5-Day Mumbai and Ajanta-Ellora Caves Exploration Itinerary for September

Day 1: Mumbai Arrival & Sightseeing

Mumbai, India on September 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Pantry

Start your day with a healthy, freshly prepared breakfast in this cozy cafe known for organic and local ingredients.
INR500, 1h0m

9:30am

Gateway of India

Visit the iconic monument overlooking the Arabian Sea, a symbol of Mumbai’s rich colonial history. Arrive early to avoid crowds.
Free, 1h0m

11:00am

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST)

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage railway station, famous for Victorian Gothic architecture, a must-see Mumbai landmark.
Free, 0h45m

12:00pm

Lunch at Britannia & Co. Restaurant

Enjoy classic Parsi dishes like Berry Pulav in this iconic Mumbai eatery open since 1923.
INR1000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Prince of Wales Museum (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya)

Discover history, art, and culture at this well-curated museum with diverse exhibitions.
INR500, 2h0m

4:00pm

Marine Drive Walk

Stroll along the famous promenade with views of the Arabian Sea, perfect for sunset watching.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Table

Indulge in globally inspired dishes at this contemporary, popular Mumbai restaurant known for quality and ambiance.
INR2500, 1h30m
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Day 2: Mumbai Cultural & Markets

Mumbai, India on September 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Madras

Taste traditional South Indian breakfast specialties in this popular and authentic local spot.
INR400, 1h0m

9:30am

Sanjay Gandhi National Park and Kanheri Caves

Spend a morning hiking and exploring ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves nestled within a lush forest park.
INR60, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Aaram Vada Pav

Try Mumbai’s iconic street food, Vada Pav, at this well-known food stall.
INR100, 0h45m

2:00pm

Colaba Causeway Market

Shop for souvenirs, clothes, jewelry, and more in this bustling street market with a lively atmosphere.
Varies, 2h0m

4:30pm

Visit Siddhivinayak Temple

Experience a spiritual visit to one of Mumbai’s most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Trishna

Enjoy fresh seafood delicacies, famous for their Malvani coastal cuisine in an elegant setting.
INR2000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Travel to Aurangabad

Aurangabad, India on September 10, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Light breakfast to prepare for a day of travel.
Included, 0h30m

8:00am

Flight or Train to Aurangabad

Travel from Mumbai to Aurangabad, the gateway to the Ajanta and Ellora Caves (approx 1h flight or 6-7h train).
INR3500, 1h0m (flight)

11:00am

Check-in and Lunch at Hotel

Settle into your Aurangabad accommodation, then enjoy lunch at the hotel or a nearby restaurant offering local Maharashtrian cuisine.
INR800, 1h0m

1:00pm

Aurangabad City Tour (Bibi Ka Maqbara & Panchakki)

Visit the 'Taj of the Deccan', Bibi Ka Maqbara, and the historic water mill Panchakki to get a glimpse of Aurangabad’s heritage.
INR300, 3h0m

5:00pm

Relax at Hotel

Rest and prepare for an early start at the caves tomorrow.
Free, Rest

7:30pm

Dinner at Tandoor Restaurant

Sample North Indian and Mughlai dishes with a warm ambiance to conclude your day.
INR1000, 1h30m
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Day 4: Ajanta Caves Visit

Ajanta, India on September 11, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Eat early to maximize time exploring Ajanta Caves, which open to visitors by 9:00am.
Included, 0h30m

7:00am

Drive to Ajanta Caves

About 2-hour drive from Aurangabad, so starting early ensures you reach close to opening time.
INR1500 (car hire), 2h0m

9:00am

Explore Ajanta Caves

Visit the world-famous UNESCO heritage Buddhist rock-cut caves known for exquisite paintings and sculptures.
INR40, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Ajanta Caves Restaurant

Relax and eat at the onsite restaurant offering simple Indian meals near the caves.
INR600, 1h0m

1:30pm

Return to Aurangabad

Drive back to the city to rest and refresh.
Included, 2h0m

4:00pm

Relax or Spa

Enjoy some downtime or book a spa treatment at your hotel to rejuvenate.
Varies, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Jai Jawan Restaurant

Dine on flavorful Maharashtrian and North Indian dishes at this well-regarded local restaurant.
INR900, 1h30m
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Day 5: Ellora Caves & Departure

Ellora, India on September 12, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a hearty breakfast before your Ellora adventure.
Included, 0h30m

8:00am

Drive to Ellora Caves

About a 1-hour drive from Aurangabad to Ellora Caves, known for larger cave temples from Buddhist, Jain and Hindu traditions.
INR1000 (car hire), 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Ellora Caves

Explore the impressive rock-cut caves and temples including the famous Kailasa temple, the largest monolithic structure in the world.
INR40, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Dhaba Near Ellora

Enjoy authentic Maharashtrian thali at a roadside dhaba offering local flavors near Ellora.
INR500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Return to Aurangabad

Drive back for your onward journey or flight back to Mumbai.
Included, 1h0m

3:30pm

Transfer to Aurangabad Airport or Train Station

Prepare for departure from Aurangabad to Mumbai or next destination.
Varies, Travel time varies
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