Itinerary

A week-long adventure in Bombay (Mumbai), Ajanta, and Ellora sounds fantastic! Let’s dive into an exciting itinerary that balances culture, history, and a bit of relaxation. Here’s a day-by-day plan for your trip:

## Day 1: Arrival in Mumbai

Morning:

• Fly from Chennai to Mumbai. The flight is about 1.5 hours, so you’ll be in the city before you know it!
• Check into your hotel. I recommend staying in South Mumbai for easy access to many attractions.

Afternoon:

• Head to Gateway of India. Take some photos and soak in the view of the Arabian Sea.
• Enjoy lunch at a nearby café, like Cafe Leopold or Cafe Madras for some local flavors.

Evening:

• Stroll along Marine Drive and enjoy the sunset. It’s a beautiful promenade!
• Dinner at Bademiya for some delicious kebabs or K Rustom’s for their famous ice cream sandwiches.

## Day 2: Explore Mumbai

Morning:

• Visit the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST) and marvel at its stunning architecture.
• Head to the Prince of Wales Museum (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya) to explore Indian art and history.

Afternoon:

• Lunch at Britannia & Co. for some Parsi cuisine.
• Visit Dhobi Ghat, the world’s largest outdoor laundry, for a unique cultural experience.

Evening:

• Explore Colaba Causeway for shopping and local street food.
• Dinner at The Table for a fine dining experience or Gajalee for seafood.

## Day 3: More of Mumbai

Morning:

• Take a ferry to Elephanta Caves. Explore the ancient rock-cut temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Afternoon:

• Return to Mumbai and have lunch at Cafe Irani Chai.
• Visit Haji Ali Dargah, a beautiful mosque located on an islet.

Evening:

• Head to Juhu Beach for some evening snacks like bhel puri and pav bhaji.
• Enjoy dinner at Shivaji Park area, where you can find many local eateries.

## Day 4: Travel to Ajanta

Morning:

• Early breakfast and then take a train or hire a car to Ajanta Caves (approximately 6-7 hours).
• Check into a hotel near Ajanta.

Afternoon:

• Visit the Ajanta Caves. These rock-cut caves are famous for their stunning frescoes and sculptures. Don’t miss Cave 1 and Cave 2!

Evening:

• Return to your hotel and relax.
• Dinner at your hotel or a local restaurant.

## Day 5: Explore Ellora

Morning:

• After breakfast, head to Ellora Caves (about 1.5 hours from Ajanta).
• Explore the magnificent caves, especially the Kailasa Temple (Cave 16), which is a marvel of engineering.

Afternoon:

• Have lunch at a local eatery near Ellora.
• Visit the Ellora Village and explore the local culture.

Evening:

• Return to your hotel in Ajanta or head back to Aurangabad for the night.
• Dinner at a local restaurant.

## Day 6: Return to Mumbai

Morning:

• After breakfast, travel back to Mumbai (6-7 hours).
• Check into your hotel.

Afternoon:

• Have lunch at Pancham Puriwala for some delicious puris.
• Visit Chowpatty Beach for a relaxed afternoon.

Evening:

• Explore Bandra Bandstand and take a walk along the promenade.
• Dinner at Pali Village Cafe or Bistro Grill.

## Day 7: Last Day in Mumbai

Morning:

• Visit Sanjay Gandhi National Park and take a short trek to Kanheri Caves.

Afternoon:

• Have lunch at a local dhaba or café.
• Spend your last afternoon shopping at Phoenix Marketcity or High Street Phoenix.

Evening:

• Enjoy a farewell dinner at The Bombay Canteen or Masala Library for a memorable culinary experience.
• Head to the airport for your flight back to Chennai.

Tips:

• Make sure to check the timings for the caves and plan your visits accordingly.
• Keep hydrated and wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking!
• Don’t forget to try local street food; it’s a must in Mumbai!

I hope this itinerary helps you have an unforgettable trip! Enjoy your adventure! 🌏✈️