Mumbai to Bhopal Caves & Monuments
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Begin in buzzing Mumbai and finish in Bhopal on a 12–day journey through western and central India’s classics. In Mumbai you’ll cruise to Elephanta Caves, sweep along Marine Drive and admire CST before heading inland to sacred Nashik and Shirdi. Expect to see UNESCO wonders at Ellora and Ajanta, stout bastions like Daulatabad and Asirgarh, and riverside Maheshwar with romantic Mandu nearby. You’ll visit revered jyotirlinga shrines – Trimbakeshwar, Grishneshwar, Omkareshwar and Mahakaleshwar – and delve into Mughal Burhanpur’s heritage. Round things off in Bhopal with Bhimbetka’s ancient rock art, Bhojpur’s mighty shrine, a tranquil boat ride on Upper Lake, plus Sanchi stupas and Udayagiri caves.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Overview
Duration
12 daysHotel Rating
3, 4 or 5 star hotelsStarts
MumbaiEnds
BhopalMinimum 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
€2,780.00
€1,563.00
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
Vadodara
Pavagadh
Champaner
Nashik
Trimbak
Shirdi
Aurangabad
Daulatabad
Ajanta
Burhanpur
Omkareshwar
Maheshwar
Indore Division
Mandu
Indore
Bhopal
Ujjain
Amchha Khurd
Sanchi
Udayagiri
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Included
Not Included
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Itinerary
Day 1 - Welcome to Mumbai
Arrive in Mumbai. On landing at Mumbai airport, we’ll meet you and assist with your transfer to the hotel – standard check in is from 12:00, with early check in subject to room availability. The rest of the day is free to relax – you can take a stroll to get a first look at the city, browse local markets or try nearby restaurants. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 - Mumbai - City Tour and Elephanta Caves
After breakfast at the hotel, we set out on a Mumbai city tour, beginning with Marine Drive before heading to the Gateway of India to board a motorboat to the Elephanta Caves – closed on Mondays. On arrival, we climb roughly 100 steps to reach the cave complex, then cruise back to the Gateway in the afternoon. We continue with an external view of Parliament House and the UNESCO‑listed Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, stop at Dhobi Ghat to see the city’s open-air laundry in action, and visit the Prince of Wales Museum – closed on Mondays – followed by Mani Bhawan, where Gandhi initiated several independence movements. Overnight in a tent or hotel.
Day 3 - Mumbai to Nashik - Temple Visit and Pilgrimage Sites
After breakfast at the hotel, we drive from Mumbai to Nashik – 170 km – about 4 hours. On arrival, check in to your hotel.
Later, we visit Trimbakeshwar Temple on the outskirts of Nashik, built by the third Peshwa, Balaji Bajirao (1740–1760), at the site of an older shrine. Set at the foot of Brahmagiri Hill and flanked by Nilagiri and Kalagiri, this black-stone temple is an important Hindu pilgrimage centre dedicated to Lord Shiva. Near the town of Trimbak, it marks the origin of the River Godavari, with the Kusavarta pond within the complex representing the source. The temple houses one of the 12 jyotirlingas – a distinctive three-faced linga embodying Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva – adorned with a crown set with diamonds, emeralds and other precious stones. If you wish, you can also explore nearby Brahmagiri Fort and Gangadwar before returning to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4 - Nashik to Aurangabad via Shirdi - Sacred Cities and Heritage Sites
After breakfast in Nashik, we explore the city’s sacred sites linked to the Ramayana around Panchavati – including Ram Kund, Shri Kalaram Sansthan Mandir, Sita Gufaa and Sundarnarayan Temple. We also visit Tapovan, the modern ISKCON temple and the white marble Muktidham complex, before continuing to the ancient Pandavleni Caves with their Buddhist carvings, inscriptions and rock-cut cisterns. Later, we drive to Aurangabad via Shirdi (around 170 km – 4 hours in total), stopping to visit the Sai Baba Temple complex. Here we see the Samadhi Mandir, with its marble statue and tomb of Sai Baba, as well as nearby Dwarkamai and Lendi Garden. On arrival in Aurangabad, we check in to the hotel for the night.
Day 5 - Aurangabad - Ellora Caves and Historic Landmarks
After breakfast we drive from Aurangabad to Grishneshwar and Ellora – about 36 km, roughly 1 hour each way. We begin at the Grishneshwar Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines mentioned in the Shiva Purana and often regarded as the twelfth. Constructed by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar in the Maratha style, it features intricate carvings in red and black stone. We then explore the Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (closed on Tuesdays), comprising 34 rock cut monasteries and temples dating from the 6th to 10th centuries and representing Hindu, Jain and Buddhist traditions, with remarkable stonework illustrating legends of Lord Shiva.
On the return we visit Daulatabad Fort, a major medieval Deccan stronghold renowned for its formidable defences, including double and triple lines of massive walls. Back in Aurangabad, we tour Bibi ka Maqbara, built by Azam Shah in 1678 as a tribute to his mother – often called the mini Taj of the Deccan for its resemblance and landscaped setting with ponds, fountains and water channels. Overnight at hotel.
Day 6 - Aurangabad to Burhanpur - Ajanta Caves En Route
After breakfast, we drive from Aurangabad to Burhanpur – 220 km, approx. 5 hours – stopping en route to visit the Ajanta Caves (closed on Mondays). Discovered by British officers in 1819, these Buddhist caves were first noted by the Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang, who travelled in India between AD 629–645. Older than Ellora, the 30 caves here contain sculptures and paintings depicting the life of the Buddha and his previous births. Five are chaityas – places of worship – and 25 are viharas, or monasteries, representing both Hinayana and Mahayana traditions. We then continue to Burhanpur and check in at the hotel for overnight.
Day 7 - Burhanpur to Maheshwar - Forts and Sacred Temples
After breakfast in Burhanpur, we explore this historic city founded in 1400 AD on the banks of the Tapti River. Once a Mughal capital and the gateway to southern India, it showcases fine mosques, tombs and palaces. We visit Badshahi Qila, Dargah-e-Hakimi and Jama Masjid before driving towards Maheshwar – about 175 km, roughly 4 hours – with key stops en route.
In the Satpura Range we visit Asirgarh Fort, built by Asa Ahir. Spanning over 60 acres, it comprises three sections – Asirgarh, Kamargarh and Malaygarh – and contains a Shiva temple, a gurdwara and a mosque. Records note the fort was never taken by force. We continue to Omkareshwar to visit the Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, set on an island in the River Narmada. Its sabha mandap stands on 60 stone pillars, the five storeys house different deities, and three daily prayers are held – one by the temple trust and two by priests associated with the Holkar and Scindia states. Many pilgrims also visit nearby Mamleshwar, and bathing in the Narmada before entering the temple is considered auspicious. The ancient shivling is protected within a glass enclosure. We then drive on to Maheshwar and check in at the hotel. Overnight in Maheshwar.
Day 8 - Maheshwar to Indore via Mandu - Forts and Afghan Architecture
After breakfast we visit the riverside Fort of Maheshwar, an impressive example of historic Indian military architecture and strategy. Enclosing around 2 sq km, it originated in the 4th–5th centuries, with much of the present structure dating to the 17th–18th centuries. We see its five main gateways, guard rooms and vantage points, along with defensive positions once used for guns, cannon and archers. A walkway around five feet wide runs along the ramparts. Within the complex we visit Rajbada palace, Ahilyabai’s place of worship with its golden jhula, and the Rajrajeshwar Temple.
In the afternoon we drive to Indore via Mandu – an ancient, fortified city ringed by stone walls and gateways, noted for Afghan influenced architecture and stands of African baobab. We take in key monuments including Hoshang Shah’s Tomb, the vast Jami Masjid and the evocative Jahaz Mahal, which appears to float between twin lakes. We then continue to Indore for check in and overnight at the hotel. Total driving today is about 125 km – approximately 3 hours.
Day 9 - Indore to Bhopal - Mahakaleshwar Temple Visit
After breakfast in Indore, we drive to Ujjain to visit the Mahakaleshwar Temple – one of the 12 jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. Its lingam sits in a subterranean chamber and is considered swayambhu, or self‑manifested. The present five‑storey temple, built in the mid–18th century in Bhumija, Chalukya and Maratha styles, features marble walkways restored by the Scindias in the late 19th century. Three floors are dedicated to the lingams of Mahakaleshwar, Omkareshwar and Nagachandreshwar.
After sightseeing, we continue to Bhopal – around 255 km and approximately five hours in total – and check in at the hotel for the night.
Day 10 - Bhopal - Bhimbetka Rock Shelters and City Highlights
Bhopal – Bhimbetka & Bhojpur (45 km – about 1 hour each way). After breakfast, we drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bhimbetka to explore rock shelters dating to the Palaeolithic era. They preserve some of the earliest evidence of human life on the Indian subcontinent, including rock paintings roughly 30,000 years old, with some shelters believed to have been inhabited by Homo erectus more than 100,000 years ago. We continue to Bhojpur to see its Shiva temple, which houses one of India’s largest lingas, carved from a single rock. Returning to Bhopal, we take a city tour visiting Jama Masjid, Moti Masjid, Taj ul Masajid and the Bharat Bhavan arts centre, then round off the day with an evening boat ride on Upper Lake. Overnight at hotel.
Day 11 - Bhopal - Sanchi Stupas and Udayagiri Caves
After breakfast we visit the Bhoj Wetland, comprising Upper Lake – Bhojtal – and the man-made Lower Lake in Bhopal. Recognised as a Ramsar Site in 2002, the wetland supports more than 20,000 birds annually and the Upper Lake supplies about 40% of the city’s drinking water. Sightings can include white storks, black-necked storks, bar-headed geese and spoonbills, with recent gatherings of around 100–120 sarus cranes – India’s largest bird.
Later we drive to Sanchi and Udayagiri – around 50 km or about 1 hour each way. At Sanchi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, we explore stupas, monasteries, temples and pillars dating from the 3rd century BC to the 12th century AD, where the Buddha is represented through symbols rather than figures. We continue to the Udayagiri Caves, an early Hindu ritual site extensively carved under Emperor Chandragupta II in the late 4th and 5th centuries AD, featuring rock shelters, petroglyphs, inscriptions, water systems, fortifications and habitation mounds that have been only partially excavated. After sightseeing we drive back to Bhopal. Overnight at hotel.
Day 12 - Bhopal
After breakfast at the hotel, we arrange your transfer to the airport in line with your flight schedule – ready to board your onward flight.
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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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