India · Private & Tailored Tour

Caves, Vineyards & Godavari Corridor

Aurangabad · Ajanta · Ellora · Grishneshwar · Nashik (Trimbakeshwar)

Duration

3 Nights / 4 Days

Destinations

Aurangabad, Ajanta, Ellora, Grishneshwar, Nashik (Trimbakeshwar)

Travel Style

Private & Tailored Tour

Covering

1 Country · 5 Cities

Overview

Caves, Vineyards & Godavari Corridor

Bridge the ancient rock-cut art of the Deccan plateau with the sacred river ghats and rolling vineyards of Nashik on this dynamic four-day regional journey. Beginning in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), explore the medieval hill citadel of Daulatabad Fort and the Mughal elegance of Bibi Ka Maqbara before spending a dedicated day in the Waghora River gorge discovering the Buddhist chaityas and classical narrative wall murals of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ajanta Caves.

The route continues to the multi-faith rock sanctuaries of Ellora to admire the monolithic wonder of Cave 16 (Kailasa Temple) and pay homage at the sacred Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga. Journeying west toward the Sahyadri ranges via high-speed highway corridors, enter Nashik—India’s premier wine capital and sacred temple town along the Godavari River. Conclude the itinerary with a blend of cultural and leisure experiences: a private vineyard tour with wine tasting, sacred Darshan at the Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga, and visits to Ramayana heritage sites across Panchavati before final departure toward Mumbai or Nashik Road.

Highlights

What You Will Experience

  • Ajanta Buddhist Masterpieces: Tour 30 rock-cut caves featuring classical Jataka tempera murals, ancient chaitya halls, and the colossal Reclining Buddha.
  • Ajanta Gorge Panorama: Take in panoramic vistas of the horseshoe-shaped Waghora river canyon from the clifftop viewpoint.
  • Ellora Monolith Splendour: Stand before Cave 16 (Kailasa Temple), carved top-down from a single volcanic basalt mass.
  • Dual Jyotirlinga Pilgrimage: Seek blessings at two of India’s twelve sacred Jyotirlingas—Grishneshwar in Ellora and Trimbakeshwar in Nashik.
  • Daulatabad Hill Bastion: Climb the medieval fortress ramparts, inspect the defensive moat, Chand Minar, and navigate the pitch-black Andhari passage.
  • Vineyard Walk & Wine Tasting: Stroll through scenic vineyard estates in Nashik, visit oak-barrel cellars, and sample estate-bottled wines.
  • Nashik Ramayana Heritage: Walk the sacred riverbanks of Ram Kund, Sita Gufa, and Kalaram Temple in Panchavati.

The Route

Your Journey

Aurangabad · Ajanta · Ellora · Grishneshwar · Nashik (Trimbakeshwar)

Itinerary

Day by Day

Day 01 – Arrival, Fort Exploration & City Landmarks

Arrive in the morning at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) Airport or Railway Station, where you will be met by our representative and escorted to your vehicle.

Complete hotel check-in formalities and freshen up.

In the afternoon, head to the medieval hill fortress of Daulatabad Fort (Devagiri); inspect its outer defenses, the 14th-century Chand Minar, and navigate the maze-like Andhari passage.

Return to the city for a late-afternoon visit to Bibi Ka Maqbara, the 17th-century Mughal mausoleum known as the “Taj of the Deccan”.

Visit a certified handloom center to observe master artisans producing authentic Himroo fabrics and Paithani silk.

Spend the evening at leisure.

Overnight: Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad)
Meals: As per plan

Following breakfast at the hotel, depart for the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ajanta Caves (approx. 105 km / 2.5 hours).

Board the eco-friendly shuttle bus from the transport depot to the entrance along the Waghora River gorge.

Spend the day exploring the caves:

Study the classic mural paintings depicting Jataka tales inside Caves 1 and 2.

Walk through the early Hinayana chaityas in Caves 9 and 10.

Admire the sculptured pillars and the 26-foot Reclining Buddha in Cave 26.

Stop at the Ajanta Viewpoint across the gorge for wide panoramic views of the entire cliff crescent.

Drive back to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) in the late afternoon.

Spend the evening relaxing at your hotel.

(Note: Ajanta Caves remain closed on Mondays.)

Overnight: Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad)
Meals: As per plan

Following breakfast, check out from the hotel.

Drive to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ellora Caves (approx. 30 km / 45 minutes).

Explore the architectural centerpiece Cave 16 (Kailasa Temple), carved from a single basalt mass, alongside neighboring Buddhist and Jain shrines.

Visit the adjacent Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, the revered 12th Shiva Jyotirlinga.

Depart by road for Nashik (approx. 180 km / 3.5 to 4 hours).

Upon arrival in Nashik, check in to your hotel.

In the late afternoon, visit a premier estate vineyard (such as Sula Vineyards or York Winery) for an informative guided walking tour through the vineyards, winery tanks, and barrel cellar, followed by a curated wine-tasting session.

Evening free to relax or explore Nashik’s waterfront cafes.

(Note: Ellora Caves remain closed on Tuesdays.)

Overnight: Nashik
Meals: As per plan

Early morning drive to Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga Temple (approx. 30 km / 45 minutes) nestled at the base of the Brahmagiri Mountain, sacred source of the Godavari River.

Complete special Darshan of the unique three-faced linga representing Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva.

Return to Nashik city to visit the historic Panchavati area: explore the sacred Kalaram Temple, Sita Gufa, and Ram Kund ghats along the Godavari River.

Complete hotel check-out formalities.

In the afternoon, proceed for your final transit:

Transfer to Nashik Road Railway Station / Ozar Airport for onward train/flight connections, OR

Board your private vehicle for a comfortable drive back to Mumbai via the Kasara Ghats (approx. 165 km / 3.5 to 4 hours) with drop-off at Mumbai Airport or residence.

Meals: As per plan

Stays & Travel

Accommodation & Transport

Where You Stay

  • Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) – 2 nights
  • Nashik – 1 night

Your Tour

What Is Included

Included

  • Assistance & Transfers: Meeting and assistance upon arrival in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) and departure transfer at Nashik or Mumbai.
  • Accommodation: Accommodation in verified hotels on a double-sharing basis for 03 nights (02 Nights in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, 01 Night in Nashik).
  • Taxes & Policies: Applicable government hotel taxes, with standard check-in at 14:00 hrs and check-out at 12:00 hrs.
  • Guide Services: English/Hindi-speaking approved local guide during monument sightseeing at Ajanta, Ellora, and Daulatabad Fort.
  • Monument Entries: Single-entry monument entrance tickets to Bibi Ka Maqbara, Daulatabad Fort, Ajanta Caves, and Ellora Caves.
  • Private Transport: Transportation by private air-conditioned vehicle as per group size:
    02 Pax: AC Sedan (Maruti Dzire / Honda Amaze)
    03–05 Pax: AC SUV (Toyota Innova / Crysta)
    06–12 Pax: AC Tempo Traveller
  • Logistics & Road Expenses: Driver allowances, toll fees, parking charges, and fuel charges.
  • Special Transit: Shuttle bus transit between the Ajanta parking depot and the cave gates.

Not Included

  • GST (5%) and any newly applicable government taxes.
  • Airfare, rail fare, travel insurance, or emergency medical expenses.
  • Winery cellar tour and wine-tasting charges at Nashik (payable directly at the vineyard).
  • VIP / Special Darshan entry tickets at Grishneshwar or Trimbakeshwar.
  • Early check-in and late check-out at hotels.
  • Video camera and professional photography fees at monuments.
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, room service, alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages, and tips.
  • Any additional sightseeing, detour, or meal not specified under the itinerary.
  • Expenses resulting from unforeseen flight/train delays, strikes, road closures, or natural calamities.

Before You Go

Good to Know

Essential Information

Starts from: Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) | End: Nashik (or Mumbai)

Booking Terms

Cancellation Policy

  • Cancellation requests must be submitted in writing.
  • Cancellation charges apply according to the terms of hotels, transport operators, and local service providers.
  • Advance token payments and non-refundable hotel allocations are non-refundable.
  • No refund will be granted for missed visits, unavailed services, or voluntary cancellations after tour commencement.
  • Additional expenses caused by itinerary amendments requested by the guest will be billed directly.
  • The prevailing cancellation policy applicable at the time of final confirmation will apply.

Our standard booking terms and website disclaimer: Terms & Conditions.

Tailor This Journey

Plan Your Caves, Vineyards & Godavari Corridor Holiday

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