West India Tour | Tours from Mumbai | Aurangabad Tours | Goa Packages

Mumbai (Bombay), Aurangabad and Goa make up the western Golden Triangle. Mumbai is part of India's beautiful west coast that runs down from Gujarat to Kerela. The name Mumbai is derived from the name of the local deity Mumba Devi. The Portugese traders called the port "Bom Baim" or Good Bay and that is how the name Bombay come into being. Recently however, the city's name has reverted to the Marathi Mumbai. The city is the home for over 9 million people and is a melting pot of all cultures. A cosmopolitan and commercial city, it is India's true megapolis.

You will also be able to visit the Elephanta caves. These rock cut caves were excavated in the 7th and 8th centuries. The centrepiece is a massive 18-foot three headed bust of Shiva, repesenting his manifestations as Creator, Preserver and Destroyer. The 30 Buddhist caves at Ajanta are also on the itinerary. Though Buddha forbade images of himself and believed in a religion of denial, his followers did feel the need for a representational form. The frescos and sculptures depict the life and teachings of the Buddha. They are rather sensuous and can startle in their richness.

Goa remained a Portugese colony for 14 years even after India's Independence from Great Britain and was finally liberated in 1961 after which it became a part of sovereign India. It lies tucked away snugly between the hills of the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea. It has verdant lush green woods with jackfruit, mango and cashew groves. All this of course gives way to miles of breathtaking sandy beaches. A warm climate and a gentle people add to the languid appeal of this region. Its distinct Portugese influence is discernible in its cuisine, culture and architecture. It all makes for a heady mixture - a potpourri called India.