Ajanta & Ellora Caves: 2-Day Tour with Car, Bibi Ka Maqbara

Summary

Ajanta and Ellora caves day trip from Aurangabad with ancient art and local stories

You’ll ride from Aurangabad with your own driver to explore both Ajanta and Ellora Caves with stories from your local guide. Feel cool stone under your fingers, eat spicy local food after wandering ancient halls, stand beneath Bibi Ka Maqbara’s domes at sunset — and maybe take home something woven by hand. It lingers with you.

What’s the experience like?

Is it weird to say I still smell the incense from that little shrine in Ajanta? The first morning started early — our driver met us right at the hotel, smiling like he’d known us forever (I think his name was Sameer). The drive out of Aurangabad towards the Ajanta Caves was longer than I expected, maybe two hours or so, but honestly, watching the fields wake up through the window felt kind of meditative. There were kids waving at our car and women in bright saris balancing things on their heads. I tried to snap a photo but missed every time.

At Ajanta, you switch to a shuttle for the last bit — it’s a whole process but our guide handled tickets and all that chaos. The air changed as we walked into those caves. Cool stone under my hands, echoes bouncing off walls painted hundreds of years ago. Our guide pointed out faded Buddha murals and told us stories about monks carving these places out by hand. I got goosebumps in Cave 1 when he shone his torch on a patch of blue pigment — apparently real lapis lazuli from Afghanistan? Wild. Lunch after was spicy dal and soft chapati at a roadside spot; not fancy but perfect after all that wandering.

The next day was Ellora Caves — less driving this time, maybe an hour? I didn’t expect how massive Kailash Temple would be until we stood in front of it. It’s just… carved straight down into the rock, like someone scooped a temple out of a mountain with their bare hands (our guide joked even Google Maps gets confused here). We wandered through Hindu, Jain, Buddhist halls — each different somehow in mood and smell (some incense, some just dust). Then came Bibi Ka Maqbara: white marble glowing in late afternoon sun, families picnicking on the grass. Someone handed me a guava slice while we watched kids chase each other across the steps.

I’m not much of a shopper but ended up picking out a Himroo scarf after our guide explained how it’s woven only here. He laughed when I fumbled with “Paithani” — probably butchered it. Anyway, by drop-off back at my hotel (or airport if you want), I was tired but kind of wired too. Still thinking about those painted walls and echoing halls.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ajanta Caves Tour and Return

• Meet driver and guide in Aurangabad
• Drive 2 hours to Ajanta Caves
• Take shuttle bus to cave entrance
• Explore Ajanta Caves for 3 hours
• Have local lunch
• Drive back to Aurangabad

Day 2 — Ellora Caves and Bibi Ka Maqbara

• Meet driver or guide at hotel
• Drive 1 hour to Ellora Caves
• Explore Ellora Caves and Kailash Temple
• Enjoy lunch at local restaurant
• Drive 30 km to Bibi Ka Maqbara
• Visit Bibi Ka Maqbara monument
• Shop for local specialties
• Drop off at hotel, airport, or station

Top questions

How long is the drive from Aurangabad to Ajanta Caves?

About 2 hours (100 km) by private car from Aurangabad to Ajanta Caves.

Are entry tickets included for Ajanta & Ellora Caves?

No, entry tickets are not included; bring Indian Rupees as cards aren’t accepted.

Is lunch included on this tour?

Lunch is not included but your guide will recommend good local spots for meals each day.

Can I choose my pickup location in Aurangabad?

Yes, pickup is available from your hotel or another place you choose in Aurangabad city.

Are guides available in languages other than English?

Yes, guides can speak English, Spanish, French, Italian, German or Japanese if booked with that option.

What days are Ajanta & Ellora Caves closed?

Ajanta Caves are closed Mondays; Ellora Caves are closed Tuesdays.

Does this tour include shopping time?

You’ll have some free time to shop for local textiles like Himroo or Paithani sarees near Bibi Ka Maqbara.

How much walking is involved at the caves?

You’ll spend several hours exploring on foot inside both cave complexes; comfortable shoes are recommended.

What’s included

Your two days include private hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere in Aurangabad city plus all transfers between sites by air-conditioned car with bottled water along the way. If you book with a guide option they’ll help buy entry tickets (not included), handle shuttle buses at Ajanta and share stories throughout both cave visits. Lunch stops are suggested but meals aren’t covered; torch provided for cave interiors too.