Aurangabad to Ajanta and Ellora: 2-Day All-Inclusive Tour

Exploring Maharashtra’s Hidden Treasures: Aurangabad to Ajanta and Ellora in 2 Days

Imagine standing amidst ancient rock-cut caves, marveling at intricate paintings and carvings that have withstood the test of time. This 2-day all-inclusive tour from Aurangabad offers just that — a chance to see two of India’s most extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Ajanta and Ellora caves. Led by knowledgeable guides and accompanied by comfortable, air-conditioned transport, this experience aims to make your visit both enriching and hassle-free.

What we love most about this tour is its personalized approach—it’s a private experience tailored to your pace—and the expert guides who bring the sites alive with stories and insights. The convenience of door-to-door pickup and drop-off at your hotel, airport, or train station makes this an easy way to tick off these must-see landmarks.

That said, one potential consideration is the cost, which some might find a bit high compared to other travel options in India. However, the level of comfort, flexibility, and expert guidance provided tends to justify the price for many travelers. This tour is perfect if you’re after deeply informative, comfortable, and personalized visits—ideal for those who want to maximize their time and understanding of these incredible sites.

If you’re someone who appreciates professional guidance, is eager to see each cave’s unique artistry, and prefers private, flexible travel arrangements, then this tour could be just right. It’s especially well-suited for travelers who want a well-organized, all-in-one package without the hassle of navigating on their own.

Key Points

• Private, All-Inclusive Experience: Comfortably explore Ajanta and Ellora caves with a dedicated guide and air-conditioned transport.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides bring history and stories to life, enriching your understanding of each site.
• Flexible Itinerary: Enjoy time at each location with a tailored pace, including options for lunch and additional sightseeing.
• Convenient Transportation: From hotel pickup to drop-off, everything is arranged, saving you time and effort.
• Cost versus Value: While some find the price a bit steep, the quality of guides, transport, and the curated experience often balance that out.
• Authentic, Uncrowded Experience: Since this is a private tour, you’ll avoid the crowds and explore at your own rhythm.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discovering the UNESCO Sites: What You Can Expect

This tour is a straightforward way to see two of India’s most treasured archaeological sites, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites—Ajanta and Ellora caves. These sites are famous for their stone-carved monasteries, temples, and monasteries, and their extraordinary paintings and sculptures.

Day 1: From Aurangabad to Ajanta Caves

Starting early from your hotel or chosen pickup point, you’ll journey approximately 100 km to Ajanta, which takes about 2 hours. The drive itself is a quiet, scenic introduction to the region’s landscape. Once at Ajanta, you’ll spend around 3 to 4 hours exploring the original 30 caves—the rest are authentically impressive, but the tour focuses on the most renowned ones. Here, you’ll marvel at vibrant murals depicting Buddhist stories, delicate sculptures, and intricate architecture, all carved into the rock face.

Your guide will point out key details—from the iconography of Buddhist figures to the techniques used in ancient painting—bringing the art to life. Many reviews highlight guides like Sarang, who “was brilliant, well spoken and engaging,” and how they made the experience more meaningful. After a visit, you can choose a good restaurant nearby for lunch, with your guide recommending the best options.

In the afternoon, you’ll head back to Aurangabad for about 2 hours. The day ends with a relaxed evening at your hotel, reflecting on the incredible artistry of Ajanta.

Day 2: From Aurangabad to Ellora and Bibi Ka Maqbra

The second day begins after breakfast, with a short 1-hour drive (around 35 km) to Ellora. Here, you’ll explore another 34 caves, famous for their Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain temples carved into the hillside. Expect to see the Kailasa temple, a monolithic rock-cut marvel that’s the largest of its kind in the world.

Your guide will highlight the religious harmony and engineering brilliance behind these structures. Many visitors note the mind-blowing scale and detail of the carvings, with Wesley describing the caves as “absolutely mind-blowing.” You’ll spend around 3 to 4 hours wandering through the caves, appreciating the variety of styles and religious influences.

Afterward, a visit to Bibi Ka Maqbra, near Aurangabad, offers a peaceful break with its beautiful Mughal architecture. It’s a fitting end to the trip—an opportunity to reflect on centuries of history and artistry.

You’ll then be free to choose your drop-off location—whether at your hotel, the train station, or the airport—making this a truly flexible experience.

Why This Tour Works for Travelers

This tour delivers a balanced mix of comfort, education, and efficiency, making it ideal for those who want to see the highlights without the stress of planning every detail. The private guides are a standout feature—reviews praise Deepak, Suleiman Patel, and others for their knowledge and engaging storytelling. Many travelers appreciated the attention to detail, like the careful driving and help with logistics, from train tickets to restaurant suggestions.

The inclusion of entry tickets and all tolls, taxes, and fuel means you won’t get surprised by extra costs, and the complimentary bottled water keeps you refreshed on hot days. Travelers mention that the car options—Toyota Etios for 1-2 people and Innova Crysta for 3-4—are new and comfortable, making the long drives more pleasant.

A notable positive is the flexibility—some reviews mention being able to set their own pace and enjoy the sites without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Others appreciated the curated experience that allowed them to focus on what mattered most to them, rather than navigating on their own.

However, the price point does come up in reviews. Some find it a bit “steep,” but many agree that the quality of guides, transport, and personalized service makes it worthwhile, especially if you value comfort and expert insights.

More Great Tours Nearby

Deep Dive into the Itinerary

The first day is dedicated to Ajanta, which is arguably the more famous of the two sites. The rock-cut caves are believed to date from around the 2nd century BCE to about 480 CE. The paintings—some over 1,500 years old—depict stories from Buddha’s life, celestial beings, and symbolic motifs. The site’s serene setting atop a hillside offers stunning views, which you’ll enjoy during both the ascent and the descent.

The second day focuses on Ellora, a sprawling complex more than 1,200 years old. The Kailasa temple is the highlight—an impressive monolithic structure carved from a single rock, measuring about 100 feet in height, with elaborate facades and detailed sculptures. The caves include Hindu shrines, Buddhist monasteries, and Jain temples—each with distinctive carvings and architectural styles. You’ll notice the engineered precision and sheer scale that showcase the technological prowess of ancient artisans.

After the caves, the visit to Bibi Ka Maqbra offers a peaceful, architectural contrast—a fine example of Mughal influence, with delicate domes and minarets. It’s a quieter, more reflective spot, perfect for wrapping up your cultural exploration.

Authentic Experiences and Practical Tips

Many reviews mention how guides bring the sites alive, explaining the stories behind murals and sculptures in a way that you’d miss on your own. Sarang, for example, was praised for his engaging narrative, making the paintings more than just visual art but windows into ancient life.

The transportation, a clean, new vehicle, is a significant plus. The driver’s fluency in Hindi and English adds a layer of ease, particularly when navigating busy roads or asking for recommendations. The timing—leaving early for Ajanta and starting at Ellora after breakfast—maximizes daylight and sightseeing hours, making the most of your days.

The lunch options are recommended by guides, giving you a chance to enjoy local flavors in well-chosen restaurants. Many travelers appreciated the flexibility—being allowed to set their own pace, skip certain parts, or linger at favorites.

Additional Considerations

Keep in mind, Ajanta caves are closed on Mondays and Ellora caves on Tuesdays—a crucial detail for planning your visit. The tour’s duration (about 2 days) is perfect for absorbing the highlights without rushing, but if you’re a history buff or art lover, you might wish for more time.

The tour isn’t suitable for people with heart problems, given the walking and some steep climbs involved, especially at Ajanta.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Book This Tour?

This 2-day private tour is best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive, comfortable, and guided experience of Maharashtra’s most iconic caves. If you value expert narration, personalized pacing, and door-to-door convenience, this tour checks all those boxes. It’s especially ideal for those who prefer skip-the-hassle logistics and appreciate curated, focused visits to UNESCO sites.

While the cost may be higher than self-guided trips or group tours, many find the value in the expert guides, hassle-free transportation, and insider tips. If you’re traveling with limited time but want to see the best of Ajanta and Ellora, this tour offers a way to do so with minimal stress and maximum depth.

For travelers who enjoy authentic insights, flexible schedules, and comfortable transport, and are willing to invest a bit more for quality, this tour can truly make your visit memorable.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers or only groups?
This is a private tour, designed for your group only, which means it offers a personalized experience regardless of group size.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers private air-conditioned transport, a professional guide in your preferred language, entry tickets to Ajanta, Ellora, and Bibi Ka Maqbra, plus all tolls, taxes, fuel, and bottled water.

Are meals included?
No, food is not included, but guides will recommend good restaurants for lunch after site visits.

What’s the best time of year for this tour?
While not directly specified, considering site closures—Ajanta is closed on Mondays, and Ellora on Tuesdays—planning around these days is wise. In general, cooler months from October to March are more comfortable for walking and sightseeing.

How much walking is involved?
Expect substantial walking, including some stairs and uneven surfaces, especially at Ajanta’s hillside caves. The tour isn’t suitable for those with heart problems or mobility issues.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since it’s a private tour, some flexibility is possible, particularly with timing and the inclusion of Bibi Ka Maqbra or additional sites.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Bring your passport or ID card for entry, and comfortable shoes for walking. Sunscreen and hats are advisable in sunny weather.

In the end, this tour offers an accessible, insightful way to experience India’s cultural gems in a relaxed, guided setting. Whether you’re an art lover, history enthusiast, or simply seeking a comfortable way to see these UNESCO sites, it’s a worthwhile option to consider.

You can check availability for your dates here: