Mumbai to Aurangabad by Train Heritage Tour

Mumbai, India
Duration3 days
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

Discover the cultural treasures of Aurangabad on a seamless journey from Mumbai by comfortable air-conditioned train. Travel through the scenic landscapes of Maharashtra while enjoying an authentic Indian rail experience. Explore the world-famous Ajanta Caves, renowned for their ancient Buddhist paintings and rock-cut architecture set in a serene valley. Continue to the remarkable Ellora Caves, showcasing an extraordinary blend of Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain temples, including the iconic Kailasa Temple carved from a single rock. The journey also includes visits to historic landmarks such as Bibi Ka Maqbara, Daulatabad Fort, and Grishneshwar Temple, offering deeper insights into the region’s heritage. Perfect for culture enthusiasts, this tour combines guided sightseeing, rich history, and immersive experiences into one unforgettable journey.

Options

Price with 5-Star Hotels

Accommodation in 5-star hotels: + Private car with driver + Private local guides + Entrance fees and activity charges as mentioned in the itinerary.
Pickup included

Price With 3 Star Hotels

Stay in 3 star hotels: + Private Car with Driver + Private Guides + Entrance & activities charges mentioned in the itinerary.
Pickup included

Price with 4-Star Hotels

Accommodation in 4-star hotels: + Private car with driver + Private local guides + Entrance fees and activity charges as mentioned in the itinerary.
Pickup included

Tour Price without Hotels

Private car with driver: + Private local guides + Entrance fees and activity charges as mentioned in the itinerary.
Pickup included

What's included

  • Monument entrance fees as per itinerary.
  • English-speaking guide for 2 days (Ajanta Caves & Ellora Caves).
  • Train tickets (Mumbai–Aurangabad–Mumbai): AC CC (3 star) / AC EC (4 star & 5 star).
  • Private air-conditioned transfers in Mumbai (hotel ↔ railway station).
  • Breakfast
  • Bottled water during transfers and sightseeing.
  • All applicable taxes.
  • Accommodation with daily breakfast (if selected).
  • Private air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers and sightseeing in Aurangabad.
  • Camera/video charges at monuments, if applicable.
  • Expenses of a personal nature such as liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, internet, etc.
  • Gratuities and optional activities.
  • Anything not specifically mentioned under “Price Includes.”

What to expect

Day 1: Mumbai to Aurangabad by Train | Arrival & Leisure
  1. Mumbai
    Pass by
    Your journey begins with a pick-up from your hotel in Mumbai and transfer to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus to board your train to Aurangabad (officially Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar).
    Train Options:
    • Vande Bharat Express (20706) – 13:15 hrs departure / 18:43 hrs arrival
    • Janshatabdi Express (12071) – 12:10 hrs departure / 18:25 hrs arrival
    Enjoy a comfortable air-conditioned journey through Maharashtra’s diverse landscapes, passing through rural villages, farmlands, and rocky Deccan terrain.
  2. Pass by
    Upon arrival, meet your local representative and transfer to your hotel. Check in and relax after the journey.
    In the evening, you may enjoy a short orientation walk or explore nearby markets to experience the local culture and cuisine.
Day 2: Ajanta Caves Excursion | UNESCO Heritage & Buddhist Art (Approx. 100 kms / 2 hrs each way)
  1. Pass by
    After an early breakfast, drive through scenic countryside to the world-renowned Ajanta Caves, nestled in a horseshoe-shaped valley surrounded by lush forested hills.
  2. Ajanta Caves
    4h · Admission ticket included
    On arrival, board the eco-friendly shuttle/battery bus to reach the cave complex. Dating back to the 2nd century BCE, Ajanta is celebrated for its exquisite murals, ancient fresco paintings, and finely detailed rock-cut sculptures.
    With your expert guide, explore key caves such as Cave 1, 2, 16, and 17, known for their vibrant artwork depicting the life of Lord Buddha and stories from the Jataka tales. You will also see monastic halls (viharas) and prayer halls (chaityas) that reflect the spiritual and artistic excellence of ancient India.
    Enjoy ample time to absorb the beauty and historical significance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  3. Pass by
    Later, drive back to Aurangabad. En route, enjoy views of local villages and rural life.
    Evening is free to explore local markets such as Gul Mandi or Nirala Bazaar, ideal for traditional textiles like Paithani sarees and Himroo fabrics
Day 3: Ellora Caves, Daulatabad Fort & Aurangabad City Tour (Approx. 30 kms / 45 mins one way)
  1. Pass by
    After breakfast, proceed for a full-day excursion to the magnificent Ellora Caves, one of India’s most impressive archaeological sites.
  2. Ellora Caves
    4h · Admission ticket included
    Ellora is unique for its harmonious coexistence of Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain rock-cut caves, all carved between the 6th and 10th centuries. Begin your exploration with the awe-inspiring Kailasa Temple, the highlight of the complex. This extraordinary monolithic temple is carved entirely out of a single rock and represents Mount Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva. Your guide will explain the fascinating engineering techniques and the immense effort involved in creating this masterpiece.
    Continue exploring selected Buddhist caves, known for their large prayer halls (chaityas) and monasteries (viharas), followed by Jain caves, admired for their intricate carvings, symmetrical designs, and detailed sculptures depicting spiritual themes.
    En route, visit the sacred Grishneshwar Temple, one of the twelve revered Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. This active pilgrimage site offers insight into local religious traditions and temple architecture.
  3. Daulatabad Fort
    45m · Admission ticket included
    Proceed to the imposing Daulatabad Fort, a strategically built hilltop fortress famous for its advanced defense system, including narrow passageways, hidden traps, and fortified gates. Guests may choose to walk partway up the fort for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and a closer look at its unique architecture.
  4. Bibi Ka Maqbara
    2h · Admission ticket included
    Later, return to Aurangabad and visit Bibi Ka Maqbara, a beautiful Mughal-era monument built in memory of Aurangzeb’s wife, often referred to as the “Mini Taj Mahal” due to its resemblance to the Taj Mahal.
    Continue to Panchakki, an impressive example of medieval engineering where an underground water channel was used to operate a grinding mill for pilgrims.
    If time permits, also visit the Aurangabad Caves, a lesser-visited site offering peaceful surroundings, fine Buddhist carvings, and elevated views over the city.

Meeting and pickup

Pickup details

Pickup will be scheduled according to your train departure time. The exact pickup time will depend on the location of your hotel and will be shared 1 day prior to the tour. After booking, please provide the following details for each passenger for train ticket booking: full name as per passport, gender, date of birth, and citizenship.

Additional information

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
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$638.00 per person
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