The Ajanta Caves comprise 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments dating from the 2nd century BCE to around 480 CE, located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra state, India. Meanwhile, Ellora, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as one of the world’s largest rock-cut monastery-temple cave complexes. It showcases a rich array of Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain monuments, along with exquisite artwork.
In 1819, Jon Smith, a British Cavalry officer stationed in India, stumbled upon a horseshoe-shaped rock while on a tiger hunting expedition in the Deccan Plateau region. Intrigued by the cave-like structures at the base of the rock, he ventured across the Waghora River to explore further. Subsequent excavations revealed a breathtaking collection of artwork dating from the 2nd century BC to the 6th century AD, capturing the attention of the world.
It is believed that Buddhist monks sought refuge in these caves during the monsoon months when travel was prohibited. Within the caves, intricate paintings and sculptures depict the teachings of the Buddha. Scenes from the life of Gautam Buddha and the Jataka Tales are vividly portrayed on the walls, providing a captivating glimpse into Buddhist mythology and philosophy.
Our Ajanta Ellora Caves Tour is a short, relaxed pace tour which starts from Mumbai and covers these amazing monuments.
Duration: 4 days / 3 Nights
Places: Mumbai > Aurangabad > Mumbai
Detailed Itinerary
Day – 01 Delhi – Mumbai – Aurangabad by air
We will take a morning flight from Delhi to Mumbai and Aurangabad.
Arrive Aurangabad & transfer to hotel at Aurangabad.
City tour of Aurangabad.
Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day – 02 Aurangabad – Ajanta
Breakfast at the Hotel. After breakfast proceed for full day excursion to Ajanta Caves – (closed on Monday)
These 2nd century caves are fine achievements by Buddhist monks. Beautiful frescoes, wall paintings and vivid sculptures reflect the peak of ancient Indian art and architecture. The horseshoe shaped gorge has 30 caves dividend in two phases.
Return back to Hotel. Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day – 03 Aurangabad – Ellora Caves – Pithalkora
Breakfast at the Hotel. After Breakfast proceed for sightseeing of Ellora Caves (closed on Tuesday)
Ellora Caves – The World Heritage site, one of the finest examples of rockcut caves , there are 34 caves, Cave 16 is the most famous and has Lord Shiva sculpted on the rocks-the largest monolith in the world.
After Ellora Caves, further proceed for Pithalkora Caves:- Pithalkora caves are about 78 kms. From Aurangabad. The intricate work on the sculptured facades in these caves is definitely worth a visit.
Return back to Hotel. Overnight stay at Hotel.
Day – 04 Aurangabad – Mumbai – Delhi
Breakfast at the Hotel. After breakfast proceed to Daulatabad fortress was an old Hindu stronghold originally called Devgiri Fort.
Emperor Mohammed-bin-Tughlaq captured and plundered it in the 13th century and made it the second capital of the Delhi Sultanate renaming it Daulatabad. It is famous for its series of trick defenses, secret escape routes etc. Bibi-ka-Maqbara, built in memory of Aurangazeb’s wife Rabia Durrani.
Panchakki or Water Mill, an ingenious creation of Mughal engineers who used it to harness water to run large grinding stones which served as a flour mill. The tomb of a muslim saint lies in the garden beyond the which served as a flour mill.
Proceed to Aurangabad airport to catch onward flight to Mumbai.
Mumbai arrival, transfer to Hotel/Airport.
End of Tour
Tour FAQs
Q: What is the transportation mode for traveling from Delhi to Aurangabad?
A: The transportation mode for traveling from Delhi to Aurangabad is by air, with a morning flight from Delhi to Mumbai followed by a connecting flight to Aurangabad.
Q: What is the schedule for Day 01 of the tour plan?
A: On Day 01, after arriving in Aurangabad, guests will be transferred to their hotel followed by a city tour of Aurangabad. The overnight stay will be at the hotel.
Q: What is the main attraction on Day 02 of the tour plan?
A: The main attraction on Day 02 is a full-day excursion to the Ajanta Caves, which are fine achievements by Buddhist monks and feature beautiful frescoes, wall paintings, and vivid sculptures reflecting ancient Indian art and architecture.
Q: Are the Ajanta Caves open every day?
A: The Ajanta Caves are closed on Mondays.
Q: What is the plan for Day 03 of the tour itinerary?
A: On Day 03, after breakfast, guests will visit the Ellora Caves, followed by a visit to the Pithalkora Caves, known for their intricate sculptured facades. The day concludes with an overnight stay at the hotel.
Q: What are the opening hours of the Ellora Caves?
A: The Ellora Caves are closed on Tuesdays.
Q: What is the significance of Daulatabad Fort?
A: Daulatabad Fort was originally an old Hindu stronghold and later became the second capital of the Delhi Sultanate under Emperor Mohammed-bin-Tughlaq. It is famous for its trick defenses and secret escape routes.
Q: What is the Panchakki or Water Mill known for?
A: The Panchakki or Water Mill is known for being an ingenious creation of Mughal engineers, used to harness water to run large grinding stones serving as a flour mill.
Q: What is the final destination before concluding the tour?
A: Before concluding the tour, guests visit Aurangabad airport to catch an onward flight to Mumbai, where they are transferred to their hotel or the airport.
Q: How can I book this tour?
A: You can book this tour by contacting the tour operator directly or through their website.
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