Ajanta and Ellora Caves Tour

Experience the Majestic Ajanta and Ellora Caves on a Private 2-Day Tour in Aurangabad

If you’re visiting India and craving a closer look at some of the country’s most incredible ancient monuments, this Ajanta and Ellora Caves Tour offers a compelling balance of history, art, and authenticity. For around $170.67 per person, you’ll spend two days exploring monumental Buddhist and Hindu rock-cut caves—a perfect option for those who want a personalized experience without the hassle of navigating solo. The tour includes hotel pickup, a private guide, and breakfasts, making it a smooth, well-organized journey.

What we love most is the personalized nature of this experience; with a dedicated guide, you’ll get nuanced stories behind the carvings and paintings, not just a surface tour. The included hotel stay in Aurangabad means you arrive fresh and ready to explore, and the timing is flexible—they can adjust for your arrival day or specific needs. But be aware, the Ajanta Caves are closed on Mondays and Ellora on Tuesdays, so planning ahead is crucial. This tour suits history buffs, art lovers, or anyone who appreciates seeing world-class UNESCO sites with expert insights, all in a manageable two-day format.

Key Points

• Convenient Private Tour: Enjoy a tailored experience with your own guide and vehicle.
• Two-Day Itinerary: Visit Ajanta on the first day and Ellora on the second, with hotel accommodations and breakfast included.
• Rich Cultural Insights: Learn about the history of these UNESCO World Heritage sites from knowledgeable guides.
• Flexibility and Comfort: Pickup from your hotel or station, with options to customize your drop-off.
• Authentic Experience: Explore the caves’ detailed paintings, sculptures, and legends in a relaxed setting.
• Ideal for Travelers Wanting Depth: The private guide ensures you understand the significance behind the carvings and murals.

Diving Into the Experience: What You Can Expect

Day 1: The Spectacle of Ajanta Caves

Your adventure begins early with a pickup from Aurangabad’s airport, railway station, or bus station. Once in the city, you’ll head straight to the famed Ajanta Caves, carved out of a 250-foot wall. These caves are a marvel—not just in size but for their extraordinary buddhist monasteries and worship halls dating back to the 2nd century BC to 5th century AD.

Inside, you’ll see frescoes and paintings that vividly portray the lives of the Buddha, rebirths, and Buddhist deities. The level of preservation and artistry here is remarkable, and your guide, perhaps someone like Raees, will explain their stories and significance in ways that bring the paintings alive. The caves were originally carved out of rock, which means walking through them feels like stepping back in time—an experience that leaves many visitors breathless. Expect about 5 hours of sightseeing, with admission tickets included.

Day 2: The Magnificent Ellora Caves

After a comfortable breakfast, your private vehicle takes you to Ellora, about an hour’s drive away. Here, you’ll explore the cliff-cut Kailasha Temple, considered the largest monolithic rock excavation in the world. This chariot-shaped temple dedicated to Lord Shiva stands as an engineering and artistic masterpiece.

The reliefs and sculptures that adorn the temple depict legends from Hindu epics, making the site a vivid storytelling canvas. You’ll also see shrines dedicated to gods and goddesses, showcasing a range of religious art and architecture from Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. The entire site offers breathtaking views of massive rock sculptures and intricate carvings, making it a favorite among visitors—something a reviewer called “breathtaking.”

Your guided tour lasts around 4 hours with tickets included. Afterward, you’re free to choose your next destination—whether heading back to Aurangabad, onward travel, or the airport. The flexibility to customize your drop-off point adds to the value.

The Value of a Guided Private Tour

Having a personal guide like Raees, who speaks multiple languages and shares fascinating stories, makes a huge difference. As one reviewer highlighted, “Raees speaks so many languages and his knowledge is amazing,” transforming a standard visit into an engaging learning experience. Being in a private vehicle means you can move at your own pace, linger where you want, and skip what doesn’t interest you.

The hotel stay in Aurangabad is a thoughtful inclusion, preventing early morning rushes and allowing you to relax after your first day of exploring. The breakfasts are simple but sufficient, giving you energy for a full day of sightseeing.

What Could Be Better?

The main consideration is timing and scheduling, especially since the Ajanta caves are closed on Mondays and Ellora on Tuesdays. If your travel dates fall on these days, the tour provider will need to adjust your itinerary, which might mean doing Ellora first or scheduling for another day. Also, travelers should have moderate physical fitness as some walking and climbing are involved within the caves.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for history and art enthusiasts who want an in-depth view of India’s ancient cave architecture. It’s also perfect for those who prefer the convenience of private guides and transportation rather than group tours. If you’re traveling with limited time but want to see two of India’s most iconic UNESCO sites, this trip packs a lot of value into just two days.

Travelers who enjoy authentic experiences, learning stories behind the art, and having the flexibility to customize their journey will find this tour particularly satisfying. It’s a great choice for first-time visitors eager to see India’s cultural treasures with comfort and insight.

The Sum Up: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This 2-day private tour offers a balanced mix of comfort, education, and authentic cultural exploration—making it a strong choice for travelers seeking a meaningful, hassle-free experience. The inclusion of hotel stays and a private guide ensures personalized attention and deeper understanding, which many travelers find worth the price.

If you’re someone who values expert insights to truly appreciate the artistry and stories behind the caves, this tour will meet your expectations. It’s especially suited for those who want to avoid the crowds, enjoy detailed explanations, and explore at their own pace. The flexibility and thoughtful organization make it a reliable way to see two of India’s most spectacular UNESCO sites without feeling rushed.

However, do keep in mind the schedule restrictions—booking on the correct days ensures you don’t miss either site. This tour offers a well-rounded, engaging experience that can turn a visit to Aurangabad into a highlight of your trip to India.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes private transportation, a professional art historian guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, accommodation as per itinerary, and breakfast each day.

What is not included?
You’ll need to cover drinks, additional food, or personal expenses unless specified. Entrance tickets are included.

How long does each day’s sightseeing last?
Day 1 at Ajanta lasts about 5 hours, and Day 2 at Ellora about 4 hours, allowing ample time to explore without feeling rushed.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
It’s recommended for those with moderate physical fitness because there’s some walking and climbing involved in the caves.

Can the tour be customized?
Yes, the provider offers some flexibility, especially regarding drop-off points. It’s best to confirm your preferences when booking.

What is the best way to arrive for the tour?
You can be picked up from Aurangabad’s airport, railway station, or bus station—whichever is most convenient.

Are the caves accessible on specific days?
Yes, Ajanta remains closed on Mondays and Ellora on Tuesdays. If your arrival falls on these days, the itinerary will be adjusted accordingly.

What are the main highlights of the caves?
You’ll see breathtaking paintings, sculptures, and reliefs portraying Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain legends, all carved from solid rock.

Would I enjoy this if I’m not a history buff?
Absolutely. The caves are visually stunning and full of stories that make the experience engaging, even for those less familiar with Indian history.

This Ajanta and Ellora Caves Tour offers a practical, enriching glimpse into India’s ancient artistry, perfect for travelers eager for a detailed, comfortable, and authentic cultural experience.