Day 1 Arrival Mumbai
Arrive in Mumbai. You will be met by our representative at the Airport & escorted till your check in at Hotel.
The area occupied by Mumbai three hundred years ago was 7 islands inhabited by Koli fisherman and their families. With land reclamation the islands were connected, so that now Bombay occupies a thin isthmus. The British acquired these marshy islands for a pittance. Mumbadevi or Mumbai was part of Catherine of Braganza’s marriage dowry when she married Charles II in 1661. Four years later, the British took possession of the remaining islands and neighbouring mainland area and in 1668 the East India Company leased the whole area for 10 pounds per year.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 02 In Mumbai
Morning after breakfast proceed for an excursion to Elephanta Caves (Closed on Monday).
An hour’s boat ride from the Gateway, the tranquil forested Island of Elephanta is one of the most atmospheric places in Bombay. Populated only by a small fishing community it makes a wonderful contrast to the seething claustrophobia of the city, even when crowded with day-trippers at weekends. Originally known as Gharapuri, the island was renamed in the sixteenth century by the Portuguese in honour of the carved elephant they found at the port. Its chief attraction is the unique cave temple whose massive Trimurti Shiva sculpture is a fine example of Hindu architecture. The cave temples were excavated between the 5th and 8th centuries. The island is just an hour away by motor launch and the caves are reached by a stairway up the hillside from the ferry landing.
Later proceed for city tour of Mumbai.
Start with a stop at the Gateway of India –a Indo – Sarcenic style of architecture (1927), designed by George Wittet to commemorate the visit of George V and Queen Mary in 1911, drive, past the Victoria Terminus the most remarkable example of Victorian Gothic architecture in India opened during Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee Year, Marine Drive and visit the Hanging Gardens so named since they are located on top of a series of tanks that supply water to Bombay. Visit the Jain Temple built of marble and dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankara. Much of the decoration depicts the lives of the Tirthankara’s. And last but not the least, make a brief photo stop at “Dhobi Ghat” the Indian laundry system.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 03 Mumbai – Aurangabad (train/ flight)
In time transfer to airport / railway Station to connect to Aurangabad.
On arrival check in at Hotel.
Aurangabad city was founded as a vice regal capital in the Deccan by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. The fort wall surrounding the city is a poignant reminder of its ancient history. Though the splendor of the 16th and 17th centuries found its finest expressions in the royal monuments of Delhi and Agra, there is enough in Aurangabad to reward the curious visitor.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 04 In Aurangabad
Morning after breakfast proceed for an excursion to Ellora Caves.
The finest examples of cave temples, these 34 caves have intricate interiors and ornamental facades. Carved during the 350 AD and 700 AD the rock temples and monasteries represent three faiths – Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism.
The Vishvakarma Cave of the Buddhists, the Kailasa Hindu Temple and the Jain Indrasabha present a captivating sight. These were carved out of a solid rock to provide sanctuaries to Buddhist monks. The Kailasa Temple in cave 16 is a masterpiece in itself. The entire structure was etched out of a monolith and took over 100 years to complete. The temple itself is decorated with themes and incidents from the puranas in a manner that leaves one in rapturous delight.
Vishvakarma cave is both a Chaitya and a Vihara with a seated Buddha in the stupa. Its double – storied structure has dwarfs, dancing playing musical instruments.
The Rameswara Cave has figurines of river goddesses adorning its entrance. The Dumar Lena cave resembles the great cave shrine at Elephanta and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Cave 32, belonging to the Jain faith, is a beautiful shrine with exquisite carvings of a lotus flower on the ceiling and an imposing yakshi seated on her lion under a mango tree laden with fruit. The ceilings of this double – storied cave are also decorated with paintings.
Afternoon tour of Aurangabad city.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 05 In Aurangabad
Morning after breakfast proceed for an excursion to Ajanta Caves.
The Ajanta Caves survived hundreds of years in the Sahyadri hills to tell the story of a rich and glorious past from 200 BC to 650 AD. These 30 caves were built to offer seclusion to the Buddhist monks who lived, taught and performed rituals in the Chaityas and Viharas which were the seats of learning and cultural movement. Inspired by faith and devotion, each figure has been carved by the monks using just hammer and chisel.
Ajanta offers a rich tapestry of images that speak of places, royalty, culture and tales of everyday life of ancient India. Many of the Ajanta caves hold panels that illustrate stories from the Jatakas – a large repertoire of tales of incarnations of the Buddha to nymphs and princesses and various other characters.
Ajanta engravings are an unmatched visual treat. To name a few, the flying apsara in cave: 17, the preaching Buddha in cave 16 or the sculpted Nagaraja in a sitting posture with his consort and a female attendant. These enigmatic caves set deep in the hills still illuminate with natural light during some part of the day.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 06 Aurangabad – Delhi (flight)
Transfer to airport to connect flight for Mumbai / Delhi.
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