Ajanta and Ellora Caves Tour

On the 2nd day of your Ajanta Ellora Caves Tour, get ready to enjoy a full day trip to Mumbai. Start the tour by visiting St. John's Church which is nearly 500 years old. The beautiful church was built by the Portuguese Jesuits in 1579. It is a calm and peaceful place for tourists. Then, move to the Marine Drive, the heart and soul of Mumbai. Interestingly, a 'C'-shaped six-lane road runs parallel along the coast of the natural bay. The entire curve along the coastline is fringed with palm trees that give a spectacular view at night. After sunset, the lights perfectly illuminate the entire arc along the coast. Now, explore the Flora Fountain which is the center of attraction of Hutatma Chowk, also known as Martyr's Square. This meticulously sculpted fountain was originally placed in Victoria Gardens. The Flora Fountain looks all the more beautiful at night when it gets illuminated.

Thereafter, go to Chowpatty Beach, one of the most famous beaches in Mumbai. It is a favorite spot among families, friends groups, dating couples, political rallies, etc. The sea is dotted with a long stretch of white sand and local vendors selling toys, balloons and local dishes like roasted peanuts, spicy raw mango, and Mumbai fast-food, etc. The next attraction is Hanging Gardens at the Malabar Hills, also known as Ferozeshah Mehta Gardens. These gardens were built in 1880 on the Malabar hills and offer a stunning view of the sunset over the Arabian Sea. The hedges in the garden are cut in the shape of animals that give a unique look to the place.

After that, visit the Gateway of India which is an arch monument and was built in the 20th century. The view from the sea of the Gateway of India, especially at night is quite beautiful and ethereal. You can also see the statues of Chhatrapati Shivaji and Swami Vivekananda that have been installed near the Gateway. Now, get ready to have fun at Juhu Beach which is the longest beach in Mumbai. The surrounding area of Juhu is one of the poshest localities in the city and is home to famous Bollywood and TV celebrities. Juhu Beach is renowned for its wide variety of street food that has a typical Mumbai flavor – sweet and sour.

In the evening, you are free to indulge in shopping for your loved ones at the local markets and shopping malls.

Later, return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Post breakfast, check-out from the hotel and proceed to Mumbai Airport. From here you will board the flight to Aurangabad. Aurangabad is situated amidst a valley that lies between the Satara and Sihyachal range of hills and watered by the river "Dudhna". After reaching Aurangabad, meet our tour representative. You will then be transferred to the pre-booked hotel. Check-in at the hotel and take some rest. After lunch, you will go to see the major attractions of Aurangabad. Firstly, visit the Kailash Temple which is the largest monolithic structure in the world and its design resembles Mount Kailash, the holy abode of Lord Shiv. Surrounded by tons of rocks, the temple complex stands tall, enclosed within a big man-made crater. It was built by Rashtrakuta King Krishna in the 8th-century and is considered as one of the most astonishing buildings in the history of architecture.

Then, move to the Daulatabad Fort, also known as Devgiri Fort. It is an ancient fortification that rises formidably from the midst of lush greenery. It is one of the "Seven Wonders of Maharashtra" and provides a mesmerizing view of the entire city. It was built in the 12th-century and this fort is famous for its series of trick defense and secret escape routes.

In the evening, come to the hotel for overnight stay.

In the morning, proceed for a full day Ellora Caves excursion. Ellora Caves are the largest rock-cut monastery cave complex in the world. They are also known as Elapura in the Rashtrakuta Kannada literature. Ellora is a series of 34 magnificent rock-cut temples in which 12 caves are of Mahayana Buddhist, 17 caves belong to Hinduism and 5 caves are dedicated to Jainism. These temples were cut from basaltic cliffs and have elaborate facades and interior walls. The 12 Mahayana Buddhist caves are situated in the south and were built in about 200 BCE to 600 CE. The 17 caves which are considered as Hindu temples are located in the Centre and date back to 500 to 900 CE. Besides, 5 Jain temples are situated in the north.

The Buddhist caves feature the simplest decoration whereas the Hindu caves are the most dramatic in design. Ellora Caves also consist some sleeping cells that were carved for itinerant monks. Carvings of the Hindu divinities and some mythological figures also enhance the grace of these temples. One of Vishvakarma cave has carvings of Buddhist and Hindu figures as well as a lively scene of dancing dwarfs. Every year, the caves attract a large crowd of religious pilgrims and tourists.

Later on, retire for the night at your hotel.

Early in the morning, your drive will start towards Ajanta Caves. This popular attraction lies 102 km away from Aurangabad. Ajanta Caves are the most popular archaeological sites in India and attracts people from all around the world. After reaching, register yourself at the hotel reception and get over tiredness. Then have your lunch and get ready for your half-day tour to Ajanta Caves.

Ajanta is the collection of 29 rock-cut cave monuments of the Buddhist Monastery complex. The excavation of these caves began in the 2nd-3rd century BCE when Dakshinapatha was ruled by Satavahana dynasty and continued till the 5th to 6th century CE when this region was ruled by Vakatakas. The ceilings, walls, and columns of the caves were covered with complex compositions of Jataka stories, ornate floral and animal decorations. The paintings have depth, natural fluidity, and volume which was never found in later stylized Indian art. Thus, it is recognized as one of the glories of World art.

In the evening, return to your hotel for a sound sleep.

Before ending your Ajanta Ellora Tour, you will be visiting a Vihara that belongs to the fifth century and some few more caves of Ajanta in the morning. The monastic complex of Ajanta Caves includes several Chaitya-Grihas that are stupa monument halls and used as Buddhist prayer halls and Viharas that are monastic halls of residence. Out of the 29 caves of Ajanta 9, 10, 19, 26, and 29 are Chaitya-Grihas and the remaining caves are Viharas. After lunch, you will be dropped at the airport to catch your flight to Mumbai.