Mumbai & the Ajanta and Ellora Caves - Classic Tour
Six days combining South Mumbai's colonial waterfront and UNESCO rock-cut heritage with two of India's most important archaeological sites. Mumbai opens with the Gateway and Elephanta Caves. Aurangabad follows by flight for Bibi ka Maqbara, the Aurangabad Caves, Daulatabad Fort, and then the two defining days: Ellora with the Kailasa Temple, and Ajanta with its Buddhist viharas and centuries-old frescoes. The route is built around realistic pacing — both cave sites are physically demanding and temperature-sensitive, so early starts, midday breaks, and buffers are built into every day. October to March is the most comfortable window. The caves are open year-round but Ajanta and Ellora are exposed Deccan sites and April to May heat makes visits significantly harder.
Trip highlights.
The journey, day by day.
Gateway of India, South Mumbai colonial walk, and a curated city introduction.
Ferry to Elephanta Island for the UNESCO cave complex, then a light afternoon.
Domestic flight, Bibi ka Maqbara, and the Aurangabad Caves.
Daulatabad Fort then Ellora Caves with the Kailasa Temple as the anchor.
Full-day road excursion to Ajanta for the Buddhist viharas and fresco interiors.
Fly back to Mumbai for international or onward departure.
What's included.
Five-star hotels in Mumbai and Aurangabad. Twin-share by default.
Domestic flights Mumbai-Aurangabad and Aurangabad-Mumbai included.
Farbound tour director throughout, with expert local guides where required.
Private AC vehicle throughout.
All guided sightseeing as listed. Entrance tickets quoted separately.
Daily breakfast. Selected lunches and dinners as listed.
Questions about this trip.
Do you take bookings and payments directly on the website?
Bookings are confirmed after proposal approval. Payments are collected via payment links rather than instant checkout.
What is a Farbound tour director?
A tour director is a Farbound-appointed lead who are local experts, licensed by the ministry of tourism India, & responsible for coordination and issue resolution, either end-to-end or city-by-city.
Can I request a guide in a specific language?
Language-specific guides can be requested, subject to availability and routing.
Can I upgrade or downgrade hotels?
Yes, subject to availability and repricing.
How will we communicate during planning and on-trip?
We will stay connected with you via email, whatsapp and our web application.
Can I change dates or route after confirmation?
Changes are handled case by case and may involve repricing or supplier fees.
Can I add nights or extensions?
Extensions can be added subject to availability and repricing.
Do you have minimum or maximum group sizes?
There is no fixed minimum or maximum. Group size depends on routing, vehicles, and accommodation.
How long are the drives and how are rest breaks handled?
Drive plans include buffers and comfort breaks. Exact timings depend on traffic, season, and final routing.
Are Ajanta and Ellora open every day?
Monument operating days and closures can vary. Farbound plans visits around known closures and will adjust if access rules change.
What should I expect inside the caves?
Caves involve uneven surfaces, steps, and low-light conditions. Walking intensity can be adjusted by pacing and selection of sections visited.