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MUMBAI & AURANGABAD (Pre Tour)
2 Nights / 3 Days
Mumbai, formerly Bombay, is the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra. The city proper is the second-most-populous city in the world, with approximately 14 million inhabitants. Along with the neighbouring suburbs of Navi Mumbai and Thane, it forms the world's 4th largest urban agglomeration, with around 19 million people. Mumbai lies on the west coast of India and has a deep natural harbour. As of 2009, Mumbai was named an Alpha World City.

Mumbai is the commercial and entertainment centre of India, generating 5% of India's GDP and accounting for 25% of industrial output, 40% of maritime trade, and 70% of capital transactions to India's economy. Mumbai is home to important financial institutions such as the Reserve Bank of India, the Bombay Stock Exchange, the National Stock Exchange of India and the corporate headquarters of numerous Indian companies and multinational corporations. The city also houses India's Hindi film and television industry, known as Bollywood. Mumbai's business opportunities, as well as its potential to offer a higher standard of living, attract migrants from all over India and, in turn, make the city a potpourri of many communities and cultures.

Aurangabad, commonly used as a base for a visit to the World Heritage Sites of Ajanta and Ellora is seeped in medieval history. Named for Aurangzeb, the last of the great Mughal Emperors, Aurangabad acquired plenty of monuments and a rich culture as its heritage from the middle ages. The one single factor that determined Aurangabad's role in the history of medieval India is its location which was ideal to control both northern and southern regions of the country.
AUGUST 16 MUMBAI-AURANGABAD
 
• City tour of Mumbai.
• Fly to Aurangabad
• Overnight at Aurangabad.
1100 hrs
Pick up from your hotel and proceed for city tour by coach. Half day visit to Gateway of India, Mumbai's principle landmark. This arch of yellow basalt was erected on the waterfront in 1924 to commemorate King George V's visit to this colony in 1911. Drive past the Afghan Church. Secretariat of Maharashtra Government and along the Marine Drive which is fondly known as the 'Queen's Necklace'. Visit Jain temple and Hanging Gardens which offer a splendid view of the city, Chowpatty, Kamala Nehru Park and also Mani Bhavan where Mahatma Gandhi stayed during his visits to Mumbai. Drive past Haji Ali Mosque, a shrine in honour of a Muslim Saint on an island 500 m. out at sea and is linked by a causeway to the mainland. Stop at the 'Dhobi Ghat' where Mumbai's 'dirties' are scrubbed, bashed, dyed and hung out to dry. Watch the local train passing close by on which the city commuters 'hang out like laundry' - a nice photography stop. Continue to the colourful Crawford market and to the Flora fountain in the large bustling square, in the heart of the city.
1600 Hrs
Return back to Airport.
1825 Hrs
Connect flight for Aurangabad.
1925 Hrs
Arriva Aurangabad and transfer to hotel.
 
Overnight stay at Hotel
   
AUGUST 17 IN AURANGABAD
 
• Early breakfast at the hotel.
• Full day visit to Ajanta Caves.
• Overnight at hotel
0700 hrs
Breakfast at the hotel.
0830 hrs
Proceed to Ajanta Caves.

The famous Ajanta caves are situated about 106-kms away from Aurangabad district in the state of Maharashtra. These caves are regarded as a world heritage site and were carved out from the 2nd century BC to 6th century AD. They are placed in a horseshoe shape about 3.5 m away from the village. The river Wagura, a mountain stream flows along the bottom of the ravine. This river falls from a height of 200 ft, thus making a series of waterfalls. The sound of the waterfalls can be heard in the caves also. The intriguing Ajanta Caves are carved out of large rocks and are 30 in number. These caves are dedicated to Lord Buddha. The followers and students of Buddhism resided here to study this religion. They have decorated these caves with the help of their excellent architectural skills and artistic paintings. The carvings and the paintings in the caves depict the life stories of Lord Buddha. Along with this, several types of human and animal figures are also carved out of the rocks.
1800 hrs
Return back to hotel.
 
Overnight stay at Hotel
   
AUGUST 18 AURANGABAD-MUMBAI-HYDERABAD
 
• Time free to relax and pack-up for return journey.
• Early breakfast at the hotel.
• Check-out and half day visit to Ellora Caves.
• Fly to Mumbai.
• Leave Mumbai.
0900 hrs
The cave temples and monasteries at Ellora, excavated out of the vertical face of an escarpment, are 26 kms. north of Aurangabad. Extending in a linear arrangement, the 34 caves contain Buddhist Chaityas, or halls of worship, and Viharas, or monasteries, Hindu and Jian temples. Spanning a period of about 600 years between the 5th and 11th century AD, the earliest excavation here is of the Dhumar Lena (cave 29). The most imposing excavation is, without doubt, that of the magnificent Kailasa Temple (Cave 16) which is the largest singl e monolithic structure in the world. Interestingly, Ellora, unlike the site of Ajanta, was never 'rediscovered'. Known as Verul in ancient times, it has continuously attracted pilgrims through the centuries to the present day. Ellora has been designated as a World Heritage Site, to be preserved as an artistic legacy that will continue to inspire and enrich the lives of generations to come.
1600 Hrs
Leave for airport to connect flight for Mumbai.
1825 Hrs
Connect flight for Mumbal.
1925 Hrs
Arrive Mumbai and connect flight for Hyderabad.
Tour Ends
TOUR COST
   
PAX – Twin sharing basis LAND ARRANGEMENTS
10-14 PayingINR 18848 Per Person
Single room SupplementINR 6581 Per Single
   
Extra Night In Mumbai Hotel Grand Hyatt Single Room Double Room
INR 7606 INR 8298
(Above rate are per room/per night and inclusive of breakfast on fixed menu basis)
   
CITY HOTELS
Aurangabad Taj Residency
   
The tour cost includes:
• Arrival/Departure transfers, sightseeing, excursion as per programme by an air-conditioned MINI coach with services of an English speaking guide for city tour.
• Hotel accommodation twin sharing at the hotels envisaged above or similar in standard room, with breakfast.
• Monument entrance fee wherever applicable.
   
The tour cost does not include:
• No Accommodation in Mumbai.
• Meals (except those specified above).
• Personal expenses like camera fee, laundry, telephone calls, tips,/gratuities , extra at the hotels etc.
• Airfare
• Airport taxes that may be applicable in future.
• Any other services does not specified above.
• Govt. Service tax – currently @ 2.58%. The tax prevailing at the time of billing will be charged.

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