Day Tour of Ajanta Caves From Aurangabad

Aurangabad , India

Day Tour of Ajanta Caves From Aurangabad

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About this experience

A private guided tour to Ajanta Caves to marvel at India's first world heritage site. Ajanta Caves are a magnificent set of 30 rock cut Buddhist caves. Famous for Buddhist Paintings and Sculpture, Ajanta Caves are a UNESCO world heritage site. More than half a million tourists visit Ajanta Caves every year to look at the spectacular collection of Murals and sculptures. The cultural influence of Ajanta during the 1st and 2nd century BC not only extended all over India but also to far flung areas like Java in modern Indonesia. Ajanta Caves definitely feature in my list of places to see before you die.

Available options

Day Tour of Ajanta Caves From Aurangabad

Pickup included

What's included

Indian vegetarian

Private car

Entrance charges

Guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

2.5 hour drive to Ajanta.
Ajanta Caves were built in 2 phases. The first phase was in 2nd century BC when the older form of Buddhism called Hinayana was prevalent. The Buddha is represented here in the form of pillars, stupas and footprints. The first caves were hewn from the bare rock at the time of The Sātavāhana Empire which started around 230BC.
The theme of most of the Caves is excerpts from Jataka Tales. These relate to the life of Buddha before he was enlightened. Cave 1 has the two most famous images at Ajanta in the form of figures of the protective bodhisattvas Padmapani and Vajrapani on either side of the entrance to the Buddha shrine.

The second lot was built around 400 AD according to tenets of Mahayana which gave Lord Buddha a human form. Emperor Harishena of the Vakataka dynasty was the patron for the second phase of Ajanta Caves. Even the architectural style shifted between the Hinayana and Mahayana periods, from “Vihara” halls for prayer and living in the shape of a rectangle with small square dormitory cells cut into the walls, to a sanctuary at the rear centered on a large statue of the Buddha.
The paintings in most Caves were done in the tempera technique on the ground of mud plaster. More than 500 stories from Jataka Tales have been painted on the walls.
2.5 hour drive back to hotel drop in Aurangabad

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

We pick up at the time the tour starts at 9 am

About Aurangabad

Aurangabad is a historic city in Maharashtra, known as the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Ajanta and Ellora Caves. The city is rich in Mughal-era architecture and is a hub for cultural and historical exploration.

Top Attractions

Ajanta Caves

The Ajanta Caves are a series of 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments dating from the 2nd century BCE to about 480 CE. They are renowned for their exquisite paintings and sculptures.

Historical/Architecture Half-day to full day INR 500 (foreigners), INR 50 (Indians)

Ellora Caves

The Ellora Caves are a complex of 34 rock-cut temples and monasteries, representing Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain religions. The site is famous for the Kailasa Temple, a magnificent example of Dravidian architecture.

Historical/Architecture Half-day to full day INR 600 (foreigners), INR 50 (Indians)

Bibi Ka Maqbara

Bibi Ka Maqbara is a mausoleum built by Prince Azam Shah in 1678 in memory of his mother, Dilras Banu Begum. It is often referred to as the 'Taj of the Deccan' due to its resemblance to the Taj Mahal.

Historical/Architecture 2-3 hours INR 25 (Indians), INR 250 (foreigners)

Aurangabad Caves

The Aurangabad Caves are a group of 12 rock-cut Buddhist caves dating back to the 6th century. The caves are known for their intricate carvings and sculptures.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours Free

Pandavleni Caves

The Pandavleni Caves, also known as the Trirashmi Caves, are a group of 30 rock-cut Buddhist caves dating back to the 2nd century BCE. The caves are known for their beautiful sculptures and inscriptions.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours INR 5 (Indians), INR 100 (foreigners)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Misal Pav

A spicy curry made with sprouted mung beans, served with bread rolls (pav). It is a popular breakfast dish in Maharashtra.

Breakfast Vegetarian

Thalipeeth

A savory pancake made with a mixture of flour, vegetables, and spices. It is a traditional Maharashtrian breakfast dish.

Breakfast Vegetarian

Bharli Vangi

Stuffed eggplant with a spicy coconut and peanuts mixture. It is a popular vegetarian dish in Maharashtra.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian

Nahori Biryani

A flavorful biryani made with basmati rice, meat, and a blend of spices. It is a popular Mughlai dish in Aurangabad.

Lunch/Dinner Non-vegetarian

Popular Activities

Trekking in the nearby hills Caving in the Ajanta and Ellora Caves Visiting spas and wellness centers Enjoying local cuisine at restaurants and cafes Exploring historical sites and museums Attending local festivals and events Boating in nearby lakes and reservoirs Visiting during the winter months for pleasant weather and outdoor activities

Best Time to Visit

October to March

This is the best time to visit Aurangabad as the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing. The temperatures are moderate, and the skies are clear, making it perfect for exploring the historical sites and enjoying outdoor activities.

15°C to 35°C 59°F to 95°F

Practical Information

Language

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

Currency

Indian Rupee (INR)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Aurangabad is generally safe for travelers, but petty crime and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas and tourist spots. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Use reputable taxi services and negotiate fares in advance
• Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or services
• Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas

Getting there

By air

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Airport • 10 km from city center

By train

Aurangabad Railway Station

By bus

Aurangabad Bus Depot

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is affordable and covers most parts of the city. Buses are the primary mode of public transport for locals and tourists alike.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Ola, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Cidco Jyoti Colony Sillod

Day trips

Shirdi

120 km from Aurangabad • Full day

Shirdi is a small town known as the home of the famous spiritual leader, Sai Baba. The town attracts millions of devotees every year.

Grishneshwar Temple

30 km from Aurangabad • Half day

Grishneshwar Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples of Lord Shiva. It is a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus.

Daulatabad Fort

15 km from Aurangabad • Half day

Daulatabad Fort is a 14th-century fort known for its impressive architecture and strategic location. It was once a key military stronghold.

Festivals

Ellora Ajanta International Festival • October Aurangabad Festival • February Diwali • October/November (varies by lunar calendar)

Pro tips

Visit the Ajanta and Ellora Caves early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat and crowds
Hire a local guide to learn more about the history and significance of the caves and other historical sites
Try local Maharashtrian and Mughlai dishes, such as Misal Pav, Thalipeeth, and Nahori Biryani, at local restaurants and street food stalls
Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it with filtered or bottled water to reduce plastic waste and stay hydrated
Dress modestly and respectfully when visiting religious sites, and follow the rules and guidelines to ensure a positive and meaningful experience