Mangalore

Fly to Aurangabad to explore India’s most extraordinary cave temples carved out of sheer rock—the caves of Ajanta, where Buddhist monks once lived, and the Ellora Caves, which three different religious groups occupied.

Special Note: Any guests travelling with Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines should read further below for airline stipulations with regards to bringing this equipment on tour.

Due to the amount of walking, at times on uneven surfaces, this program is not recommended for anyone with walking difficulty or if a cane, walker or wheelchair are used.

Day 1 – April 18, 2024

After disembarking the ship in Mangalore, you will transfer to the airport for a flight to Mumbai and then onto a connecting Air India flight to Aurangabad. A box lunch will be provided at the airport in Mumbai.

Upon arrival in Aurangabad, transfer to your hotel where the remainder of the evening is at your leisure. Dinner will be provided at the hotel.

Day 2 – April 19, 2024

After breakfast, drive into the countryside towards the Ajanta Caves. In the early 19th Century, a group of British officers accidentally came upon these caves, which were buried under debris and screened by foliage. The first of these caves was hollowed out from the site of the cliff in the 2nd century B.C.

Strung out in a sweeping horseshoe shape in an inner fold of the hills, the caves were a secluded retreat for Buddhist monastic orders and yet offered easy access to the trade routes that swung past here to the coast. With little more than hammers and chisels, the monks painstakingly and slowly created underground shrines, chapels and monasteries, where they lived, taught and carried out ritual performances. The 30 caves of Ajanta, some unfinished, span a period of 800 years and contain numerous images of the Buddha.

A packed lunch prepared by your hotel is served before returning to the hotel.

In the afternoon visit the revered Bibi Ka Maqbara tomb, known as the Black Taj because it is so similar to the Taj Mahal in Agra. Also visit a Himroo weaving workshop, where fine shawls, sarees and textiles are produced. Himroo merchandise was originally woven with pure gold and silver threads for royal families.

The evening is at leisure with an option to revisit the Aurangabad town.

Dinner is included at your hotel

Day 3– Tuesday, April 20, 2024

After breakfast at your hotel, you drive into the picturesque hills to the north and visit the Ellora Caves. This magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site contains 34 Hindu, Jain and Buddhist caves cut into volcanic lava cliffs.

The once-abandoned, more than 2,000-year-old caves lie near an ancient trade route and are believed to be the work of priests and craftsmen who used the route. The carvings, ornamentation and frescoes inside tell the stories of how these three religions evolved.

The most marvelous cave temple is Kailash. The world’s largest monolithic sculpture, it was sculpted out of a rock by 7,000 laborers over a 150-year period. The story of its construction is inscribed on the copper plate grant of King Krishna I, under whose patronage the temple was carved. Architecturally and sculpturally, art historians consider this to be the finest cave temple in the world.

Following your exploration of the Ellora Caves, you will return to the hotel for lunch.

Later, transfer to the airport for a flight to Mumbai. At the airport receive your boarding passes and proceed through security. Refreshments will be served onboard.

Upon arrival in Mumbai, transfer to the pier to reboard your ship.

Note on walking and steps:

Ajanta Caves are carved into the side of a hill range. From the bottom, it takes 105 steps to get to the top which is typically an easy climb for anyone without walking difficulty. Once at the top, there is a gradual walk from one cave to the next. For guests with difficulties, our local operator can arrange Palanquins (a conveyance usually for one person that consists of an enclosed litter borne on the shoulders of men by means of poles) up and down as well as from one cave to the next, if necessary.

Ellora Caves are on ground level over a spread-out area. Battery buses shuttle between caves. The only place where a climb is encountered is at the Kailash Temple where there are easy steps however once again those with walking difficulties can be carried up and down.

Land Program Step by Step:

Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. This program is subject to flight confirmations which are beyond our control. All program details including timings and any flights indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Direct flights are never guaranteed. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.

Day 1 - times are subject to change based on actual flight details once confirmed. Below is a sample itinerary

9:00am The ship is scheduled to arrive in Mangalore

9:30am After clearing immigration and custom formalities, transfer to the airport for a flight to Mumbai.

10:00am Arrive at the airport, receive boarding passes and proceed through security.

11:40 amFlight departs for Mangalore (flight details TBA and subject to change)

Refreshments served aloft

1:15 pm Arrive in Mumbai and connect to a flight to Aurangabad (flight details TBA and subject to change)

Lunch box is served at Mumbai airport.

5:00pm Arrive in Mumbai and transfer to your hotel

3:40pm Flight departs Mumbai

4:45pm Arrive Aurangabad and transfer to your hotel

5:45pm Arrive at the hotel and check-in

From 7:30pm Dinner at the hotel

Overnight at the Taj Vivanta Aurangabad or similar hotel

Day 2

From 6:00am Breakfast at your hotel

7:30am Drive to visit the Ajanta Caves

10:00am Arrive and visit the Caves

12:30pm Packed lunch is served before returning to Aurangabad

4:00pm Arrive and proceed on a sightseeing of Aurangabad city including Bibi-ka-Maqbara (the Black Taj and the Himroo Weaving workshop

6:00pm Return to the hotel

From 7:30pmDinner at your hotel

Overnight at the Taj Vivanta Aurangabad or similar hotel

Day 3

From 7:00am Breakfast at your hotel

9:00am Proceed to visit the Ellora Caves

10:00am Proceed to visit the Ellora Caves

1:00pm Return to your hotel for lunch

3:15pm Transfer to the airport for a to Mumbai (subject to change)

3:45pm Arrive at the airport, receive boarding passes and proceed through security

5:20pm Flight departs for Mumbai (flight details TBA and subject to change)

6:10pm Arrive in Mumbai and transfer to the pier

7:30pm Arrive at the pier and reboard the ship

Expected Weather:

Days are sunny and hot with temperatures between 25 to 35°C (77 to 95°F).

What to Bring:

Casual wear for the day. Sun block, hat, shades and comfortable walking shoes are important.

At the Caves, it is customary to remove your footwear before entering.

Currency:

US Dollars are widely accepted.

Electricity:

220 – 240 volts. Hotel rooms are equipped with converters however we recommend brining your own international travel adaptor for electric devices just in case.

Luggage:

Light luggage would be most suited for this trip.

A maximum of 1 checked suitcase per person is permitted free of charge (15 kg or 33 lbs) and one carry-on (7 kg or 15 lbs). Anything over this allowance will be subject to fees imposed by the airline and payable by guests at check in for each flight.

Airline & type of aircraft (subject to change):

Indigo Airlines – Airbus A320 – All Economy (upgrades not available)

Air India – Airbus A319 – All Economy (upgrades not available)

Carriage of Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POC) or CPAP breathing machines on internal flights per airline regulations (subject to change as each airline has their own regulations)

1. Guests must obtain a Doctor’s Certificate mentioning their medical condition and the need to carry this equipment with them on their flights.

2. The certificate should have attached a picture of the equipment with its description/specifications especially with regards to the type of batteries used (lithium/dry or any other type)

3. These documents need to be sent to the Land Program Team via the Reservations Team at least one month prior to travel so that our local operator can begin the notification process with the airline(s).

4. Failure to comply with the above regulations may result in a denial of this equipment at the airport for which the cruise line nor our local ground operator be responsible for.

Although not recommended, guests brining a scooter will need to advise our Reservations team in advance. Specific details regarding the scooter will be required (as advised to us by the Indian airlines) including model, model number, a photo, maximum speed, ground clearance, turning radius, overall length & width of the base, seat type, weight, battery weight, battery requirements, maximum range per charge, battery charger information, battery type (detachable or not), maximum weight capacity, color.

Documents and Visa Requirements:

A passport that is valid at least 6 months after travel is required as well as an Indian Visa

Please check with your local embassy for any special visa requirements for your nationality

VERY IMPORTANT – The name on your cruise booking, passport and any visas if required, must all be exactly the same for flight ticket purchase for this program otherwise guests may be denied travel by flight. Please ensure that all documents are identical in spelling to the names provided for your cruise reservation including first, middle and last name. Manifests generated by the cruise line must match your travel documents.

Failure to have the required documents ahead of time or incorrect names on flight tickets will result in either denial of travel or ticket re-purchase and guests will be responsible for any fees incurred.

Accommodation:

Taj Vivanta Aurangabad

8 N 12, CIDCO, Dr. Rafiq Zakaria Marg, Rauza Bagh, Aurangabad, Maharashtra - 431003

Phone: +91 240 6613737

*We will only substitute a hotel in unforeseen situations. If a hotel is substituted, it will be similar and with equal ratings and standards and guests will be notified in advance. If guests are not notified of any changes before departure, then the hotel listed in this program will be used.

Program Includes:

•2 nights at the Taj Vivanta in a Deluxe Delight Room

•All meals with dinner and lunch inclusive of house wines, beer, mineral water, sodas

•Packed lunch during the excursion to Ajanta Caves

•Transfers and sightseeing as indicated in the itinerary using an air-conditioned deluxe bus

•Unlimited mineral water will be provided in the bus at all times

•Economy class flights between Mangalore, Aurangabad and Mumbai (direct flights not guaranteed)

•Entrance fees and camera charges at the monuments

•Accompanying local Tour Manager throughout the program

Not Included:

•Gratuities to drives, guides and tour manager

•Indian Visa fee

•Any meals or beverages not listed in the itinerary

•Hotel incidentals including mini bar and room service

•Excess or overweight luggage fees

Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.

All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations.

Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 60 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.