From Aurangabad: 3-Day Tour of Shirdi Sai Baba, Ajanta, & Ellora.

Exploring Aurangabad in 3 Days: Shirdi, Ajanta, & Ellora

If you’re looking for an immersive journey into India’s spiritual and artistic heritage, this 3-day tour from Aurangabad hits the sweet spot. For just under $90 per person, you’ll visit the revered Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, marvel at the Ajanta Caves’ ancient murals, and wander through the Ellora Caves, one of the world’s largest monolithic rock excavations. The tour also includes a stop at the Bibi Ka Maqbara, a beautiful copy of the Taj Mahal, and the historic Daulatabad Fort.

What we love most about this experience is the personalized touch of having private transportation and a knowledgeable guide who speaks your language—imagine exploring these sights without the hassle of navigating by yourself or haggling over entrances. Plus, the detailed guided tours enrich every visit, making history and spirituality come alive.

One thing to consider: the itinerary is quite packed. If you prefer to linger longer at each site or want a more relaxed pace, you might find the schedule a bit brisk. Still, for travelers eager to see the highlights in a short time, this tour offers excellent value.

This experience suits those who enjoy a well-organized trip with expert guidance, especially if your time in India is limited but you want a deep dive into local culture, history, and religion. It’s perfect for first-time visitors or anyone wanting a comprehensive intro to Aurangabad’s treasures.

Key Points

• UNESCO-listed Sites: Visit Ajanta and Ellora Caves, both recognized for their stunning carvings and historical significance.
• All-inclusive Transfers: Private, air-conditioned transport from Aurangabad makes logistics smooth and comfortable.
• Personalized Experience: Small-group or private tours ensure a tailored visit with a professional guide.
• Rich Cultural Stops: The tour includes iconic religious sites like Shirdi Sai Baba Temple and the spiritual Bibi Ka Maqbara.
• Balanced Itinerary: The schedule covers major highlights within three days, ideal for those wanting a broad overview.
• Value for Money: At approximately $87, you get guided access to multiple UNESCO sites and key attractions.

A Detailed Look at the 3-Day Tour

Day 1: Spiritual Beginnings at Shirdi

Your adventure begins with a roughly 2-hour drive from Aurangabad to the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple. This sacred site is a major pilgrimage destination, and you’ll sense the spiritual energy as soon as you arrive. Whether you opt for a VIP pass for quick darshan or prefer a more traditional, leisurely visit, you’ll get to witness the devotion firsthand.

We appreciated the flexibility offered in the timing—your guide ensures you make the most of your visit without feeling rushed. After soaking in the spiritual atmosphere, you’ll enjoy a local lunch, often recommended by your driver for authenticity and flavor. Returning to your hotel in Aurangabad, you’ll have the evening free to relax or explore further on your own.

Day 2: Art, History, and Serenity at Ajanta Caves

The second morning kicks off early, with a 2-hour drive to the Ajanta Caves. These caves, carved between the 2nd century BCE and the 5th century CE, showcase intricate murals and sculptures that are still breathtaking today. The guided tour here is invaluable, as your guide will point out details in the murals and explain the significance of each carving. The Ajanta Caves served as a Buddhist monastery, and the artistry reflects the religious and cultural life of ancient India.

Reviews often mention how “everything went like clockwork,” and that the guides are knowledgeable, making the experience both educational and inspiring. After your visit, a local restaurant awaits for lunch, giving you a taste of regional cuisine before returning to Aurangabad for the night.

Day 3: Monuments of Power and Spirituality

Your last day begins with a visit to Shri Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga, a significant Hindu temple, just an hour’s drive from Aurangabad. From here, you’ll walk over to the Ellora Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its 34 caves and colossal monolithic sculptures. The caves, carved between the 5th and 10th centuries, represent Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain traditions, illustrating the religious harmony of ancient India.

Next, you’ll visit Daulatabad Fort, a formidable hilltop fortress with centuries of history—many reviewers have praised the impressive architecture and the panoramic views. It’s a good spot to imagine the strategic importance of the region in medieval times.

The tour concludes with a visit to Bibi Ka Maqbara, built in the 17th century as a copy of the Taj Mahal. While smaller, it still offers a serene and beautiful setting that highlights Mughal influence in India.

Finally, your guide will drop you off at your preferred location—hotel, railway station, or airport—making the last leg of your journey smooth and hassle-free.

The Experience: What Travelers Say

Reviews consistently praise the reliability and professionalism of the tour operator. One reviewer noted, “Everything went like clock work right from the pick-up at Pune to the drop at Aurangabad,” highlighting how seamless the logistics are. Others appreciate the expert guides who are both knowledgeable and sincere, making the sites more than just pretty pictures—they’re stories and histories brought to life.

Travelers also mention the comfort of private transportation and the inclusion of amenities like bottled water and torches for cave exploration. Those who’ve visited Ajanta and Ellora particularly value the guided tours that clarify the artwork’s symbolism and history, often remarking how much more meaningful their visit was thanks to the detailed explanations.

The value for money is another common theme. At around $86, the tour covers transportation, guided visits, and entry to major sites—something that many feel saves them money and stress compared to trying to do it independently.

What could be better?

Some travelers note the tight schedule and wish for more leisure time at each site. If your preference is to explore slowly or take photographs without feeling rushed, you might find the itinerary a bit brisk.

Practical Details: Transportation, Timing, and Booking

Transportation is included and is described as private, air-conditioned, ensuring comfort during the roughly 2-hour drives each way. The tour operates from an 8:00 am start, with pickups available from hotels, airports, or railway stations—flexibility that appeals to travelers with specific plans.

The tour is private, meaning only your group participates, allowing for a more tailored experience. The guides speak good Hindi and English, making communication easy for most travelers.

You can opt for a VIP pass at the Sai Baba Temple for around 200 rupees, which is worth considering if you prefer a quicker visit. Entrance fees to other sites are not included, but the guided experience adds significant value.

Booking and Cancellation

Most travelers book around 41 days in advance, which shows this tour is popular. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start, offering flexibility if your plans change. Confirmations are immediate, making last-minute arrangements straightforward.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for first-time visitors wanting a rundown of Aurangabad’s highlights within a manageable three days. If you appreciate guided explanations and prefer traveling in comfort, this private tour offers excellent value. It’s perfect for history buffs, those seeking spiritual sites, or anyone eager to see UNESCO sites without the hassle of planning individual tickets or transportation.

Travelers who value local insights and want a personalized experience that balances sightseeing with culture will find this tour particularly rewarding. It’s a great way to cover a lot of ground without the stress of managing logistics yourself.

FAQ

Do I need to pay for entrance fees separately?
Yes, entrance fees are not included in the price. However, guided tours often enhance the experience and clarify the significance of each site.

Can I get a VIP pass at the Sai Baba Temple?
Yes, you can opt for a VIP pass for about 200 rupees, which allows quicker darshan and is available online or at the temple.

How long are the drives between sites?
Most drives are around 1 to 2 hours, depending on traffic, which is included in the schedule and comfortably managed with private transport.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, the tour is generally suitable for most age groups, but be prepared for some walking and climbing at caves and forts.

Are guides available at the sites?
While the tour includes a professional guide, additional guides are not specified. The guide provided is knowledgeable and speaks good English and Hindi.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, water bottles, and a camera. The tour supplies torches for cave exploration, but you might want your own flashlight if you prefer.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 41 days ahead, so plan well ahead during peak seasons.

Is food included?
Lunch is included in the itinerary, but other meals are not. The suggested restaurants are good local options.

What if I want to spend more time at a site?
Since the schedule is tight, discuss your preferences with your guide; however, expect some sites to be visited briefly.

Is this tour family-friendly?
Yes, with some walking and a bit of climbing, but it’s suitable for most families with children who can handle the pace.

In short, this 3-day tour from Aurangabad offers a rich tapestry of India’s spiritual, artistic, and military history. It’s a well-organized, value-packed way to see some of the country’s most treasured UNESCO sites, especially if you prefer the comfort of private transport and guided insights. Whether you’re marveling at ancient cave paintings, praying at a revered temple, or walking through a historic fort, each day promises a new window into India’s vibrant past.