Mumbai Tour

Bombay was originally a cluster of seven islands inhabited by fishermen. These islands were a part of Gujarat. When the Muslim ruler Sultan Muhamed Begada captured the islands, Bombay was till then inhabited by the Hindus. Vasco da Gama, a Portuguese, was the first man to discover the sea route to Bombay. After repeated attacks, the Sultan of Gujarat handed over the islands to the Portuguese in 1534. The Portuguese could not find any use for them and in1661 the island of Bombay was given to Charles II of England as part of the dowry when he got married to Catherine of Braganza., sister of the Portuguese king.

A few years later Charles II took possession of the remaining islands. In 1668, The East India Company a trading company based in Surat (Gujarat), took over on lease the island of Bombay due to its strategic location and port advantage.

Bombay soon became an important trading port. Development and reclamation started and the then Governor Gerald Aungier (1672-1677) encouraged business men from all over to come and settle. Historians have given him the title of "Father of Bombay" because it was in this period Bombay boomed to become a prime commercial centre.

The Zorastrian Parsis were the first to arrive and settle and build their first tower of silence in 1675. Many streets are named after successful Parsi businessmen, industrialist and philanthropists. Among them the Tata's are most famous. Air India was set up by JRD Tata and Hotel TajMahal stands as a great memorial to his father. Then came the Hindus, Goan Catholics, and the Muslims. In 1687 the presidency of the East India Company shifted from Surat to Bombay and finally in 1708 Bombay became it's headquarter. By the 18th century the population had grown and basic amenities and public services introduced like piped water supply, Hospitals, Railways, Tramcars, Courts, Mint, etc.

The Victoria Terminus Railway Station was made in 1887, designed by F. W. Stevens and built in Gothic style. Till today it is one of the most imposing and impressive structures and the credit for this plus other Gothic structures, goes to the then governor Sir Bartle Frere who took a keen interest in the making of Bombay. Most of the impressive buildings were made between the years 1860-1900 like the GPO, Offices, Banks, Tourist offices and two of the main railway stations.

By 1862 the seven islands had joined together to form one huge mass of land .The arrival of the Great Indian Peninsular Railways signaled improved communications. The American civil war gave a further boost to the cotton and textile industry, which emerged as the main manufacturing activity. With the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 Bombay prospered as an International port, and reinforced its position as a major commercial and industrial center in India. When India became Independent in 1947 Bombay became the capital of Bombay state. In 1960 Bombay state was dissolved and the state of Maharashtra came into being, with Bombay as its state capital.

In 1995 Bombay changed its name to Mumbai. The name Mumbai is derived from "Mumbadevi" the patron goddess of the Koli fisher folks, the earliest known inhabitants.

Routing & Itinerary

Day 01:

        Arrival at Mumbai. Upon arrival meeting & assistance and transfer to Hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 02 :

       Mumbai

After Breakfast, proceed for the city tour of Mumbai (Bombay) covering Kamla Nehru Park, Hanging Gardens situated on the slopes of Malabar Hill offering a panoramic view of Marine Drive, Chowpatty Beach, Prince of Wales Museum, Mani Bhawan, Dhobi Ghat, Gateway of India & drive through the Crawford Market, Marine Drive & Flora Fountain. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 03 :

       Mumbai - Aurangabad

After breakfast visit Elephanta Caves and afternoon Check-out at 1200 hrs. Evening transfer to the airport to connect flight to Aurangabad. Arrival at Aurangabad and transfer to hotel. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 04 :

          Aurangabad - Ajanta - Aurangabad

After breakfast proceed for a full day tour of Ajanta Caves. Ajanta Caves are 106 kms from Aurangabad & dates back to the 2nd century BC. The 30 rock hewn caves are adorned with Buddhist sculpture and the frescoes portray in epic form the religious and secular life through eight centuries. Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 05 :

Aurangabad - Ellora - Aurangabad - Mumbai

Morning visit Ellora Caves (29kms) encompassing 34 rock cut shrines representing Buddhist, Hindu & Jain art dating from the 4th to 9th century A.D. The most remarkable among them is the Kailash Temple, meant to be a replica of Lord Shivas celestial abode Kailash, is the best example of rock cut architecture and an engineering marvel. Check-out at 1200 hrs. Evening transfer to airport to connect flight to Mumbai. Upon arrival at Mumbai Airport to connect flight to your next destination.

  Service Ends…    Relationship Continues…

Customized packages are available on request based on individual need, budget, duration etc.

Mail us your requirements to info@aspiretours.com