Caves & Temples Architectural Wonder of India

Day 1: Arrival in Mumbai

Upon arrival at Mumbai airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Check-in and relax after your journey, allowing yourself to acclimatize to the vibrant atmosphere of the city. Mumbai, known as the financial capital of India, offers a fascinating blend of colonial heritage and modern lifestyle. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure, exploring nearby markets or relaxing at the hotel. You may opt for a short walk along Marine Drive to experience the coastal charm. Overnight at hotel in Mumbai.

Day 2: Mumbai City Tour & Elephanta Caves

After breakfast at the hotel, begin the city tour with a visit to the iconic Gateway of India. From here, take a ferry ride to Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rock-cut temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Explore the intricate carvings and sculptures depicting mythological themes. Return to the city and continue sightseeing covering Dhobi Ghat, Marine Drive, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. Experience the vibrant energy of Mumbai’s streets and colonial architecture. Return to your hotel for overnight stay in Mumbai.

Day 3: Mumbai – Aurangabad (Flight)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board your flight to Aurangabad. Upon arrival, meet your representative and proceed for sightseeing. Visit the magnificent Ellora Caves, showcasing Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain temples carved out of rock. Explore the famous Kailasa Temple, an architectural marvel carved from a single rock. Continue to Daulatabad Fort known for its strategic design. Check in at the hotel and relax. Overnight at hotel in Aurangabad.

Day 4: Aurangabad – Ajanta – Aurangabad (210 km / 5 hrs one way)

After breakfast, embark on a full-day excursion to Ajanta Caves. These caves are renowned for their ancient Buddhist paintings and sculptures depicting the life of Buddha. Explore the detailed murals and artistic brilliance dating back centuries. Enjoy the scenic drive through rural Maharashtra landscapes. After sightseeing, return to Aurangabad and relax at your hotel. Evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel in Aurangabad.

Day 5: Aurangabad – Hyderabad (Flight)

After breakfast, begin a brief city tour visiting Bibi Ka Maqbara and Aurangabad Caves. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Hyderabad. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and check in. Hyderabad offers a rich blend of Mughal and Deccan heritage. Spend the evening at leisure exploring nearby bazaars or relaxing. Overnight at hotel in Hyderabad.

Day 6: Hyderabad City Tour

After breakfast at the hotel, begin your city tour visiting Charminar and Golconda Fort. Continue to Qutub Shahi Tombs and Chowmahalla Palace showcasing royal heritage. Visit Salar Jung Museum housing an extensive collection of artifacts. Drive past Hussain Sagar Lake and enjoy scenic views. Experience Hyderabad’s rich culture and architecture throughout the day. Return to hotel for overnight stay in Hyderabad.

Day 7: Hyderabad – Bidar – Gulbarga (260 km / 5–6 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Gulbarga with an en route visit to Bidar. Explore Bidar Fort, Rangin Mahal, and Bahmani Tombs reflecting Indo-Islamic architecture. Continue the drive to Gulbarga. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and relax. If time permits, visit Gulbarga Fort and Jama Masjid. Evening free for leisure. Overnight at hotel in Gulbarga.

Day 8: Gulbarga – Bijapur (170 km / 4 hrs)

After breakfast, explore Gulbarga Fort before driving to Bijapur. Upon arrival, begin sightseeing with Gol Gumbaz, famous for its whispering gallery. Visit Ibrahim Rauza and Malik-e-Maidan cannon showcasing medieval architecture. Explore Bijapur’s rich heritage and monuments. Check in at your hotel and relax. Overnight at hotel in Bijapur.

Day 9: Bijapur – Badami (120 km / 3 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Badami. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and relax briefly. Later, visit the famous Badami Cave Temples carved into sandstone cliffs. Explore Bhutanatha Temples and enjoy views of Agastya Lake. Learn about Chalukyan architecture and history. Evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel in Badami.

Day 10: Badami – Pattadakal – Aihole – Hampi (180 km / 5 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Pattadakal, a UNESCO site known for temple architecture. Continue to Aihole, considered the cradle of Indian temple architecture. Explore ancient temples showcasing Dravidian and Nagara styles. Later, drive to Hampi. Check in at your hotel and relax. Overnight at hotel in Hampi.

Day 11: Hampi Sightseeing

After breakfast, begin a full-day exploration of Hampi. Visit Virupaksha Temple, Vithala Temple with its iconic stone chariot, and Hazara Rama Temple. Explore Royal Enclosures and ancient bazaars reflecting the grandeur of Vijayanagara Empire. Enjoy panoramic views from Matanga Hill. Learn about the historical significance of this UNESCO site. Return to hotel. Overnight at hotel in Hampi.

Day 12: Hampi – Bangalore (340 km / 7 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Bangalore. En route visit Tungabhadra Dam and enjoy scenic views. Continue the journey through Karnataka’s countryside. Upon arrival in Bangalore, check in at your hotel. Evening at leisure or optional exploration of local markets. Overnight at hotel in Bangalore.

Day 13: Bangalore City Tour & Departure

After breakfast, begin the city tour of Bangalore. Visit Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Bangalore Palace, and Bull Temple. Explore the city’s blend of colonial heritage and modern lifestyle. Enjoy some time for shopping or local exploration. Later, transfer to the airport for your onward journey. Tour concludes with memorable experiences

• Assistance on arrival and departure
• 12 Nights accommodation in selected category hotels
• Daily breakfast at hotels
• Private AC vehicle for entire tour
• English speaking local guides
• Monument entrance fees
• Bottled water in vehicle
• Government taxes

Hotels used or similar for 12 night accommodation

Mumbai x 2 nights
3* - Hotel Suba Palace/ BW Hotel Sahil
4* - Sun-N-Sand Hotel/ Fariyas Hotel
5* - Trident Hotel/ ITC Grand Central

Aurangabad x 2 nights
3* - 7 Apple Hotel Aurangabad / Ginger Aurangabad
4* - Sun-N-Sand Hotel/ Fariyas Hotel
5* - WelcomHotel Rama International / Lemon Tree Hotel

Hyderabad x 2 nights
3* - Aditya Park/ Lemon Tree Hotel
4* - Lemon Tree Hotel/ Fortune Park Vallabha 
5* - ITC Kakatiya, a Luxury Collection/ Trident Hotel

Gulbarga  x 1 nights
3*/4*/5* - Hotel Heritage Inn

Bijapur  x 1 nights
3*/4*/5* - Sun Hotel/ Hotel Mayura Adilshahi

Badami x 2 nights
3* - Krishna Heritage/ The Heritage Resort
4*/5* - Badami Court/ Krishna Heritage

Hospet/ Hampi x 2 nights
3* - Krishna Palace/ Kishkinda Heritage Resort
4* - Heritage Resort/ Malligi Hotel
5* - Hyatt Place/ Hampi Boulders

• Domestic flights (Mumbai–Aurangabad–Hyderabad)
• Any international airfare
• Visa and insurance
• Lunch & dinner
• Personal expenses (laundry, tips, drinks etc.)
• Optional activities
• Anything not mentioned in inclusions