Ajanta & Ellora Caves tour from Aurangabad: 29 Buddhist caves

Two ancient cave complexes in one day, carved into rock cliffs 100 kilometers apart

A full-day private tour from Aurangabad visits Ajanta Caves (29 Buddhist rock-cut temples) and Ellora Caves (a complex of Buddhist, Hindu and Jain cave temples), with hotel or airport pickup, air-conditioned transport, bottled water and all entrance fees and taxes included. The route covers roughly 200 kilometers over seven to eight hours. Lunch is optional and arranged separately. Infants and small children can travel in a pram or stroller, and the pace suits all fitness levels.

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your Aurangabad hotel or airport. A two-hour drive across 100 kilometers takes you to Ajanta Caves, where 29 Buddhist temples are carved directly into a horseshoe-shaped cliff face. You explore the caves at your own pace: the rock-cut architecture, carved pillars, and painted frescoes are the draw here, and the scale of the site means you spend real time moving through it. An air-conditioned vehicle waits between stops, and bottled water is provided throughout.

After Ajanta, a 1.5-hour drive (95 kilometers) brings you to Ellora Caves, a different kind of complex altogether. Where Ajanta is purely Buddhist, Ellora mixes Buddhist, Hindu and Jain temples carved into the same rock face: a rare overlap that reflects the region's religious history. The site is larger and more varied, and you move through it the same way: on foot, at your own pace, with the vehicle and driver waiting to return you to Aurangabad when you're done.

The tour is private, which means no fixed group schedule and no waiting for other travelers. Your driver speaks English and handles all navigation and timing. Toll roads, parking and fuel are covered in the price, as are all entrance fees and taxes. Nothing unexpected at the gate. If you want lunch, you arrange it separately during the break between the two sites. The driver can suggest stops, but the choice is yours.

What’s included

• Private air-conditioned vehicle for your group.
• English-speaking driver.
• pickup from your Aurangabad hotel or airport.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• all toll roads, parking and fuel.
• all entrance fees and taxes for both Ajanta and Ellora Caves.

Options for this experience

2 options

One-Day Tour of the Ajanta & Ellora CavesUp to 3 per booking · 07:30Includes pickup

SUV tour to the Ajanta and Ellora CavesUp to 5 per booking · 07:30Comfortable Innova or KIA Carens for 3 to 5 travelers, pickup is included

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

Before you book

Days and timesWednesday to SundayDeparts at 07:30

GroupPrivate

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Jk Tours travels LLP

Is this one for you?Choose the standard car if you're a couple or small family. The SUV offers more space and comfort for larger groups or travelers with extra luggage. Both follow the same route and timing, so the choice depends on your group size and how much room you want.

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Top questions

How far is Ajanta Caves from Aurangabad, and how long does the drive take?

Ajanta Caves lies 100 kilometers from Aurangabad and takes about two hours to reach by private vehicle. The route is straightforward, and your driver handles all navigation.

What's the difference between Ajanta and Ellora Caves?

Ajanta Caves contains 29 Buddhist temples carved into a cliff face, while Ellora Caves is a larger complex mixing Buddhist, Hindu and Jain cave temples all carved into the same rock. Ellora is about 95 kilometers from Ajanta, a 1.5-hour drive away.

Is lunch included in the tour?

Lunch is optional and not included in the tour price. You arrange it separately during the break between Ajanta and Ellora. Your driver can suggest local restaurants if you'd like.

What time does the tour start and end?

Pickup happens at your hotel or airport in Aurangabad at a time you arrange. The full tour takes seven to eight hours, including travel time and exploration at both sites, and ends with return to your hotel or airport.

Can I choose between a regular car and an SUV?

Yes. The tour is available as a standard private car or as a private SUV. You choose which one at checkout. Both include the same route, driver, water and fees.

Is this tour suitable for young children or people with mobility concerns?

Infants and small children can travel in a pram or stroller. The tour suits all physical fitness levels, though both cave sites involve walking on uneven ground and climbing steps inside the caves.