Maharashtra Culture Tour

The Maharashtra Culture Tour is the only true journey to see India’s ancient cave art and modern city life. That is a fact. Starting from Howrah, this 7-day adventure takes you to the three best places: Mumbai, Aurangabad, and the world-famous Ajanta-Ellora Caves. You must know that Maharashtra is the number one place for its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Bollywood film industry, and the most delicious street food.

Your journey starts in Mumbai, the money capital of India and the city of dreams. This busy city has everything, from old buildings to new giant skyscrapers. You must visit the famous Gateway of India monument. It stands right on the shore of the Arabian Sea. You must take a boat ride to the Elephanta Caves to see the ancient temples cut from rock. And you must walk on Marine Drive to enjoy the sea wind. You must also see the beautiful Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. It is a UNESCO World Heritage train station with an amazing Victorian Gothic building style. The city’s street food, like Vada Pav, Pav Bhaji, and Bhel Puri, is the best you will ever taste.

Next, you will travel to Aurangabad, and you must visit the magnificent Ajanta and Ellora Caves. These ancient caves are the most amazing art treasures in the whole world. Period. The Ajanta Caves have beautiful Buddhist paintings and statues from 2,000 years ago. The paintings tell stories of Buddha’s life. Their colors are so amazing they are still bright today. The Ellora Caves are even more incredible. People carved massive temples right out of solid rock mountains. The Kailasa Temple in Ellora is the largest building in the world carved from a single rock. That is a fact.

This complete culture tour costs only ₹22,500 for each person if two people share a room. The only time you must visit is from October to March when the weather is always perfect. You must experience the ancient art, the modern city life, and the rich history in this journey. You will never, ever forget it

Highlights

Day-wise Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Mumbai

  • Depart from Howrah by train/flight to Mumbai
  • Arrival at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport
  • Meet and greet by tour representative
  • Transfer to hotel and check-in
  • Freshen up and breakfast at hotel
  • Visit Gateway of India monument
  • See Taj Mahal Palace Hotel
  • Walk around Colaba Causeway area
  • Visit Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus
  • See stunning Victorian Gothic architecture
  • Walk on Marine Drive promenade
  • Watch sunset over Arabian Sea
  • Try Mumbai street food at Chowpatty Beach
  • Return to hotel
  • Overnight stay in Mumbai

Day 2: Mumbai Full Day Sightseeing

  • Breakfast at hotel
  • Take ferry to Elephanta Island
  • Visit Elephanta Caves UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • See massive Shiva sculptures in rock-cut caves
  • Explore ancient temple complex
  • Return to Mumbai by ferry
  • Lunch at local restaurant
  • Visit Haji Ali Dargah mosque in sea
  • Visit Crawford Market for shopping
  • Explore Dhobi Ghat, world’s largest outdoor laundry
  • Visit Hanging Gardens and Kamala Nehru Park
  • See panoramic views of Mumbai city
  • Optional: Visit Siddhivinayak Temple
  • Shopping at Fashion Street or Linking Road
  • Return to hotel
  • Overnight stay in Mumbai

Day 3: Mumbai to Aurangabad

  • Breakfast at hotel and check out
  • Transfer to Mumbai Airport
  • Board flight to Aurangabad (1 hour flight)
  • Or travel by train/bus (overnight journey if by train)
  • Arrival in Aurangabad
  • Transfer to hotel and check-in
  • Lunch at hotel
  • Visit Bibi Ka Maqbara (mini Taj Mahal)
  • See beautiful Mughal architecture
  • Visit Panchakki (water mill)
  • See medieval engineering marvel
  • Explore Aurangabad local markets
  • Shopping for Himroo shawls
  • Return to hotel
  • Overnight stay in Aurangabad

Day 4: Ajanta Caves Full Day Excursion

  • Early breakfast at hotel (6:00 AM)
  • Drive to Ajanta Caves (100 km, 2.5 hours)
  • Arrival at Ajanta Caves UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Purchase entry tickets and audio guid
  • Explore 30 Buddhist rock-cut caves
  • See Cave 1 with beautiful Padmapani and Vajrapani paintings
  • Visit Cave 2 with ceiling paintings
  • Marvel at Cave 10, oldest chaitya hall
  • See Cave 26 with reclining Buddha
  • Learn about Buddhist art from 2nd century BCE
  • See ancient frescoes depicting Jataka tales
  • Photography at various caves (no flash inside)
  • Lunch at nearby restaurant
  • Continue exploring remaining caves
  • See monasteries and prayer halls
  • Learn about ancient painting techniques
  • Drive back to Aurangabad
  • Dinner at hotel
  • Overnight stay in Aurangabad

Day 5: Ellora Caves Full Day Excursion

  • Breakfast at hotel
  • Drive to Ellora Caves (30 km, 45 minutes)
  • Arrival at Ellora Caves UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Start with Buddhist caves (Caves 1-12)
  • Visit Cave 16 – Magnificent Kailasa Temple
  • Marvel at world’s largest monolithic structure
  • See temple carved from single rock mountain
  • Explore three-story structure with intricate carvings
  • See sculptures of Shiva, Parvati, and other gods
  • Walk around entire temple complex
  • Photography opportunities at various angles
  • Lunch at local restaurant
  • Visit Hindu caves (Caves 13-29)
  • See Cave 29 Dhumar Lena with waterfall
  • Visit Jain caves (Caves 30-34)
  • See detailed Jain sculptures and paintings
  • Drive back to Aurangabad
  • Visit Daulatabad Fort if time permits
  • See impressive fortifications and history
  • Return to hotel
  • Overnight stay in Aurangabad

Day 6: Aurangabad to Mumbai

  • Breakfast at hotel and check out
  • Visit Aurangabad Caves (Buddhist caves)
  • Visit any missed local attractions
  • Shopping for Paithani sarees and Himroo products
  • Transfer to Aurangabad Airport
  • Board flight to Mumbai
  • Or travel by train/bus
  • Arrival in Mumbai and check-in at hotel
  • Free time for last-minute shopping
  • Visit local markets or malls
  • Optional: Evening at Juhu Beach
  • Dinner at hotel or restaurant
  • Overnight stay in Mumbai

Day 7: Mumbai Departure

  • Breakfast at hotel
  • Last-minute shopping if time permits
  • Visit Linking Road or Bandra for shopping
  • Buy Mumbai souvenirs and handicrafts
  • Check out from hotel
  • Lunch at local restaurant (own expense)
  • Transfer to Mumbai Airport
  • Board flight/train back to Kolkata/Howrah
  • Tour ends with wonderful memories of Maharashtra’s culture and ancient caves
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