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Signature · India

Mumbai & the Ajanta and Ellora Caves - Signature Tour

Physicality i
Cave sites involve uneven steps and low-light interiors. Daulatabad climbing can be minimised. Heat management critical at exposed sites.
Moderate
Downtime i
More recovery time than Classic. Midday blocks consistently protected. Mumbai afternoons open. Ajanta paced for depth, not speed.
Generous
Choose your tier
Signature · from $3,400 Classic · from $1,700

Six days combining South Mumbai's colonial waterfront and UNESCO rock-cut heritage at the highest register. Mumbai opens at The Taj Mahal Palace on the waterfront with Elephanta Caves by speedboat. Aurangabad follows at Taj Aurangabad for Bibi ka Maqbara, Daulatabad Fort, Ellora's Kailasa Temple, and then the defining day: a private art historian-led session at Ajanta through the Buddhist viharas and the fresco interiors that have survived 2,000 years. A senior Farbound trip lead escorts the full six days. Business class on both domestic flights, most meals included, and all tickets pre-arranged. October to March is the most comfortable window.

Trip highlights.

Arrive Mumbai
Elephanta Caves and Mumbai Heritage
Fly to Aurangabad
Daulatabad Fort and Ellora
Ajanta Caves with Private Art Historian
Fly to Mumbai, Departure
6 days · 5 nights
from$3,400
per person, double occupancy
Download itinerary (PDF)
Private departure on your dates.
Interests on this journey
Architecture
History
Culture
Photography
Luxury
Slow travel
Read the FAQs
Why travel with Farbound?
Always private
Your vehicle, your guide, your pace — yours alone.
Authentic, exclusive experiences
Private access groups never get.
Deeply knowledgeable guides
English-speaking experts at every site.
Hand-selected hotels
Palaces, havelis & lodges, vetted in person.
Airport meet & greet
Private transfers, arrival to departure.

The journey, day by day.

Select a day to follow the route
India
2 stops on this route
Day
1
Arrive Mumbai Mumbai

Fast-track arrival at The Taj Mahal Palace, South Mumbai colonial walk, and welcome dinner.

StayThe Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai or similar
MealsDinner
Day
2
Elephanta Caves and Mumbai Heritage Mumbai

Speedboat to Elephanta with a specialist guide, then a curated Mumbai afternoon.

StayThe Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai or similar
MealsBreakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Day
3
Fly to Aurangabad Aurangabad

Fly to Aurangabad, Bibi ka Maqbara, and the Aurangabad Caves.

StayTaj Aurangabad or similar
MealsBreakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Day
4
Daulatabad Fort and Ellora Aurangabad

Daulatabad Fort then Ellora Caves with the Kailasa Temple as the centrepiece.

StayTaj Aurangabad or similar
MealsBreakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Day
5
Ajanta Caves with Private Art Historian Aurangabad

Full-day private session at Ajanta with an art historian for the Buddhist viharas and fresco interiors.

StayTaj Aurangabad or similar
MealsBreakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Day
6
Fly to Mumbai, Departure Mumbai

Fly back to Mumbai for international or onward departure.

MealsBreakfast
Your proposal expands this route into a complete day-by-day plan — confirmed hotels, drive times and seasonal adjustments for your dates — within 24–48 hours.

What's included.

The Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai and Taj Aurangabad. Premier rooms by default.
Domestic flights Mumbai-Aurangabad and Aurangabad-Mumbai included.
Senior Farbound trip lead throughout, with a private art historian at Ajanta.
Premium private vehicle.
Curated sightseeing with private access. Private art historian at Ajanta. All tickets pre-purchased.
Most meals included. Curated dining throughout the route.
Before you travel

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.

Do I need an e-Visa for India?

Most nationalities can apply for an Indian e-Visa online at indianvisaonline.gov.in - it is typically approved within 72 hours and valid for 30 or 365 days depending on the type. We advise applying at least 2 weeks before travel. Some nationalities require a sticker visa from an Indian consulate.

What is the best time to visit India?

India is vast and each region has its own season. The Himalayan north (Ladakh, Himachal) is best May-September. Rajasthan and the Golden Triangle are ideal October-March. Kerala and the south are good November-February. The northeast is spectacular March-May. We'll advise based on your chosen region.

Is India safe to travel to?

India is safe for the vast majority of travellers when you take sensible precautions. Solo female travellers should exercise extra caution in certain areas, and we always advise on destination-specific safety. Our partners and guides are vetted, and we brief guests on local customs and areas to avoid.

What vaccinations do I need for India?

Recommended vaccinations include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus. Depending on your itinerary, your GP may suggest Hepatitis B, Rabies, or Japanese Encephalitis. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for some rural and jungle regions. Consult a travel health clinic 6-8 weeks before departure.

Is the food safe in India?

Indian food is wonderful but your stomach needs time to adjust. Stick to cooked food, avoid tap water and ice from unknown sources, and opt for bottled or filtered water throughout. High-end restaurants and hotels are generally very safe. We include a food safety briefing in every pre-departure pack.

Is India good for vegetarians?

India is arguably the most vegetarian-friendly country in the world. Virtually every restaurant offers extensive vegetarian menus, and many are entirely meat-free. Vegan options are increasingly available in cities and tourist areas. Please let us know your dietary requirements and we'll ensure every meal is taken care of.

What is NOT included in the price?

International flights, visa fees, travel insurance, personal spending, tips for guides and drivers, and meals not listed in the itinerary. A clear inclusions and exclusions list is in every quote we send.

Should I bring local currency or can I use cards?

A mix of both is ideal. Cards are accepted at most hotels and large restaurants, but local markets, tuk-tuks, tips, and smaller guesthouses are cash-only. We recommend having USD as an emergency backup - it's accepted or exchangeable almost everywhere we operate.

Do you arrange flights?

We can arrange flights as part of a full package or advise on the best routing and airlines for your trip. Many clients prefer to book flights independently for flexibility with points and upgrades - we're happy to work either way and will give you the ideal arrival and departure airport for your itinerary.

How far in advance should I book?

We recommend booking at least 3-6 months ahead for peak season travel (October-March for South Asia). Bhutan during festival season can need 6-12 months lead time. That said we've pulled together excellent last-minute trips - if your dates are flexible get in touch and we'll see what's possible.

Can I customise my itinerary?

Absolutely - customisation is what we do. Every Farbound itinerary is built around your interests, pace, travel style, and budget. Whether you want to add a cooking class in Kerala, a yoga retreat in Rishikesh, or an extra night at a tea estate, just tell us and we'll design it for you.

What is included in the price?

Our packages typically include accommodation, all meals as specified, private transfers, a local guide, entrance fees, and internal transport. International flights are usually separate unless stated. The exact inclusions are listed on every itinerary and quoted in writing before you confirm.

How do I pay and what are the payment terms?

We typically require a deposit of 20-30% at booking to secure your itinerary and accommodation, with the balance due 60 days before departure. For last-minute bookings full payment is taken upfront. We accept bank transfer and major credit cards. Full payment terms are in your booking confirmation.

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancellations made more than 60 days before departure receive a full refund minus the deposit. Between 30-60 days we retain 50% of the total cost. Within 30 days the full amount is non-refundable. We always recommend travel insurance to cover unexpected cancellations. Full terms are in your booking agreement.

Is there a single room supplement?

Yes, single travellers occupy a private room and a supplement applies as hotels charge on a per-room basis. The exact supplement varies by property and destination. We always quote this clearly upfront and work to minimise it where possible - some boutique properties have more affordable single rates.

Do you run group tours or private only?

Farbound specialises in private, bespoke journeys. You won't be sharing a vehicle or guide with strangers. For travellers who prefer a social group setting, we can occasionally match solo travellers or small groups - get in touch to discuss.

What happens if something goes wrong on my trip?

We have a 24/7 emergency contact for all guests travelling with Farbound. Our local partners are experienced in handling medical issues, itinerary changes, and unexpected situations. We also ensure all guests have comprehensive travel insurance before they travel.

Do you cater for dietary requirements?

Yes - vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, kosher, and severe allergy requirements are all manageable with advance notice. South Asia is exceptionally accommodating for vegetarian and vegan diets in particular. Please tell us at the time of enquiry so we can brief every restaurant and property on your itinerary.

Can I drink the water?

Tap water is not safe to drink in Sri Lanka, India, or Bhutan. All reputable hotels provide filtered or bottled water. We advise carrying a reusable bottle with a built-in filter (e.g. LifeStraw or GRAYL) to reduce plastic waste - Bhutan in particular encourages this as part of its sustainability ethos.

Should I take out travel insurance before booking?

Yes - and we ask that you do so before final payment. A good policy covers medical emergencies, evacuation, trip cancellation, curtailment, and lost luggage. Adventure activities (trekking, rafting, safaris) must be explicitly covered. We're happy to recommend providers if you need a starting point.

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