The Gateway of India is an iconic landmark of Mumbai and an excellent starting point for your Mumbai tour. It was built in 1924 to celebrate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India. From here, you can take a ferry to Elephanta Caves, which is a UNESCO world heritage site and renowned for its rock-cut cave temples. You can also enjoy the street food and souvenir shopping at Colaba Causeway.
Ajanta and Ellora Caves are UNESCO world heritage sites and a must-visit destination in Maharashtra. Ajanta Caves, located near Aurangabad, consist of 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments that date back to the 2nd century BCE. On the other hand, Ellora Caves, also near Aurangabad, is an archaeological site with 34 rock-cut cave temples and monasteries from the 6th to 10th centuries CE, representing Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu faiths. Both the caves are a masterpiece of ancient Indian architecture and sculpture.
If you have extra time in Mumbai, you can visit Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Marine Drive, and Siddhivinayak Temple. In Aurangabad, you can also visit Bibi ka Maqbara, a tomb that resembles the Taj Mahal.
To maximize your fun, start your day early as most sites have fixed opening and closing timings. Drink plenty of water and wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Also, try the local Maharashtrian cuisine, especially Vada Pav, Pav Bhaji, and Misal Pav.
For transportation, you can book a private car or hire a taxi for the day.