Family-Friendly 3-Day Itinerary for Mumbai and Ajanta Ellora

1. Day 1: Gateway of India and Elephanta Caves
   From your hotel, take a 30-minute taxi ride to the Gateway of India. Enjoy a boat ride to the Elephanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These are rock-cut cave temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, showcasing exquisite sculptures and carvings dating back to the 5th century AD.
   After the visit, head back to the Gateway of India to explore the iconic monument which was built during the British colonial era and offers a spectacular view of the Arabian Sea. Wander through the street vendors and food stalls in the nearby Colaba Causeway area.
2. Day 2: Ajanta Caves and Bibi Ka Maqbara
   Take an early 7-hour train ride from Mumbai to Aurangabad to reach Ajanta Caves – an ancient Buddhist cave complex, filled with centuries-old murals and frescoes. It takes a minimum of three hours to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
   Next, head to Bibi Ka Maqbara, a tomb constructed by Aurangzeb in memory of his wife. This beautiful structure is famous for its exquisite Mughal architecture and resemblance to the world-renowned, Taj Mahal.
3. Day 3: Ellora Caves and Daulatabad Fort
   From your hotel In Aurangabad, take an early taxi ride to the Ellora Caves, which is another world-famous UNESCO World Heritage Site. The caves mainly hold Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain temples, featuring intricate carvings and sculptures.
   After the visit, drive to the nearby Daulatabad Fort which stands tall as a prominent historical site of the region, featuring a beautiful view of the entire area. Try some delicious local dishes in nearby restaurants to end the day on a high note.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Gateway of India (2 hours, free)
• Elephanta Caves (3 hours, INR 120 per boat ride, INR 30 entry fee)
• Bibi Ka Maqbara (2 hours, INR 25 entry fee)
• Ajanta Caves (3 hours, INR 30 entry fee)
• Ellora Caves (3 hours, INR 30 entry fee)
• Daulatabad Fort (2 hours, INR 100 entry fee)
Total Estimated Costs: INR 305 per person

Useful Tips

If you have more time, Mumbai has several other landmarks such as the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, the Haji Ali Dargah, and Sanjay Gandhi National Park. In Ajanta-Ellora, you can add Aurangabad Caves and Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple to your list. Consider wearing comfortable shoes and clothing as you'll be doing lots of walking and climbing. Please check the weather forecasts before visiting. If you have less time, skip Bibi ka Maqbara and Daulatabad Fort and spend more time at the Ajanta or Ellora Caves.