Ajanta and Ellora Caves Guided Private Day Tour from Aurangabad

Aurangabad , India

Ajanta and Ellora Caves Guided Private Day Tour from Aurangabad

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About this experience

Embark on an informative and enchanting tour of two of India's most remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Ajanta and Ellora Caves. Your tour guide will meet you at the lobby of your hotel to begin your tour, which will take you on a scenic 2.5 to 3-hour drive to the caves.

Your guide will provide you with an overview of the history and cultural significance of these awe-inspiring rock-cut temples.

Around mid-day, you'll have the opportunity to indulge in your preferred cuisine at a restaurant of your choice, at your own expense. The tour will last for approximately 9 hours, and you'll be left with memories that will last a lifetime.

Available options

Ajanta and Ellora Caves Guided Private Day Tour from Aurangabad

Pickup included

What's included

1 mineral water bottle per person on board the vehicle

2-3 pax seated in a medium size car (air-conditioned sedan)

All applicable taxes and service charges

Private English-speaking tour guide

3-4 pax seated in an air-conditioned AC Innova car similar to SUV

Entrance fees to both Ajanta & Ellora caves

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

You are picked up from the airport / your hotel at 7 am and are driven to the Ajanta caves.
The Ajanta caves are cut into the face of a mountain and form a horseshoe shape . They are an example of one of Indian's unique artistic traditions known as rock cut temples. Ajanta consists of thirty caves, each dedicated to the life of the Buddha.
Though much of this site has collapsed, what remains at Ajanta has allowed a glimpse into the artistic traditions of ancient India.Much of the art depict the Jataka tales of the Buddha’s previous lives. These pieces of art were created over 800 years and not only document the story of Buddha in his cycle of reincarnations, but also paint a record of life in ancient India
Ajanta is only 4 kilometers from the parking lot between which shuttle bus runs. You will have to take a shuttle bus from the parking lot to the caves and you will reach the caves.
To go inside the caves in Ajanta, you have to remove your shoes and take photos without flash.
Ajanta caves are closed every Monday

This is a UNESCO world heritage site and are 34 monasteries and temples, extending over more than 2 km, dug side by side in the wall of a high basalt cliff, with its uninterrupted sequence of monuments dating from the 5-10th century.

Explore Cave 16 one of the largest single monolithic rock excavation of the world which is actually a temple dedicated to Shiva. It is a chariot-shaped monument and named the Kailasha Temple. It also houses gods and goddesses along with relief panels depicting legends from Hindu epics

You can see Ellora caves moving from number 1 to number 16 and then you have to take a bus to go to number 29 and number 30 to 34. And in Ellora caves, you can also go wearing shoes and take photos with flash

They are closed on Tuesday

What's not included

Personal expenses (phone calls, food, alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages)

Tips or gratuities

Anything not specified in inclusions

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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