3-Day Ajanta, Ellora & Lonar Crater Tour from Aurangabad

Three UNESCO sites and a meteorite crater in one journey

A 3-day private tour from Aurangabad visiting Ajanta Caves, Ellora Caves, Lonar Crater, and Bibi-ka Maqbara with hotel pickup, air-conditioned transport, professional driver, and the option to add an English-speaking guide. Monument entry tickets are paid separately at each site. The caves close on Mondays and Tuesdays respectively, so plan around those dates.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the Mystical Ajanta Caves

• Pick up from hotel in Aurangabad
• Arrive at Ajanta Caves
• Guided exploration of Ajanta Caves
• Return to Aurangabad
• Drop-off at hotel for overnight stay

Day 2: Ellora Caves and Bibi Ka Maqbara

• Depart for Ellora Caves
• Guided tour of Ellora temples
• Visit Bibi-ka Maqbara
• Return to Aurangabad
• Drop-off at hotel

Day 3: Lonar Crater and Daityasudan Temple

• Depart for Lonar Crater
• Arrive at Lonar Crater
• Guided nature walk around crater
• Explore local temples and Daityasudan Temple
• Return to Aurangabad
• Drop-off at hotel or airport

The experience

The tour starts with a hotel pickup at 8 a.m. on Day 1 and heads to Ajanta Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site roughly two hours away. You'll spend the morning exploring the ancient Buddhist frescoes and sculptures carved into the rock face, then return to Aurangabad by evening. Day 2 departs at 9 a.m. for Ellora Caves, 30 km from the city, where Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain temples sit side by side. The Kailasa Temple is the centerpiece. After Ellora, you move on to Bibi-ka Maqbara, the 17th-century monument known as the "Mini Taj," before heading back to your hotel in the late afternoon. Day 3 is the longest drive: you leave at 8 a.m. for Lonar Crater, about three hours away, where a meteorite impact created a geological depression ringed with viewing points and local temples. A nature walk around the crater rim and a visit to Daityasudan Temple round out the morning before the return to Aurangabad.

Transport throughout is in an air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver who speaks Hindi and English. Mineral water and a torch for cave exploration are provided. If you choose the guide option at checkout, an English-speaking guide joins you for the full three days and explains the history and architecture at each stop. Monument entry tickets (INR 600 for non-SAARC visitors at both Ajanta and Ellora, INR 300 at Bibi-ka Maqbara) are not included and must be paid in cash on site. Cards are not accepted. Bring sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and a water bottle. Note that Ajanta Caves close every Monday and Ellora Caves every Tuesday, so check the calendar before booking.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Aurangabad.
• air-conditioned vehicle transport for all three days.
• professional driver speaking Hindi and English.
• mineral water and torch for cave exploration.
• all fuel, tolls, parking, and service charges.

Options for this experience

2 options

Transport only (no guide)Up to 5 per booking · Guide in English · 08:00Tour with transport: a Toyota Etios for 1 to 2 people or an SUV Innova Crysta for 3 to 5 people. Pickup is included.

Private transport with guideUp to 4 per booking · Guide in English · 08:00Tour with transport and guide: an English-speaking professional guide, with a Toyota Etios for 1 to 2 people or an SUV Innova Crysta for 3 to 4 people. Pickup is included.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (12 to 90 years) · Under 12: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 16.20

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by Tour My Choice

Is this one for you?Pick this if you're visiting three remote heritage sites and want private transport included. You'll handle monument tickets yourself, but the itinerary bundles Ajanta, Ellora, and Lonar so you're not piecing together separate logistics.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What are the Ajanta Caves known for?

Ajanta Caves is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its ancient Buddhist frescoes and sculptures carved directly into the rock face, dating back centuries and showcasing intricate Buddhist art and heritage.

How far is Lonar Crater from Aurangabad?

Lonar Crater is approximately three hours' drive from Aurangabad, making it the longest leg of the three-day tour. It's a unique geological site formed by a meteorite impact.

Can I add a guide to this tour?

Yes, you can choose the Private Transport + Guide option at checkout to have an English-speaking guide accompany you for all three days and explain the history and architecture at each site.

Do I need to pay for monument entry tickets separately?

Yes, monument entry tickets are not included in the tour price and must be purchased separately in cash at each site. Ajanta and Ellora each cost INR 600 for non-SAARC visitors, and Bibi-ka Maqbara costs INR 300.

What should I bring for this tour?

Bring sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes, a hat or cap, sunscreen, a water bottle, and Indian Rupees in cash for monument tickets. The tour provides mineral water and a torch for cave exploration.