Mumbai & Ajanta & Ellora Caves
See colonial architecture and Elephanta Caves in Mumbai, then take a train to Aurangabad to explore two world-heritage cave complexes.
The most classic cultural route in Western India, seamlessly connecting trains, chartered cars, and flights. Spend two days in Mumbai exploring the old town and Elephanta Caves, take a morning train east on the third day, dedicate one full day each to Ajanta and Ellora, and finally fly back after visiting the historical sites in Aurangabad. Ideal for first-time visitors and lovers of cave art. Be sure to plan your schedule around the weekly closing days.
Ajanta Caves are closed on Mondays, Ellora Caves on Tuesdays, and Elephanta Caves on Mondays; plan your dates accordingly.
Day by day
Day 1 · South Mumbai Colonial Architecture
Mumbai（Gateway of India、The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel、Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya、Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus、Marine Drive）
Taking a taxi from the airport to Colaba takes about one and a half hours. Walk or take short taxi rides between sights in South Mumbai.
Museums may be closed on Mondays; check their schedules when planning your dates.
Stay: Colaba
Day 2 · Elephanta Caves & Old Town Markets
Mumbai（Elephanta Caves、Crawford Market (Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Mandai)、Girgaon Chowpatty）
Take a ferry from the Gateway of India to Elephanta Island, taking about an hour. Return to the city in the afternoon and take a taxi to explore the markets.
Elephanta Caves are closed on Mondays, and ferry services may be suspended during the monsoon.
Stay: Colaba
Day 3 · Morning Train to Aurangabad
Aurangabad, Ajanta & Ellora（Bibi Ka Maqbara、Panchakki）
Take an early morning train from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, taking about seven hours. Explore the city by taxi in the afternoon.
The station is now named Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar; book your train tickets well in advance.
Stay: Around the Railway Station
Day 4 · Ajanta Murals & Caves
Aurangabad, Ajanta & Ellora（Ajanta Caves）
Take a chartered car to and from Ajanta, about 105 km and taking two and a half to three hours each way. Depart before 7:00 AM.
Closed on Mondays. There are no dining options along the cave paths, so bring your own water.
Stay: Around the Railway Station
Day 5 · Ellora & Daulatabad
Aurangabad, Ajanta & Ellora（Kailasa Temple、Ellora Caves、Grishneshwar Temple、Daulatabad Fort）
Take a chartered car to Ellora, about 30 km and taking less than an hour. Stop at Daulatabad Fort on the way back.
Closed on Tuesdays. Visit Cave 16 first; arriving right at opening time offers the fewest crowds.
Stay: Around the Railway Station
Day 6 · Aurangabad Caves & Fly Back
Aurangabad, Ajanta & Ellora（Aurangabad Caves、Soneri Mahal）
Take a taxi to the Aurangabad Caves in the morning, taking about twenty minutes. Fly back to Mumbai in the afternoon, taking about an hour.