Private Full-Day Excursion to Karla and Bhaja Caves from Mumbai

Mumbai , India

Private Full-Day Excursion to Karla and Bhaja Caves from Mumbai

Active

9h - 10h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Explore best-preserved Buddhist rock-cut caves in India on a full-day tour to the Karla and Bhaja Caves. Depart Mumbai in the morning to spend time at each cave complex, learning about Buddhist heritage in India while visiting impressive monasteries, prayer rooms, and temples that were carved into rock mountains some 1,500 years ago. Includes private guide, vehicle, pickup and drop-off.

Available options

Pick-up From Cruise Port

Package Includes: Cruise Pick-up and drop-off + Private Air-conditioned Vehicle + Live Tour Guide + Bottled water<br/>Pickup included

Pick-up From Hotel / Airport

Package Includes: Hotel/Airport Pick-up and drop-off + Private Air-conditioned Vehicle + Live Tour Guide + Bottled water<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Bottled water

Professional local private tour guide

Transport by private air-conditioned vehicle

Hotel / Airport / Cruise Port pickup and drop-off

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

After morning pickup at your desired Mumbai location, hotel, airport or cruise port, travel in an air-conditioned vehicle for two hours to reach the Karla Caves. Climb 350 steps to reach the complex of 15 caves, which date to the second century AD. Your guide shows you impressive prayer halls, stupas, meditation rooms, towering columns, and intricate sculptures, and learn about the Buddhist devotees who lived there.

Take a break for lunch at a local restaurant (own expense).

Stop 2

From Karla Caves drive less than 30 minutes to the Bhaja Caves, 22 caves that were carved into a rock mountain. Again, climb 250 steps to reach the cave complex and see carvings, lofty rooms, and more. In the mid-afternoon, transfer back to Mumbai where your tour ends in the late afternoon with drop-off at your original location.

What's not included

Entrance fees of sights mentioned

Food and drinks unless specified

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Dress code is smart casual

The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions

At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time

Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to late or non-arrival of cruise ship

Pick-up Time is subject to change depending on the pick-up location, the same will be advised one day before the pick-up

This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

Important notes

• Dress code is smart casual
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• Not recommended for participants with back problems
• Not recommended for participants with heart complaints or other serious medical conditions
• Not recommended for pregnant women
• The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
• Hotel pickups commence prior to this time
• Times are subject to change due to local traffic conditions.
• At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
• Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to late or non-arrival of cruise ship
• Pick-up Time is subject to change depending on the pick-up location, the same will be advised one day before the pick-up

About Mumbai

Mumbai, India's bustling financial capital, is a vibrant metropolis where tradition meets modernity. Known for its Bollywood industry, historic landmarks, and bustling street life, Mumbai offers a unique blend of cultural experiences and economic opportunities.

Top Attractions

Gateway of India

A historic arch monument built during the British Raj, located in the Apollo Bunder area.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Elephanta Caves

A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring ancient rock-cut temples and caves.

Historical Half-day trip 600 INR (including ferry and entry)

Marine Drive

A scenic promenade along the Arabian Sea, popular for evening strolls and views.

Scenic 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Vada Pav

A popular street food item consisting of a spiced potato fritter sandwiched between two slices of bread.

Snack Vegetarian

Pav Bhaji

A thick vegetable curry served with buttered bread rolls.

Dinner Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in Sanjay Gandhi National Park Water sports at Juhu Beach Yoga and meditation at various centers Spa treatments at luxury hotels Visiting art galleries and museums Attending Bollywood dance classes Boating at Powai Lake Fishing at Girgaon Chowpatty

Best Time to Visit

November to February

The best time to visit Mumbai is during the winter months when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing.

18°C to 32°C 64°F to 90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Marathi, English
Widely spoken: Hindi, Gujarati
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Indian Rupee (INR)

Time Zone

IST (UTC+5:30)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Mumbai is generally safe for travelers, but it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to avoid scams and pickpocketing.

Important Precautions:

• Use reputable taxi services or apps like Uber and Ola.
• Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or services.
• Keep your belongings secure in crowded areas.

Getting there

By air

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport • 10 km from city center

By train

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Lokmanya Tilak Terminus

By bus

Mumbai Central, Bandra Terminus

Getting around

Public transport

The Mumbai Metro is a fast and efficient way to travel, but it currently covers only specific routes.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Ola

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Colaba Bandra

Day trips

Alibaug

50 km from Mumbai • Half-day to full-day trip

A coastal town known for its beautiful beaches and historic forts.

Lonavala

80 km from Mumbai • Full-day trip

A picturesque hill station known for its lush greenery and scenic viewpoints.

Festivals

Gudi Padwa • March or April Ganesh Chaturthi • August or September

Pro tips

Visit the Elephanta Caves early in the morning to avoid crowds and the heat.
Try local street food like vada pav, pav bhaji, and pani puri for an authentic culinary experience.
Explore the city's Art Deco architecture in the Colaba and Oval areas.
Take a Bollywood dance class for a fun and unique cultural experience.
Visit the Dharavi slum on a guided tour to learn about the local community and their innovative recycling practices.