Page 16 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - India

14  INTRODUCING INDIA

1 Week in Mumbai &
Maharashtra
• Airports Arrive at Mumbai’s
Chhatrapati Shivaji
International Airport and
return to Mumbai from
Aurangabad’s domestic
Chikkalthana Airport.
• Transport Travel from
Mumbai to Pune takes three
to four hours by train or road
From Pune to Aurangabad, it
is around five hours by bus
and from there to Ellora and
Ajanta only buses and taxis
are available.
The caves at Ajanta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Day 1: Mumbai
Mumbai (pp446–67) is India’s sculpture. Stop to wonder at the At the Himroo Factory (p478)
modern business and entertain­ architec tural splendor of nearby nearby, select from the variety
ment capital, simultaneously the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus of shawls and saris on sale.
most wealthy and squalid city in (pp458–9), before heading up
the country. Start by admiring Marine Drive (p462) and mingling Day 5: Ellora
another great monu ment of the with the crowds and chaat Take a trip out to the magnificent
British Raj, the massive waterfront wallahs on Chowpatty Beach rock cave compound at Ellora
Gateway of India (p450), built for (p462). After climbing Malabar (pp480–82), which requires
George V’s visit in 1911. Not far Hill (p462), end the day with a an entire day to explore. Pride
from it stands the equally grand vibrant ritual at Mahalaxmi of place goes to the vast
Taj Mahal Palace Hotel (p450), Temple (p463). Mumbai is also 8th­century Kailasanatha
where you must treat yourself home to the Hindi film industry, Temple (pp480–82), hewn from
to tea. From beside the Gateway, better known as Bollywood. a cliff face. Note the carved
take a boat to Elephanta Island Look out for the colourful elephants supporting this
(p465), whose chiselled Hindu hoardings promoting the latest structure around its base and
and Buddhist rock caves hide films across the city. the exquisite panel of Ravana
some stunning sculptures. Shaking Mount Kailasa.
Day 3: Pune
Day 2: In and around Mumbai Travel to Pune (p474) to see the Day 6: Ajanta
Visit the huge Chhatrapati Aga Khan Palace (p474), where Another day trip is required
Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Mahatma Gandhi was once to visit the region’s other
Sangrahalaya (pp454–5), which imprisoned. It is now dedicated extra ordinary cave complex
houses price less art such as to his memory. For those with at Ajanta (pp483–5). The naturally
Mughal miniatures and Buddhist interest in New Age phenomena, horseshoe­shaped set of caves
Pune is where the Osho that date from two distinct periods
International Commune (p474), make up this Buddhist complex.
founded by the guru Bhagwan Their main features are some
Rajneesh, is located. For a more intricately carved friezes and
conventional cultural experience, numerous beautiful murals –
take a look at the household the large mandala in Cave 2
objects on display at Raja is a prime example.
Dinkar Kelkar Museum (p474).
Day 7: Around Aurangabad
Day 4: Aurangabad Back in Aurangabad, visit the
The first half of the day will be town’s main attraction, the
spent getting to Aurangabad splendid Bibi ka Maqbara
(pp478–9), capital of the last (p478), a 17th­century imitation
great Mughal Emperor of the Taj Mahal with multiple
Aurangzeb. After orientating freestanding minarets, built by
yourself, cross the Kham river Aurangzeb’s son. Two other
and join the lively throng of noteworthy monuments within
pilgrims at the Dargah of Baba the walled city are the ruined
Bollywood film poster of the popular hindi Shah Musafir (p478), the Sufi Naukhanda Palace (p478), and
movie, Barfi saint who inspired Aurangzeb. the solid Jama Masjid (p478).
For practical information on travelling around India, see pp750–59

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