Embark on a captivating journey with our "Ancient Caves, Temples, Beach & Hills Expedition." Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of India's history as you explore Mumbai's iconic landmarks before venturing to Nashik's ancient temples linked to the "Ramayana" epic. Traverse the architectural marvels of Aurangabad, witnessing the Bibi ka Maqbara and the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Ellora and Ajanta. Spiritual sojourns in Nanded and Hyderabad await, followed by a cultural odyssey through the historic forts of Gulbarga and the mesmerizing ruins of Hampi. As the expedition unfolds, discover the UNESCO treasures of Aihole and Pattadakal, relax on Goa's pristine beaches, and meander through the lush landscapes of Chiplun and Lonavla. This 18-day odyssey promises an unforgettable fusion of history, spirituality, and natural beauty.
Tour program
Day 1
Mumbai
On arrival at Mumbai airport meet with our office executive assistance and transfer to hotel (hotels check in time 1200hr afternoon, early check in subject to room’s availability).
Rest time free for personal activities relax, you can take a walk to have a glance of the city, visiting local markets and restaurants. Overnight at hotel.
Start point
Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Western Express Hwy, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
00:00 - 23:55
Day 2
Mumbai
Breakfast at hotel. Excursion to Elephanta Island located 10kms away from the Gateway of India. Motorboats take passengers from Gateway of India to Elephanta Island. These caves house rock cut temples dating back to the 5th century BC.
Later Mumbai city tour visiting Maharashtra State Assembly (view from outside), Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST), a UNESCO World Heritage Site (view from outside), Dhobhi Ghat see the city's famous open-air laundry in action, Prince of Wales Museum (Monday closed) a heritage museum comprises of a number of ancient artifacts & Mani Bhawan. Overnight at hotel.
Day 3
Mumbai - Nashik (170kms/ 3hrs approx)
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Nashik check in at hotel.
Later city tour visiting the ancient holy city, known for its links to the “Ramayana” the epic poem. Visit Sundarnarayan Temple, Ram Kund water tank, Shri Kalaram Sansthan Mandir, Sita Gufaa caves, ISKCON temple. Also excursion visit to Tryambakeshwar Jyotirlinga an ancient Hindu temple 28km from the city & Pandavleni Caves. If interested you can visit vineyards in west of the city. Overnight at hotel.
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Aurangabad via visiting Shirdi. Shirdi is known as home of revered spiritual leader Sai Baba, and as a major pilgrimage site. Continue drive to Aurangabad check in at hotel.
Later city tour, visit Bibi ka Maqbara built by Azam Shah in 1678, a son's loving tribute to his mother. Also visit Panchakki which literally means 'Water Mill' and Museum. Overnight at hotel.
Day 5
Aurangabad - Excursion to Ellora (30kms one way)
Breakfast at hotel, excursion to visit Ellora, a UNESCO World heritage sites (Tuesday closed). It houses 34 monasteries and temples with some exclusive uninterrupted sequence of monuments that date back from 600 to 1000 AD. The temples of Ellora are dedicated to Brahmanism, Jainism, and Buddhism. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines mentioned in the Shiva Purana. On way back visit Daulatabad Fort one of the most powerful forts of the medieval Deccan. Back to hotel in Aurangabad for overnight stay.
Day 6
Aurangabad - Excursion to Ajanta (100kms/ 2hrs approx one way)
Breakfast at hotel.
Full day excursion to Ajanta Caves (Monday closed). The Caves at Ajanta are older than those at Ellora, which date from about 200 B.C to 650 A.D. Thirty beautiful Buddhist Caves with mesmerizing sculptures and paintings depicting Buddha's life as well the lives of the Buddha in his previous births. Evening back to hotel in Aurangabad for overnight stay.
Day 7
Aurangabad - Nanded (260kms/ 5hrs approx)
Breakfast at hotel drive to Nanded check in at Gurudwara Sarai/ hotel.
Later visit Hazur Sahib one of the Panj Takht, the five seats of higher authority for Sikhs, built at the site of cremation of Guru Gobind Singh by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. His remains and weapons are preserved at the site. Also visit Nanded fort on the bank of Godavari river. Overnight in Gurudwara Sarai/ hotel.
Day 8
Nanded - Hyderabad (260kms/ 5hrs approx)
Breakfast at hotel drive to Hyderabad, a major center for the technology industry & home to many upscale restaurants and shops. Check in at hotel and rest time free and easy to relax and visit the city with your driver. Overnight at hotel.
Day 9
Hyderabad
Breakfast at hotel, explore this wondrous capital, a 400 year-old metropolitan city teeming with bustling-bazaars and Muslim monuments. Visit to Golconda Fort, Qutub Shahi tombs, Salar Jung Museum, Hussain Sagar, Charminar and Grand Mecca Masjid. Overnight at hotel.
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Gulbarga en route visiting Bidar Fort & Jami Masjid. On arrival check-in at Hotel, rest time free & easy to relax. Overnight at hotel.
Day 11
Gulbarga - Hampi (280kms/ 5hrs approx)
Breakfast at hotel city tour of Gulbarga a Hindu city before the Muhammadan conquest. Visit Sharan basaveshwara temple & Hazrat Khwaja Bande Nawaz mausoleum. Afternoon drive to Hampi check-in at Hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 12
Hampi
Breakfast at hotel city tour of Hampi an UNESCO world Heritage sites dotted with numerous ruined temple complexes from the Vijayanagara Empire on the bank of the River Tungabhadra. Visit Hazara Rama Temple, King's Balance, Mahanavami Dibba, Royal enclosures, Statue of Ugra Narasimha Temple, Virupaksha Temple, Vithala And Lotus Mahal, Vithala Temple Complex and ASI Museum. Overnight at hotel.
Day 13
Hampi - Lakkundi - Gadag - Badami (180kms/ 4hrs approx)
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Badami via visiting Lakkundi & Gadag (Guide service not available in Lakkundi & Gadag, subject to availability local guide will be hired by our driver). Arrive Badami check in at hotel. Rest time free and easy to relax. Overnight at hotel.
Day 14
Badami - Pattadakal & Aihole (40kms one way)
Breakfast at hotel. Excursion visits to Aihole & Pattadakal both UNESCO World heritage site.
Aihole is a major archaeological site featuring over one hundred and twenty stone and cave temples from fourth century through the twelfth century CE. Over one hundred Aihole temples are Hindu, a few are Jain and one is Buddhist. The site is spread over about 5 square kilometers.
Pattadakal, represents the high point of an eclectic art under the Chalukya dynasty. An impressive series of nine Hindu temples, as well as a Jain sanctuary, can be seen there. One masterpiece from the group stands out – the Temple of Virupaksha, built c. 740 by Queen Lokamahadevi to commemorate her husband's victory over the kings from the South.
Return to Badami and city sightseeing. Overnight at hotel.
Day 15
Badami - Goa (250kms/ 5hrs approx)
Breakfast at hotel drive to Goa check in at hotel. Rest time free and easy to relax on the beach. Overnight at hotel.
Day 16
Goa
Breakfast at hotel. Goa coastlines stretching along the Arabian Sea. Its long history as a Portuguese colony prior to 1961 is evident in its preserved 17th-century churches and the area’s tropical spice plantations. Known for its beaches, ranging from popular stretches at Baga and Palolem to those in laid-back fishing villages such as Agonda. Full day city tour of Goa covering Churches of Old Goa, Panjim city, Altinho, Dona Paula viewpoint and famous beaches. Rest time free and easy to relax. Overnight at hotel.
Day 17
Goa - Chiplun (340kms/ 7hrs approx)
Breakfast at hotel drive to Chiplun. Enroute you can visit Singhudurg fort. On arrival check in at hotel. Rest time to explore the surrounding. Overnight at hotel.
Day 18
Chiplun - Lonavla (210kms/ 5hrs approx)
Breakfast at hotel sightseeing in Chiplun a hill station in forested Western Ghats range. Visit SawatSada Waterfall Soaring waterfall, best seen during monsoon season, with a wading pool & serene surroundings. Parshurama Temple a temple of Lord Parshurama, the sixth avatar of Vishnu. Gowalkot a small fort located on the southern bank of Vashishti River. This fort is guarded by the river on three sides and a trench on the fourth side.
Afternoon drive to Lonavala check in at hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 19
Lonavala
Breakfast at hotel, sightseeing in Lonavala, a hill station surrounded by green valleys. The Karla Caves and the Bhaja Caves are ancient Buddhist shrines carved out of the rock. These are caves carved from solid granite rocks around 160 BC. It has an Ashoka stambh at the entrance. The caves have rooms for the monks who resided here a prayer hall and a huge stupa. It also has the temple of Ek Veera the goddess of the Koli flock who are the original residents of Mumbai. They feature massive pillars and intricate relief sculptures. South of the Bhaja Caves sits the imposing Lohagad Fort, with its 4 gates. West of here is Bhushi Dam, where water overflows onto a set of steps during rainy season. Overnight at hotel.
Day 20
Lonavla - Mumbai (80kms/ 2hrs approx)
Breakfast at hotel, drive to Mumbai to board evening flight for your onward destination.
End point
Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Western Express Hwy, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
00:00 - 23:55
Good to know
Currency
INR
Indian Rupee
India
Customer reviews
Operator
4.5
Faq Tour
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You will need a passport with a valid visa (if required) to visit countries along the tour route.