Mumbai Aurangabad Heritage Tour
Trace India’s pulse from Mumbai’s vibrant streets to the timeless caves of Ajanta and Ellora.
Best Time to Travel
September to April
Places covered
Mumbai | Aurangabad
Tour Duration
5 Nights
Starting from
₹ 56,500/ person
Destination Highlights
Experience the rich heritage and vibrant culture of Maharashtra on this curated journey through Mumbai and Aurangabad. Explore bustling city streets, iconic landmarks, and UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, while enjoying local cuisine and festivals. This itinerary blends history, art, and cultural immersion, offering a complete view of the region’s past and present.
City & Culture
Experience the vibrant rhythm of Mumbai alongside centuries-old cultural landmarks.
Architectural Wonders
Witness the fusion of colonial, Gothic, and ancient Indian architectural marvels.
Culinary Experiences
Dive into Mumbai’s street food and regional flavors on an immersive food walk.
Spiritual & Artistic Legacy
Explore India’s rich heritage through its sacred sites, cave art, and monuments.
Vacation Style
Weekend getaway
Balance comfort and value with quality stays and curated experiences for a short stay
Family-Friendly Travel
Comfortable pacing, interactive experiences, and sights that appeal to all ages.
Photography & Culture
Ideal for capturing historic architecture, vibrant streets, and spiritual landmarks.
Multi-Modal Adventure
Combines flights, private transfers, and local excursions for varied travel experiences.
Experiences for the Five Senses
Mumbai by Dawn
Wake up early and explore the heart of Mumbai as the city comes alive. Witness fishermen unloading their catch, vendors preparing for the day, and newspaper boys distributing headlines along bustling streets. Walk through local markets, soak in the energy of neighborhoods awakening, and experience the rhythm of a metropolis before it hits full speed. This guided tour gives travelers an intimate glimpse into Mumbai’s daily life, offering perspectives that go far beyond conventional sightseeing and immerses you in the city’s authentic pulse.
Tour Duration: 3–4 hours
Inclusions: Guided tour, private transport from hotel, local insights
Why Experience This: Because it allows travelers to connect with Mumbai’s vibrant, authentic culture before the tourist crowds arrive.
Elephanta Caves Exploration
Embark on a ferry ride across the Mumbai harbor to Elephanta Island, home to ancient rock-cut temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Explore intricate carvings, sculptures, and cave sanctuaries that reflect India’s classical artistry. Learn about the myths, legends, and history behind the site while enjoying the serene natural surroundings. The island’s calm and scenic environment provides a perfect contrast to Mumbai’s bustling streets, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in spirituality, history, and artistry in a way that is both educational and visually stunning.
Tour Duration: Half Day
Inclusions: Ferry ride, guided tour, entrance fees, hotel transfers
Why Experience This: Because it combines myth, history, and artistry in a peaceful island setting, offering an unforgettable cultural experience.
Ellora Caves & Kailasa Temple Immersion
Visit the magnificent Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing rock-cut monasteries, temples, and the iconic Kailasa Temple. Marvel at centuries-old carvings depicting gods, kings, and mythological stories intricately sculpted into monolithic rock. Walk through historic corridors and learn about the religious and cultural significance of these ancient masterpieces. The combination of architectural brilliance, spiritual history, and natural surroundings provides a multi-sensory experience. This guided tour ensures travelers gain deeper insight into India’s rich cultural heritage, ancient engineering marvels, and the stories carved into stone for posterity.
Tour Duration: Full Day
Inclusions: Guided tour, transport from hotel, entrance fees
Why Experience This: Because it offers an immersive glimpse into India’s architectural genius and spiritual legacy.
Ajanta Caves Excursion
Journey to the breathtaking Ajanta Caves, carved into cliffs over 2,000 years ago, and renowned for their intricate Buddhist murals and sculptures. Walk through historic rock-cut halls, observe detailed frescoes depicting spiritual stories, and admire the evolution of ancient Indian artistry. Learn from your guide about the monks, patrons, and artists who contributed to this extraordinary complex. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the gorge, travelers experience a serene environment that enhances the impact of the art and history. The excursion offers a combination of learning, photography, and spiritual reflection.
Tour Duration: Full Day
Inclusions: Guided tour, transport, entrance fees, meals during excursion
Why Experience This: Because it perfectly blends history, art, and natural beauty into an unforgettable cultural adventure.
Mumbai Food Tour
Take a guided culinary walk through Mumbai’s vibrant streets, tasting iconic dishes like vada pav, pav bhaji, bhel puri, and sweet treats. Learn about the city’s diverse culinary traditions, the stories behind each dish, and how street food shapes Mumbai’s identity. Visit bustling local markets, interact with vendors, and experience the aromas, textures, and flavors that define Mumbai’s food culture. This tour is a feast for the senses, offering both delicious bites and cultural insights, making it ideal for travelers looking to explore the city beyond its landmarks and monuments.
Tour Duration: 2–3 hours
Inclusions: Guided tour, food tastings, local insights
Why Experience This: Because it’s an immersive introduction to Mumbai’s dynamic street food scene, full of flavor and stories.
Festivals to Experience
- Kala Ghoda Arts Festival (Mumbai, Feb): Explore visual arts, music, street performances, and local crafts in Mumbai.
- Ganesh Chaturthi (Mumbai, August): Celebrate Lord Ganesha’s birth with vibrant processions, devotional songs, dances, and colorful decorations.
- Ellora-Ajanta Dance Festival (Aurangabad, Jan/Feb): Experience classical Indian dance performances at the iconic Ellora and Ajanta caves.
Mumbai Aurangabad Tour FAQs
What other destinations can I cover beyond this tour?
Beyond Mumbai and Aurangabad, travelers can explore nearby destinations like Shirdi for spiritual experiences, Nashik for vineyards and wine tours, and Pune for heritage architecture and cultural hubs. Each of these cities offers a unique layer of Maharashtra’s culture and history, making it easy to extend your journey. If you have extra days, we can help curate these additions to complement your existing itinerary while keeping travel time comfortable and enjoyable.
What accommodations are provided throughout the trip?
This itinerary includes stays at carefully selected 4-star hotels in Mumbai and Aurangabad. The properties offer family-friendly options and comfortable rooms with modern amenities, ensuring relaxation after full days of exploration. In Aurangabad, the hotels provide easy access to local attractions and a serene environment, giving you the perfect balance between convenience and comfort.
Is this tour suitable for families, couples, and solo travelers?
Yes, the itinerary is designed to accommodate all types of travelers. Families will enjoy the interactive cultural experiences and easy-paced sightseeing, couples can appreciate the romantic settings at historical monuments, and solo travelers can explore at their own pace. We can also tweak the itinerary for solo travelers to include more discovery time or specialized experiences.
What is special about Aurangabad?
Aurangabad is a treasure trove of history, known as the “City of Gates.” It offers UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Ellora and Ajanta Caves, rich Mughal-era architecture, and vibrant local markets. Its strategic location also makes it the perfect base for exploring Maharashtra’s heritage and cultural richness.
Can I drive to Aurangabad from Mumbai?
Yes, it is possible to drive from Mumbai to Aurangabad. The journey takes approximately 6–7 hours via NH160/NH61. While the drive offers flexibility and the chance to see rural Maharashtra, we recommend internal flights for convenience, especially if you prefer to maximize your sightseeing time and minimize road fatigue.
Which caves will I cover in Aurangabad?
This itinerary includes both Ellora and Ajanta Caves. Ellora features rock-cut monasteries, temples, and the magnificent Kailasa Temple carved from a single rock, while Ajanta offers intricate Buddhist cave paintings and sculptures dating back over 2,000 years. Both sites provide immersive insights into India’s ancient art, architecture, and spiritual heritage.
What is the Kala Ghoda festival?
Kala Ghoda Arts Festival is an annual cultural festival in Mumbai, held in February. It celebrates visual arts, performing arts, literature, music, and crafts, bringing together artists, local communities, and tourists in a lively and creative atmosphere.
Do you offer tailor-made and DIY Mumbai and Aurangabad itineraries?
Yes, we provide both tailor-made and DIY options. Tailor-made itineraries allow complete customization based on your pace, interests, and travel style, while our DIY option comes with a planning fee to guide you with a detailed itinerary and suggestions. Both approaches ensure you experience Mumbai and Aurangabad exactly the way you want.
Do I need a visa, travel insurance, and how is connectivity during the trip?
Foreign travellers require a visa to enter India, which can typically be obtained online as an e-Visa. Travel insurance is recommended for health and travel contingencies. Connectivity is generally good in cities and popular tourist areas, though remote or rural destinations may have limited network coverage. For detailed guidance on visas, insurance, and connectivity, please refer to our India destination page.