Mumbai (Bombay), Aurangabad and Goa make up the western Golden Triangle. Mumbai is part of India's beautiful west coast that runs down from Gujarat to Kerela. The name Mumbai is derived from the name of the local deity Mumba Devi. The Portugese traders called the port "Bom Baim" or Good Bay and that is how the name Bombay come into being. Recently however, the city's name has reverted to the Marathi Mumbai. The city is the home for over 9 million people and is a melting pot of all cultures. A cosmopolitan and commercial city, it is India's true megapolis.

You will also be able to visit the Elephanta caves. These rock cut caves were excavated in the 7th and 8th centuries. The centrepiece is a massive 18-foot three headed bust of Shiva, repesenting his manifestations as Creator, Preserver and Destroyer. The 30 Buddhist caves at Ajanta are also on the itinerary. Though Buddha forbade images of himself and believed in a religion of denial, his followers did feel the need for a representational form. The frescos and sculptures depict the life and teachings of the Buddha. They are rather sensuous and can startle in their richness.

Goa remained a Portugesec colony for 14 years even afterIndia Independence from Great Britain and was finally liberated in 1961 after which it became a part of sovereign Indai. It lies tucked away snugly between the hills of the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea. It has verdant lush green woods with jackfruit, mango and cashew groves. All this of course gives way to miles of breathtaking sandy beaches. A warm climate and a gentle people add to the languid appeal of this region. Its distinct Portugese influence is discernible in its cuisine, culture and architecture. It all makes for a heady mixture - a potpourri called India.

DAY 1 Arrive Mumbai
Reception at airport upon arrival and transfer to hotel.

DAY 2 Mumbai
Morning - one hour boat ride across Bombay Harbour to Elephanta Island. Afternoon - sightseeing tour of the bustling city of Mumbai including Prince of Wales Museum.

DAY 3 Mumbai-Aurangabad
Morning transfer from hotel to the airport in time to board flight to Aurangabad. Reception upon arrival and transfer from airport to hotel. Morning - sightseeing tour of Aurangabad. Afternoon - excursion to Ellora Caves.

DAY 4 Aurangabad
Full day excursion to Ajanta Caves where you will visit most of the thirty temples carved out of a cliff by Buddhist monks between the 2nd century BC and 7th century AD.

DAY 5 Aurangabad-Mumbai-Goa
Morning transfer from hotel to airport in time to board flight to Mumbai. Thereafter board the connecting flight to Goa. Reception upon arrival and transfer from airport to hotel. Day free for relaxation on the beach.

DAY 6 Goa
Morning - sightseeing tour of old Goa. Visit St. Francis of Assisi Church which is famous for its gilded and carved woodwork as well old murals, depicting scenes from the life of St. Francis. The Basilica of Bom Jesus is famous throughout the Roman Catholic world. Also visit the "Se Cathedral", the largest of the Churches of Old Goa, known for its numerous altars, built during the reign of King Dom Sabastiao (1557-78). Conclude your tour with a walk through the bustling life of Panjim city and Mapusa, a market town a quaint pavement bazaars.

DAY 7 Goa
Day at leisure. Relax on the beach.

DAY 8 Goa-Mumbai
Morning at leisure. Relax on beach. Afternoon transfer to airport to board the flight to Mumbai. Upon arrival transfer to the international airport. Departure Mumbai.