Arrival in Mumbai
Arrival in Mumbai, where your driver will warmly welcome you at the airport before your transfer to the hotel. The day's program will be determined based on your flight schedule.
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A 3-week journey through Maharashtra and Karnataka, from Mumbai to the Ajanta and Ellora caves, passing through the magnificent temples of Hampi, and finishing on the beaches of Goa. A complete exploration of the architectural and cultural heritage of Western India.
Request a quoteJourney to discover the architectural and cultural treasures of Maharashtra and Karnataka, combining historical sites, ancient temples, and unique cultural experiences.
Arrival in Mumbai, where your driver will warmly welcome you at the airport before your transfer to the hotel. The day's program will be determined based on your flight schedule.
At dawn, dive into the bustle of Sassoon Dock, where fishermen unload their fresh catches in a lively and authentic atmosphere. Continue with British-era landmarks: the Gateway of India, the High Court, and the University. Visit the Prince of Wales Museum, wander through the artistic Kala Ghoda district, and explore the colorful Crawford Market. End the day with a visit to the Gandhi Museum, the Hanging Gardens, and a meeting with the washermen at Dhobi Ghat.
An early departure for Nasik. First stop at Trimbak, with its Shiva temple, Trimbakeshwar. After the visit, there's an option for a late lunch at the Sula vineyards, one of India's most famous wineries. Continue towards the Pandav Leni Caves, ancient Buddhist caves from the 1st century, with their fine sculptures and stupas. Arrival in Nasik in the late afternoon. Don’t miss the chance to witness the evening rituals at the ghats.
In the morning, discover Nasik, a sacred city on the banks of the Godavari River. Stroll along the ghats, where pilgrims bathe and engage in rituals and prayers, followed by a visit to the Kalaram Mandir, the iconic black stone temple. After lunch, depart for Aurangabad. Once you arrive, enjoy the sunset over Bibi Ka Maqbara, known as the "Taj Mahal of the Deccan." This mausoleum, built in memory of Aurangzeb's wife, is inspired by the famous mausoleum in Agra.
Early departure from Aurangabad for the Ellora site, a UNESCO World Heritage site. A day dedicated to exploring this masterpiece of Indian rock art, consisting of 34 sculpted caves: Buddhist monasteries, majestic Hindu temples, including the spectacular Kailasa, and Jain sanctuaries. Each cave reveals a unique spiritual and artistic richness. Return to Aurangabad in the late afternoon.
Early departure from Aurangabad for the Ajanta Caves, another UNESCO World Heritage site. A day spent exploring this exceptional site nestled in a horseshoe-shaped gorge. Admire Indian rock art: Buddhist frescoes depicting the life of Buddha and the Jatakas, sculptures carved into the stone. Return to Aurangabad in the late afternoon.
In the morning, explore some of the Aurangabad Caves, a dozen Buddhist sanctuaries carved into basalt from the 6th and 7th centuries. Admire the delicate sculptures and reliefs inspired by the Jatakas, located on a hill facing east-west. Then depart for Solapur, a simple stop for the night on the way to Bijapur. Arrival in the late evening. Overnight in Solapur.
Early departure for Bijapur, the former capital of the Adil Shahi Sultanate. Arrival in late morning. Discover the Gol Gumbaz, a spectacular mausoleum with its giant dome and its astonishing Whispering Gallery. After lunch, visit the Ibrahim Rauza, a masterpiece of Indo-Islamic architecture, often referred to as the "Taj Mahal of the Deccan" due to its architectural beauty. Overnight in Bijapur.
On the way to Badami, discover the UNESCO sites of Aihole and Pattadakal. Aihole, the birthplace of Hindu architecture, is home to remarkable 6th-century temples, including the Durga Temple. Pattadakal, with its 7th-century temples, combines architectural styles from both northern and southern India, including the famous Virupaksha Temple. Arrival in Badami in the mid-afternoon.
Today, explore the famous rock-cut caves of Badami, dating back to the 6th century, carved into red sandstone cliffs. Visit the Archaeological Museum to learn about the local history, then hike up to Badami Fort, which offers stunning views of the valley and surrounding temples. A full day to immerse yourself in the heritage and beauty of this former capital of the Chalukyas.
This morning, head to one of India's most beautiful archaeological sites: the ruins of Hampi. Arrival in late morning. In the afternoon, explore this legendary site on foot, the stage for great Hindu epics. Before nightfall, stroll down the lively Hampi Bazaar Street, then climb Matanga Hill. From the top, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views and an unforgettable sunset. In the evening, don’t miss the ceremonies at the Virupaksha Temple.
Here is a suggested program: on the first morning, explore the Royal Enclosures, the Lotus Mahal, and the Queen's Bath, then continue to the Vittala Temple, before returning to the village along the river. The next day, at dawn, take a walk along the ghats to observe the rituals of the pilgrims. Cross the river to Anjeyanadri Hill, which, according to legend, is the birthplace of the god Hanuman. At the summit, enjoy spectacular views of the rocky landscapes of Hampi.
Today, head to the state of Goa, specifically the beautiful Mollem National Park region. The journey will be long, but you can enjoy several well-deserved breaks to relax. You'll arrive in the late afternoon, and your endurance will be rewarded: you'll be warmly welcomed in a green oasis, nestled in the heart of a plantation surrounded by forests. A perfect place to fully recharge.
Several options are available to you during these two days near Mollem: explore the Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary, famous for its leopards, elephants, deer, and gaurs, on an early morning or evening jeep safari (subject to permission from the park ranger). You can also visit the spectacular Dudhsagar Falls or enjoy the peaceful, rejuvenating surroundings of your accommodation by participating in gardening activities.
On the way to Panjim, the capital of Goa, an old Portuguese colony and a haven for hippies in the 70s. En route, stop at Old Goa to discover its iconic churches before settling in the picturesque Bairro das Fontainhas, with its rich Portuguese heritage. In the evening, a guided tour will take you through its narrow streets, lined with brightly colored houses, offering a unique atmosphere.
Enjoy a free day in Panjim, the capital with a Lisbon-like charm, featuring colorful houses and small, typical bars and restaurants. You might also want to embark on a cruise to meet dolphins, a unique experience before relaxing in the evening along the peaceful Mandovi River.
Today, head to Benaulim for three days of complete relaxation on its beautiful beach, a true haven of peace. You can also plan an excursion to the hinterland, visiting the old mansions of Figueiredo House in Loutolim and Menezes Braganza House in Chandor, or enjoy lunch at the prestigious Palácio do Deão in Quepem. These stops reveal the richness of Goa's colonial architecture and culture.
This morning, take your time to wake up gently in a paradise-like setting. Enjoy your last moments in Goa with some sunbathing on the beach or a swim in the Arabian Sea, before heading to Goa's airport for a direct flight to Mumbai. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel near the airport. Finally, your last transfer will be according to the schedule of your return flight.
Choose the ideal time to travel with our Weather Calendar.
Designed according to your itinerary stages and based on weather data from the last 3 years (regularly updated), it reliably guides you to select the best travel dates.
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