Itinerary
- Day 1
Mumbai
You'll land at Mumbai airport where someone meets you for the drive to your hotel. After you check in, walk over to the Gateway of India to see the views across the Arabian Sea, then head to Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus to look at the Victorian-style building. Spend some time wandering through Colaba's busy streets and getting a feel for local life before heading back to settle in.
Included Activities
- Visit Gateway of India
- Explore Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Optional Activities
- Shop in Colaba district
- Explore local streets of Colaba
Landmarks/POIs Gateway of India Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Colaba - Day 2
Mumbai
After breakfast, take a ferry out to Elephanta Island and check out the ancient caves with their detailed sculptures carved into the rock. Once you're back in the city, visit the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya to see the art collection there. Later in the afternoon, you'll walk along Marine Drive and head up to the Hanging Gardens for the views across Mumbai as the day winds down.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Ferry ride to Elephanta Island
- Visit Elephanta Caves
- Visit Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (formerly Prince of Wales Museum)
- Visit Hanging Gardens
Optional Activities
- Walk along Marine Drive
Landmarks/POIs Elephanta Caves Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya Marine Drive Hanging Gardens - Day 3
Mumbai to Nashik
Drive out to Nashik and check into your hotel, then head to Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga Temple to spend time at this important religious site. From there, walk through the Panchvati temple complex which has several temples and caves including Kalaram and Kapileshwara. Before evening, make your way to Pandavleni to see the Buddhist caves carved into the rock with their old sculptures.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga Temple
- Explore Panchvati temple complex (Kalaram Temple, Sita Gufa, Kapileshwara Temple)
- Visit Pandavleni caves
Landmarks/POIs Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga Temple Kalaram Temple Sita Gufa Kapileshwara Temple Pandavleni Caves - Day 4
Nashik to Aurangabad
Travel from Nashik toward Aurangabad and stop at Ellora Caves along the way, where you'll walk through temples carved from rock representing Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain traditions. Once in Aurangabad, visit Grishneshwar Temple which is another important Jyotirlinga, and then climb up to Daulatabad Fort to see the historic structure and the landscape spreading out below it.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Ellora Caves (UNESCO-listed)
- Visit Grishneshwar Temple
- Explore Daulatabad Fort
Landmarks/POIs Ellora Caves Grishneshwar Temple Daulatabad Fort - Day 5
Aurangabad
Spend your entire day at Ajanta Caves exploring the Buddhist temples and looking at the murals painted on the walls and ceilings. Back in Aurangabad, take a city tour that includes Bibi Ka Maqbara, a large mausoleum with similarities to Taj Mahal, along with Aurangabad Caves which have Buddhist temples cut into rock. Finish at Panchakki, a 17th-century water mill surrounded by gardens where you can relax.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Full-day excursion to Ajanta Caves (UNESCO-listed)
- Visit Bibi Ka Maqbara
- Explore Aurangabad Caves
- Visit Panchakki
Landmarks/POIs Ajanta Caves Bibi Ka Maqbara Aurangabad Caves Panchakki - Day 6
Aurangabad to Bhimashankar
Drive to Bhimashankar situated in the Sahyadri Hills and settle into your hotel. Spend time at Bhimashankar Temple, one of twelve important Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. If you're interested, there's an option to visit Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary where you can see the variety of plants and animals living in the area.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Bhimashankar Temple
Optional Activities
- Explore Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary
Landmarks/POIs Bhimashankar Temple Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary - Day 7
Bhimashankar to Mumbai
Head back toward Mumbai with stops in Lonavala to see Karla Caves and Bhaja Caves, walking through the rock-cut Buddhist shrines and looking at the carvings. Later, you'll arrive back in Mumbai, check into your hotel, and have time to either browse the local markets or just take things easy for the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Karla Caves
- Visit Bhaja Caves
Optional Activities
- Explore vibrant markets of Mumbai
- Leisurely walks in Mumbai
Landmarks/POIs Karla Caves Bhaja Caves Lonavala - Day 8
Mumbai
Your last morning is free so you can do some final shopping or take a relaxed walk through the city. Check out from your hotel and meet your representative who'll take you to the airport for your flight, heading home with memories of the spiritual and cultural sites you've seen throughout Maharashtra and Mumbai.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Last-minute shopping in Mumbai
- Leisurely strolls through Mumbai
