West India

From the metropolis of Mumbai and the Ajanta and Ellora caves to the beaches of Goa and Gujarat's white salt desert and Asiatic lions, a region where cities and ancient monuments coexist.

This region follows the concept of West India commonly used by travelers, assigned by whole state: Maharashtra, Goa and Gujarat, plus the union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. Rajasthan is assigned to North India by tourism convention and is not part of this region.

Highlights: in Mumbai, the Gateway of India, Victoria Terminus and Marine Drive, plus the World Heritage–listed Elephanta Caves; near Aurangabad, the Ajanta mural caves and the Kailasa Temple at Ellora; in Goa, Portuguese colonial churches and beaches; in Gujarat, the old city of Ahmedabad, the winter Rann Utsav festival in the Great Rann of Kutch, the Asiatic lions of Gir National Park, and the seaside fort of Diu.

Classic itineraries: 2–3 days in Mumbai, 2–3 days via Aurangabad for Ajanta and Ellora, then south to Goa for a 3–4 day beach holiday, 8–10 days in total; Gujarat can be planned separately as a 6–8 day culture and wildlife route.

Getting there: Mumbai is the largest gateway in western India with many international flights. There are trains and domestic flights within the states, and from Mumbai to Goa you can take the Konkan Railway south along the coast.

Good to know: in the rainy season the hills and coast are lush and green, but transport is easily disrupted. Gujarat is a dry state, and foreign visitors can obtain a permit. Ajanta is closed on Mondays and Ellora on Tuesdays, so plan around them.

Destinations

Itineraries