Aurangabad is a treasure trove for travelers interested in India’s ancient art, architecture, and natural wonders. Its strategic location makes it easy to combine visits to world-famous UNESCO sites like Ajanta and Ellora Caves with cultural experiences like exploring Mughal-era monuments or seeing the Lonar Crater. What makes Aurangabad particularly appealing for 3-day tours is the sheer variety of sights packed into a manageable itinerary—whether you’re drawn to religious caves, Mughal architecture, or geological marvels, there’s a tour for you.
Among the tours we love, the Private 3-Day Tour of Ajanta & Ellora Caves with Aurangabad City stands out for its personalized service and seamless experience. On the other hand, the 3-Day Tour of Ajanta, Ellora, and Lonar Crater offers a unique combo of cultural and natural highlights, perfect for those who want a bit of everything. To help you decide, we’ve broken down each option with detailed insights on what makes them special.
1. Private 3-Day Tour of Ajanta & Ellora Caves with Aurangabad City
At number one, this private three-day tour offers a flexible, comfortable way to see Aurangabad’s most iconic sites. The tour includes visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, with a private air-conditioned car and an experienced guide or driver. This setup eliminates the hassle of group tours and allows you to customize your pace—perfect if you want to take your time exploring the intricately carved caves or simply relax between sites.
The itinerary begins with a visit to Ajanta Caves, about a 2-hour drive from the city, where you can marvel at ancient Buddhist paintings and sculptures. The guide shares insights into the history and significance of these rock-cut temples. The next day, you’ll explore Ellora Caves, famous for its monolithic structures and diverse religious carvings, from Hindu to Buddhist and Jain temples. The tour also includes a visit to Grishneshwar Temple, a revered Hindu site near Ellora.
This tour’s strength is the personalized attention and the ability to spend around four hours at Ajanta and three at Ellora, giving you plenty of time without feeling rushed. Reviews praise the guide’s deep knowledge and the smooth logistics. It’s ideal for history lovers who want an in-depth experience with comfort and flexibility.
Bottom Line: If you prefer a private, hassle-free experience with the ability to customize your sightseeing, this tour offers excellent value at just under $69 per person.
2. From Aurangabad: 3-Day Tour of Shirdi Sai Baba, Ajanta, & Ellora
Coming in at number two, this guided three-day tour combines spiritual visits with cultural highlights. Starting with a trip to Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, about a 2-hour drive from Aurangabad, you’ll have the chance to experience one of India’s most revered pilgrimage sites. The tour includes options for VIP darshan, meaning you can skip long lines, or a more traditional visit, making it flexible for different levels of spiritual interest.
The next days focus on the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, with guided tours and transportation included. The Bibi Ka Maqbara, often called the “Mini Taj Mahal,” is also on the itinerary, giving you a taste of Mughal architecture. The tour emphasizes the historical and religious significance of each site, with a professional guide sharing stories behind these ancient wonders.
What sets this tour apart is the combination of spiritual and cultural attractions, making it ideal for travelers interested in India’s religious traditions and history. The private guides speak your language, enriching the experience and making complex history accessible.
The reviews highlight how smooth and personalized this trip is, with travelers appreciating the seamless transfers and knowledgeable guides. It’s best suited for those who want a spiritual dimension alongside archaeological exploration, with good value at just under $87.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking a mix of spiritual sites and cultural monuments with expert guidance, this tour offers a balanced, enriching experience.
3. Aurangabad: 3-day Lonar Crater, Ajanta, & Ellora Caves Tour
Ranking third, this three-day tour is for those eager to combine cultural exploration with geological marvels. It covers the UNESCO-listed Ajanta and Ellora Caves but also adds the Lonar Crater, a remarkable lake formed by a meteorite impact more than 50,000 years ago. This tour is a great pick if you want to mix history with natural science.
The itinerary starts with a morning pickup in Aurangabad and a visit to Ajanta, where you can see exquisite Buddhist murals and sculptures. The second day involves a roughly three-hour drive to Lonar Crater, where you’ll enjoy a guided walk around the rim and learn about its unique geology. The crater’s salt lake and surrounding temples offer additional cultural sights. On the final day, you’ll explore Ellora Caves and visit the Bibi Ka Maqbara for a Mughal touch.
This tour combines three hours at Ajanta, two hours at Lonar, and about three hours at Ellora, making it a well-rounded option for those interested in both natural and historical wonders. The reviews mention how smooth and flexible the private transportation is, with many travelers appreciating the chance to explore at their own pace.
Ideal for adventurous travelers who don’t mind a bit of driving and want to see both ancient art and a rare geological site, this tour provides strong value at around $81 per person.
Bottom Line: If you’re interested in geology and history, this tour offers a unique combination, with private transport and expert guidance making the trip enjoyable.
4. Aurangabad, Ajanta and Ellora Caves Tour (3 Days)
Coming in at number four, this private three-day tour emphasizes a full immersion into Maharashtra’s cultural heritage. Starting with a warm welcome at the airport or hotel, the tour includes visits to Bibi Ka Maqbara, the Aurangabad Caves, and the impressive Ajanta and Ellora Caves.
This option offers a comprehensive itinerary that balances historical monuments with cultural insights. The focus on the Mughal-era Bibi Ka Maqbara and the Aurangabad Caves adds extra depth. The tour lasts about three days, with some reviews highlighting the quality of the accommodations and the knowledgeable local guide who shares stories about the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
This tour is best suited for travelers who want a thorough overview of the region’s highlights in a comfortable setting, with private transportation ensuring flexibility. The high reviews reflect satisfaction with the overall experience and the personal touches offered.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting a detailed, all-encompassing tour of Aurangabad’s main sights with dedicated guides and private transport.
5. 3-Day Private Journey to Ajanta, Ellora Caves, and Lonar Crater
At number five, this tour offers a flexible private service to see Ajanta, Ellora, and Lonar Crater at your own pace. The itinerary includes guided exploration of Ajanta, a trip to the Lonar Crater lake, and visits to Bibi Ka Maqbara, making it an excellent choice for those who want an adaptable schedule.
The tour’s highlights include bottled water, and the convenience of private driver service from Aurangabad. The trip to Lonar involves a three-hour drive each way, allowing for a thorough visit to this geological marvel. The guided nature walk around the crater rim is a key highlight, offering a chance to learn about its impact origin.
This tour suits travelers who want a personalized experience and flexibility, as they can choose to spend more time at each site. It’s perfect for those keen on combining natural wonders with archaeological sites, with reviews praising the ease of transportation and the driver’s professionalism.
Bottom Line: For travelers seeking a customized, private experience that covers both history and nature, this option offers good value with the added benefit of flexibility.
6. Private 3 days Ajanta, Ellora caves and Aurangabad city tour
Ranking sixth, this private three-day tour emphasizes visiting Ajanta and Ellora Caves along with Aurangabad city attractions like the Taj Mahal copy, Bibi Ka Maqbara. The tour combines art, architecture, and local history, making it ideal for travelers who want to see the highlights without rushing.
The tour is praised for its stunning architecture and cultural sites. The guide shares insights into the history of the last Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and other regional stories. The flexible private transport makes it easy to customize your schedule, and the focus on key sites makes sure you see the best of Aurangabad in three days.
While it has only one review, the high rating indicates strong satisfaction. It’s most suitable for those who prefer a rundown with personal attention and easy logistics.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers wanting a relaxed, personalized tour that hits all the major highlights of Aurangabad’s cultural and historic sites.
$68 per person
How to Choose the Best 3-Day Tour in Aurangabad
When selecting the right tour, consider your main interests—whether it’s UNESCO caves, Mughal architecture, or natural wonders like Lonar Crater. For a luxurious, customized experience, the Private 3-Day Tour of Ajanta & Ellora is hard to beat, especially at its affordable price. If you’re more interested in spiritual sites and cultural history, the From Aurangabad: 3-Day Tour of Shirdi Sai Baba, Ajanta, & Ellora offers a well-rounded package. For those wanting geology and adventure, the Lonar Crater combination is unique and memorable.
Think about your budget, travel style, and physical activity level. All these tours include private transport, but check if you want guided commentary or more free time. Booking early is advisable, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred dates and ensure a smooth trip.
Final Thoughts
Aurangabad’s mix of UNESCO caves, Mughal architecture, and natural sites offers diverse options for a 3-day visit. If you’re after a hassle-free, personalized experience, the Private 3-Day Tour of Ajanta & Ellora is a top choice. For a broader cultural and spiritual experience, the Shirdi and caves tour fits the bill. And for those craving something different, the Lonar Crater combo provides an extraordinary natural adventure.
Whichever you choose, these tours provide a solid foundation to explore this fascinating region. Remember to book early—these popular itineraries fill up fast, especially in high season. Enjoy your adventure in Aurangabad!