Bombay Beaches Caves - 11 Days

FROM USD $5,589

Journey through the state of Maharashtra, aboard the Deccan Odyssey, an exclusive luxury train. Visiting Mumbai, home of Bollywood, the beaches of tropical Goa, and the stunning caves of Ajanta and Ellora, this is a 5 star holiday to remember!

Day 1: Mumbai
Once you arrive into Mumbai, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel where the rest of the day is free to explore Mumbai or relax at the hotel. Overnight - Mumbai
Day 2: Mumbai
Mumbai or Bombay, as it was formerly known - remains India’s city of dreams. Today we embark on a glittering city tour, with a morning visit to the cave temples of Elephanta Island sculpted during the 5th to the 8th centuries. In the afternoon visit the Prince of Wales museum, Marine Drive and the Mani Bhawan Jain temple. Overnight - Mumbai (B)
Mumbai at the riverside
Day 3: City Walk
This morning take a guided heritage walking tour, visiting the main buildings in South Mumbai, which form an integral part of the cities architectural heritage. Late this afternoon embark upon further exploration of the city, visiting the Afghani Church and the holy Banganga Tank - an ancient water tank built over a freshwater spring under the Silhara dynasty in the 14th century. The spring is believed to be an underground offshoot of the Ganges, so the waters are considered just as sacred and effective for healing as those of the great river itself. This evening enjoy a leisurely horse and buggy ride along Marine Drive toward Chowpatty beach. Overnight - Mumbai (B)
Day 4: Goa
Mumbai - Goa. Flying south to the former Portuguese enclave of Goa we enjoy some fun in the sun. Goa is renowned for palm-fringed sandy beaches, exotic cuisine and heavy Portuguese influence in the form of white-washed, terracotta tile-clad architecture and Catholicism. Goa can be explored at ease with long sandy beaches in the south and Panaji - the old city in the north. Overnight - Goa (B)
A beach in Goa
Day 5: Goa
Mid morning embark upon the old city sightseeing tour of the Convent and Church of St Francis of Assisi built in 1661 and the Basilica of Bom Jesus is famous throughout the Roman Catholic world, as it contains the mortal remains of St Francis Xavier who in 1541 spread Christianity among subjects of the Portuguese colonies in the east.

Late this afternoon you check in to the Deccan Odyssey - an opulent train comprising 10 luxurious carriages, each with approximately 4 themed cabins. There are lounge carriages, a dining carriage, bar, laundry and maid service, staffed to the highest standard to ensure you have the experience of a lifetime.

This evening you will enjoy a traditional Goan meal with entertainment at the Beach Resort Hotel Overnight - Train (B, D)
Day 6: Kolhapur
Goa - Kolhapur Town. Morning arrive at Kolhapur -an ancient city famous for a selection of reasons including its food, headwear, footwear, jewellery, wrestling and religious connections.

Later you proceed to visit the 19th century built Royal Palace and museum which houses some of India's rarest paintings and archaeological artifacts.Later you visit the exquisitely carved Mahalaxmi Hindu Temple. You will also witness a traditional ancient Martial Arts exhibition locally known as “Mardani Khel" of which written evidence of its existence dates back to around the 2nd century BC. Followed by free time, a great opportunity to purchase some of the renowned local products such as Kolhapuri cotton saris, local jewellery,leather sandals and Kolhapuri chappals (the Indian version of flip flops). Then return to your magnificent train for lunch before the train departs for. Afternoon and evening at leisure. Overnight - Train (B, L, D)
A bustling market in Goa
Days 7 - 8: Ellora Caves
Kolhapur Town - Aurangabad. Our morning is spent touring the majestic 12th century Fort Daulatabad one of the world’s best preserved forts of medieval times. Later explore the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Ellora caves comprising of 34 cave temples dedicated to three different religions - Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. The last stop is Bibi-ka-Maqbara - a 17th century mausoleum similar in style to that of the Taj Mahal, afternoon at leisure.

Day 8, morning excursion jeep safari through Tadoba National Park, home to Indian bison, tigers, jackals, crocodiles and a variety of other wildlife. This Afternoon visit Mahatma Gandhi's ashram at Sevagram or the 'Village of Service'. Gandhi made this his home in later years using it as a base for some of his most momentous political decisions during India's struggle for freedom. Overnight - Train (B:2, L:2, D:2)
Ellora Temple
Day 9: Ajanta
Ellora - Ajanta. Older than the Ellora caves (200 BC to 650 AD) the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Buddhist caves of Ajanta are also cut from the volcanic lava.

They reside on the near-vertical, horse-shoe shaped ravine known as the ‘Deccan Trap’. Lost to the world after the 7th century it was discovered by accident in 1819, by a party of British officers on a hunting expedition. This morning visit some of the 30 caves, boasting remarkably preserved frescoes created and painted using minerals, ochres and lime.

Returning to the Odyssey, lunch is served onboard. As the wagon strikes west you arrive at Nasik - located on the Godavari River, one of the holiest rivers of the Deccan. Visit the riverbanks, lined with temples and colourful bathing ghats witnessing the countless pilgrims, beggars, sadhus, traders and religious specialists performing their daily rituals. This evening marks your last night on board as you continue travelling westward arriving in Mumbai in the early hours of the morning. Overnight - Train (B, L, D)
Day 10: Mumbai
Ajanta - Mumbai. Breakfast on board and onward transfer and hotel check in. Free day at leisure, perhaps a final walk along Chowpatty Beach or a spot of shopping in the popular Kalbadevi and Bhuleshwar bazaars. Overnight - Mumbai (B)
Day 11: Mumbai
Hotel check-out and included onward transfer to airport. (B)

See more of India!

Consider extending your stay and visiting the tropical southern state of Kerala for a cruise on the backwaters, indulge yourself with a luxurious spa break by the beach or in the foothills of the Himalayas or perhaps visit the legendary Taj Mahal in Agra! We offer a range of exciting short stay itineraries which can be combined to create the perfect Indian adventure. Take a look at our short stay section for inspiration or contact us.
Tour Details
  • Starts in: Mumbai / Ends in: Mumbai
  • Departs: any day of the year
  • No local payment required
  • Breakfast:10, Lunch: 4, Dinner: 5
  • Hotel Rating: Superior
  • Tour Guide: Yes (for locally included sights)
Special Offers
The on the go Theatre
See a bit of Incredible India on film! Highlights of our India group tours