
India Caves & Temples Journey
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Begin in Mumbai and finish there too on this 13 day journey across the Deccan, blending big city buzz with epic heritage. In Mumbai you’ll see the Gateway of India, cruise to Elephanta Caves and sweep along Marine Drive. Fly to Aurangabad for the Ellora and Ajanta Caves, both dazzling UNESCO masterpieces. Explore Daulatabad Fort before continuing to Hyderabad, which delivers Charminar, Golconda and royal palaces. Overland you’ll explore Bidar and Gulbarga’s sultanate gems, Bijapur’s grand monuments, and the cave temples of Badami, Aihole and Pattadakal. Conclude amid Hampi’s atmospheric Vijayanagara ruins.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Overview
Duration
13 daysHotel Rating
3, 4 or 5 star hotelsStarts
MumbaiEnds
HyderabadMinimum 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
$4,525.00
$2,501.00
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
Hyderabad

Bidar

Gulbarga

Bijapur

Jaipur Division

Badami

Gadag

Lakkundi

Hampi

Hubli
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Included
Not Included
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Itinerary
Day 1 - Mumbai
On arrival in Mumbai, we will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure – you can unwind after your flight or begin exploring a little of this energetic city with its shopping arcades, sports activities and wide-ranging entertainment. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 - Exploring Mumbai
After breakfast at the hotel, we visit the Gateway of India and cruise to Elephanta Caves, home to rock cut temples dating from the 5th century CE. Back in the city, we explore Marine Drive, Parliament House and other notable landmarks to experience Mumbai’s history and culture. In the evening – if you wish – you can visit the ISKCON Temple and pass celebrity homes in Bandra and Juhu. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3 - Fly to Aurangabad & Ellora Caves
After breakfast, we fly from Mumbai to Aurangabad (flight not included). On arrival, we explore the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Ellora Caves, then visit Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga and Daulatabad Fort. Overnight at hotel.
Day 4 - Ajanta Caves Visit
From Aurangabad, we drive 105 km to the Ajanta Caves – approximately 2 hours each way – for a day visit to their Buddhist sculptures and paintings. We then return to Aurangabad to visit Bibi ka Maqbara and Panchakki, both of historical and architectural interest. Overnight at hotel.
Day 5 - Fly to Hyderabad
Transfer to the airport for your flight from Aurangabad to Hyderabad (flight not included). On arrival, check in to the hotel and the rest of the day is free – you can explore local markets or simply unwind at your own pace. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 6 - Exploring Hyderabad
We explore Hyderabad’s key landmarks, taking in Golconda Fort – a hilltop citadel – and the Qutb Shahi Tombs, then the Charminar in the old city and Chowmahalla Palace, once the seat of the Nizams. We continue to the Salar Jung Museum, noted for its extensive art and artefact collections, and Birla Mandir, before a stop at Hussain Sagar Lake. Overnight at hotel.
Day 7 - Bidar & Gulbarga
We drive from Hyderabad to Gulbarga via Bidar – a scenic 260 km journey taking around five hours. En route we visit Bidar Fort, the Mahmud Gawan Madarsa, the Bahmani Tombs and the Rangeen Mahal, and we also stop at Narasimha Jhira and Guru Nanak Jhira. We arrive in Gulbarga for check in and an overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 8 - Exploring Gulbarga & Drive to Bijapur
Explore Gulbarga with visits to Gulbarga Fort, the Jama Masjid and the Dargah of Hazrath Khaja Bandanawaz. We then drive 170 km – around 3 hours – to Bijapur and check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 9 - Bijapur & Badami
We begin in Bijapur with visits to Bijapur Fort, Asar Mahal and Bara Kaman, then continue by road to Badami – 120 km, about 3 hours. On arrival we explore the Badami Caves and the Pattadakal Temple Complex, along with other architectural highlights in the area. Overnight at hotel.
Day 10 - Exploring Badami
We spend the day exploring Badami’s heritage – visiting Badami Fort and the Open Air Museum – before continuing to Aihole to see the Aihole temples, including Meguti Jain Temple and the Ravanapadhi Cave Temple. Overnight at hotel.
Day 11 - Gadag, Lakkundi & Hampi
We drive from Badami to Hampi – about 180 km and approximately 4 hours by road – stopping en route to see ruined temple sites in Gadag and Lakkundi. On arrival in Hampi, you have the evening at leisure to explore at your own pace. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 12 - Exploring Hampi
We spend the day exploring Hampi’s highlights – the Royal Enclosures, Hazara Rama Temple, King’s Balance, Mahanavami Dibba, the statue of Ugra Narasimha and Virupaksha Temple – moving between impressive royal ruins and intricately carved shrines. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 13 - Hampi to Hubli & Fly to Mumbai
After breakfast, we drive from Hampi to Hubli – around 180 km and approximately 4 hours – for your flight to Mumbai (flight not included). On arrival in Mumbai, continue with your onward journey, bringing this exploration of India’s architectural highlights and cultural heritage to a close.
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Tour Reviews
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Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
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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.




Accommodation Standard
Prices
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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