Ajanta & Ellora Caves, Aurangabad and Lonar Meteor Lake, 6 days from Mumbai

A comprehensive look at the 6-day Ajanta & Ellora Caves, Aurangabad, and Lonar Meteor Lake tour from Mumbai

Travelers seeking a deep dive into Maharashtra’s cultural treasures and natural wonders will find this 6-day private tour a compelling choice. Covering UNESCO World Heritage sites like Ajanta and Ellora caves, historic forts, a unique meteorite lake, and culminating with wine tasting in Nashik, it offers a well-rounded experience that combines history, geology, spirituality, and even culinary pleasures. What makes this tour particularly appealing is its private nature, allowing for flexibility and personalized attention from knowledgeable guides.

One of the biggest perks is the expert guide support, which many reviewers highlight — they teach you about everything from the ancient carvings to modern scientific mysteries. The comfort of travel in a private vehicle, combined with included hotel stays and entrance fees, makes this an excellent value for such a comprehensive itinerary. However, the 6-day schedule entails a fair amount of driving—around 330 km on Day 1 alone—which might be tiring for some travelers. Still, for those keen on exploring Maharashtra’s highlights in a relatively short span, this tour hits many of the key points with efficiency.

This tour is ideal for history buffs, geology enthusiasts, and cultural explorers who appreciate guided experiences and want a curated, seamless way to see Maharashtra’s most renowned sites. If you’re after a flexible, well-organized trip that covers both UNESCO sites and local flavors, this experience is worth considering.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Value: Hotel, entrance fees, breakfast, and wine tasting included, making it a hassle-free experience.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides like Pankaj receive praise for their storytelling and local insights.
• Diverse Highlights: From Buddhist caves to Mughal architecture, and geological wonders, the itinerary covers broad interests.
• Comfort & Flexibility: Traveling in private cars ensures a relaxed pace and the ability to customize some parts of your journey.
• Unique Experiences: Witness the mysteries of Lonar Lake, explore Daulatabad Fort, and enjoy Nashik’s wine scene.
• Authentic Encounters: Reviewers appreciated the guides’ personal touch and their deep knowledge of Indian history and science.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Day 1: From Mumbai to Aurangabad – Ellora Caves

Starting early, the drive from Mumbai to Aurangabad covers approximately 330 km, offering scenic views of Maharashtra’s landscape. Once checked into your hotel, the highlight of the day is visiting the Ellora Caves, a UNESCO-listed marvel built between the 5th and 10th centuries. These 34 caves are unique because they encompass Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain styles—reflecting India’s religious diversity.

The standout is the Kailasa Temple, the largest monolithic sculpture in the world. Carved from a single rock, this temple resembles Mount Kailash and took over 150 years, 7,000 laborers, and intricate planning to complete. Visitors often marvel at the sheer scale and artistry, with many reviewers noting that the Temple’s grandeur surpasses expectations. The guide explains how the carvings depict stories from religious texts, bringing the stone sculptures to life.

Day 2: Aurangabad’s Heritage – Bibi Ka Maqbara & Daulatabad Fort

This day offers a window into Mughal architecture and medieval fortifications. The Bibi Ka Maqbara, often called the “Taj of the Deccan,” was built by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in memory of his wife. It’s strikingly similar to the Taj Mahal, although on a smaller scale. The architect Ata Ullah, son of the Taj’s designer, contributed to the design, adding a layer of historical connection.

Next, the Daulatabad Fort is a fortress steeped in history and legend. Built in the 14th century by Muhammad Bin Tughlaq, it was once the Sultan’s capital. Reviewers highlight the impressive remains of palaces and mosques on top, with some noting that climbing to the top offers panoramic views. The fort’s strategic location and complex layout make it a fascinating exploration spot.

Day 3: Journey to Lonar – The Meteorite Lake and Daitya Sudan Temple

Traveling about 140 km to Lonar, the day begins with a visit to the Daitya Sudan Temple, an example of Chalukya architecture. Built in the style of Khajuraho temples, it features erotic sculptures and intricate carvings. Reviewers often mention the beautiful architecture and peaceful atmosphere, making it a relaxing cultural stop.

In the evening, you’ll explore Lonar village, where the Lonar Meteor Lake awaits. Formed over 50,000 years ago by a meteor impact, it’s a geological curiosity—Saline and alkaline water, micro-organisms, and magnetic anomalies fascinate scientists. The guide provides demonstrations of the scientific anomalies, making it a particularly engaging experience. Reviewers appreciate the informative commentary and the chance to witness a natural marvel that still puzzles geologists.

Day 4: The Mysteries of Lonar Lake & Ajanta Caves

The highlight here is the Lonar Lake, a crater 1.8 km wide and 150 meters deep, created by a meteor traveling at 90,000 km/h. As you walk along the crater’s edge, expect to see ancient temples and bird species, adding a spiritual and ecological dimension. The lake’s unusual water chemistry, with micro-organisms that thrive in its saline-alkaline environment, keeps scientists intrigued, even attracting attention from NASA.

Afterward, a 150 km drive takes us to the Ajanta Caves, believed to date back to the 1st and 2nd centuries BC. Carved into a cliff beside the Waghora River, these caves are famed for their Buddhist sculptures and frescoes illustrating Jataka Tales. Visitors often remark on the lifelike quality of the paintings, which have survived over two millennia. The caves’ spiritual artistry and serene setting make it a must-see.

Day 5: Wine Tasting in Nashik

Traveling to Nashik, known as India’s wine capital, the day ends with a visit to Sula Vineyards. The guided wine tasting session highlights local grape varieties, and many reviewers praise the quality and variety of wines available. The vineyard’s scenic setting, with rolling hills and grape vines, makes for a relaxing end to the busy sightseeing days.

Day 6: Return to Mumbai

The final drive back from Nashik to Mumbai covers about 165 km, taking approximately 3 hours. The trip wraps up the experience, leaving travelers with a enriched perspective on Maharashtra’s cultural, historical, and natural landscapes.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

Several reviews emphasize the guides’ expertise. One reviewer mentions Pankaj’s deep knowledge and personal attention, noting how he ensures needs are met and shares stories beyond the script. Another appreciates the well-organized itinerary and quality hotels, which provide comfort after long days of exploring.

The scientific anomalies at Lonar Lake are another highlight for many. Travelers found it fascinating to see the experiments performed by guides demonstrating the lake’s unique properties, with some commenting, “It’s a natural wonder that continues to puzzle scientists.”

The wine tasting experience in Nashik is frequently praised for its authenticity and quality. Reviewers often mention the friendly guides and the scenic vineyard setting, making this a memorable part of the trip.

Practical Considerations

This tour involves quite a bit of driving—around 330 km on Day 1, and similar distances on other days—so it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with long road trips. The vehicle is private, ensuring a relaxed pace, but expect early mornings and full days of sightseeing. The group size being private means you can customize some activities, which many reviewers find enhances their overall experience.

The price point of around $1,227 per person offers good value when you consider hotel stays, entrance fees, breakfast, and wine tasting included. However, lunch and dinner are not covered, so budget accordingly for meals, which can vary in price depending on where you choose to eat.

The Sum Up

This 6-day Maharashtra adventure offers a well-balanced mix of history, geology, spirituality, and local culture. The highlights—the caves, forts, and meteor lake—are genuine world-class attractions, while the wine tasting adds a delightful culinary dimension. The private guide ensures you get personalized insights and a flexible schedule, making this a smart choice for travelers who want a comprehensive, hassle-free experience.

Whether you’re deep into history, geology, or simply seeking a diverse itinerary that covers some of India’s most intriguing sites, this tour fits the bill. It’s especially suited for those who value expert guidance, comfort, and a curated experience, lasting memories guaranteed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but keep in mind the long drives and walking involved, especially at sites like Daulatabad Fort and Lonar Lake.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, all entrance charges to the caves, temples, and other sites are covered in the tour price.

What’s the hotel accommodation like?
You will stay for five nights in hotels with breakfast included. While the specific hotel brands aren’t listed, reviewers mention they are of good quality and comfortable.

How is transportation arranged?
Travel between sites is in a private car with a professional guide, offering comfort and flexibility.

Can I customize the itinerary?
This is a private tour, so some flexibility is possible; discuss your preferences with the guide beforehand.

Are meals included?
Breakfast is included, but lunch and dinner are not. You’ll need to budget extra for meals.

What is the best time to take this tour?
While not explicitly stated, considering the outdoor nature of most sites, cooler months from October to March are generally preferred.

How physically demanding is the tour?
It involves some walking and climbing, particularly at forts and caves. Travelers should be comfortable with moderate activity levels.

This 6-day journey through Maharashtra offers a blend of ancient architecture, natural phenomena, and contemporary Indian culture, providing a memorable, well-rounded experience for curious travelers.