Cultural Tour of Ajanta Caves and Alappuzha Backwaters

16 days Free CancellationPickup availableInstant confirmationPrivate tourGuided Operated by AGORA VOYAGES (OPC) PRIVATE LIMITED

Why we love it?

The "Ancient Caves with Temple & Backwater" tour spans 16 days, exploring the rich cultural heritage of India through its historic sites and serene landscapes. Participants will visit the renowned Ajanta and Ellora caves, famous for their intricate rock-cut architecture and ancient frescoes, as well as the picturesque backwaters of Alappuzha. This experience is ideal for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, offering a blend of spiritual exploration and natural beauty. Unique to this tour is the combination of ancient temple visits with tranquil backwater experiences, providing a comprehensive view of India's diverse cultural and geographical tapestry.

Inclusions

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Assistance on arrival at the airport.
  • 15 Nights' accommodation (if option selected) in selected price category hotels.
  • Private AC car/van for airport transfers, sightseeing, and excursions as per the program.
  • English speaking tour guide on sightseeing days (local guide in each city), as per the program
  • Monument entrances and activity charges mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Bottled drinking water in the car.
  • Government taxes.

Exclusions

  • Any flight ticket.
  • Camera charges at monuments if any.
  • Meals other than mentioned in inclusions.
  • Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet, etc.
  • Gratuities and optional activities.

Itinerary

Day 1

Mumbai

  • Overnight at hotel

    Overnight at hotel.

  • Breakfast at hotel

    Breakfast at hotel. Excursion to Elephanta Island located 10kms away from the Gateway of India. Motorboats take passengers from Gateway of India to Elephanta Island. These caves house rock cut temples dating back to the 5th century BC.

  • Overnight at hotel

    Overnight at hotel.

Day 3

Mumbai - Aurangabad (flight)

  • Breakfast at hotel

    Breakfast at hotel. As per flight schedule transfer to airport to board flight for Aurangabad.

  • On arrival at airport assistance and transfer to hotel

    On arrival at airport assistance and transfer to hotel.

  • Later city tour of Aurangabad, visit the Aurangabad Caves, which are artificial caves that were dug out of soft rock during the 6th and 7th century. Then, visit the Bibi Ka Maqbara - the burial place of Aurangzeb's first wife. Also visit a small archeological museum nearby.

  • Overnight at hotel

    Overnight at hotel.

Day 4

Aurangabad - Ajanta - Aurangabad (104kms/ 2hrs approx one way)

  • Breakfast at hotel

    Breakfast at hotel.Full day excursion to Ajanta Caves (Monday closed). The Buddhist Caves of Ajanta were discovered by the British officers in 1819 while tiger hunting. Ajanta Caves were first mentioned in the writings of the Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang who visited India between A.D 629 and 645. The Caves at Ajanta are older than those at Ellora , which date from about 200 B.C to 650 A.D. Thirty beautiful Buddhist Caves with mesmerizing sculptures and paintings depicting Buddha's life as well the lives of the Buddha in his previous births. Five of these Caves are Chaityas (Place of worship) while the other twenty-five are Viharas (monasteries). Ajanta Caves are divided in two categories based on two schools of Buddhist thought - Hinayana Caves and Mahayana Caves.

  • Evening back to hotel in Aurangabad for overnight stay

    Evening back to hotel in Aurangabad for overnight stay.

Day 5

Aurangabad - Hyderabad (flight)

  • Breakfast at hotel

    Breakfast at hotel.Excursion to visit the Ellora Caves (Tuesday closed), a UNESCO World Heritage Site from about 200 B.C. to 650 A.D. There are a total of 34 monasteries and temples at Ellora, belonging to the three different religions, namely - Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism.Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines mentioned in the Shiva Purana. The temple is an important pilgrimage site in Shaivism tradition of Hinduism, which considers it as the last or twelfth Jyotirlinga (linga of light).

  • On way back visit Daulatabad Fort one of the most powerful forts of the medieval Deccan. The defence system that made Daulatabad virtually impregnable comprises fortifications with double and even triple rows of massive walls.

  • Later transfer to airport to board flight for Hyderabad

    Later transfer to airport to board flight for Hyderabad.

  • On arrival at Hyderabad airport meet with our office executive assistance and transfer to hotel (hotels check in time 1200hr afternoon, early check in subject to rooms availability). Rest time free for personal activities relax.

  • Overnight at hotel

    Overnight at hotel.

Day 6

Hyderabad

  • Breakfast at hotel, explore this wondrous capital, a 400 year-old metropolitan city teeming with bustling-bazaars and Muslim monuments. Visit to Golconda Fort, Qutub Shahi tombs, Salar Jung Museum, Hussain Sagar, Charminar, Grand Mecca Masjid.

  • Overnight at hotel

    Overnight at hotel.

Day 7

Hyderabad - Chennai (flight)

  • Breakfast at hotel

    Breakfast at hotel. As per flight schedule transfer to airport to board flight for Chennai.

  • On arrival at Chennai airport assistance and transfer to hotel

    On arrival at Chennai airport assistance and transfer to hotel. Later sightseeing of colonial Chennai which includes Churches, Fort, Museum and government buildings. Also visit Marina beach.

  • Overnight at hotel

    Overnight at hotel.

Day 8

Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry (235kms/ 5hrs approx)

  • Breakfast at hotel drive to Pondicherry via visiting Kanchipuram
    & Mahabalipuram Temples. On arrival in Pondicherry check & overnight at hotel.

  • Overnight at hotel

    Overnight at hotel.

Day 9

Pondicherry

  • Breakfast at hotel sightseeing of French colony, churches, Temple and Aurobindo Ashram. Rest time free and easy to relax on the beach.

  • Overnight at hotel

    Overnight at hotel.

Day 10

Pondicherry - Chidambaram - Gangai Konda Cholapuram - Darasuram - Thanjore (185kms/ 4hrs approx)

  • Breakfast at hotel drive to Thanjore via visiting Chidambaram

    Breakfast at hotel drive to Thanjore via visiting Chidambaram - Gangai Konda Cholapuram - Darasuram Temple. On arrival check in & overnight at hotel.

  • Overnight at hotel

    Overnight at hotel.

Day 11

Thanjore - Trichy (60kms/ 1.5hrs approx)

  • Breakfast at hotel visit Brihadeshwara Temple & Thanjore Fort

    Breakfast at hotel visit Brihadeshwara Temple & Thanjore Fort. Drive to Trichy check in at hotel. Later visit Rock Fort Temple & Srirangam Temple.

  • Overnight at hotel

    Overnight at hotel.

Day 12

Trichy - Madurai (140kms/ 3hrs approx)

  • Breakfast at hotel drive to Madurai heck in at hotel

    Breakfast at hotel drive to Madurai heck in at hotel.

  • Later sightseeing of Meenakshi Temple, Tirumalai Nayak Mahal & Vaniyur Mariamman Teppakulam Temple.

  • Overnight at hotel

    Overnight at hotel.

Day 13

Madurai - Periyar (Thekkady) (160kms/ 3hrs approx)

  • Breakfast at hotel drive to Periyar check in at hotel

    Breakfast at hotel drive to Periyar check in at hotel.

  • Late afternoon spice plantation tour and village visit

    Late afternoon spice plantation tour and village visit.

  • Overnight at hotel

    Overnight at hotel.

Day 14

Periyar (Thekkady)

  • Breakfast at hotel explore the park by boat

    Breakfast at hotel explore the park by boat. The special animals in this region include wild elephants, nilgiri langur monkeys, sambar deer, wild bison, and colorful birds.

  • Overnight at hotel

    Overnight at hotel.

Day 15

Thekaddy – Alleppey (135kms/ 3hrs approx)

  • Breakfast at hotel drive to Alleppey

    Breakfast at hotel drive to Alleppey. Board a houseboat from here and glide over the enchanting backwaters of Kerala. Houseboat stay includes lunch & dinner on board.

  • Houseboat stay

    Houseboat stay.

Day 16

Alleppey – Cochin (60kms/ 1.5hrs approx)

  • After breakfast disembark houseboat and drive to Cochin.

  • City tour of Cochin

    City tour of Cochin - one of few places in India that has managed to preserve the remnants of its colonial past with utmost care. Visit Te Chinese fishing nets, St. Francis Church, Santa Cruz Basilica, Jewish Synagogue and the Mattancherry Palace.

  • Later in evening/ night board flight for onward destination

    Later in evening/ night board flight for onward destination.

Please Note

  • Stroller or pram accessible
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not suitable for pets
  • Infants must not sit on laps
  • Hotels used or similar Mumbai x 2 nights
  • 3* - Hotel Suba Palace/ BW Hotel Sahil
  • 4* - Sun-N-Sand Hotel/ Fariyas Hotel
  • 5* - Trident Hotel/ ITC Grand Central Aurangabad x 2 nights
  • 3* - 7 Apple Hotel Aurangabad / Ginger Aurangabad
  • 4* - Ambassador Ajanta / VITS Hotel
  • 5* - WelcomHotel Rama International / Lemon Tree Hotel Hyderabad x 2 nights
  • 3* - Aditya Park/ Lemon Tree Hotel
  • 4* - Lemon Tree Hotel/ Fortune Park Vallabha
  • 5* - ITC Kakatiya, a Luxury Collection/ Trident Hotel Chennai x 1 night
  • 3* - Raj Park/ MGM East Woods
  • 4* - The Raintree/ Accord Metropolitan
  • 5* - ITC Grand Chola/ The Leela Palace Pondicherry x 2 night
  • 3* - Shenbaga Hotel/ Annamalai International
  • 4* - Le Pondy/ The Windflower Resort & Spa
  • 5* - Palais De Mahe/ La Villa Thanjore x 1 night
  • 3* - Grand Gardenia/ Oriental Towers 4* - Le Pondy/ The Windflower Resort & Spa
  • 5* - Svatma Trichy x 1 night
  • 3* - Red Fox Hotel/ Grand Gardenia
  • 4* & 5* - Sangam Hotels/ Ideal River View Resort Madurai x 1 night
  • 3* - Astoria by Sparsa/ Madurai’s Residency
  • 4* - GRT Regency/ Fortune Pandiyan Hotel
  • 5* - Heritage Madurai/ The Gateway Hotel Pasumalai Pariyar (Thekkady) x 2 night
  • 3* - Abad Green Forest/ Hotel Treetop
  • 4* - The Elephant Court/ Cardamom County
  • 5* - Spice village/ Cardamom County Alleppey x 1 night
  • 3* - ATDC Houseboat/ Dream Boats
  • 4* - ATDC Houseboat/ Dream Boats
  • 5* - Xandari Riverscapes/ Lakes & Lagoons/ Spice Route Premium On arrival at Mumbai airport assistance and transfer to hotel

Know Before You Go

  • Public transportation nearby
  • Infant seats available

Cancellation Policy

Fully refundable until 2 days before start

Non-refundable after 2 days before start