9 Days Mumbai Ajanta Ellora & Goa Tour
Private UNESCO Caves, Heritage & Beach Holiday
Elephanta, Ajanta & Ellora Caves, Daulatabad Fort and Goa’s Beaches on a Private 9-Day Journey Through Western India
This 8-night, 9-day Mumbai Ajanta Ellora and Goa tour brings together three of Western India’s most rewarding experiences: the colonial landmarks of Mumbai, the UNESCO World Heritage cave temples of Ajanta and Ellora, and the palm-fringed beaches of Goa. It is a suggested itinerary that we tailor to your dates, hotels and pace.
Your journey begins in Mumbai, India’s most dynamic city, where the Gateway of India, colonial architecture, busy markets and sea-facing promenades make a lively introduction to modern India. A short boat trip across the harbour takes you to the Elephanta Caves and their great rock-cut Shiva sculptures.
You then travel inland to Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar), the base for the Ajanta and Ellora Caves. Ajanta is famous for Buddhist murals more than 2,000 years old, while Ellora brings Buddhist, Hindu and Jain monuments together, crowned by the Kailasa Temple, carved from a single rock. Daulatabad Fort and the Bibi Ka Maqbara, the “Taj of the Deccan”, add medieval and Mughal history.
The final chapter unfolds in Goa, where beaches, Portuguese-era churches, the colourful Latin Quarter and relaxed coastal living make a refreshing contrast to the heritage days. With three nights by the sea, this is an easy and well-paced introduction to Western India, ideal for first-time visitors, couples and culture lovers. Ajanta and Elephanta close on Mondays and Ellora on Tuesdays, so we plan your day order around these closures.
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Tour Snapshot – 9 Days Mumbai, Ajanta Ellora & Goa Tour
- Duration: 8 Nights / 9 Days
- Route: Mumbai → Aurangabad (Ajanta & Ellora Caves) → Goa → Mumbai
- Nights: Mumbai 2 • Aurangabad 3 • Goa 3
- Tour Style: Private heritage and beach holiday, tailored to your dates and pace
- Ideal For: First-time visitors to India, heritage enthusiasts, couples and culture seekers
- Experiences: UNESCO cave temples, Elephanta Caves boat trip, Daulatabad Fort, Portuguese churches and Goa beaches
- Travel: Private chauffeur-driven vehicle with guided sightseeing
Key Highlights – Mumbai, Ajanta Ellora & Goa Tour
- Explore Mumbai’s landmarks, including the Gateway of India and Marine Drive
- Take a boat trip to the Elephanta Caves and their rock-cut Shiva sculptures
- Visit the UNESCO-listed Ajanta Caves, with Buddhist paintings more than 2,000 years old
- Discover the Ellora Caves and the monolithic Kailasa Temple
- Climb the medieval hilltop Daulatabad Fort
- See Bibi Ka Maqbara, the “Taj of the Deccan”, and the Panchakki water mill
- Relax on Goa’s beaches, including Calangute, Baga and Miramar, and enjoy Arabian Sea sunsets
- Explore Old Goa’s Portuguese churches and the Latin Quarter in Panaji
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 – 9 Days Mumbai, Ajanta Ellora & Goa Tour
- Day 1: Arrival in Mumbai – On arrival in Mumbai, meet our representative and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or take an easy stroll along Marine Drive, where the Arabian Sea sets the tone for your journey. Overnight in Mumbai.
- Day 2: Mumbai Sightseeing & Elephanta Caves Excursion – After breakfast, take a morning boat trip to the UNESCO-listed Elephanta Caves on Elephanta Island, known for their rock-cut temples and Shiva sculptures. Return to the city by afternoon and continue to Mumbai’s landmarks, including the Gateway of India, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (formerly the Prince of Wales Museum), Dhobi Ghat, Mani Bhavan and the lively Colaba district. Evening at leisure by Marine Drive. Overnight in Mumbai.
- Day 3: Mumbai to Aurangabad – After breakfast, travel inland to Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar). On arrival, visit Bibi Ka Maqbara, often called the “Taj of the Deccan”, and the Panchakki water mill with its medieval underground water channel. The pace slows here, giving you time to absorb the surroundings. Overnight in Aurangabad.
- Day 4: Excursion to Ajanta Caves – After an early breakfast, enjoy a full-day excursion to the UNESCO-listed Ajanta Caves (approx. 105 km each way / 2.5 hrs). Set in a horseshoe-shaped gorge, these rock-cut monasteries hold Buddhist murals that have survived for more than two thousand years. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as the site involves moderate walking and steps. Return to Aurangabad in the evening. Overnight in Aurangabad.
- Day 5: Daulatabad Fort & Ellora Caves – 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 Buddhist, Hindu and Jain monuments stand side by side. The highlight is the Kailasa Temple, a breathtaking example of single-rock architecture. Return to Aurangabad. Overnight in Aurangabad.
- Day 6: Aurangabad to Goa – After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Goa. On arrival, check in to your beach resort and spend the rest of the day at leisure, soaking in Goa’s relaxed coastal atmosphere. Overnight in Goa.
- Day 7: North Goa – Beaches & Coastal Life – After breakfast, explore North Goa’s famous beaches, including Calangute, Baga and Candolim. Visit Fort Aguada and experience the lively yet relaxed coastal culture that defines Goa. Overnight in Goa.
- Day 8: Old Goa & Panaji – Portuguese Heritage – After breakfast, explore Old Goa’s historic churches, including the Basilica of Bom Jesus and the Se Cathedral. Continue to Panaji, with its colourful Fontainhas Latin Quarter, then on to Miramar Beach and Dona Paula for the quieter side of Goa. Overnight in Goa.
- Day 9: Goa to Mumbai – Departure – After breakfast, transfer to Goa airport for your flight to Mumbai and your onward journey. You leave with memories of ancient caves, coastal sunsets and the layered history of Western India.
Please Note: Distances, driving times, sightseeing schedules and flight timings are approximate and may vary with traffic, weather, monument timings, ferry schedules and airline availability. 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, Elephanta and Daulatabad involve moderate walking and steps.
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Inclusions – 9 Days Mumbai, Ajanta Ellora & Goa Tour
- 8 nights’ accommodation in carefully selected 4- and 5-star hotels and resorts in Mumbai, Aurangabad and Goa
- Daily breakfast at all hotels
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with chauffeur for all sightseeing and transfers
- Guided sightseeing in Mumbai, Aurangabad, Ajanta, Ellora and Goa
- Monument entrance fees and permits as per the itinerary
- All toll taxes, parking fees, fuel charges and government taxes
- Airport transfers and assistance throughout the tour
Not Included
- International flights and Indian visa fees
- Domestic flight tickets (Aurangabad to Goa and Goa to Mumbai), unless confirmed in your final quote
- Meals other than breakfast, 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 & Goa Tour
- Upgrade to luxury hotels, heritage properties or premium beachfront resorts in Goa
- Add a private Mumbai heritage walk, food tour or Bollywood experience
- Add extra nights in Goa for a slower beach holiday
- Extend with the Nashik wine region or other cultural stops in Maharashtra
- Prefer a shorter, heritage-only trip? See our 6-day Mumbai Ajanta Ellora tour
- Want Delhi, Agra and Jaipur as well? See our Golden Triangle with Goa tour or browse all Mumbai, Ajanta & Ellora tours
- Adjust the pace and sightseeing to your interests and travel style
Best Time to Travel – Mumbai, Ajanta Ellora & Goa
- November to February: The ideal months for the caves and Goa’s coast, with pleasant days and calm seas for the Elephanta ferry.
- December and January: The busiest months in Goa, with festive celebrations, so book early.
- March to May: Hot around Aurangabad and the caves, so we plan early-morning sightseeing. Goa’s beaches are still enjoyable.
- June to September: The monsoon turns the region green, but rain can slow sightseeing, Elephanta ferries are often suspended and many Goa beach shacks and water sports close.
For a wider view of India’s seasons, see our guide to the best time to visit India.
FAQs – Mumbai, Ajanta Ellora & Goa Tour
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Q: How many nights are spent in each place?
A: Two nights in Mumbai, three in Aurangabad for Ajanta and Ellora, and three in Goa, giving a balance of sightseeing and relaxation. -
Q: Are Ajanta and Ellora both UNESCO World Heritage Sites?
A: Yes. Both cave complexes are UNESCO-listed and rank among India’s most significant cultural 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: Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to India?
A: Yes. It combines city life, world-famous heritage sites and beach relaxation, which makes it an easy introduction to Western India. -
Q: Can I extend my stay in Goa?
A: Yes. We can add extra beach nights to suit your plans and pace. -
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.
Why Choose Premium India Tour – Mumbai, Ajanta Ellora & Goa
- Jaipur-based travel specialists with local expertise since 2010
- Itineraries that balance cultural discovery with leisure time
- Expert local guides at Mumbai, Ajanta, Ellora and Goa for deeper experiences
- Private transport and personalised service throughout the journey
- Flexible customisation around your interests, budget and travel style