Mumbai Ajanta Ellora Tour

6 Days Mumbai Ajanta & Ellora Tour

Private Cave Temples & Heritage Journey


Elephanta Caves, Ajanta, Ellora, Daulatabad Fort & Bibi Ka Maqbara on a Private 6-Day Maharashtra Itinerary


This 6-day Mumbai Ajanta Ellora tour pairs the energy of Mumbai with two of India’s most important UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Ajanta and Ellora are far more than ancient monuments: carved directly into the volcanic rock of the Deccan, they reveal centuries of artistic skill, religious change and extraordinary craftsmanship. The journey is a suggested itinerary that we tailor to your dates, pace and interests.

Your journey begins in Mumbai, India’s financial capital and one of its most vivid cultural contrasts. Colonial architecture, old trading districts, sea-facing promenades and busy markets make a lively introduction to modern India. A boat trip across the harbour to the Elephanta Caves adds a first taste of rock-cut art, with its great Shiva sculptures, before you travel inland to Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar), your base for the main caves.

The Ajanta Caves are renowned for Buddhist paintings and sculpture, with some of the earliest murals dating back more than 2,000 years. Set in a horseshoe-shaped valley, these caves were once remote monastic retreats where monks studied, meditated and created some of Asia’s finest surviving mural art. Arriving early usually means a calmer visit and softer natural light inside the cave interiors.

Ellora offers a very different experience. Buddhist, Hindu and Jain monuments stand side by side in one vast complex, and the highlight for many visitors is the Kailasa Temple, an enormous temple carved from a single rock. Nearby, the hilltop Daulatabad Fort and the Bibi Ka Maqbara, often called the “Taj of the Deccan”, add medieval and Mughal history to the journey. As Ajanta and Elephanta close on Mondays and Ellora on Tuesdays, we sequence the days around these weekly closures.

This private journey suits travellers interested in Indian history, archaeology, photography, architecture and religion, and anyone who prefers slower, more thoughtful sightseeing. With a private chauffeur and a flexible pace, there is time to appreciate each site without rushing. You can also combine it with our wider Ajanta and Ellora tours or extend your journey to other parts of India.

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Tour Snapshot – 6 Days Mumbai, Ajanta & Ellora Tour

  • Duration: 5 Nights / 6 Days
  • Route: Mumbai → Aurangabad (Ajanta & Ellora Caves) → Mumbai
  • Tour Style: Private heritage and cultural journey, tailored to your dates and pace
  • Ideal For: History lovers, culture-focused travellers, photographers and architecture enthusiasts
  • Experiences: UNESCO cave temples, Elephanta Caves boat trip, ancient Buddhist art, Daulatabad Fort, Bibi Ka Maqbara and local culture
  • Travel: Private chauffeur-driven vehicle with guided sightseeing

Key Highlights – Mumbai, Ajanta & Ellora Tour

  • Explore the UNESCO-listed Ajanta Caves, with Buddhist paintings and sculpture more than 2,000 years old
  • Discover the Ellora Caves, where Buddhist, Hindu and Jain rock-cut temples stand side by side
  • See the Kailasa Temple, an enormous temple carved from a single rock and one of India’s greatest architectural achievements
  • Take a boat trip to the Elephanta Caves and their great Shiva sculptures
  • Experience Mumbai’s colonial landmarks, including the Gateway of India, and its lively street life
  • Climb the medieval hilltop fortress of Daulatabad Fort
  • Visit Bibi Ka Maqbara, the “Taj of the Deccan”, in Aurangabad
  • Enjoy private guided sightseeing with a flexible pace and deeper historical insight at each site

Please note: Ajanta Caves and Elephanta Caves are closed on Mondays, and Ellora Caves are closed on Tuesdays. We plan your day order around these closures.

Day-by-Day Itinerary – 6 Days Mumbai, Ajanta & Ellora Tour

  • Day 1: Arrival in Mumbai – Arrive in Mumbai and meet your private driver for a comfortable transfer to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you can spend the evening exploring the colonial-era lanes of Colaba, walking along Marine Drive at sunset, or trying Mumbai street food such as pav bhaji and bhel puri near Chowpatty Beach. Mumbai moves fast, but the city reveals its character slowly through old architecture, sea-facing promenades and everyday local life.
  • Day 2: Mumbai Heritage Tour & Elephanta Caves Excursion – After breakfast, begin a full-day sightseeing tour of Mumbai’s historic landmarks. Visit the Gateway of India, the UNESCO-listed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and the sea-set Haji Ali Dargah. Later, take a short ferry ride across Mumbai Harbour to the Elephanta Caves, known for their rock-cut Shiva sculptures dating back more than 1,500 years. Ferries are usually suspended during the monsoon months, and calmer seas from November to March make for the most comfortable crossing. Return to the city by evening and enjoy dinner at one of Mumbai’s well-known coastal or seafood restaurants.
  • Day 3: Mumbai to Aurangabad (by flight) – Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and some free time in Mumbai, then transfer to the airport for a late afternoon flight to Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar). On arrival, check in to your hotel and relax. If time permits, you can visit Bibi Ka Maqbara, often called the “Taj of the Deccan”, and Panchakki, a medieval water mill powered by an underground channel. Aurangabad is an ideal base for exploring the region’s UNESCO-listed caves and Deccan heritage.
  • Day 4: Excursion to Ajanta Caves (approx. 105 km each way / 2.5 hrs) – After an early breakfast, drive through rural Maharashtra to the Ajanta Caves, set in a horseshoe-shaped gorge above the Waghora River. These Buddhist caves are famous for their ancient frescoes, prayer halls and detailed paintings, which still hold traces of their original colour after centuries. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as the site involves moderate walking and steps between caves. Winter months offer the most pleasant conditions. Return to Aurangabad in the evening.
  • Day 5: Daulatabad Fort & Ellora Caves – Return to Mumbai – After breakfast, drive to Daulatabad Fort (approx. 15 km), known for its defensive tunnels, hilltop views and medieval history. Continue to the Ellora Caves (approx. 35 km from Aurangabad / 1 hr), where Hindu, Buddhist and Jain temples are carved directly into volcanic rock. The highlight is the Kailasa Temple, one of the world’s most impressive monolithic structures. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Mumbai, where you stay overnight. A private road transfer to Mumbai can be arranged if you prefer.
  • Day 6: Departure from Mumbai – After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning before your private airport transfer. Depending on your flight time, you may visit a café, explore the art galleries of Kala Ghoda, or shop for handicrafts, spices and textiles. Your journey ends with a deeper understanding of Maharashtra’s layered history, from ancient Buddhist cave monasteries to Mughal-era monuments and colonial Mumbai.

Please Note: Driving times and sightseeing timings are approximate and may vary with road conditions, traffic, weather, monument queues, ferry schedules and season. Ajanta and Elephanta Caves are closed on Mondays and Ellora Caves on Tuesdays, so we avoid arrival dates that clash with these closures. Ajanta, Ellora and Elephanta involve moderate walking and steps.

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Inclusions – 6 Days Mumbai, Ajanta & Ellora Tour

  • 5 nights’ accommodation in carefully selected hotels in Mumbai and Aurangabad, close to the main sights
  • Daily breakfast, plus any other meals mentioned in your final itinerary
  • Private airport and hotel transfers in Mumbai and Aurangabad
  • Private air-conditioned vehicle with chauffeur for all sightseeing and excursions
  • Entrance tickets for the monuments and caves included in the itinerary
  • English-speaking local guides for Mumbai, Ajanta and Ellora
  • All applicable taxes, parking charges, tolls and driver expenses

Not Included

  • International flights and Indian visa fees
  • Domestic flight tickets between Mumbai and Aurangabad, unless confirmed in your final quote
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary, drinks and personal expenses
  • Camera or video fees at monuments, and tips for guides and drivers
  • Travel insurance, which we strongly recommend

Tour Customisation – Mumbai, Ajanta & Ellora Tour

  • Upgrade to boutique heritage hotels or luxury stays in Mumbai and Aurangabad
  • Add guided food walks, art district tours or a Bollywood experience in Mumbai
  • Extend your journey with Pune, the Nashik wine region, Shirdi or coastal Maharashtra
  • Add an extra night in Aurangabad for a slower, more detailed visit to Ajanta and Ellora
  • Combine the tour with our Golden Triangle tours, Rajasthan tours or Kerala tours
  • Domestic flights or a private road transfer can be arranged to suit your plans

Best Time to Visit – Mumbai, Ajanta & Ellora

  • October to March: The most comfortable season for cave visits, walking and photography, with pleasant daytime temperatures. Calmer seas also make the Elephanta ferry easier.
  • July to September: The monsoon turns the Ajanta valley green and scenic, although rain can slow travel and Elephanta ferries are often suspended.
  • April to June: Temperatures can be high around Aurangabad and the caves, so we plan early-morning sightseeing.

For a wider view of India’s seasons, see our guide to the best time to visit India.

FAQs – Mumbai, Ajanta & Ellora Tour

  • Q: Are Ajanta and Ellora Caves UNESCO World Heritage Sites?
    A: Yes. Both cave complexes are UNESCO-listed and are among India’s most important archaeological and artistic treasures.
  • Q: Which days are the caves closed?
    A: Ajanta and Elephanta Caves are closed on Mondays, and Ellora Caves are closed on Tuesdays. We plan your day order around these closures when we tailor your dates.
  • Q: What is the best way to travel between Mumbai and Aurangabad?
    A: Most travellers choose a short domestic flight for comfort and time. A private road transfer or a train can also be arranged.
  • Q: How much walking is involved?
    A: Expect moderate walking, steps and uneven surfaces at Ajanta, Ellora, Elephanta and Daulatabad Fort. Comfortable footwear is strongly recommended.
  • Q: Is six days enough for Ajanta and Ellora?
    A: Yes. Two days in Mumbai and Aurangabad’s caves each need a full day, and the route keeps travel time reasonable. If you want a slower pace, we can add a night in Aurangabad.
  • Q: Is this tour suitable for senior travellers?
    A: Yes. We can slow the pace, allow extra rest stops and arrange more comfortable transport and hotels.
  • Q: Can I extend the tour to other parts of India?
    A: Yes. It combines easily with Rajasthan, the Golden Triangle, Kerala or Goa. Our India travel guide is a good starting point if you are still planning.

Why Choose Premium India Tour – Mumbai, Ajanta & Ellora

  • Jaipur-based travel specialists with local expertise since 2010
  • Private, tailor-made itineraries designed around your dates, pace and interests
  • Experienced local guides who bring cave art, history and architecture to life
  • Carefully selected hotels, reliable private transport and smooth coordination throughout
  • Well suited to culture lovers, photographers, history enthusiasts and first-time visitors to Maharashtra