Mumbai, Ancient Caves and Goa Holiday
Price guide for this 10 day private tour based on two people travelling
- £1630 Coconut Creek Resort
- £1780 Taj Village Resort and Spa
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This 10 day tour of contrasts starts with the vibrant city of Mumbai. Here you will explore the well known sights such as the Gateway of India, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus as well learning more about everyday lives with visits to the washers area of Dhobi Chat and the surprisingly industrious slums of Dharavi. There’s also a ferry ride to the Elephanta Caves and the chance to see the Mumbai skyline from the sea.
Next it’s time to discover Aurangabad which is speckled with beautiful and legendary monuments, a legacy of the Mughals, who reigned from 1653. This area is steeped in history from the marvellous Bibi-en Thqa-Maqbara, to the formidable Daulatabad Fort, and the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Ajanta and Ellora Caves.
Your holiday continues in breathtaking Goa with endless stretches of white sand, palm fringed beaches, brightly painted houses and Portugese heritage. Goa has something for everyone with restaurants serving mouth watering sea food, water sports and river cruises, lively markets and souvenier shopping and the chance to relax with an ayurvedic massage. If you feel like exploring there are the UNESCO World Heritage Churches and Convents of Goa, old spice farms and villas, as well as wildlife sanctuaries and the Dudhsagar Waterfalls.
Mumbai, Ancient Caves and Goa Holiday - 10 Days / 9 Nights
This 10 day tour of contrasts starts with Mumbai, the commercial capital of India driven by power, wealth and Bollywood glamour. You’ll explore the major sights including a boat ride to Elephanta island and a tour of the surprisingly industrious slums of Dharavi.
Next it’s time to discover Aurangabad an area steeped in history from the marvellous Bibi-en Thqa-Maqbara, to the formidable Daulatabad Fort, and the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Ajanta and Ellora Caves.
Your holiday concludes in breathtaking Goa with endless stretches of white sand, brightly painted houses and lively markets. If you feel like exploring there’s plenty to see, from UNESCO World Heritage Sites to National Parks or simply relax and enjoy the palm fringed beaches.
Day
1
Day
1
Day 1: Arrive Mumbai
Upon arrival at Mumbai International Airport, you will be welcomed by your Authentic India Tours representatives who will transfer you to your hotel for a 3 night stay.
The rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy the wonderful facilities of your luxury hotel or explore the local area.
Accommodation: The Trident Nariman Point
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
2
Day
2
Day 2: Mumbai
This morning a boat trip from the Gateway of India will take you to explore the awe inspiring Elephanta Caves. A renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Elephanta Caves are one of Mumbai’s most spectacular temple sites, boasting a precious collection of Hindu temple art. The Elephanta Cave Temples date back to 600 AD and are named after the elephant statue that once stood near the island’s shore. On your return there will be views of the Mumbai skyline including the Gateway of India and the Taj Palace Hotel.
In the afternoon it is time to explore Mumbai with a sightseeing tour. This will include a visit to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, (formerly the Prince of Wales Museum), the colourful Crawford Market and Dhobi Talao.
Accommodation: The Trident Nariman Point
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
3
Day
3
Day 3: Mumbai
Today we continue to explore Mumbai with a visit to Dharavi and to see why it is the heart of small scale industry in Mumbai. Known internationally as ‘one of the largest slums in Asia’, many think of Dharavi as Mumbai’s beating heart. It houses about one million inhabitants and its industries have an annual turnover of approximately US $665 million. On this tour, you'll experience many of these business activities such as recycling, pottery-making, embroidery, bakery, soap factory, leather tanning and poppadom making. People from all over India come to live in Dharavi, making it a microcosm of India. You will see this diversity in the mix of temples, mosques, churches and pagodas.
Accommodation: The Trident Nariman Point
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
4
Day
4
Day 4: Mumbai - Aurangabad
This morning you will be transferred to Mumbai Airport for the short flight to Aurangabad.
On arrival at the airport you will be meet and transferred to your hotel, a 5 star property set in landscaped gardens.
This evening, there is a visit to the water mill and Bibi-ka-Maqbara, known as ‘poor man’s Taj Mahal’
Accommodation: Vivanta Aurangabad, a first class palace style hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
5
Day
5
Day 5: Aurangabad - Ajanta Caves - Aurangabad
Today is a full days excursion to Ajanta Caves which will take approximately 3 hours each way. The Ajanta Caves are a marvel of art and architectural splendour. This World Heritage site dating from the 2nd century B.C. to 600 A.D. is a series of caves, carved out of rock by Buddhist monks. The wall paintings and sculpture of this collection of twenty-six monasteries and four temples is an astonishing sight.
Accommodation: Vivanta Aurangabad, a first class palace style hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
6
Day
6
Day 6: Aurangabad - Ellora Caves - Aurangabad
On your half day excursion today, there is a visit to the Ellora Caves, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. The impressive rock hewn temples and monasteries of Ellora are the meeting point of Buddhists, Jains and Hindus. In total there are 34 elaborate cave temples.
After lunch, there is a visit to Daulatabad Fort, a 14th century fort city, which used to be an important trading stop along the caravan routes. This fort was once one of the most powerful forts during the medieval period.
Accommodation: Vivanta Aurangabad, a first class palace style hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
7
Day
7
Day 7: Aurangabad - Goa
This morning you will be transferred to Aurangabad Airport to take a flight to Goa via Mumbai.
On arrival at Goa Airport you will be meet and transferred to your hotel.
Accommodation: Coconut Creek Beach Resort or Taj Village Resort and Spa
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
8
Day
8
Day 8: Goa
Day at leisure relaxing on the beach or enjoying the Hotel facilities.
Goa has something for everyone with restaurants serving mouth watering sea food, water sports and river cruises, lively markets and the chance to relax with an ayurvedic massage.
If you feel like exploring there are the UNESCO World Heritage Churches and Convents of Goa, old spice farms and villas, as well as wildlife sanctuaries and the Dudhsagar Waterfalls.
Accommodation: Coconut Creek Beach Resort or Taj Village Resort and Spa
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
9
Day
9
Day 9: Goa
Another day at leisure to relax or explore sights on offer.
Accommodation: Coconut Creek Beach Resort or Taj Village Resort and Spa
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
10
Day
10
Day 10: Goa - Mumbai
In plenty of time you will be transferred to Goa Airport to board your short flight to Mumbai, for your international connection and return flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation
The Trident Nariman Point, Mumbai
With stunning views of the promenade, ocean and the city skyline, the Trident Nariman Point is the perfect place to stay to discover Mumbai and its exciting surroundings. Spacious rooms with modern furnishings, a fantastic spa offering personalised treatments and a outdoor swimming pool with a view all await you. Dine in award-winning restaurants, have a lighter bite in the Veranda lounge or enjoy a drink in the Opium Den bar all in luxurious surroundings.
Vivanta, Aurangabad
Five acres of landscaped gardens, modern facilities and comfortable amenities all make the Vivanta the ideal accommodation in Aurangabad. The hotel has a palatial feel, and luxurious touches like an in-house spa, glorious swimming pool and croquet and mini-golf. Sample multi-cuisine delights in the Latitude Restaurant, tasty grills in town at Garden Cafe, hot beverages in the Tea House and stronger drinks in the Tease Bar. The perfect place to explore Aurangabad and the amazing Ajanta and Ellora Caves nearby.
Coconut Creek Resort, Goa
Coconut Creek Resort is a well-established family-friendly resort delicately entwined into the surrounding coconut plantation. With twenty private air-conditioned rooms, the villa-style accommodation has large windows and ceiling fans either with bathtubs or wet room facilities. All rooms have views of the gardens or the lagoon pool. Award-winning service, excellent cuisine and a choice of international drinks to accompany it ensure the resort has all the ingredients needed for a wonderful holiday.
Taj Holiday Village Resort & Spa, Goa
With a desirable beachfront location this elegant hotel has been designed in an Indo-Portuguese style with romantic pillars and arches, and lovely ‘sit-out’ areas to enjoy views of the Arabian Sea. Set in 28 acres of glorious tropical grounds the hotel offers contemporary luxury in a relaxing natural setting.
Destinations
Mumbai
As the wealthiest city in India and home of Bollywood, cosmopolitan Mumbai is a hive of finance, commerce and traffic! There’s also plenty of culture nestled in amongst the fast-paced way of life, including the impressive Gateway of India, and the Elephanta Caves and Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Aurangabad
Ornate caves, an imitation Taj Mahal and beautiful silk sarees all await you in authentic Aurangabad. Once the capital of Maharashtra governed by Aurangzeb the last Mughal emperor, it is home to the Bibi-ka-Maqbara, also known as the ‘poor man’s Taj Mahal’. This impressive mausoleum has beautiful gardens with the Deccan hills in the background.
It’s worth the steep climb to visit Daulatabad Fort to see the remains of this once impenetrable fort that at one point housed the entire population of Delhi. Aurangabad is also perfectly located for visiting the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, and a centre for gorgeous sarees made locally from silk.
Ajanta Caves
The amazing Ajanta Caves are possibly the finest surviving picture galleries from the ancient world. These marvels of art and architecture were discovered in the early 19th century and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
The earliest caves date back to the 2nd century BC and were used as shelters by Buddhist monks during monsoon season. The beautiful religious art depicts Buddhist traditions, costumes of the period, and the past lives and rebirths of Buddha, along with rock-cut sculptures of Buddhist deities.
Ellora Caves
The impressive rock-hewn temples and monasteries of Ellora which were a meeting point of Buddhists, Jains and Hindus are a real must-see. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ellora Caves date back to the 6th century and contain a fantastic range of paintings, carvings and depictions of deities and idols between the 34 cave temples accessible to the public.
Explore the enormous Kailasa (cave number 16), which is naturally lit by sunlight and Vishvakarma (cave number 10) with its carvings of Buddhist and Hindu figures and a jolly scene of dancing dwarfs. Temple 32 has beautiful Jain carvings of lotus flowers.
Goa
Goa is India’s smallest state, yet it boasts over 100km of coastline. It’s well known for its golden sand beaches fringed with coconut palms, and for its legendary nightlife. But there’s far more to laid back Goa than this.
Formerly a Portuguese colony, Goa is an intriguing melting pot of Indian and European cultural influences, which is reflected in its colonial architecture and unique cuisine. Inland you’ll find lush jungle, spice plantations and waterfalls, making Goa a state where you can get in some beach time along with your culture fix.
Pricing & Inclusions
The price guide for this 10 day Mumbai, Ancient Caves and Goa Holiday is £1630 (Coconut Creek Resort) or £1780 (Taj Village Resort and Spa) based on two people sharing.
The prices do not include flights.
Authentic India Tours is a member of ABTA and ATOL. All the holidays on this website are ABTA protected. If you would like us to arrange your holiday including flights we will be happy to provide a quote and your holiday will also be ATOL protected.
This is a private tour and can be tailor-made to meet your exact requirements. Prices will vary depending on the number of people, length of tour, accommodation & season. Reductions are normally available for groups of three or more. Some hotels operate an additional peak pricing rate during busy times which is normally from mid December to mid January.
Please get in touch with your dates and we will be pleased to provide you with your personal itinerary and accurate quote.
Included with this tour are the following:
- Meet and greet assistance on all arrivals and departures.
- All internal road travel by a private chauffeur-driven air-conditioned large car.
- All scheduled sightseeing expenses including English speaking guides and entrance fees at monuments.
- Economy class flight tickets for Mumbai to Aurangabad, Aurangabad to Goa and Goa to Mumbai travel (Please note the luggage allowance on all domestic flights is only 15 kg per person. You have the option to by an extra 5 kg or 10 kg as required).
- Accommodation for 9 nights on double/twin sharing basis.
- Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast
- Mineral water on all days of travel
Price does not include:
- International flight tickets
- Travel insurance and visa
- Expenses of personal nature like laundry, tips, beverages etc
- Meals other than mentioned in the above meal plan
- Camera and video fees at national parks, museums & monuments
The prices given above are per person based on two people sharing a double or twin room. All prices were valid at the time of publication but they may be subject to change, based on your date of travel and local market fluctuations. You will be informed of any price differences prior to booking.
For further information or a quote based on your exact dates of travel, any alternative accommodation or a change to the itinerary, please call Authentic India Tours on 01792 315499 or email us at info@aitholidays.com