We have our trip planned Chennai-Cochin-Mysore-Hampi-Goa-Mumbai and all the sights along the way (with car/driver). We plan to fly Goa/Mumbai but now we have an opportunity to detour to include Aurangabad, and Ajunta/Elora caves - then a vist to Nasik (business connection which created the detour) then to Mumbai --- in only 5 days/4 nights. Questions: we plan to fly to Aurangabad from Goa then drive to Nasik then to Mumbai (maybe only one day to see Mumbai) and then fly home. Any better travel means? What time is required to see sights? Is it worth the detour? Should we consider only going to Nasik (business) and Mumbai and forget the caves?

Definitely try to see the caves. Ideally one day each for Ellora and Ajunta - they are in different directions from Aurangabad. If you can only do one I'd pick Ellora - the carvings are in better condition than the paintings, and the Kailasanatha Temple, cut down into the rock, is just amazing.

Sounds like a great trip - I'm getting itchy feet reading about it!

A world heritage site is not be ignored. Id say go for Ajanta/Ellora. The drive is not going to be easy though.

npjai - why do you think the drive won't be easy? With a car and driver it shouldn't be any worse than anywhere else in India.

Can you recommend anyone who conducts tours of the area? Also, what are the driving distances Aurangabad to Ellora and to Ajunta, then to Nasik? Thanks for your replies. I will be cutting the visit to Mumbai short by this detour --but maybe we can see a snapshot of Mumbai in 1 day.

I went to Ellora with a car and driver arranged by my hotel - not in advance. I went to Ajanta on a tour run by the Maharashtra Tourist Development Corp (www.maharashtratourism.gov.in) also arranged after I got to Aurangabad. More useful for the transport (somewhat rickety bus) than the tour guide. I found the various state TDC tours a good way to meet Indians, though.