Lux India Tours
Rock-cut cave entrance with columns at the Ellora Caves, Maharashtra

Maharashtra · 7 Days

Maharashtra — Mumbai, Ajanta & Ellora

Three nights in Mumbai, three at the caves of Aurangabad.

Day by Day

7 Days, In Full

Maharashtra's two best-known halves. Three nights in Mumbai for the Fort district and the ferry to Elephanta. Then a flight to Aurangabad and three nights for Ellora, Daulatabad and Ajanta.

Bandra-Worli Sea Link bridge at golden hour, Mumbai
01

Mumbai

Arrive in Mumbai

Your driver meets you at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. Mumbai is India's financial capital, and it never really stops. Check in and rest. In the late afternoon, walk the sweep of Marine Drive as the light turns gold. The curve of the bay at dusk is called the Queen's Necklace. Dinner is a first taste of the city's cooking.

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation building reflected on a rain-slicked street opposite CSMT in Mumbai's Fort district
02

Mumbai

Colonial Mumbai: Fort, Gateway and CST

A day in the old Fort district with a private guide. The area is a stretch of Victorian Gothic and Art Deco, built when Mumbai was Bombay. You see the Gateway of India, finished in 1924, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, a UNESCO World Heritage railway station. A walk through the Fort's lanes follows. We end with chai and sea air on the waterfront. Timings for interiors vary, so we confirm them on the day.

Boats on the water of Mumbai harbour beside the Gateway of India waterfront, seen from a hotel room
03

Mumbai

Elephanta Caves by Ferry

A ferry from the Gateway of India takes about an hour across the harbour. On Elephanta Island, steps climb to a group of rock-cut cave temples to Shiva. The Maheshmurti, a huge three-faced figure, is the centrepiece. The caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They are generally closed on Mondays, and ferry times depend on the weather, so we confirm both. Back in the city, the evening is yours.

The Chand Minar tower rising against a cloudy sky inside Daulatabad Fort, Maharashtra
04

Mumbai → Aurangabad

Mumbai to Aurangabad

A short flight takes about an hour from Mumbai to Aurangabad, now also called Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. By road the journey is about six hours. You arrive in time for a late lunch. In the afternoon, rest, or take a short drive through the old city. The next two days belong to the caves.

Old mosque courtyard inside the Daulatabad Fort complex near Aurangabad
05

Aurangabad

Ellora Caves and Daulatabad Fort

Ellora lies about 30 km from the city. Thirty-four caves, Buddhist, Hindu and Jain, are cut along one basalt hillside. Cave 16, the Kailasa temple, is carved top-down from a single rock. A local guide takes you through the best of it. On the way back, stop at Daulatabad Fort, a hill fortress with a winding, dark passage and sweeping views. Ellora is generally closed on Tuesdays, so we order the days to suit.

Reclining Buddha sculpture inside the Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra
06

Aurangabad

The Ajanta Caves

Ajanta is about 100 km from Aurangabad, roughly two hours each way. Its Buddhist caves curve around a quiet river gorge. They hold some of India's oldest surviving painted murals. Your guide explains the Jataka scenes and the carved halls. Lighting inside the caves is dim, and the paintings are fragile, so photography is limited. Ajanta is generally closed on Mondays, so we confirm the day.

Bibi Ka Maqbara, the white marble Mughal mausoleum in Aurangabad, under a blue sky
07

Aurangabad

Depart from Aurangabad

A relaxed last morning. Aurangabad's airport is about 20 minutes from the hotel. Your driver takes you in good time for your flight.

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What Our Travelers Say

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An absolutely flawless experience. We felt like royalty from the moment we landed in Delhi until our departure.

Sarah & James

United Kingdom

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Truly exceptional — Brijesh, our tour planner, was incredibly attentive, professional, and meticulous in organizing a flawless itinerary.

Milly Witcomb

United Kingdom

Mentions guide Brijesh

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Nothing short of magical. Brijesh crafted a seamless itinerary that balanced sightseeing, culture, and relaxation, making our journey truly special.

Shakira Tabizi

United States

Mentions guide Brijesh

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Everything went beyond our expectations. Our driver Rajesh kept us comfortable in every city, and Vicky was endlessly knowledgeable.

Melissa

Australia

Mentions guide Rajesh & Vicky

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From the moment we landed until we left, our driver Manish made us feel so taken care of — he made the trip even more memorable.

Rossen Milanov

United States

Mentions guide Manish

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Brijesh is a super good man! A comfortable journey through six cities, exactly to our desires and limits.

Michelle de Matheu

United States

Mentions guide Brijesh & Manish

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Excellent hotels and tour guides. Our driver Manish was superb in every way — reliable, and full of local knowledge.

James Boochame

Australia

Mentions guide Manish

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