TRAVEL PLAN · INDIA
Ajanta and Ellora Caves
We agree the dates and duration for your group.
Mumbai, the cave complexes of Ajanta and Ellora, and the spiritual centres of Maharashtra.
India · The Path to Kailasanatha: Ajanta and Ellora
The journey’s concept
The route links the port city of Mumbai, Nasik’s temple centres and Maharashtra’s cave complexes. Its main stops are Ellora, with the Kailasanatha temple, and Ajanta, with its Buddhist artistic heritage. Stone architecture connects the journey, while active temples reveal how these traditions continue in everyday life.
The cultural itinerary can end in Mumbai or continue in Goa. For a school or community, the coast offers space for its own programme of classes, talks and meetings after the sightseeing days.
THREE REASONS TO CHOOSE THIS ROUTE
What makes this journey special
01
Kailasanatha at Ellora
This monumental temple, carved from rock, deserves time and attention. The programme gives Ellora its own day rather than treating it as a brief stop along the road.
02
Ajanta: a distinctive world of art
Cave interiors, sculpture and paintings reveal the route’s Buddhist heritage. Guided interpretation helps make sense of the monuments and understand how Ajanta differs from Ellora.
03
Living sacred traditions and an ocean extension
Trimbakeshwar and Nasik complement the archaeological sites with living temple traditions. After the cultural itinerary, Goa can be added with a separate schedule for your group.
THE ROUTE
Delhi — Mumbai — Trimbakeshwar — Nashik — Aurangabad — Ajanta — Goa
PLACES AND EXPERIENCES
Proposed itinerary
The stages below outline a possible route rather than a confirmed departure schedule. Duration, transfers and visits are adapted to the chosen period and the group’s interests.
01 · Arrival in Mumbai
Travel to Mumbai via Delhi if required. Meet your local team, transfer and check in. Depending on flight times and the group’s energy, choose an introductory walk or rest; the full city programme follows the next day.
02 · Mumbai and Elephanta Island
Discover the Gateway of India, Marine Drive, Crawford Market and the Flora Fountain area. The Elephanta visit depends on boat services and visiting hours. The city and island offer contrasting perspectives on Mumbai’s heritage.
03 · Trimbakeshwar and Nasik
Drive from Mumbai to Nasik, stopping at Trimbakeshwar. Learn about the Shiva temple and the site’s importance in pilgrimage traditions. Check in at Nasik after the journey; access conditions for active sacred sites are checked in advance.
04 · Nasik and its surroundings
The focus is Kalaram Temple and the area’s religious landscape. A visit to Gorakhnath Gufa on Brahmagiri is considered according to the group’s preparation and access conditions. The amount of walking is discussed before departure.
05 · Ellora and Kailasanatha
Travel to Aurangabad and visit Ellora. The focus is the Kailasanatha temple and the different traditions represented in the cave complex. Travel and sightseeing times are planned around the site’s opening hours.
06 · Ajanta Caves
Make a dedicated excursion to Ajanta. Explore the cave halls, images and artistic heritage, with a guide connecting the details to Buddhist narratives. Return to Aurangabad after the visit, with time to rest.
07 · Aurangabad and the final cultural visits
Depending on the agreed programme, visit Bibi Ka Maqbara, Daulatabad Fort or other local sites before returning to Mumbai. The choice of visits depends on onward connections. Allow a suitable margin for any additional flight to Goa.
08 · Optional extension. Goa for your group
A separate coastal stay can follow the cultural route, with time for relaxation, yoga, workshops and meetings. Its duration, practice venue and facilitator are agreed separately from the sightseeing programme.
Practical notes and preparation
- The cultural route and Goa extension are quoted as agreed components of one journey.
- We check the schedules of Ajanta, Ellora, island boat services and active temples before confirming dates.
- The route includes road transfers and walks through large complexes, with steps and exposed outdoor areas in places.
- Domestic flights and sightseeing days are coordinated in advance so that travel days are not overloaded with promised visits.
How to clarify travel arrangements
Agree the programme content
Accommodation, meals, transport, excursions, guiding, group activities and additional visits are specified in an offer for your enquiry. The items in this description are not a list of services already paid for.
Prepare a tailored quote
The price depends on group size, timing, logistics and service level. Before booking, we confirm included services, additional costs and participation terms. You may enquire for your own group or about joining another one.
CHOOSE YOUR PROGRAMME AND YOUR TIMING
This route can be arranged for your group
The calendar page presents a possible journey. The programme overview lets you explore the route independently of dates. Tell us your group size, preferred period and interests so we can prepare a suitable option.
Before you enquire
Can I join as an individual?
Yes, you can enquire about joining. Our team will check for a suitable group and confirmed arrangements. An enquiry alone does not reserve a place.
Can the dates and route be changed?
Yes. For your own group, we can discuss another period, duration and selection of visits. Feasibility depends on the season, logistics and local providers’ rules.
Are facilitators and special meetings confirmed?
Guides, programme authors, private meetings and special visits are confirmed in the individual offer. A programme’s historic name or theme does not guarantee a particular person’s participation.