Mumbai contrasts + cave temples of Ellora and Ajanta

Day 1: Mumbai – City of Contrasts

Meeting at the airport, transfer to the hotel. Hotel rest, breakfast. 9-10:00 with a guide.

On this day in the program:

- Haji Ali Mosque. This grand building is a real Mecca for Muslims living in India. It is located on a small island, which is connected with the coast only by a narrow hiking trail. It looks like a mosque is standing on water.

Mahalakshmi temple, built in honor of the goddess Lakshmi. This is a sacred place for Hindus, thousands of pilgrims come here every day. Many believe that the wishes made here come true. We will also be sure to check that). There is also a beautiful view of the Arabian Sea.

The Ambani House is the most expensive house in the world.

- sightseeing tour of the city:

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation building. In 1884, construction of this architectural object began and was completed in 1893. The building is built in Gothic style, its height is about 77 meters. The main architectural feature is the central dome, which rises to a height of 71.5 m.

Victoria Station (this is the first station in the country and it is still considered one of the most beautiful in the world, but in India it is definitely the most beautiful). It is under the protection of UNESCO; the Cathedral of St. Thomas;

We will visit the gardens and the mountains. Walking will give a lot of joy and pleasure. The view there is amazing, you will get a lot of bright photos to remember.

I'm going to show you Dhobi Ghat, which is an open-air laundry room that still does the old laundry, which is the largest laundry room in India, and it's only done by men. You can't see it anywhere else.

If desired, we can go to the slums of Dharavi, where the film “Slumdog Millionaire” was filmed (a sightseeing tour);

In the evening we will take a walk on Marine Drive.

Overnight in Mumbai (recommended hotel - Hotel Causeway Colaba, any hotel of your choice in the Colaba area).

Day 2: Cave temples of Elefanta Island

Programme of the day:

You will have a walk and photo shoot near the gates of India, the Taj Mahal Hotel. Then we'll go to Elephant Island. A unique place known all over the world for its 7th century stone cave temples, they are decorated with incredible statues. We'll spend most of the day there. There we sail by ferry (the way back there is about 3 hours) and there of course we will walk for several hours.

Upon return, we can walk around the Bandra area where all the most famous Bollywood stars live. We will visit the Church of Mary on the mountain, it has a long and interesting history. Three times it was rebuilt, the first building refers to 1570, but the third is already 1761.

We can stop for lunch in the cafe Leopold (this is what we are talking about in the book Shantaram).

After dinner, transfer to the railway station. We take the train to Aurangabad.

Day 3: Cave Temples of Ellora: Kailash - the abode of the god Shiva

We arrive early in the morning in Aurangabad (5-6 hours). A meeting by a driver and departure to the village of Ellora (about 1 hour journey), near which there are famous caves scattered on the hills.

We spend most of the day in the caves, exploring the sculptures, cave temples and surrounding nature. In the largest cave is the Kailash temple - the most magnificent creation of ancient masters, making an impression on everyone who visited it. The construction of the great Kailas temple (also known as Kailas or Kailasanatha temple) is shrouded in mystery. The sculptors started from the top of the rock and completely carved out the building. This is incredible considering the fact that this architectural work was built over 1,300 years ago. Amazing structure in height as a modern five-story building, and in width as a football field.

If possible and if there is time, on the way back to Aurangabad stop at Fort Daulatabad.

Tonight, dinner and rest.

Night at a hotel in Aurangabad (recommended hotel is Click Hotel Aurangabad or any hotel of your choice).

Day 4: Cave temples of Ajanta - the book of being in frescoes.

After breakfast, drive to the complex of Buddhist caves of Ajanta (about 2 hours drive). This is one of the most interesting Buddhist places in India with many different Buddhas and remains of magnificent ancient frescoes. Some scholars call the wall painting of the caves of Ajanta an encyclopedia of the life of the entire Indian society. The painting, created many centuries ago as a mysterious book of existence, tells that everything in the world is interconnected: people, gods, animals, sky and earth.

Ajanta is a temple complex in a cliff, which has about 30 caves. All these caves are rooms that are divided into two types: chaityi and vihara.

We'll spend a few hours in Ajanta.

After dinner, transfer to the railway station. We return by train to Mumbai.

Day 5: Transfer

Driver meeting, transfer to a hotel or airport in Mumbai.

Please note that the cost of the tour is indicated for a group of 1-2 people, regardless of the number of participants!!!

• Meeting at a hotel (or airport) in Mumbai
• Russian-speaking guide and driver services
• Moving between cities, including toll roads
• Entrance tickets for attractions
• Transfer by ferry to Elephant Island and back
• Train tickets from Mumbai to Aurangabad and back
• Transfer to a hotel or airport in Mumbai after the tour ends

The price does not include:

• hotel
• nutrition
• personalization
• tip