Ajanta & Ellora Caves Trip

Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
Destinations Covered: Mumbai - Aurangabad - Ellora - Ajanta - Hyderabad - Chennai - Mysore - Bangalore - Mumbai

Day 1: Mumbai - Aurangabad
After breakfast at the hotel, the morning is free for you to spend at leisure. Post lunch transfer to the airport for a short flight to Aurangabad on IC 887 Indian Airlines plane. On arrival, our representative will escort you to the hotel. Check in, refresh and relax for the day. This 17th century city has been seen the rise and fall of many mighty empires that ran the length and breath of India especially the Deccan Plateau. Today it is one of the most prominent places in Maharashtra that serves as the ideal base camp to explore the nearby World Heritage Sites of Ajanta and Ellora Caves. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Aurangabad.

Day 2: Aurangabad
Today, after an early morning breakfast, proceed for a full day excursion to the 2000-year-old Ajanta Caves. Rock cut on the horse-shoe shaped cliff of the Sahyardi Hills, this set of 30 Buddhist rock-cut caves for monasteries and chapels are a must visit for their cave paintings and Buddhist art. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Aurangabad.

Day 3: Aurangabad
After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for an excursion to the Ellora Caves, another World Heritage Site. Visit the 34 Buddhist monasteries, Hindu temples, and Jainism shrines carved from solid rock. These caves date back to the 4th and 9th century and the magnificent Kailash Temple marks the highlight of the day trip. En route, you can also stopover at the 12th century Daulatabad Fort and check out the lesser known but equally mesmerizing Aurangabad Caves (Buddhist monasteries showcasing influence of Tantric art and architectural style from the 2nd and 6th centuries). Later in the evening, return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay in Aurangabad

Day 4:Aurangabad - Mumbai
After breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport to board the Jet Airways flight back to Mumbai. On arrival, proceed for a half day sightseeing tour of the city of dreams. Visit St John's Church at Mumbai Fort; drive on the classic Marine Drive, click a photograph at the Gateway of India, and snack at the Chowpatty Beach. Later visit Flora Fountain at the Hutama Chowk, 18 km long Juhu Beach, and see the sunset as the Mumbai comes to life in the night from the famous 1880's Hanging Gardens in Malabar Hills. After some shopping and eating, drive to the airport for a flight back home or to your onward destination.