Mumbai – Aurangabad – Ajanta Caves – Ellora Caves – Hyderabad – Golconda (optional) – Onward Destination
Mumbai and Hyderabad are two metropolitan cities bestowed with rich Islamic culture. These cities even enshrine several mosques and dargahs of renown. This special tour is dedicated to the rich Islamic roots of these cities and explores the classic mosques during the tour. Adding on to this is the illustrious visit to the world heritage sites including Ajanta and Ellora Caves.
Day 01. Arrive Mumbai (Bombay).Upon arrival in Mumbai, meet Incredible India tour representative for assisted transfer to the hotel for overnight in Mumbai.
Day 02. Mumbai Aurangabad
Begin the morning with a visit to Haji Ali Dargah. (Depending upon low tide, favourable time to visit this dargah) This is the tomb of Muslim Sufi saint Haji who died on the pilgrimage to Mecca and his casket miraculously floated back to this spot. Since then, this is seen with great reverence as an Islamic pilgrimage site. Thousands of pilgrims, especially on Thursdays and Fridays, cross a long causeway into Arabian Sea to visit this mosque and donate the beggars who line the way. At high tide, water covers the causeway and the mosque becomes an island.
After the visit to this Islamic shrine is complete, begin the half day tour of Mumbai visiting Prince of Wales Museum, Mani Bhawan, Dhobi Ghat, Gateway of India & drive through the Crawford Market, Marine Drive & Flora Fountain. Later in the evening, transfer to station and board the train for Aurangabad. Overnight onboard.
Day 03. Aurangabad - Ajanta Caves - Aurangabad
Upon arriving Aurangabad, transfer to the hotel. Later begin a full day excursion to the world heritage sites of Ajanta Caves (110 km - Closed on Mondays). These rock cut caves are ancient specimens of Buddhist heritage. Belonging to the 2nd century BC, these splendid caves host prayer halls and monastic shelters and display splendid wall frescoes created by natural pigments and dyes. Return to Aurangabad for overnight stay.
Day 04. Aurangabad - Ellora Caves - Aurangabad
After breakfast, begin an excursion to Ellora Caves (29 km - Closed on Tuesdays). These are another set of 34 rock cut shrines representing the communion of Buddhist, Hindu & Jain art of the 4th to 9th century period. Though all the caves are greatly bestowed with immense heritage potentials, the most remarkable among them is the Kailash Temple, replicated Lord Shivas celestial abode. Return to Aurangabad for overnight stay.
Day 05. Aurangabad Hyderabad
Day is free at leisure. In the evening, transfer to railway station and board the train for Hyderabad. Overnight onboard.
Day 06. Hyderabad
Arrive Hyderabad in the morning and transfer to the hotel. In the noon, begin the Hyderabad city tour. Visit Charminar, the most iconic and recognizable structure in Hyderabad and Mecca Masjid, one of the oldest mosques in the city and certainly the largest in the country famous for enshrining the relic of Prophet Muhammed’s hair. This makes the mosque a revered Islamic pilgrimage site and also the reason why you are here in Hyderabad. Next in the city tour is a visit to the Salar Jung Museum, a one man collection of rare manuscripts, ancient weapons, costumes & curios. Overnight in Hyderabad.
Day 07. Hyderabad – Onward Destination
Day is free or you can avail an optional tour to Golconda. In the evening, transfer to the airport to board the flight for onward destination.
