TREASURES OF WESTERN INDIA: MUMBAI, AJANTA–ELLORA & GOA

DAY 1          ARRIVE MUMBAI
Upon arrival in Mumbai, meet and greet at the airport followed by transfer to your hotel.

Later, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Mumbai, India’s financial capital and most cosmopolitan city. Overnight in Mumbai.

DAY 2          MUMBAI
After breakfast, proceed to the Gateway of India jetty to board a ferry to Elephanta Island.

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Elephanta Caves, famous for their remarkable rock-cut sculptures dedicated to Lord Shiva. Return to Mumbai and continue to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, one of India’s finest museums, housing extensive collections of art, archaeology, and decorative arts.

Later, explore the vibrant Kala Ghoda Art District, renowned for its heritage buildings, galleries, and cultural landmarks. Continue to Crawford Market, one of Mumbai’s oldest and most bustling markets, before concluding the day with a leisurely drive along Marine Drive overlooking the Arabian Sea.

Overnight in Mumbai.

DAY 3          MUMBAI – AURANGABAD BY TRAIN 20706 – 1315/1840 HRS.

NOT RUNS ON THURSDAY
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed for a brief sightseeing tour of Mumbai. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, one of the finest examples of Victorian Gothic architecture in Asia. Continue to Dhobi Ghat, the world’s largest open-air laundry, offering a fascinating glimpse into Mumbai’s unique community-based laundry system.

Thereafter, enjoy a walk through the bustling Colaba Causeway area, famous for its colonial-era architecture, local markets, and vibrant atmosphere.

In time, transfer to Railway Station to board Vande Bharat Express Train No. 20706 for Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar), the gateway to some of India’s most significant UNESCO World Heritage monuments. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and check in.

Overnight in Aurangabad.

DAY 4          AURANGABAD EXCURSION TO AJANTA CAVES
After breakfast, proceed for a full-day excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ajanta Caves.

Dating from the 2nd century BCE to the 6th century CE, these caves contain some of the world’s finest surviving examples of ancient Buddhist art, murals, and rock-cut architecture. The exquisite paintings are regarded as masterpieces of Indian artistic achievement and provide a fascinating insight into the development of Buddhism in ancient India.

Return to Aurangabad in the evening.

Overnight in Aurangabad.

DAY 5          AURANGABAD SIGHTSEEING
After breakfast, visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ellora Caves. The complex comprises Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain cave temples reflecting centuries of religious harmony and artistic excellence.

A highlight is the magnificent Kailasa Temple, the world’s largest monolithic rock-cut temple. Continue to Daulatabad Fort, one of India’s most formidable medieval fortresses, and later visit Bibi Ka Maqbara, popularly known as the “Mini Taj Mahal.” Overnight in Aurangabad.

DAY 6          AURANGABAD – GOA BY FLIGHT

6E7259-0830/0955 HRS & 6E362-1120/1235 HRS.
In time transfer to the Airport to board the flight for Goa.  Goa variously known as the “Pearl of the Orient” and a “Tourist Paradise,” Goa is located on the western coast of India in the scenic Konkan region. Renowned for its magnificent beaches, vibrant culture, and rich Portuguese heritage, Goa is one of India’s most popular holiday destinations. More than four centuries of Portuguese influence have left a lasting imprint on its architecture, cuisine, traditions, and way of life. The capital city of Panjim and the historic town of Margao showcase charming colonial-era houses, churches, and government buildings that reflect this unique cultural legacy. Stretching along a spectacular 100-kilometre coastline dotted with some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, Goa offers an unforgettable blend of serenity, natural beauty, and lively coastal charm. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 07         GOA
Goa, India’s most famous beach destination, is renowned for its golden beaches, Portuguese colonial heritage, vibrant nightlife, and relaxed tropical atmosphere. The tour begins with visits to Calangute Beach and Anjuna Beach, two of North Goa’s most popular coastal attractions, known for their lively beach shacks, cafés, water sports, scenic beauty, and vibrant coastal culture.

Proceed to Old Goa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to explore its magnificent colonial-era churches and monuments. Visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus, housing the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier; the Se Cathedral, the largest church in Old Goa; the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, noted for its gilded woodwork and historic murals; and the Convent of Saint Monica, one of the most significant convents of the Portuguese era.

Later, visit the picturesque Dona Paula and the serene Miramar Beach, known for their peaceful surroundings and panoramic coastal views. Conclude the tour with a walk through the vibrant streets of Panjim, Goa’s charming capital city, before returning to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 08         GOA
Breakfast at the Hotel. Rest of the day free for leisure activities on your own.

Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 09         LEAVE GOA
Breakfast at the Hotel. In time transfer to the Airport to board the flight for onward destination.