Exclusive Ajanta Ellora Caves: 1.5-Day Guided Tour- Only Caves

Aurangabad , India

Exclusive Ajanta Ellora Caves: 1.5-Day Guided Tour- Only Caves

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Embark on a fascinating journey to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Ajanta and Ellora Caves with our expert English-speaking guides. This exclusive 1.5-day tour is ideal for those with a tight travel schedule who wish to delve into the marvels of these ancient rock-cut caves.

Why Visit Ajanta and Ellora Caves?
Ajanta Caves One Full Day: Ajanta Caves are renowned for their exquisite Buddhist art and frescoes, offering a glimpse into the rich heritage of ancient Buddhist civilization. Closed on Monday.
Ellora Caves- Half Day: Ellora is a unique site featuring a blend of Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain temples. This remarkable site showcases the religious trinity with its diverse cave temples. Closed on Tuesday.

This exclusive Ajanta and Ellora Caves tour is designed for those who want to maximize their experience of these extraordinary rock-cut marvels. Book now to secure your spot on this unforgettable cultural adventure!

Available options

Stay in 3 or 4 Star hotel

Pickup included

Tour with Foreigner Ticket

Private Guided Tour<br/>Pickup included

Tour with Domestic Ticket

Domestic Ticket Tour<br/>Pickup included

Tour with Domestic Tickets

Guided Tour: Guided tour with entry tickets<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Professional guide

GST (Goods and Services Tax)

Transport by private vehicle

Entry Tickets to Monument

What's not included

Lunch & Dinner

Insurance

Anything not included in inclusions

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

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1★

Tripadvisor 4.7

3 reviews

5★

4★

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2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

This is one and half day tour. Traveler can invest lesser time and explore both caves site. Ajanta Caves: A UNESCO World Heritage Site Recognized as the world’s greatest historical monument by UNESCO, the Ajanta Caves are India’s first UNESCO World Heritage site. These caves, dating back to the 2nd century BC to AD, are renowned for their magnificent and ancient paintings, which are older than those of Vinci. Cave Composition: Out of the 30 caves, 9, 10, 19, 26, and 29 are chaitya-grihas (prayer halls), while the rest are monasteries. Historical Discovery: Discovered in AD 1819, these caves showcase paintings from the 2nd century BC to the 5th century AD. Artistic Themes: The paintings, executed on mud-plaster using the tempera technique, depict Buddha, Bodhisattvas, and scenes from the Jatakas. Plan your trip with TravelGreed to explore this painter’s paradise. Typically, 5 hours are required to explore the key caves, depending on traffic and interest. Ellora Caves: The Largest Rock-Cut Cave Complex Another UNESCO World Heritage site, the Ellora Caves, is the largest rock-cut cave complex in the world. With over 100 caves, 34 of which are open to tourists, Ellora showcases a blend of Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu art. Cave Composition: The complex includes 12 Buddhist, 5 Jain, and 17 Hindu caves. Kailash Temple: The highlight is the Kailash Temple, the largest monolithic structure carved from a single rock, depicting Hindu mythological stories with sheer perfection. Travelers can explore the key caves at Ellora in 3 to 4 hours, depending on speed and traffic. Embark on a journey with TravelGreed to witness the grandeur of these ancient marvels. Book your trip now and delve into the rich history and artistry of Ajanta and Ellora Caves!

Important notes

• Dress code is formal
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions

Times are subject to change due to local traffic conditions.

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