-Daurani, this graceful Mughal structure is inspired by the Taj Mahal in Agra — though smaller in scale, it is rich in detail. Stroll through its symmetrical gardens, flanked by reflecting pools and fountains, and admire the intricate marble latticework and delicate stucco ornamentation that give it a gentle, poetic charm.

Later in the afternoon, you’ll be transferred to Aurangabad Airport to board your evening flight to Mumbai . Upon arrival in Mumbai, our representative will receive you and escort you to your airport hotel, offering convenience and comfort for your final night in India.

Take the evening to unwind, enjoy a relaxed dinner, or simply reflect on the remarkable stories, landscapes, and craftsmanship you’ve encountered throughout your journey.

Overnight: Mumbai (near the airport)

As your journey through the vibrant soul of Maharashtra draws to a close, enjoy the breakfast at your hotel near the airport. Depending on your flight schedule and at the designated time, our executive will escort you to Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport for your onward or return flight.

As you say goodbye to Mumbai — the city of dreams — you leave with more than just photographs. You carry with you stories carved in ancient caves and the warmth of countless local smiles.