How to Plan Your Ajanta Ellora Caves Full Day Tour in Aurangabad

Experience the beautiful paintings, murals, and carvings of the Ajanta and Ellora Caves on a full-day tour from Aurangabad. This UNESCO World Heritage site is an architectural marvel of ancient rock-cut temples and a thousand-year-old history of ancient Indian culture. Discover the cave monuments and Buddhist burial mounds while learning about Buddhist Philosophy and teachings through carvings and paintings. This full-day tour is offered by GetYourGuide and includes pick-up and drop-off from your hotel or the airport in Aurangabad.

Tour Highlights

• Explore the Ajanta Caves, a World Heritage Site with beautiful paintings and carvings
• Discover the Ellora Caves complex, featuring rock-cut temples and Buddhist burial mounds
• Observe carved pillars and ancient stupas
• Learn about Buddhist philosophy and teachings through the carvings and paintings in the Ajanta Caves
• Enjoy a comfortable drive to and from the caves with pick-up and drop-off from your hotel or the airport in Aurangabad

Tour Description

After your pick-up at either the airport or your hotel in Aurangabad, your tour guide will drive you to the Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site located 100 kilometers from the city. The drive will take approximately three hours, but the time will pass as you enjoy the Indian countryside, with its unique features and landmarks. Upon reaching the Ajanta Caves, your guide will lead you to the cave complex featuring thirty Buddhist cave monuments enclosed in the hillside. Each cave is unique, with different paintings and carvings exhibiting the history of ancient India. Inside the caves, you will witness beautiful murals, stone sculptures, and gigantic carved pillars. Once you explore the Ajanta Caves, continue to the Ellora Caves, located approximately 2 hours away. Here, you will see an imposing complex of rock-cut temples, including Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu temples. The Ellora Caves are considered one of the largest rock-hewn monastic temple complexes in the world, carved out of the Charanandri hills. It is said that these rock-cut temples took approximately thirty-five to forty years to be completed, which is impressive considering the magnificent details that can be seen in the carvings and the architecture. During the tour, your guide will describe and explain the philosophy and teachings of Buddhism as you learn about the spirituality and mystery of ancient India. You will see ancient stupas (Buddhist burial mounds), intriguing roof sculptures, and intricate stone carvings. After your Ellora Caves visit, your guide will take you back to your hotel or the airport in Aurangabad, arriving around 7 pm.

What to Bring and Wear

To ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable day, there are a few things you should bring and wear on this tour.

• Comfortable walking shoes
• A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for protection from the sun
• A camera to record memories of your day at the caves
• A water bottle to stay hydrated while walking through the caves

Booking the Tour

If you are interested in embarking on this full-day private tour of the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, you can book here to secure your spot. Enjoy the convenience of pick-up and drop-off from your hotel or the airport in Aurangabad, and a knowledgeable tour guide to ensure you make the most out of your experience.

FAQ about Aurangabad

If you are planning to visit Aurangabad, you might have some questions about the city. In this FAQ, we have compiled the most common questions that travelers ask.

1. Where is Aurangabad located?

Aurangabad is a city located in the state of Maharashtra, in western India. It is located about 370 km east of Mumbai, the capital city of Maharashtra.

2. What is the best time to visit Aurangabad?

The best time to visit Aurangabad is between October and March, as the weather is pleasant and suitable for sightseeing. The monsoon season (June-September) brings heavy rains to the area, which can disrupt travel plans.

3. What are the must-see attractions in Aurangabad?

Aurangabad is a historical city and has many attractions for tourists. The must-see attractions in Aurangabad are:

i. Ajanta and Ellora Caves

These are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are a must-visit attraction in Aurangabad. The Ajanta Caves are Buddhist cave monuments, and Ellora Caves are a mix of Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain cave monuments.

ii. Bibi Ka Maqbara

It is a mausoleum built by Prince Azam Shah in memory of his mother, Dilras Banu Begum, and is often called the “Taj Mahal of the Deccan”.

iii. Daulatabad Fort

It is a medieval fortification that is located about 16 km northwest of Aurangabad. The fort is famous for its strong defenses and was considered to be impregnable.

iv. Panchakki

It is a water mill that was built in the 17th century to generate power for grinding grain. The water mill is now a tourist attraction and is known for its exquisite architecture.

4. How do I reach Aurangabad?

Aurangabad has a domestic airport, and several airlines operate flights to and from the city. The city is also well-connected by rail and road, and there are several trains and buses that run to and from Aurangabad.

5. What are the best places to shop in Aurangabad?

Aurangabad is famous for its silk fabrics, especially Paithani sarees. The best places to shop for silk fabrics and Paithani sarees are the Paithani Silk Weaving Centre and the Himroo Factory.

6. What is the cuisine of Aurangabad?

Aurangabad is famous for its Mughlai cuisine, which is a blend of Turkish, Arabic, and Persian influences. Some of the must-try dishes in Aurangabad are biryani, naan, kebabs, and Mughlai chicken.

7. What are the accommodations options in Aurangabad?

Aurangabad has a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. Some of the popular hotels in the city are the Taj Residency, Lemon Tree Hotel, and The Ambassador Ajanta.

8. Is it safe to travel to Aurangabad?

Aurangabad is generally a safe city to travel to. However, like any other city, it is advisable to take necessary precautions and be vigilant while traveling. In conclusion, Aurangabad is a must-visit city for anyone interested in history and culture. It has many attractions that will keep you engaged and entertained, and its Mughlai cuisine is a treat for food lovers. We hope that this FAQ has answered all your questions about Aurangabad and that you have a great trip to the city.

How to spend your time as a tourist in Aurangabad

Aurangabad is a beautiful city situated in Maharashtra, India. It is known for its UNESCO world heritage sites such as Ajanta and Ellora caves. Aurangabad has a rich history and offers a lot to tourists who are looking to explore this ancient Indian city. In this guide, we will take you through how to spend your time as a tourist in Aurangabad.

1. Visit to Ajanta Caves

One of the highlights of Aurangabad is the Ajanta Caves. These ancient caves are a UNESCO World Heritage site and date back to the 2nd century BC. The Ajanta Caves are carved out of rock and are famous for their intricate carvings, frescoes, and sculptures of Buddha. To get to the Ajanta caves from Aurangabad, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus. The caves are situated about 107 km from Aurangabad and it takes around 2 hours by road. The entry fee for Indian nationals is INR 30 and for foreign nationals is INR 500. Once you reach the Ajanta caves, you can explore the 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments that provide evidence of the evolution of Indian art. The paintings and sculptures in the caves depict the life and times of Buddha and his teachings.

2. Visit to Ellora Caves

The Ellora caves are another UNESCO World Heritage site in Aurangabad. These caves date back to the 6th century and are a testament to the religious harmony that existed in India during that time. The Ellora caves are a mix of Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain monuments carved out of rock. The Ellora caves are situated about 30 km from Aurangabad and can be reached by taxi or a local bus. The entry fee for Indian nationals is INR 30 and for foreign nationals is INR 500. Once you reach the Ellora caves, you can explore the 34 monasteries and temples that were carved out of the rock. Some of the highlights of the Ellora caves include the Kailash temple, Dhumar Lena, and the Vishvakarma cave.

3. Visit to Bibi Ka Maqbara

The Bibi Ka Maqbara is a beautiful monument situated in Aurangabad. This monument was built by Prince Azam Shah in memory of his mother, Dilras Banu Begum. The Bibi Ka Maqbara is often compared to the Taj Mahal for its beautiful architecture and design. To get to the Bibi Ka Maqbara, you can take a taxi or a local bus. The monument is situated in the heart of Aurangabad and is easily accessible. The entry fee for Indian nationals is INR 15 and for foreign nationals is INR 200. Once you reach the Bibi Ka Maqbara, you can explore the beautiful architecture of the monument. The monument has intricate carvings and frescoes that depict the Mughal style of architecture. You can also visit the garden that surrounds the monument and enjoy a picnic or take a stroll.

4. Visit to Daulatabad Fort

The Daulatabad Fort is a magnificent fort situated about 16 km from Aurangabad. This fort was built in the 12th century and boasts of an intricate defense system that kept enemy forces at bay. To get to the Daulatabad Fort, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus from Aurangabad. The entry fee for Indian nationals is INR 10 and for foreign nationals is INR 100. Once you reach the Daulatabad Fort, you can explore the fortifications and the moat that surrounds the fort. You can also climb up to the top of the fort and enjoy a panoramic view of Aurangabad.

5. Shopping in Aurangabad

Aurangabad is famous for its paithani sarees, which are handwoven sarees made from silk and cotton. You can buy these sarees at various shops in Aurangabad. Besides sarees, you can also buy handicrafts, jewelry, and textiles. Some of the famous markets in Aurangabad include Nirala Bazaar, Gulmandi, and Cidco. You can also visit the Himroo Factory and watch how the paithani sarees are made.

Book Your Tour Now

Aurangabad has a lot to offer for tourists who are looking to explore the ancient Indian culture and architecture. With a visit to Ajanta and Ellora caves, Bibi Ka Maqbara, Daulatabad Fort, and shopping in Aurangabad, you can experience the rich history of the city. Make sure to plan your trip well in advance and hire a local guide if needed.