2 Days Private Tour in Ajanta and Ellora

Experience the Wonders of Aurangabad in Two Days with a Private Tour of Ajanta and Ellora

Imagine exploring two of India’s most celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Sites—Ajanta and Ellora caves—in a comfortable, private vehicle with personal attention. For just about $35 per group of up to four people, this 2-day private tour offers a chance to see ancient rock-cut temples, stunning murals, and intricate sculptures, all curated to fit your pace and interests.

We love how this tour combines flexibility and professionalism. The hosts, with over twenty years of experience in Aurangabad, emphasize personalized service—you can customize your itinerary, and the drivers are trained to treat you with the utmost respect and care. Plus, the convenient pickup and drop-off from your hotel or location make this feel more like a VIP experience than an ordinary group trip.

One potential consideration is that the admission tickets are not included, so you’ll need to budget for entrance fees. Also, the full experience involves a fair amount of walking and some transportation logistics, like shuttle buses from Ajanta parking to the caves. But overall, if you’re after authentic, well-organized sightseeing with a personal touch, this tour really hits the mark.

This private tour is especially well-suited for travelers who prioritize local expertise, flexible scheduling, and a comfortable, intimate experience. If you enjoy guided insights into historical sites but also want the freedom to explore at your own pace, you’ll find this tour a perfect fit.

Key Points

• Flexible Itinerary: Personalize your trip to Ajanta and Ellora with the tour’s customizable approach.
• Experienced Guides & Drivers: Over two decades of local knowledge ensures insightful visits and safe travel.
• Comfort & Convenience: Private, air-conditioned vehicle, hotel pickup, and drop-off simplify logistics.
• Authentic Cultural Experience: Explore UNESCO sites renowned for their murals, sculptures, and monastic architecture.
• Cost-Effective: At around $35 for a group of four, the value for such personalized service is impressive.
• Additional Sites: Optional visits to Khuldabad, Daultabad (Devgiri Fort), and Bibi Ka Maqbara add extra layers of history.

An In-Depth Look at the 2-Day Tour in Aurangabad

Day 1: Discovering Ajanta Caves

Your journey begins with a warm welcome and hotel pickup in Aurangabad. From there, you’ll travel approximately 100 km (roughly a 2-hour drive) to the Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for their remarkable rock-cut Buddhist monasteries, temples, and monasteries, dating from the 2nd century BCE to the 5th century AD.

What makes Ajanta truly special are the intricate murals and sculptures that depict the life of Buddha and various tales from Jataka stories. All 30 caves are carved into the hillside, with some serving as prayer halls (chaityas) and others as monastic dwellings (viharas). We loved the way the guides explain the symbolism and craftsmanship behind each mural, making the art come alive.

The tour allows about 3 hours of exploration at Ajanta, giving enough time to soak in the artistry without feeling rushed. The shuttle bus running every 15 minutes from the parking area simplifies access to the caves, and the guide can assist in buying tickets, which are not included in the tour price.

After the sightseeing, you’ll enjoy a lunch stop at a recommended restaurant, allowing you to sample local flavors or simply relax. Returning to Aurangabad, you’ll check into your hotel, ready for the next day’s adventures.

Day 2: Exploring Ellora and Additional Historic Sites

The second day kicks off with a delicious breakfast before heading to the Ellora Caves, about a 30-minute drive from Aurangabad. Ellora is equally impressive, but in a different way—a vast complex of 34 monasteries and temples carved into volcanic rock, built between the 6th and 10th centuries.

You’ll visit highlights like the Kailasa Temple (Cavern 16), a monolithic rock-cut Hindu temple that amazes with its scale and detail. The guide helps you appreciate the architectural ingenuity and the spiritual significance of the site.

If time permits, the driver might take you to nearby attractions such as Khuldabad, an ancient city with tombs of Mughal saints, or Daultabad Fort, a formidable structure that once served as the capital of the Yadava dynasty and briefly of the Delhi Sultanate. These optional stops add extra layers of history and give a broader sense of the region’s past.

In the late afternoon, the tour concludes with drop-off at the airport or railway station, perfect if you’re catching a flight or continuing your journey.

The Value of a Private, Customized Experience

The strength of this tour is in its personalized approach. Unlike crowded group tours, you get to set your own pace and ask questions tailored to your interests. The private vehicle ensures comfort, especially after a long day of walking in the sun or navigating busy sites.

Multiple reviewers praise the professionalism of the drivers and guides, describing them as helpful, polite, and knowledgeable. One reviewer shared, “Good & Professional driver & Polite, take care of ourselves during the journey,” highlighting the care taken during travel.

The Highlights That Make It Stand Out

• Authentic Insights: Guides with extensive local knowledge help you understand the stories behind the murals and sculptures, transforming mere sightseeing into a meaningful experience.
• Flexibility and Comfort: Private transport and the ability to customize your schedule make this tour a breeze, especially compared to larger group options.
• Affordable Price: For about $35 per group (up to 4 people), you’re getting a personalized, safe, and comfortable way to see two of India’s most iconic sites.
• Additional Sites: The optional visits to Khuldabad, Daultabad Fort, and Bibi Ka Maqbara enrich your understanding of the region’s history and architecture.

What to Keep in Mind

While the tour offers excellent value, some travelers note that admission tickets are not included, so you’ll need to purchase these separately. Also, the walking involved at Ajanta and Ellora can be physically demanding, especially in the heat or if mobility is limited. Lastly, the itinerary is flexible but relies on timing and traffic conditions, so some planning is helpful.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you enjoy learning about history and art from guides who genuinely know their stuff, this tour is ideal. It also suits travelers who prefer private, stress-free arrangements and want the flexibility to tailor their experience. Families, couples, or small groups looking for a cost-effective yet personal way to explore these UNESCO sites will find it especially appealing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the admission tickets included in the tour price?
No, the tour price does not include entrance fees. You will need to purchase tickets separately at Ajanta and Ellora.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, the tour offers the liberty to customize your visit, including optional sites like Daultabad Fort or Bibi Ka Maqbara depending on your interests and available time.

What transportation is provided?
An air-conditioned private vehicle is included, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout your trip.

How experienced are the guides and drivers?
With over 20 years of experience in Aurangabad, the hosts take pride in their professional, knowledgeable, and courteous service.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, the private nature and relaxed pacing make it suitable for families or small groups, especially those who want to avoid large crowds.

What is the typical duration of each visit?
Expect about 3 hours at Ajanta and roughly 4-5 hours at Ellora, including travel time, with some flexibility based on your pace.

Final Thoughts

This 2-day private tour in Aurangabad offers a fantastic way to explore two of India’s most important archaeological sites without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. The combination of personalized service, expert guides, and comfortable transport makes it a standout option for travelers seeking an authentic and relaxed experience.

It’s especially suited for those who value local knowledge, customized itineraries, and affordability, all wrapped in a package that emphasizes authenticity and comfort. Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or simply eager to see India’s ancient marvels with ease, this tour provides an excellent balance of value and memorable moments.

In essence, if you want a hassle-free way to see Ajanta and Ellora with the guidance of knowledgeable locals, this private tour is a smart choice. It offers a glimpse into India’s timeless past, set at a pace that lets you truly absorb the beauty and stories behind these extraordinary sites.