Final Words
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"Hi Sunita,
The Kerala trip u planned for me was excellent, thanks."
Gagan,
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Cave Temples of India Tour
Mumbai | Aurangabad | Elora | Ajanta | Hyderabad | Bijapur | Badami | Hospet | Hampi
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Explore the mysterious caves of Mumbai & Hyderabad and discover the timeless beauty of their design and admire the architectural beauty of their in-built temples on this 13 days long tour to Central India. Visit the UNESCO applauded sites of world heritage-cave temples of Elephanta, Ajanta, Ellora & Badami. Enjoy many attractions, such as the monuments rich city of Bijapur & ruins of Hampi. Catch up on shopping, fun and excitement at the happening cosmopolitan cities of Mumbai & Hyderabad. See thousands of years of old rock cave art, world heritage monuments, and also experience the confluence of culture in modern cities of Hyderabad and Mumbai.
Day-By-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive at Mumbai
Arrival at Mumbai by international flight. Traditional welcome & transfer to the hotel.
Day 2: Mumbai
Early morning drive to Gateway of India and then transfer via boat to Elephanta Caves. Also, visit Gandhi Museum & Hanging Gardens in Mumbai.
Day 3: Mumbai – Aurangabad – Ellora Caves- Aurangabad
Fly to Aurangabad and then leave for an excursion to the World Heritage Site of Ellora Caves.
Day 4: Aurangabad – Ajanta Caves – Aurangabad
Proceed for Ajanta caves another World Heritage Site. O/N stay back in Aurangabad.
Day 5: Aurangabad – Mumbai- Hyderabad
Enjoy the scenic drive to Hyderabad. Rest of the day at leisure.
Day 6: Hyderabad
Full day Hyderabad sightseeing will include visit to the Char Minar, Salarjung Museum and local bazaars.
Day 7: Hyderabad – Gulbarga (via Bidar)
Excursion to Golconda fort followed by drive to Gulbarga via Bidar. Visit Rangin Mahal, Sola Kamabah Masjid and the Gagan Mahal in Bidar.
Day 8: Gulbarga – Bijapur
Explore Gulbarga and visit the Fort here. Transfer to Bijapur after lunch.
Day 9: Bijapur – Badami
Sightseeing in Bijapur will include visit to Gol Gumbazas, Ibrahim Roza & Juma Masjid. Later transfer to Badami and en-route visit Aihole.
Day 10: Badami – Hospet
In the morning visit Cave temples at Badami. Then transfer to Hopset and en route visit Pattadakal.
Day 11: Hospet – Hampi – Hospet
Today, tour ruins of one of the largest empires in the history of India i.e. Hampi or Vijayanagar. O/N back at Hospet.
Day 12: Hospet – Goa
Early morning drive to Goa Spend the rest of the day at leisure in the hotel or explore the city.
Day 13: Goa - Departure
Enjoy half day city tour. Evening enjoy cruise on river Mandovi.
Day 14: Goa
Full day at leisure.
Day 15: Goa –Mumbai- Departure
Transfer to the airport for flight to Mumbai and onward travel.
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Tour Highlights- Experience the thousands of years old history of India, on this unique tour through the cave monuments.
- Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Ellora Caves related to Hindu, Buddhist and Jain faiths and rock-cut monuments of Ellora Caves.
- Visit to stunning fortress of Golconda and other impressive palaces such as Rangin Mahal and Gagan Mahal at Gulbarga.
- Experience old world charms at “City of Pearls”, Hyderabad and visit Char Minar, Salarjung Museum and local bazaars.
- Visit Aihole the revered “Cradle of Indian Architecture” and get enchanted by the mysterious Cave temples of Badami.
- Explore stunning forts and magnificent palaces such as Fort at Gulbarga which is a good example of integration of two ancient cultures.
- Ruins of one of the largest empires in Indian history- Hampi or Vijayanagar.
- The architectural delight does continue as you visit Pattadakal known for Chalukyan architectural forms.
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| | | Day 1: Arrival at Mumbai |  | Upon your arrival at the airport, meet our representative awaiting just outside the arrival hall, past the customs area & currency shops. Most of the international flights land late in the night and therefore nothing is planned for the day. Back at hotel after a short while our representative will brief you about your tour which starts the day after.
Beneath the chaos and the cacophonic sounds of the city lies an inebriating mix of culture, heritage, celebration and natural beauty. Mumbai is a financial powerhouse, centre of fashion and film industry and the hub of neon-lit chambers of frolic. The city allures with its wealth of Art Deco and magnificent colonial relics, grand temples, labyrinths of vibrant bazaars, horde of brand conscious malls and a pinch of soul stirring fun.
| | | | Day 2: Mumbai | | Visit Gateway of India, a 26 meters high basalt arch, Gateway of India located on the seafront was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to the region in 1911. It was here at Gateway that the last British troops passed through the Gateway in a ceremony on 28th February 1948 leaving India a free country. You will set on a ferry boat ride from here to visit UNESCO World Heritage Site of Elephanta Caves in Mumbai Harbour. The exquisite rock cut architecture of the caves date back to between 5th and 8th century. Out of these the three-faceted sculpture of Lord Shiva is the most striking one.
Later visit the renowned Prince of Wales Museum. The museum is built in the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture along with elements of Mughal, Maratha and Jain architecture. The museum is known primarily for housing 50,000 exhibits of ancient Indian and foreign art, archaeological and natural history. The museum houses artefacts such as miniatures, paintings, Mughal jades, silver, gold and artistic metal ware and more. The day concludes back at the hotel in Mumbai. | | | | Day 3: Mumbai - Aurangabad - Ellora Caves- Aurangabad | | Flying Time: 45 mins
Early morning transfer to airport to board the flight to Aurangabad. Proceed for a half-hour's journey on this day which will bring you to Ellora and its monumental Hindu, Jain and Buddhist temples cut from the basalt rock. An archaeological site, the caves are situated 30 km from the city of Aurangabad and are renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site. The monumental caves of Ellora built back in between 5th to 10th century contains exquisite rock cut temples and monasteries. Ellora Caves, built during 7th - 10th century AD and contain art and sculptures related to Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism religions.Also see the formidable fortress of Deogiri at Daulatabad, intended by the Delhi Sultan Muhammad Tughlaq as his capital, a short-lived but costly experiment in Indian history. Return to Aurangabad.
| | | | Day 4: Aurangabad - Ajanta Caves - Aurangabad | | (Driving Time: 2.5 hrs)
An early start after breakfast means arrival at Ajanta by lunchtime, giving you all afternoon to view the UNESCO applauded World Heritage Sites of the rock cut caves here. These Buddhist caves of Ajanta executed between 200 B.C. and 650 A.D are known worldwide for their extraordinary murals, frescoes and sculptures. The rock-cut cave monuments of Ajanta are 100 kms from Aurangabad dating from the second century BCE contain paintings and sculpture considered to be masterpieces of both "Buddhist religious art" and "universal pictorial art. Evening return to Aurangabad. | | | | Day 5: Aurangabad - Mumbai - Hyderabad | | (Flying Time including stopover: 5 ¼ hrs)
Leave for airport to connect to Hyderabad via Mumbai. Rest of the day at leisure. Popularly known as the “City of Nizams”, Hyderabad charms all with its splendid historic heritage and princely ardor. The “City of Pearls”, Hyderabad captivates all eyes for its heritage properties and sprawling bazaars ideal for souvenir hunting. Though the city today has transformed into a major hub of IT industry and capital of biotechnology, its ancient regal fervor remains in the sophistication of its people, aroma of its delicious curries and a fine blend of traditions with modernity. | | | | Day 6: Hyderabad | | A delectable breakfast is followed by sightseeing tour of Hyderabad. The older part of the city is the historical region which constitutes of most of the historic heritage properties. Begin your tour of the city from this region and first visit Charminar. An important landmark of the city, Charminar is a structure comprising of four minarets which was built by Quli Qutub Shah to mark the elimination of a plague epidemic from the city. Built right in the middle of city and the monument represents signature style of Isalmic architecture; from the top of it one can sight spectacular views of the city. Also see Salarjung Museum the largest one-man collections of antiques in the world which is known worldwide for its valued possessions dating back even to the 1st century. A visual treat to the connoisseurs and lovers of historic heritage the museum consists of 38 semicircular shaped galleries displaying a collection of above 43000 art objects and 50000 books. Evening you can drive to the historical landmark, Hussain Sagar Lake for a rejuvenating sundown or else move towards the local bazaars and indulge in a shopping spree.
| | | | Day 7: Hyderabad - Gulbarga (via Bidar) | | (Driving Time: 5 hrs)
Today visit Golconda Fort in the morning, built in 13th century the fort’s construction was initiated by Kakatiya Kings and was later completed by Qutub Shahi rulers.
The gigantic complex of the fort consists of four distinct forts with about 10 km long outer wall with semi circular bastions some of which are still mounted with cannons. Explore the Golconda fort in the morning and later drive to Gulbarga via Bidar. At Bidar visit prominent historic edifices such as Rangin Mahal, Sola Khamba Masjid and the Gagan Mahal. Continuing with the journey henceforth you will reach Gulbarga.
| | | | Day 8: Gulbarga - Bijapur | | (Driving Time: 3.5 hrs)
Explore Gulbarga which is a good example of the integration of two cultures and then visit to the Fort. Explore the region dotted with beautiful temples and other places of religious importance. A short sightseeing tour will end when you will be driven to your next destination, Bijapur. Overnight stay at Bijapur. | | | | Day 9: Bijapur - Badami | | (Driving Time: 3.5 hrs)
Popular for architectural splendor and historic monuments, Bijapur is the city which was established and flourished furning 10th-11th century. A sightseeing tour of the region will introduce you to various historical sites mainly showcasing rich Islamic architecture. Today, tour Bijapur which will begin first with a visit to Gol Gumbaz. Mausoleum of Mohammed Adil Shah Gol Gumbaz is one of the most famous monuments and is the second largest tomb in the world. Its individuality is in its unique architecture which comprises of a central chamber where sound echoes seven times and the Whispering Gallery where one can hear even the slightest of murmuring from 37 meters of distance. Next visit Ibrahim Rauza the tomb of Ibrahim Adil Shah II, the monument is known for the symmetry of its features also it is believed that its design inspired the architecture of Taj Mahal. An ancient mosque built by Ali Adil Shah I Juma Masjid. The gold inscriptions on the mosque which are derived from Kuran makes for the main attraction of the mosque. Later transfer to Badami and in between the transfer visit Aihole known as the 'cradle of ancient Hindu temple architecture'. The region is renowned for being decked with Chalukya style of architecture in more than 70 temples. Explore prominent structures here before resuming the ride to Badami. | | | | Day 10: Badami - Hospet/Hosapete | | (Driving Time: 3hrs)
In the morning visit the main attraction of Badami which is its Cave temples. Renowned for rock cut and other structural temples, Badami showcases its treasure of sandstone cave temples to all. Grand chambers with numerous pillars and a square shaped sactum with paintings of amorous couples adorning the ceilings these caves are exquisite establishments. Then transfer to Hospet and en route visit Pattadakal, situated on the banks of the Malaprabha River and known for its Chalukyan architecture.
| | | | Day 11: Hospet - Hampi - Hospet | | (Driving Time: 45 mins)
Today, tour one of the largest empires in the history of India which is in ruins i.e. Hampi or Vijayanagar. The city is dotted with numerous fascinating relics of the 15th century city of Vijayanagar, which are applauded by UNESCO listed as a World Heritage Site. Tourist also visit Hampi for the panoramic views of the region, while in the vicinity you shouldn’t miss on it either. After exploring the ruined kingdom return back to Hospet.
| | | | Day 12: Hospet - Goa | | (Driving Time: 8 hrs)
Early morning drive to Goa Spend the rest of the day at leisure in the hotel or explore the city. Early morning drive to Goa Spend the rest of the day at leisure in the hotel or explore the city. Tucked in the western edge of India, Goa is a beach town; the name itself instantly evokes the images of people enjoying sunny afternoon siesta, long stretches of silvery sands, palm fringes swaying to the refreshing winds and silky froth of waves creating big splash at the shores. Its chilled out beach events, dazzling nightlife, mirthful cultural practices and vibrant carnivals and intriguing ancient cathedrals creates distinct composition admired by all. Stroll around to have a look today and you will surely be impressed. | | | | Day 13: Goa | | | Enjoy half day city tour. Goa is renowned for its pristine beaches and its peripheries are decked with plenty of such pictorial beaches ideal for a rejuvenating holiday. Explore these languid beaches and stroll at the resplendent flea markets for the day. Evening enjoy cruise on river Mandovi. | | | | Day 14: Goa | | This erstwhile Portuguese colony has well preserved its age old treasures of old churches and other Portuguese edifices. Explore the region’s culture and explore stunning old cathedrals of Old Goa or gorge upon delectable Goan sea food. More adventurous travelers have the choice of trying out some optional adventure sports such as snorkeling, riding water scooter, scuba diving, paragliding and more at their own expense.
| | | | Day 15: Goa -Mumbai | | Transfer to the airport for flight to Mumbai and onward travel.
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| | | * Subject to availability, else similar category hotel will be arranged. |
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Note:- Above rates are not valid during long weekends, festive dates & between 15 Dec to 10 Jan. Rates are per person basis.  |
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