Mumbai, Ajanta & Golden Triangle
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Begin in Mumbai and finish in Delhi on an 11 day sweep of India’s icons. Cruise to Elephanta Island’s cave temples, then fly to Aurangabad for Bibi ka Maqbara, the Aurangabad Caves and the spellbinding Ajanta and Ellora – plus Grishneshwar Temple and Daulatabad Fort. In Delhi, explore Old and New – rickshaws and spice bazaars balanced with Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar. Continue to Agra for the Taj Mahal and Itmad ud Daulah, then head via Fatehpur Sikri and Abhaneri’s stepwell to Jaipur. The Pink City brims with Amer and Jaigarh forts, Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Jantar Mantar and lively markets.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Overview
Duration
11 daysHotel Rating
3, 4 or 5 star hotelsStarts
MumbaiEnds
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
£2,035.00
£1,106.00
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
Daulatabad
Delhi
New Delhi
Delhi Division
Agra
Fatehpur Sikri
Abhaneri
Jaipur
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Included
Not Included
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Itinerary
Day 1 - 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 – early check-in is subject to room availability. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or take a stroll for a first look at the city, browse local markets and try nearby restaurants. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 - Elephanta Island & Mumbai Sightseeing
After breakfast at the hotel, we head to the Gateway of India to board a motorboat to Elephanta Island, about 10 km offshore, to explore its ancient rock–cut cave temples. Returning to the city, we continue a Mumbai tour, viewing the Maharashtra State Assembly and the UNESCO–listed Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus from the outside, then seeing the city’s famous open–air laundry in action at Dhobi Ghat. We visit the Prince of Wales Museum – closed on Mondays – to see its collection of historical artefacts, and stop at Mani Bhavan. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3 - Fly to Aurangabad
After breakfast, we transfer to the airport for the flight to Aurangabad. On arrival, we receive assistance at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Later, we head out on a city tour to Bibi Ka Maqbara – built by Azam Shah in 1678 as a tribute to his mother and often called the mini Taj of the Deccan for its white marble and formal gardens with ponds, fountains and water channels. We then visit the Aurangabad Caves – a group of 12 Buddhist caves about 5 km from the city, dating back to 3 AD, where Tantric influences are evident in the iconography and architecture – followed by a small archaeological museum. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4 - Ajanta Caves Day Trip
After breakfast at the hotel, we drive 105 km – around 2 hours each way – for a full day at the Ajanta Caves (closed on Mondays). Discovered by British officers in 1819, these Buddhist caves are older than Ellora and date from about 200 BC to AD 650. We explore the complex of 30 caves featuring sculptures and paintings that depict the life of the Buddha and his previous births. Five are chaityas – places of worship – and the remaining 25 are viharas, or monasteries, reflecting both Hinayana and Mahayana traditions. The site was recorded by the Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang, who travelled in India between AD 629 and 645. We return to Aurangabad in the evening for an overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 5 - Ellora, Grishneshwar Temple & Daulatabad Fort
Aurangabad – Ellora. After breakfast at the hotel, we drive to the Ellora Caves, about 36 km from Aurangabad – roughly 1 hour each way. A UNESCO World Heritage Site – closed on Tuesdays – Ellora comprises 34 monasteries and temples dating from around 600 to 1000 AD, representing Hindu, Jain and Buddhist traditions. We explore exquisite stonework, including carvings that illustrate legends of Lord Shiva.
We then visit Grishneshwar Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines mentioned in the Shiva Purana. Built in red and black stone with intricate carvings, the temple was reconstructed by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore in the Maratha style and is an important Shaivite pilgrimage site.
On the return journey, we stop at Daulatabad Fort, a formidable medieval Deccan stronghold whose defences include double and even triple layers of massive walls. We head back to Aurangabad for the night – overnight at the hotel.
Day 6 - Fly to Delhi
After breakfast, we transfer to Aurangabad airport for your flight to Delhi. On arrival, we provide assistance and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax – you can take it easy at the hotel or explore at your own pace. If you’d like to head out, we can provide transport to places of your interest or for dinner. Overnight at hotel.
Day 7 - Exploring Delhi
After breakfast at the hotel, we explore Old Delhi – visiting the Red Fort and Jama Masjid – and take a cycle rickshaw through Chandni Chowk and Khari Baoli Spice Market, a bustling area known for its spices, dried fruit, silver jewellery and saris, with narrow lanes lined with tiny shops selling essential oils, stationery and traditional Indian sweets. We also visit Raj Ghat, the memorial marking Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation site. In New Delhi, we visit Humayun’s Tomb – the first garden tomb in the Indian subcontinent, commissioned by Empress Bega Begum in 1569–70 – and Qutub Minar, a 73 metres tall minaret within the Qutub complex and a fine example of Afghan architecture. We continue to the Lotus Temple, a Bahai House of Worship open to all, and drive through the government district – passing the President’s House, Parliament and India Gate. You have free time later to relax or pursue personal activities. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 8 - Delhi to Agra & Taj Mahal
Delhi – Agra (204 km – 4 hours approx). After breakfast, we drive to Agra and check in to the hotel on arrival. We then visit the Taj Mahal, the ivory white marble mausoleum on the bank of the Yamuna river, commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his wife Mumtaz Mahal; it also contains Shah Jahan’s own tomb. We continue to the Itmad–ud–Daula, a Mughal mausoleum commissioned by Nur Jahan for her father, Mirza Ghiyas Beg. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 9 - Fatehpur Sikri, Abhaneri & Jaipur
After breakfast, we depart Agra for Jaipur – a 245 kilometres drive of around 5 hours – stopping en route at Fatehpur Sikri, built by Emperor Akbar in 1569 and abandoned about 15 years later due to water scarcity. The red sandstone complex reflects a blend of Hindu and Muslim architectural styles. We then continue to Abhaneri to see Chand Baori, one of India’s deepest and largest stepwells, and the nearby Harshat Mata Temple. Arrive in Jaipur and check in – overnight at the hotel.
Day 10 - Exploring Jaipur & Amber Fort
Jaipur. After breakfast at the hotel, we spend the day exploring the city’s highlights. We begin at Amber Fort – the former capital – known for its blend of Hindu and Mughal design, including the Shila Devi Temple and the ornate Ganesh Pol. We continue to nearby Jaigarh Fort, the hilltop stronghold linked to Amer by subterranean passages and known for its panoramic views over Jaipur. Back in the city, we see the Hawa Mahal before visiting the City Palace complex, including Mubarak Mahal and Chandra Mahal, and the Jantar Mantar observatory with its remarkable fixed instruments. We also visit Galtaji Temple, a long-standing pilgrimage site set around natural springs and seven sacred kunds.
If you’d like to shop, you can browse Jaipur’s traditional markets – Johari, Tripolia, Chandpole, Kishanpole, Nehru, Sireh Deori, Bapu and Mirza Ismail Road. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 11 - Return to Delhi
We start with breakfast at the hotel. You can then visit a place of your choice in Jaipur or simply unwind at the hotel. Later, we drive to Delhi – approximately 265 km, about five hours – and drop you directly at the airport for your onward flight.
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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
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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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