opinions on abbreviating seeing golden triangle in india and dehli, bombay, to see the caves ajanta and ellora caves

The caves at Ajanta and Ellora are incredible. However, they require a flight from Mumbai. Your itinerary already runneth over. Next time.

They are well worth seeing (a lot more than Mumbai IMO). You could fly from Varanasi (or have you dropped Varanasi?) via Mumbai, but it would take a whole day. As Marija says, you just don't have time this trip.

I agree - worth seeing but not this time. It's an ordeal to get there.

Hi Jack,

If history, art, and architecture are at the top of your priority list, the Ajanta and Ellora caves are one of the most stunning, and architecturally important, sites. Also, if a trip to China is in your future, seeing these cave sites helps to understand those of China.

Ajanta features unique architecture and well-preserved, world-class 5th century frescoes. Ellora has the stunning Kailasa temple and rock-cut architecture from three religions: Buddhism, Hindu and Jain. They both influenced Chinese Buddhist cave sites (Mogao, Yungang, Longmen, and Baodingshan) as a result of travel along the Silk Road.

Have a great trip!

The caves are usually done as two separate day trips from Aurangabad
(there's an airport there). In Aurangabad you should see Panchakki, a
17th century watermill, and Bibi-ka-Maqbara (the "Mini-Taj"). On the
way to Ellora you can take in Daulatabad Fort, and Aurangzeb's tomb
(in Khuldabad). Google for images of all these: they are really worth
visiting.

I wouldn't substitute these for Delhi or the Golden Triangle, but they
are a lot more interesting than Mumbai.

very helpful. if my daughter can get an extra week off and make the whole thing a full two weeks would seriously consider. An indian collegue of mine's wife had suggested them since she has photograhed them extensively, publishing in the language of that region (I believe) and advised the possibility of doing it if in bombay.