India Deccan & Goa Heritage Journey: Caves, Temples, Beaches & Hills 20 days

Day 1: Arrival in Mumbai

Upon arrival at Mumbai Airport, you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred privately to your hotel. After check-in, relax and recover from your journey. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a short walk nearby and experience Mumbai’s vibrant atmosphere, colonial architecture and coastal character.

The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Mumbai Sightseeing

After breakfast, begin a full-day Mumbai city tour with the Gateway of India overlooking the Arabian Sea. Continue by ferry to Elephanta Island and explore the UNESCO-listed Elephanta Caves, known for their impressive rock-cut sculptures.

Return to the city and visit Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, the Prince of Wales Museum and Marine Drive. Continue to Hanging Gardens for panoramic views before returning to the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3: Mumbai – Nashik (170 km / approx. 4 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Nashik, a sacred city on the banks of the Godavari River. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and relax.

Later, explore Panchavati, Ramkund and nearby temples associated with Hindu mythology. Visit local markets and enjoy a peaceful walk along the ghats.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4: Nashik – Aurangabad (200 km / approx. 5 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Aurangabad, the gateway to some of India’s renowned cave heritage. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel.

In the evening, visit Bibi Ka Maqbara, an elegant Mughal monument often known as the “Taj of the Deccan.” Spend the remainder of the evening at leisure.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 5: Aurangabad – Ajanta – Aurangabad (210 km round trip)

After breakfast, proceed for a full-day excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ajanta Caves. These ancient Buddhist caves are renowned for their murals and sculptures depicting Jataka tales.

Explore the monastic halls and prayer chambers carved into a horseshoe-shaped cliff before returning to Aurangabad after sightseeing.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 6: Aurangabad – Ellora – Aurangabad (120 km round trip)

After breakfast, visit the UNESCO-listed Ellora Caves, featuring Hindu, Buddhist and Jain rock-cut architecture. Explore the magnificent Kailasa Temple, carved from a single rock.

Continue to Daulatabad Fort, known for its strategic design and panoramic views. Return to Aurangabad in the evening.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 7: Aurangabad – Nanded (260 km / approx. 6 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Nanded, an important Sikh pilgrimage destination. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel.

Visit Hazur Sahib Gurudwara, one of the most sacred Sikh shrines, and experience its spiritual atmosphere and evening prayers.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 8: Nanded – Hyderabad (260 km / approx. 5–6 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Hyderabad. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel.

In the evening, explore local bazaars including Laad Bazaar, known for bangles and pearls. You may enjoy local cuisine or relax at your hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 9: Hyderabad Sightseeing

After breakfast, begin a full-day Hyderabad city tour. Visit Charminar, Golconda Fort, Salar Jung Museum and Qutb Shahi Tombs.

Explore the city’s historic architecture and cultural heritage before returning to your hotel in the evening.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10: Hyderabad – Gulbarga (280 km / approx. 5–6 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Gulbarga. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel.

Visit Gulbarga Fort and Jama Masjid. The remainder of the day is at leisure for exploring local markets or relaxing.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11: Gulbarga – Hampi (280 km / approx. 6 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Hampi, the ancient capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel.

The evening is free to relax and enjoy the distinctive landscape surrounding this historic destination.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 12: Hampi Sightseeing

After breakfast, enjoy a full-day tour of Hampi. Visit Virupaksha Temple, Hampi Bazaar and Vittala Temple, famous for its stone chariot.

Continue to the royal enclosures, Lotus Mahal and Elephant Stables before returning to your hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 13: Hampi – Badami (180 km / approx. 4 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Badami. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel.

Visit the Badami Cave Temples and the Bhutanatha Temple complex near Agastya Lake. Enjoy the surrounding landscape and sunset views before returning to the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 14: Badami – Aihole – Pattadakal – Badami (140 km round trip)

After breakfast, proceed on an excursion to Aihole and Pattadakal. Explore Aihole’s early temple architecture before continuing to Pattadakal, a UNESCO-listed temple complex known for its architectural heritage.

Return to Badami in the evening.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 15: Badami – Goa (250 km / approx. 6 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Goa through the scenic Western Ghats. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel.

Spend the evening relaxing on the beach and enjoying Goa’s coastal atmosphere.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 16: Goa Sightseeing

After breakfast, explore Old Goa, visiting the Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral. Continue to Shri Mangeshi Temple and the Fontainhas Latin Quarter.

In the evening, you may opt for a Mandovi River cruise. The cruise is optional.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 17: Goa – Chiplun (340 km / approx. 7–8 hrs)

After breakfast, drive along the scenic Konkan coast to Chiplun. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel.

Visit Parshuram Temple and enjoy views of the Vashishti River before relaxing at the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 18: Chiplun – Lonavala (230 km / approx. 5–6 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Lonavala. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel.

Visit Karla and Bhaja Caves, followed by Tiger’s Leap and Bhushi Dam. Enjoy the pleasant hill climate and surrounding scenery.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 19: Lonavala – Mumbai (85 km / approx. 2 hrs)

After breakfast, drive to Mumbai. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel.

Spend the day at leisure for shopping or relaxation. Enjoy a farewell evening before concluding the journey.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 20: Mumbai – Departure

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to the airport for your onward journey, concluding your tour through India’s caves, temples, beaches and hills.