Mumbai to Aurangabad: Ajanta & Ellora with Return Flights
Highlights
Mumbai, Aurangabad
Private Tour
3 Days
MODERATE
English
Description
Embark on a fascinating journey from Mumbai to Aurangabad, exploring the historical treasures of the Deccan region.Day one commences with a flight to Aurangabad, where you are transferred to the hotel.Begin your exploration with a visit to Bibi ka Maqbara, a magnificent structure built as a tribute to a mother's love.Explore the Aurangabad Caves, showcasing Buddhist art dating back to 3 A.D.On day two, embark on a full-day excursion to Ajanta Caves, featuring 30 beautiful Buddhist caves adorned with captivating sculptures and paintings.Day three includes a visit to Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple and the UNESCO-listed Ellora Caves, displaying an uninterrupted sequence of monuments dedicated to Brahmanism, Jainism, and Buddhism.Conclude your journey with a visit to Daulatabad Fort, a medieval stronghold with an impregnable defense system.Finally, board a flight back to Mumbai, concluding a remarkable exploration of Maharashtra's cultural and architectural heritage.
Itinerary
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Mumbai to Aurangabad (flight)
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Pick up from your hotel in Mumbai and transfer to airport to board flight for Aurangabad.
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On arrival at Aurangabad airport assistance and transfer to hotel.
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Later city tour of Aurangabad visit Bibi ka Maqbara Built by Azam Shah in 1678, the Bibi ka Maqbara is a son's loving tribute to his mother.Due to its similar design standing spectacularly on the lawns of the landscaped garden with ponds, fountains and water channels, the white marbled monument is popularly known as the mini Taj of the Deccan.
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Aurangabad Caves situated at a distance of 5 km, nestled amidst the hills are 12 Buddhist caves dating back to 3 A.D.Of particular interest are the Tantric influences evident in the iconography and architectural designs of the caves Also visit a small archaeological museum.
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Overnight at hotel.
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Aurangabad - Ajanja - Aurangabad (104kms/ 2hrs approx one way)
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Breakfast at hotel.Full day excursion to Ajanta Caves (Monday closed).The Buddhist Caves of Ajanta were discovered by the British officers in 1819 while tiger hunting.Ajanta Caves were first mentioned in the writings of the Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang who visited India between A.D 629 and 645.The Caves at Ajanta are older than those at Ellora , which date from about 200 B.C to 650 A.D.Thirty beautiful Buddhist Caves with mesmerizing sculptures and paintings depicting Buddha's life as well the lives of the Buddha in his previous births.Five of these Caves are Chaityas (Place of worship) while the other twenty-five are Viharas (monasteries).Ajanta Caves are divided in two categories based on two schools of Buddhist thought - Hinayana Caves and Mahayana Caves.
Evening back to hotel in Aurangabad for overnight stay.
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Overnight at hotel.
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Aurangabad - Mumbai (flight)
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Breakfast at hotel, excursion to visit Grishneshwar jyotirlinga & Ellora Caves.Visit Grishneshwar Temple one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines mentioned in the Shiva Purana.The temple is an important pilgrimage site in Shaivism tradition of Hinduism, which considers it as the last or twelfth Jyotirlinga.Made of red and black stones boasting intricate carvings and patterns the temple was constructed by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore, in the Maratha style of architecture.
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Ellora Caves a UNESCO World heritage sites (Tuesday closed).It houses 34 monasteries and temples with some exclusive uninterrupted sequence of monuments that date back from 600 to 1000 AD.The temples of Ellora are dedicated to Brahmanism, Jainism, and Buddhism.It also has some of the excellent stonework depicting the legends related to Lord Shiva.
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On way back visit Daulatabad Fort one of the most powerful forts of the medieval Deccan.The defense system that made Daulatabad virtually impregnable comprises fortifications with double and even triple rows of massive walls.
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Later transfer to airport to board flight for Mumbai.
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On arrival at Mumbai airport assistance and transfer to your hotel.
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What's Included
What's Excluded
Know Before You Go
Please Note
Aurangabad x 2 nights
4* - Ambassador Ajanta / VITS Hotel
5* - WelcomHotel Rama International / Lemon Tree Hotel
Cancellation Policy
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For cancellations upto 2 days before the tour -
Refund of 80% of the tour price.