
Ancient Caves, Taj & Temples
New
Embark on a captivating journey with our "Ancient Caves, Forts, Taj & Temples Expedition" tour, delving into the rich tapestry of India's cultural and historical wonders. Begin your exploration in the vibrant city of Mumbai, where the bustling markets and iconic landmarks set the stage for an unforgettable adventure. Traverse to Aurangabad to marvel at the rock-cut wonders of Ellora and Ajanta Caves, showcasing ancient Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain artistry. Fly to Delhi and then to the Pink City of Jaipur, where the majestic forts and palaces narrate tales of royal grandeur. Witness the eternal beauty of the Taj Mahal at sunrise in Agra and continue your journey to Orchha, Khajuraho, and Varanasi, each brimming with architectural marvels and spiritual resonance. Conclude your odyssey in the bustling metropolis of Mumbai or the historic charm of Delhi, enriched with memories of a diverse and enchanting India.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Overview
Duration
14 daysHotel Rating
3, 4 or 5 star hotelsStarts
MumbaiEnds
New DelhiMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in India that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesTour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeing.Country
IndiaPassengers
$5,280.00
$2,868.00
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 1 / Max Private Tour
Trip Type
Private Tours
Range
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeing.Group Size
Min 1 / Max Private TourRange
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Private ToursPlaces You'll See

Mumbai

Aurangabad

Ajanta

Delhi

Daulatabad

New Delhi

Jaipur

Agra

Fatehpur Sikri

Orchha

Gwalior

Khajuraho

Varanasi
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Included
Not Included
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Itinerary
Day 1 - Mumbai
Mumbai On arrival at Mumbai airport meet with our office executive assistance and transfer to hotel (hotels check in time 1200hr afternoon, early check in subject to rooms availability). Rest time free for personal activities relax. Overnight at hotel.
Day 2 - Mumbai
Mumbai Breakfast at hotel. Excursion to Elephanta Island located 10kms away from the Gateway of India. Motorboats take passengers from Gateway of India to Elephanta Island. These caves house rock cut temples dating back to the 5th century BC. Later Mumbai city tour. Visit the Gateway of India, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (museum). Marine Drive which runs along the shoreline, starting at Nariman Point and up to Malabar Hill. Hanging Gardens laid out in 1881 these formally laid out gardens have a notable collection of hedges shaped like animals. Overnight at hotel.
Day 3 - Mumbai - Aurangabad
Mumbai - Aurangabad (flight) Breakfast at hotel transfer to airport to board flight for Aurangabad. On arrival at Aurangabad airport assistance and transfer to hotel. Later city tour visit the Aurangabad Caves, which are artificial caves that were dug out of soft rock during the 6th and 7th century. Then, visit the Bibi Ka Maqbara - the burial place of Aurangzeb's first wife. Also visit a small archeological museum nearby. Overnight at hotel.
Day 4 - Aurangabad - Ajanta
Aurangabad - Ajanta - Aurangabad (104kms/ 2hrs approx one way) Breakfast at hotel.Full day excursion to Ajanta Caves (Monday closed). The Buddhist Caves of Ajanta were discovered by the British officers in 1819 while tiger hunting. Ajanta Caves were first mentioned in the writings of the Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang who visited India between A.D 629 and 645. The Caves at Ajanta are older than those at Ellora , which date from about 200 B.C to 650 A.D. Thirty beautiful Buddhist Caves with mesmerizing sculptures and paintings depicting Buddha's life as well the lives of the Buddha in his previous births. Five of these Caves are Chaityas (Place of worship) while the other twenty-five are Viharas (monasteries). Ajanta Caves are divided in two categories based on two schools of Buddhist thought - Hinayana Caves and Mahayana Caves. Evening back to hotel in Aurangabad for overnight stay.
Day 5 - Aurangabad - Delhi - Daulatabad - New Delhi
Aurangabad - Delhi (flight) Breakfast at hotel.Excursion to visit the Ellora Caves (Tuesday closed), a UNESCO World Heritage Site from about 200 B.C. to 650 A.D. There are a total of 34 monasteries and temples at Ellora, belonging to the three different religions, namely - Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines mentioned in the Shiva Purana. The temple is an important pilgrimage site in Shaivism tradition of Hinduism, which considers it as the last or twelfth Jyotirlinga (linga of light). On way back visit Daulatabad Fort one of the most powerful forts of the medieval Deccan. The defence system that made Daulatabad virtually impregnable comprises fortifications with double and even triple rows of massive walls. Later transfer to airport to board flight for Delhi. On arrival at Delhi airport assistance and transfer to hotel check in & overnight at hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 6 - Delhi - Jaipur - New Delhi
Delhi – Jaipur (265kms/ 5hrs approx) Breakfast at hotel followed by city tour of Delhi, visiting landmark of Old Delhi which include Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Chandni chowk & Khari Baoli Spice Market. Cycle Rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk. Sightseeing of New Delhi which includes Qutab Minar, Humayun Tomb, Lotus Temple & VVIP areas President House, Parliament & India Gate. Later afternoon drive to Jaipur check in & overnight at hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 7 - Jaipur
Jaipur Breakfast at hotel. Visit the majestic Amer Fort and Jaigarh Fort. Enjoy Jeep ride at Amber Fort. Later city tour visiting City Palace, Observatory, Palace of Winds, Albert Hall Museum and Birla Temple. Evening visit the colorful bazaars. As per your interest wrap up your day by watching Bollywood movie at the opulent Rajmandir Cinema. Overnight at hotel.
Day 8 - Jaipur - Agra - Fatehpur Sikri
Jaipur – Agra (245kms/ 5hrs approx) Breakfast at hotel drive to Agra enroute visit Abhaneri a small village popular for the amazing step wells and Temple. Also visit Fatehpur Sikri the 16th century ghost town. Further drive to Agra check in & overnight at hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 9 - Agra - Orchha - Gwalior
Agra – Orchha (220kms/ 5hrs approx) Sunrise visit Taj Mahal. Breakfast at hotel visit Agra Fort and Itmad-ud-Daula Tomb. Drive to Orchha enroute visit Gwalior Fort.Continue drive to Orchha check in & overnight at hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 10 - Orchha - Khajuraho
Orchha – Khajuraho (178kms/ 4hrs approx) Breakfast at hotel. Visit wonderful Orchha Fort, Temples and graceful Chhatris. Afternoon drive to Khajuraho check in at hotel. Evening light & sound show. Overnight at hotel.
Day 11 - Khajuraho - Varanasi
Khajuraho – Varanasi (Flight 9W-2424, 1405 / 1455hrs) Breakfast at hotel. Visit eastern, western & southern group of temples. The temple of Khajuraho are India’s unique gift to the world, representing, as they do, a paean to life, to love, to joy, perfect in execution and sublime in expression on account of their remarkable erotic sculptures. Later transfer to airport to board flight for Varanasi. Arrive Varanasi assistance and transfer to hotel. Evening Ghats’s & temples visit, attend Holy Ganga Aarti. Overnight at hotel.
Day 12 - Varanasi
Varanasi Breakfast at hotel. Early morning boat ride and Ghat visit along the Ganges and catch the scene of devotees bathing and praying in the sacred water. City tour of Varanasi visit World famous Benaras Hindu Universit, The Ramnagar Fort Palace & Many Temples. Afternoon excursion to Sarnath one of the three holiest sites for Buddhists where the Buddha delivered his first sermon in 528 BC. There are many temples here, representing the many cultures where Buddhism is the dominant religious philosophy. Overnight at hotel.
Day 13 - Varanasi - Mumbai - Delhi
Varanasi – Mumbai or Delhi (Flight) Breakfast at hotel. Time to relax and explore the city with your driver. Later as per flight schedule transfer to airport to board flight for Mumbai or Delhi. Arrive Mumbai or Delhi assistance and transfer to hotel. Rest time free and easy to relax or explore the city with your driver. Overnight at hotel.
Day 14 - Mumbai - Delhi - New Delhi
Mumbai or Delhi – Departure Breakfast at hotel. As per your flight schedule transfer to airport to board flight for your onward destination.
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Extras and add-ons
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Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.




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Prices & Dates
The prices you see below are a guide, with final prices per person being determined by the number of travellers in your booking party, desired hotel standard and the rooming arrangements required. To see an accurate price, please click "Book Dates" and enter the details for your booking party.
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