Cave Temples of Ajanta & Ellora

India, 3 Nights

The following itinerary is the perfect extension for anyone visiting Mumbai. The cave temples of Ajanta and Ellora have been declared World Heritage sites and provide a fascinating insight into ancient Indian life.

Day 1 - Mumbai
Arrive in Mumbai with a day at leisure to explore this exciting and vibrant city. Perhaps take a city tour taking in the main sites or haggle for a bargain in Colaba. Alternatively take a trip out to Elephanta Caves by boat. These caves are believed to date back to the 9th century and contain relics of the Hindu god Shiva. Overnight is at the historic Taj Palace Hotel.

Day 2 - Mumbai/Aurangabad
Transfer to the airport this morning for an early morning flight to Aurangabad. On arrival meet your A&K guide and visit the cave temples of Ellora. These 34 monasteries and temples, extend over two kilometres. Carved into the basalt, the caves are devoted to Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism.  The monuments date from A.D. 600 to 1000.  Later return to Aurangabad and check-in to the Taj Residency for a two night stay.

Day 3 - Aurangabad
After a leisurely breakfast enjoy a full day sightseeing to Ajanta Caves. It was here in 1819, a party of British army officers on a tiger hunt, suddenly spotted their prey silhouetted against the carved façade of a cave. On investigating, the officers discovered a series of carved caves, each more dramatic than the other. They were built as monsoon retreats or varshavasas for Buddhist monks. Of the 30 Ajanta caves, five are chaityas or prayer halls and the rest are viharas or monasteries.

Day 4 - Aurangabad/Mumbai
A day at leisure until your transfer to the airport for your flight to Mumbai.